Encouraging moms to savor the beauty of home & life in Christ

Why Adoption and Why Ghana?

Christin Slade Avatar

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What?! You want to adopt–from Africa?! Why?!

I can’t pinpoint an exact date of when we decided we wanted to adopt from Africa. The entire process of even thinking outside ourselves in this way was a gradual one.

I remember in years passed, sitting in on those “mission Sunday” services and always dreading them (or skipping them if I could get away with it). I never felt like I could relate because I simply wasn’t interested in overseas missions. At all. It was too far away and the cultures were too different for me to even want to think about getting involved. I wouldn’t allow myself to attach to the idea and of course the money followed suit.

When we sponsored our very first child, early on in our marriage, it wasn’t long before we stopped sending money. Our needs grew more important. Even now, it stings to even admit that. But that was the truth in our minds.

More recently, I remember at one time I picked up the book Radical by David Platt, and it scared me so much I put it down before I finished the first chapter. No joke. I didn’t want to know what God might be calling me to do. {Just call me Jonah}. It was too uncomfortable for my flesh. I mean, really uncomfortable.

Since I wouldn’t allow myself to make a connection with overseas missions, I chose to remain blind. Looking back, I often wonder if my fragile, sensitive self could even handle the truth. Not to say that I’ve grown calloused, because I haven’t. Rather, God has equipped me with the ability to see. He’s enabled me to see without it completely crippling me from the sheer horror. Truly, that is a gift.

{A gradual, unexplainable -because there’s too much I don’t remember or can’t trace- drawing to Africa begins to take place}

Fast forward a year, and my heart has fallen in love with Africa. I start supporting the Mercy House like I’ve always wanted to (yay for blog income!). Then God grabs my husband’s heart in November of 2011 and he can no longer be blind either.

By the end of 2011, God’s heart for Africa was heavy on us.

In January of this year, (In)courage featured Kisses From Katie by Katie Davis. At that point, my husband and I had become hungry to read about any ministry being done in Africa. Katie’s story moved us more than emotionally.

Her heart to help the impoverished, disease-stricken, lovable children of God in Uganda was infectious. She never once claimed it was easy, and didn’t deny there were times she missed some of the conveniences of the States. But she knew where God had her heart, and she was obedient to that. Even through the toughest of times.  It moved us to action. It’s the story of God, who longs to reach ALL His people through anyone willing to help spread His message.

Why Africa?

I wish I had a tangible explanation for this question. I don’t. The only thing I can tell you is that it couldn’t come from anywhere or anyone else then God Himself. I am convinced there is nothing good in me that would do this on my own. I’d already proven that. Anything good in me is Jesus.

How does adoption fit into this equation?

When Jonathan and I got married, we always knew that eventually we would adopt. At the time, we believed it would be a domestic adoption.

About 18 months ago, we started pursuing an agency to look into applying for a domestic adoption. Neither of us had peace about it, at all. So we let it be.

In February or March, we knew God was calling us to adopt from Africa. It just hit us and we knew that was it!

Ghana was chosen after extensive research was done on the countries in Africa where international adoption is allowed. You may not know this, but there is a lot of corruption that can go on behind the scenes of an adoption. We chose Ghana based on the chance of less corruption, or child trafficking, going on.

Sometimes no explanation is needed. Obedience to Christ is the only explanation I’ve got right now. For us, that’s enough.

That might be one of the biggest things we run into. People want an explanation for why we’re doing this. Just like people wanted an explanation for why we kept having children.

We’re simply trying to be obedient to what God has called us to. Yes, it comes with a price. Yes, the life of ease has to go. Yes, our own children will be involved in what God has for us; because it’s for them, too. He won’t leave us to do this on our own.

I don’t have all the answers up front. I just try to take it a day at a time, and try, try, to listen to God.

 photo credit

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Christin Slade Avatar
  1. StephanieGlidden Avatar
    StephanieGlidden

    This was so beautiful Christin, honest, humble. I am really enjoying reading your adoption story and joining you in this journey that God has your family on. It’s so exciting to see God moving so fully in your lives! Thank you for sharing!

    1. Christin Avatar

       Thank you so much Stephanie, for reading and being eager to share the journey with us. I don’t know what we would do without such support. ((Hugs))

  2. K. Lynette Avatar

    I am so excited for you about this. And I completely understand running like Jonah. I’ve done it myself. I hope things go smoothly for you.

    1. Christin Avatar

       Thank you Kristine! ((Hugs)) and love you friend! (And miss you, too!)

  3. Stephanie's Mommy Brain Avatar

    This — “Sometimes no explanation is needed. Obedience to Christ is the only explanation I’ve got right now. For us, that’s enough.” Yep. Sometimes that’s the only explanation there is. It doesn’t make sense to those on the outside looking in. But that’s ok.

    1. Christin Avatar

      Thanks so much!

  4. alwaysalleluia Avatar
    alwaysalleluia

    Very excited for you, and I’ve been praying for years, that God would reveal His path for us in this arena as well…. God bless your journey!!

    1. Christin Avatar

       Thank you so much sweet friend!! Praying with you! Sometimes it’s a process unfolding and can take time. 🙂

  5. Beth Avatar
    Beth

    It may not be the same.  However, a niece of mine got pregnant over 4 years ago when only  a teenager and almost let the baby go for adoption.  We almost got her.  Almost.  Then she kept her.  I have been heartbroken ever since.  She was supposed to be mine.  She is mine in my heart.  There has been nothing but bad circumstances for that little girl since.  Even so, I continue to pray to the Lord that he will send her to me.  It’s been just 4 years now and I am praying without ceasing   There in no explanation for my love other than God put it there.  I’ve only seen her twice.  Adoption is in my heart also.  Good luck with your adventure..

    1. Christin Avatar

       That is a tough situation!! So sorry!!

  6. Michelle Avatar

    Very excited for you!  I love Ghana, with a passion and reason that I cannot fully explain.  My girls keep asking me about bringing a baby home from Africa but it seems so daunting and overwhelming.  I will be praying for you as you persue this goal! 

    1. Christin Avatar

       My friend, God can move mountains. It just takes an inch at a time. 🙂 Thank you so much for your prayers!

  7. Lauren Avatar

    love this! I have no explanation when people ask us “why Africa?” or “why Ethiopia?” other than – “That’s where God called us and that is where our children are.” Praying for your journey!!

    1. Christin Avatar

       Thank you Lauren!! I am so glad for your support and perspective!! I look forward to further connecting with you! 🙂

  8. StopnSmellChocolates Avatar

    I love this post my friend!! You share and inspire in such a lovely way. Prayers that all goes smoothly as you move forward in your journey!

    1. Christin Avatar

       Thank you so much Lisa!!! I REALLY appreciate you. You know that right?!

  9. LouanneMason Avatar
    LouanneMason

    Our answer for “why china” is always God. There is no other answer especially when people will toss out, “what do you have against American kids?” OH BOY!Wonderful post!

  10. Cassandra D Avatar

    I think it’s wonderful how God is speaking to your heart and I pray the best over the whole process.  I think sometimes, we are just not supposed to know the answers.  we’re going through that now – and I just finished blogging all about it.  Sometimes, it’s just a matter of release and full surrender.  I’m different from you, in that, I always strove to know a lot about international issues.  The problem was, I never did much with my knowledge.  I’ve always wondered what TO do.  Lately, God has given me and my husband a very direct ministry… which is something I never ever thought possible.  God has amazing ways of working things out.  It’s absolutely astounding.  Praying for you!  🙂  xo  Cass @ TheUnpluggedFamily.com

  11. Kristen Hamilton Avatar

    Beautiful post & beautiful heart!   I am like you, who could not bear the thought of ever doing overseas missions, especially in my younger years.  Also like you, my husband and I sponsored a child in the first year of our marriage, but we also quit sending money after too long.  I feel very badly about that.  Last April, (14 years later), we finally went ahead and sponsored another child.  She is like my fourth daughter.  After all that happened in our journey to grow our family over those years, (having 3 miscarriages), I went from wanting 2 kids to wanting 4.  We were able to have 3 kids, but because of complications, we had to stop there.  So I see our sponsored child as our 4th, (well, technically 7th).  We’re leaving the door open for possibly adopting one day, but I feel like we’re not supposed to go after it and pursue it, but rather keep our eyes open for a special situation where God pulls on our hearts.  I look forward to following your journey!  Hugs!

  12. Chantelle - ThousandSquareFeet Avatar
    Chantelle – ThousandSquareFeet

    We, too, have 5 biological children quite close in age (my oldest was still 5 when my youngest was born and there are no multiples) and always have people comment on why we have “so many”.  Yet God has also planted the desire to adopt/foster in both mine and my husband’s heart and I couldn’t be more thrilled about this new journey He has for us.  It can only be summed up by saying that we are following where God is leading.  Sometimes it takes a lot of work to listen  . . . and hear . . . and follow  . . . but the rewards are worth every step.  Blessings to you – I look forward to hearing more about your journey!

  13. Shannon Milholland Avatar

    Praying with you, Christin, as you follow God on this adventure of faith and compassion!

  14. Heidi Kreider Avatar

    A beautiful post reflecting a beautiful heart.  Praying for peace and joy in your journey, Christin!

  15. Christine Avatar

    Christin, I had seen your posts about adopting from Africa, and deep down I wondered about that (but honestly, didn’t realize I was).  I get it now.  Thank you.
    This especially spoke to me, “Since I wouldn’t allow myself to make a connection with overseas missions, I chose to remain blind.  Looking back, I often wonder if my fragile, sensitive self could even handle the truth.”  Wow!  Do you think many of us do this with our calling(s)?  I’ve noticed my worst fears are now being weaved into what God is leading me to.  Things I couldn’t even discuss before!  That just amazes me.  : )  Maybe it was, like you said, out of protection, until I could handle the truth.  

     

  16. Katie@operationleapoffaith Avatar

    Amen. The world will not understand what we do in Jesus’ name. People try to make it look like what you are doing is crazy or the work of a saint–either way, it’s missing the point. We adopt (foster, care for, etc. these children) because WE were adopted by Christ. He sought US. He chose US. We love them because HE loves us. Thanks for your faithfulness.

    1. Christin Avatar
      Christin

      Thanks for reading Katie…thanks for sharing in the journey with me. 🙂

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