She said yes!

In comparison to most of our friends and co-workers, Brett and I got married at a pretty young age. I was just shy of 20, and Brett was 23. The most common question asked of Brett was, "How did you know she was the one?" Seeing as we were going to a Bible school with an emphasis on evangelism, Brett's response was always well thought, deep, and theological:

"Well....She said yes!"

In my experience, when faced with big life decisions; when you boil them down and take off all the fluff and frills and big words, the answer really is as simple as, "she said yes".

Our decision to adopt 'Elle' has been no different. Yes, it was made easier by having the opportunity to spend three weeks with her in our home environment, but as romantic as the idea of adoption can be, the reality is, that it's an intimidating thing to commit to. Adoption is not a cousin coming to stay for the summer. Adoption is not a new puppy. Much like marriage, it is a lifetime commitment to love and care for a person for the remainder of their existence on this planet! Of course, "She said yes," was never good enough for inquiring friends. They wanted details! So, what have been our 'yeses'?

The biggest thing for us, was how caring and attentive Elle was to our children, and to us, from the time she arrived, to the moment she left. Especially with our 'middle' child Sage, who always seems to be lost in the fray. Out of all the kids, Sage and Elle bonded the most. And fun! She was always goofing around and teasing and making jokes! Her favorite was to go outside and knock on the door; and when we answered, would say, "hello!" She loves hugs - every moment she could get, she was snuggling with me on the couch. A teenager, turned six, trying to make up for all the years she has spent without access to the unconditional love of a mom and dad.

And then there's Facebook. Every day, she sends a message to me.
"I love you Mam, I miss you."
"I love you and want to be with you. I WANT YOU TO ADOPT ME Plizzzz....Mam." It breaks my heart to know that after three weeks of hugs and kisses, she has to go to bed every night with just the snuggle of the teddy we sent home with her.

Okay, but what about the practical stuff? The emotional connection is there, the desire is there, but what about the money? The money has to be there too! Our two older kids who participate in Kung Fu, are graciously stepping back so we can redirect that money to bringing their sister home. We are big-time couponers and have taken 'treats' off of our shopping list. We have no cable and no house phone, and we're reorganizing our cell plans for a lower monthly bill. The rule is, you leave a room, you turn off the light. The thermometer is at 68 during the day, and 63 at night. My husband carpools to work three times a week. While our efforts are worthy, and every dollar counts. This will not add up to the $25,000's we will have to shell out when all is said and done. So for us, the, "She said yes", is God providing the extra funds to bring Elle home. 

Money = yes, no money = no. It's as simple as that. 

Yes #1 - Sold a stroller on Craigslist; $20. A copy of a missing birth certificate for our home study: CHECK

Yes #2 - Our weekly bible study group surprising us with a commitment to gift funds to us every month! Yesterday they handed us $50. Two criminal background checks for Brett and I: CHECK

Stay tuned: more 'yeses', commin' our way!