We just completed our third International Adoption Training weekend where we got to welcome three families into their adoption journey. These couples were so much fun to get to know and to spend two days with - talking, sharing, praying, laughing, asking and answering questions. They are joining the ranks of some pretty awesome people - those families who have chosen to adopt from one of our orphanages.
We talked a lot about how difficult this adoption process can be. There is a real spiritual battle that surrounds adoption so we know that families committing their finances, their emotional energy and their hearts to adopting from Ethiopia are also committing to pray and believe through whatever obstacles and disappointments they'll face.
To bring some encouragement, perspective and practical advice, we invite several couples who have already brought their children home to be part of a family panel. This time the Nystrand and Sanchez families came to share their experiences, answer questions and show off their darling children!
John and Rachel Nystrand with Cassia and Elisha
Jason and Jackie Sanchez with Ayantu
We also had Anne Kalkbrenner, one of our adoptive moms who is a nurse and teaches the medical portion of our training. She brought sweet little Blin who is now 2½ and extremely comfortable telling a group of strangers that her favorite color is purple and that she is from "Opiopia!"
4 comments:
It sounds like a wonderful time! I'm so sorry to have missed it :(
The training seminars are always so much fun. Such a great opportunity to meet wonderful people!!!
Would havve loved to come just to meet other YWAM families. So happy it went well. One of these times I am going to hop a plane and cross a few time zones just to meet you and some of the families in person.
Looks like you guys had a couple of Adoption Rock Stars there! I am sure it was a wonderful time.
Cassia's the rock star... look at that hair! She always rips off her headband when she's tired.
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