WELCOME TO THE VILLAGE

We said yes to a medically complex newborn baby and then had 5 days (FIVE DAYS!!!) to squeeze in two homestudy visits, fingerprinting, and a physical, along with prepping to get a baby (as our youngest was 4.5 yrs old and we had ZERO baby things), organize cross-country travel details, including a p

Father, You told me to come and it feels like I have been getting out of this boat for 9 long months. But truthfully, you only told me to get in the boat and cross. You told me you were going to come for me. It is not that time yet. This is still the dark night, and I am only to battle the wind and

"The Tribe is there to support, encourage, challenge, chafe, and sharpen. When the battles are real, an experienced tribe knows how to pray. when the practical needs are immediate, an engaged Tribe moves in quickly. When emotions are raw, Tribal shoulders are strong. When the victories seem small, t

Have there been days in your adoption journey that you have to force your mouth to say these words even though your heart and mind don't believe it right then? You know that's ok, right? Don't let the Devil use that against you. It's not a lack of faith. It's clinging the TRUTH when everything in an

I'm a kinda girl that likes answers. It's a large part of my personality and helps me be successful in my job. I have to believe that the Lord planted that level of curiosity and problem solving in me. ie: It's His fault that I need answers! So when He leaves me drowning in the whys, I find myself

In all my years, I had never once thought about what Biblical sheep were eating! I had seen nativity pictures of shepherds caring for their flocks, but I think I was probably paying more attention to the whole sky filled with angles portion of the story and not so much to the sheep. But it makes tot

Are you in the adoption wait? What part of the process are you currently in and how are you moving forward during the wait? Have you experienced extended waiting? What worked for you to stay sane or move forward? How did you prepare to run while standing still?

I found I had an unusual degree of spiritual paranoia during our adoption process, especially during The Wait. Previously, I had felt relatively confident of when I was hearing the Lord's voice verses meeting the Resistance, but with the added emotional, financial and spiritual weight of adoption I

In love he chose us for adoption through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will. This day is designed for frequent meditation. This doesn't have to be all at once. In fact, when we turn it over and over again in our minds, it begins to find its way into our hearts, which eventually chang

Prayer is a spiritual network connecting us to each other, causing us to respond to the prompting of the Holy Spirit to act in accordance with his will for the glory of God alone. As we wrap up this first week together, how can the Village be praying for you?

Like so many of the adoption stories in our world today, things could have (and still could) turn out drastically different if the birth mother chooses another path. Play along if you're willing: What if Moses' mom hadn't put him in the basket to float him down the river? What if the princess had

The prominent theme of Jeremiah 49 is ”get outta there, the city is burning down,” or something like that. But also you can see a subtext of God saying, ”my heart is breaking for these people.” In the process of adoption, have you ever felt a sort of spiritual heaviness? How do you process these s

What do you think Jesus meant when he said to the disciples, ”I will not leave you as orphans.” What was the disciples‘ understanding of ’orphans’ when Jesus was speaking? If you have a waiting child (or if you remember when you did), does this verse comfort you or cause you distress? In what ways?

I'm often tempted to just be a good penitent servant to the one who spared my life. That's not really a bad thing to be. Most people are that way. We want to live "good enough." We want to do enough to not be a bad dad, or a bad worker, or a bad friend, or a bad human. When we die we want people to

The best thing about tribes is how they show up big and love hard. How does your tribe love you? What does that mean to you? What ways are you needing this Village to love you hard this week?

Desiree gave us several bible verses to turn to for comfort. What are you hearing God whisper to your heart through these passages? Do you have another verse which brings you peace? Share with us! Psalm 23:4 4 Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close be

I've been giving the story of Esther a new look through the eyes of her uncle/forever dad, Mordecai. Single working adoptive father...say what???!!! That alone is amazing. But to keep his new young daughter so connected to her culture that she would, as an adult, ultimately save them from annihila

Kelley gave us permission to punch people when they say "it's all in God's timing". #notreally #nopunchingplease I so wish punching was an option! I have to believe people's intentions are good, or perhaps ignorant, when they say this, but good gravy people...that doesn't help! How have you resp

In the beginning of Matthew, there is a lineage of Jesus. Throughout scripture, various prophecies foretold of a coming King who would reign forever, who would save us all, and who would bring us back in to grace of God. Those prophecies specifically tell who was coming- and his lineage. "Then a s

I have always lived near big cities and during college, went to school down town. As a result, I have often been in the position Randall describes- do I reach out? What if that person is crazy, or dirty, or high, or scary? It's outside of our comfort zone and outside of our convenience. It's also ou

But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God. This day is designed for frequent meditation. This doesn't have to be all at once. In fact, when we turn it over and over again in our minds, it begins to find its way into our hearts, which eventuall

The LORD himself goes before you. He'll be with you, never leave you. Do not be afraid or discouraged. This day is designed for frequent meditation. This doesn't have to be all at once. In fact, when we turn it over and over again in our minds, it begins to find its way into our hearts, which eventu

I will not leave you as orphans. I will come to you. This day is designed for frequent meditation. This doesn't have to be all at once. In fact, when we turn it over and over again in our minds, it begins to find its way into our hearts, which eventually changes the way we live. This is the point

Desirée offered up some geat points for discussion. I’m just gonna copy them all below. I’d love to hear thoughts on all, some, or even just one of these below. As adoption advocates, these questions deserve more than cookie cutter responses. They deserve to be examined, considered, and ultimately d

When you first read this verse what was your reaction? I’ve committed my life to the study of scripture and today’s devo was the first time I’d ever noticed this passage. On the surface it stands in such stark contrast to my understanding of orphanology that I shuddered. This couln’t be right. is

I’m talking about really alone? I think weve probably all felt lonely, but what I’m asking is, ”Have you ever felt abandoned?” Like, all your senses hightened, your muscles tensed, endorphines raging, you-against-the-world kind of alone. Here’s a quick story... there’s this place in the mountains o