More Twists of Uncertainty

Our family has been in the process of adopting Little Krause for 2 years now. We have been on the official waiting list just shy of 14 months. Goodness how time both flies and drags! If we have learned anything, it is that international adoption is very, very, unpredictable. We have encountered several twists and turns of uncertainty, all the while holding fast to the promises God has given us. They’re all we have.

Over the weekend my Facebook page exploded with news that Ethiopian, government officials had announced they were going to shut down international adoption. At first I chose not to react, I see lots of rumors and wanted to wait until I heard from reliable sources. But in no time at all, one of my sources in Ethiopia confirmed the chatter. Ryan and I have been sick but know all we can do is pray. We have absolutely no control, but we know the One who does.

This morning I received an email from our adoption agency in response. Here is an excerpt:

Over the weekend in Ethiopia a multiday meeting was held by the House of Representatives along with MOWCYA officials.   In attendance were numerous Ethiopian government officials and public stakeholders, roughly 400 people were present.  A research paper prepared by MOWCYA in conjunction with Parliament was presented regarding issues of sexual harassment, drug abuse and adoption within Ethiopia.  Following the presentation of the research, the group of attendees were divided into six groups to discuss and respond to 15 questions.  Roughly seven of the 15 questions were directly related to adoption. (America World is in the process of translating the research paper and questions.)  Each group had a mixed representation of parliament officials, MOWCYA officials, Court President and officials, NGOs, adoption agency representatives, teachers, and public attendees.  America World’s In-Country Director, Adey, was present at the meeting and in one of the working groups.

The groups reviewed the material, discussed for several hours,  and then had one individual from each group present to the larger group suggestions for addressing the issues noted.  Regarding adoption issues, it was noted that many Parliament officials involved strongly lobbied for the closure of international adoption while many of the groups encouraged a greater focus on domestic adoption while continuing international adoption as a good option for children.  At the conclusion of the group presentations, the speaker of the House of Representatives stated that government officials were shown to have had conflicts of interest leading to corruption and did not speak positively regarding international adoption.  In closing he noted that a strategic plan would be provided after 10 business days.

Not good news.

There has been a lot of negative media surrounding international adoption recently. As trendy as is was a few years ago to hop on the adoption band wagon, it is now the trend to speak out against it. Funny how we humans roll. Ryan and I believe the orphan crisis in Ethiopia is multi-faceted and there is no one solution. That is why we have partnered with the Alade Genet church. We believe in orphan prevention and family preservation as the #1 goal but we know that is not always possible and there must be other options. Fostering the spirit of adoption among Ethiopians is one and I PRAY international adoption will remain another. People, there is not 1 magic solution and to believe so is ignorant and will only hurt the children we are ALL trying to save.

So, here I go again. Begging for your prayers on behalf of our family and the orphaned and vulnerable children of Ethoipia. In our hearts and minds the Little Krause we have dreamed of has always been Ethiopian. We have deeply invested in and fallen deeply in love with the country and her amazing people. Please pray, really really hard.

At the end of the day, I find comfort in knowing this is not a surprise to God. He knew from the beginning this would happen and I will continue to trust the One who holds our lives in the palm of his hands. I will leave you with a post that came to my mind this morning. I wrote it in 2008!:)

I just love how you can read familiar scripture and receive a new word! God's Word truly is living and active (Hebrews 4:12)! Today, my current Bible study, No Other Gods by Kelly Minter, brought me to Psalm 121, a Psalm of Ascent. We were to read the passage and record what spoke most deeply to us regarding trust. I read it once, then twice and WOW! The second part of verse 7: "He will keep your life". Let me chew on that for a moment... The wondrous God of all creation keeps MY life! It's truly beyond the understanding of my mediocre mind! I was immediately filled with the urge to write this on a note card as I need constant reminders and encouragement.

Why should I fear? He keeps my life!
Why should I ever doubt? He keeps my life!
Why should I feel unworthy? He keeps my life!
Why must I struggle for control (or should I say FALSE control)? He keeps my life!
Why should I worry? He keeps my life!

In seasons of uncertainty and struggles, I can be secure! I can dig my feet into His promises and stand. God says He will keep my life. It's about a choice and I choose to take Him at His Word! God I will trust you with my ALL because you keep my life

 

xoxo,

Britany

Thank You. Thank You. Thank You.

Last night was our fundraiser for the Ethiopia Vision Trip. I’m sitting here gloriously tired, achy and 100% overwhelmed by the outpouring of love. The tears finally have permission to flow freely and all the walls I had to put up to make it through last night have crumbled.

It is May. Which for anyone with school aged children, is crazier than December. The last couple weeks of school, dance recitals, choir concerts, All Star season, field day…I could go on forever. BUT in spite of all the to do’s, you came. And not only did you come, you worked your bummies off (you know who you are!), you danced, and people, you gave.

I am so excited to tell you that (assuming all auction items are claimed:), we raised $4542 last night! In 3 hours that’s pretty amazing. My heart is beyond thankful to each and every one of you. Now, are you ready for this!?

The fundraiser combined with previous donations means:

*Carrie is FULLY FUNDED!

*I am FULLY FUNDED!

Y’all are so amazing. Like the best ever!! I wish we had been able to talk to each of you face to face, to tell you how much we love and appreciate you. Every one of you made us feel like with your support, we can do the work God is calling us to. IN ETHIOPIA, PEOPLE!!!

I will leave you with the words that gave me faith in the very beginning. GOD FUNDS WHAT HE FAVORS and friends, He used you to prove His faithfulness.

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
Brit

OH!! If you missed it last night, here are a couple of videos that tell a little about what we will be doing!

Children’s HopeChest Ethiopia

Ethiopian Orphans

Stuck, A Documentary

When our family entered the world of international adoption, we were clueless. The pictures painted in my mind were those of tearful first meetings and videos of awaited children coming home to huge crowds of anxious family and friends. I was completely unprepared and ignorant to the long and arduous process it takes to make it to those moments.

It wasn’t long before Ryan and I found ourselves tangled in a mess of bureaucratic red tape. Ignorant, we are no more.

Enter STUCK. Both Ends Burning has produced a film that uncovers the real-life stories of children and parents navigating through the international adoption system. You will meet four international orphans from Haiti, Vietnam, and Ethiopia, all of whom were forced to live an institutionalized life while their adoptive families fought, sometimes for years, to gain custody. While there are 4 stories highlighted in the film, the reality is there are THOUSANDS of children living in orphanages while expectant and willing families sit on waiting lists.

In 80 days, the STUCK tour bus will roll across the country, taking the film to 60 US cities. Next Friday, March 15, STUCK will be rolling into Austin! AMC Barton Creek will show the documentary at 7pm with a Q&A session following.

One objective while on the road is to gather over 1 million petition signatures asking Congress, global leaders and President Obama to take specific actions to change the landscape of adoption. The petition will be hand-carried to members of Congress in the Step Forward for Orphans March in Washington, D.C., which will coincide with the last day of the bus tour, tentatively scheduled for May 17.

This people, is a fantastic way to be a part of orphan care. It’s a great way to support your friends or family who are trudging through this process, a great way to educate yourself.

If you are interested in going or have any questions, shoot me a quick email. I would be happy to arrange a carpool to the theater. Wouldn’t it be great if Austin blew the other cities out of the water!!??

Hays Hills Baptist Church, will be offering limited childcare if you are interested. Space is limited so call quickly!

You can watch a short video on STUCK here.

http://www.facebook.com/STUCKthedocumentary?fref=ts

https://bothendsburning.org/

BUY TICKETS HERE: http://tickets.samuelgoldwynfilms.com/

Children’s Hope Chest APC Part II

From the moment we began our decent into Colorado I was in awe. As the mountains came into view the lyrics to Chris Tomlin’s “Indescribable” filled my head, “Creation reveals your majesty” which of course led into the old hymn “Majesty”. I couldn’t help it, God’ handiwork was breathtaking.

There was no snow on the ground initially but as the day went on we began to hear rumors of a snow storm! That evening at dinner the restaurant was playing “Let it Snow” and other Christmas songs. Ryan and I were giddy with excitement as neither one of us had ever seen REAL snow. I mean, if the locals were making a big deal out of it we knew it was gonna be good.

When we woke up the next morning it was a winter wonderland! 8-10 inches had fallen overnight and schools all over the area were shut down. Ryan was itching to get out and play but I was being a bit of a party pooper as altitude sickness was kicking my butt. He finally gave up on me and ventured out like a little school boy! I was thoroughly entertained by his redneck “snow shoes” (which consisted of Safeway bags tied around his feet) and watching him attempt to weather the cold…brrr!! You MUST check out some of his fun I shot for the kids here!

After a few hours, we cautiously ventured out and spent the day as Colorado tourists. If you are like us, and have never been to the mountains, you must go. I can’t believe we waited as long as we did. I could take up this entire post telling you all about the glorious sights we took in! We have always considered ourselves beach bums but now we’re thinking we could definitely be mountain people!

When we arrived back at the hotel there was a gift bag waiting outside our room. It was filled with fabulous gifts made by African artisans and the most precious Africa shaped cookies! Attached to the bag was a note from Juree, the Partner Relations Coordinator for Ethiopia. As I read her powerful words I was reminded what brought us to Colorado in the first place: “The struggles facing those whom we work with cannot be solved by only one. It is only through like-minded souls who have responded to the call of God that we can accomplish the great work before us. It is my hope and pleasure to become partners with you.” It felt as if we had finally “arrived”.

Ryan and I were the odd men out as we had not officially signed on to be partners with Children’s HopeChest but we couldn’t have asked for a better way to acclimate ourselves with the organization. We learned detailed information about business operations and current state of the ministry. The senior program director cast the vision for the future, we heard testimonies and saw first hand the amazing work HopeChest is doing in Uganda, Swaziland and Ethiopia. We had the opportunity to meet both the African (I felt like I was with celebrities!!) and US staff and felt we were able to see into the character and heart of each of them.

The amazing people who make up the CHC ministry are the real deal. From the community and church partners to the staff, there is was a genuine love for God and the world’s most vulnerable. We were surrounded by people are passionate about orphan care and work endlessly and JOYFULLY on behalf of each of the children they serve. Ryan and I were amazed at the evidence of God’s overwhelming favor on their work. He is clearly going before them and behind them on each mission, it was truly incredible.

Our time in Colorado was unforgettable! I wish I had your attention long enough to fill your mind with every little detail, it’s hard to condense it all into such a small space.

Never in a million years would have guessed that God would take Ryan and I on this journey. So many times I have listened to testimonies and been guilty of spouting words like “whew, I’m so thankful God hasn’t called me to that”. God sure does have a sense of humor. We thought our part in caring for the orphan would end with adoption but God hasn’t stopped there. This call He has placed on our lives is so much stronger than anything we have ever felt and we feel honored to be a part of something so much bigger than us.

For months I have felt like a crazy person, completely worthy of commitment. I’ve walked around feeling like my head is going to explode and yearning for an outlet. I run my mouth often, my poor friends victims of long and passionate ramblings on all the ways we are failing as a church and serving the least of these. Ryan and I have been desperate for like minded people, desperate for somewhere to channel all God has been dumping (yes, I said dumping cause we’re buried deep, people) on us. Well we found what we’ve been looking for in Children’s HopeChest! I look forward to telling you more about our plans in the weeks to come!!!

We love you much,

Ryan & Brit

Children’s HopeChest APC Part 1

Hello blog world! Long time no see;) I was hoping to get this written in the beginning of the week but, as you all know, life happens…well, in my case surgery happened! Which brings me to my disclaimer: I may or may not be writing under the influence of Percocet. I’m not sure if this is legal in the state of Texas but this blog can’t wait another day. Just keepin’ it real, folks!

If you’ve followed our story, you know that we have been looking for a way to serve long-term in Ethiopia. It began as a means to stay connected to Little Krause’s homeland but over time God has taken it much deeper than that. He began to break us for the people of Ethiopia and I mean, break. It is a heavy, physical weight we feel deep in our souls. You can read more about one of these God interventions here.

Through prayer and circumstance, we found ourselves invited to Children’s HopeChest’s Africa Partners Conference.

The APC was being held in Colorado and there was just no way we would be able to afford it…right? Out of curiosity I got on Southwest and checked the flights. $48!?! The conference itself wasn’t expensive and it included meals…“Lord, do you want us to do this thing?” As I have mentioned before, I have become certifiably crazy and even though I am married to the frugal Ryan Krause, I did it. I booked the flights and the conference. Then, I kid you not, 5 minutes later I got a text from Ryan saying, “This is CRAZY. I just got a Groupon for the hotel where that conference is being held! $50/night with meal credits!”

Of course this made it much easier for me to confess my impulsive actions just prior to his text. Once again, God WOWed us. He left no room for doubt that He was sending us to Colorado for a divinely scheduled appointment!

Before I knew it the trip was upon us. All of a sudden I started to freak out about flying without my kids. I’d never done it before…ohmagosh, what if we crash and leave our own kids as orphans! It was ridiculous, I was ridiculous. I even left letters to each of them. Just.in.case. I sat in the airport early that morning completely and irrationally anxiety ridden. Ryan must have seen through my distracted head nods and distant laughs. He lovingly reminded me that this was God’s idea and I needed to get a grip.

Oh yeah. This WAS His idea. It’s in times such as these I know God rolls his eyes at me. I grabbed my phone and opened my YouVersion Bible app. Have you ever flipped open your Bible in hopes of receiving a quick “word” from the Almighty? Well, I did it IPhone style and HE DID NOT DISSAPPOINT!!  This was the Verse of the Day for February 20, 2013:

Defend the weak and the fatherless;

uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed.

Rescue the weak and the needy;

deliver them from the hand of the wicked.

Psalm 82:3-4

I became a bumbling, hot mess right there in the Austin airport. Who in the WORLD am I? What have I ever done to deserve such intimacy with my Creator? It blows my ever loving mind. He reached down from His throne and reminded me of the call He has placed on our lives. He didn’t mince words or beat around the bush, He gave a holy command.

The peace that washed over me was immeasurable. This is how God loves and this is how He equips those so unworthy of such a call. This is why our answer will always be yes. As I’m typing this, I just realized I was humming: “Oh, how marvelous! Oh, how wonderful! And my song shall ever be: Oh, how marvelous! Oh how wonderful, is my savior’s love for me…”

Ok, I’m fading…Part II coming soon!