God's Perfect Wisdom...
The Averill Family
Randy and Sary-Jo Averill had already had an empty nest for seven years prior to considering adoption from Ethiopia. They have two grown daughters who are busy serving Christ. So on their 30th wedding anniversary, they spent part of that celebration filling out their adoption application with Adoption Ministry of YWAM Ethiopia!
God led them specifically to adopt two older children but they didn’t feel prepared for the responsibility of ‘choosing’ those kids. How could they choose two of the waiting children and leave the rest behind? So they began to pray earnestly for God’s direction. This was probably the most emotionally draining part of the entire process but God made His will clear when He led them to two brothers. Boys! They weren’t expecting to parent boys but it was consistent with how God had acted throughout the whole process – His wisdom rather than their own. They wouldn’t want it any other way!
Because of YWAM’s frequent trips to Ethiopia, the family was able to get periodic first-hand updates and pictures throughout the waiting time, which was a tremendous blessing for them. They benefited from a two-day weekend spent at the ‘Older Child Adoption Training’ by Kingdom Kids. There they received excellent input on many of the issues regarding older adopted kids and met other families who shared their experiences in older-child adoption. It was incredibly helpful and a tremendous blessing!
The boys are home now and adjusting very well to life in the Averill family. There have been ups and downs along the way. As Randy says, “Our kids have experienced significant trauma in their young lives. In fact, it’s fair to say that their lives have been defined by traumatic events and a lack of basic ‘necessities.’ Traumatic events will leave scars.” But their overall experience has been amazingly positive. They are very active, growing like weeds, doing well adjusting to school and are learning appropriate behavioral skills. They love the Lord, in great part due to the discipleship they received in the orphanage, and they pray and sing with heartfelt sincerity. “We cannot imagine what life would have been like had Daniel and David not joined our family.” These two boys are thriving in the security and nurture of this loving family!
With Grateful Hearts...
The Rodenbeck Family
As Brian and Jan Rodenbeck look back over the past year, they are continually amazed at how God led and cared for them in their adoption journey. They were a content family of five. Brian is a high school guidance counselor; Jan is a former teacher and now stay-at-home Mom.
Alex (9 yrs), Luke (7 yrs), Meli (6 yrs) are in school and active in various sporting teams. And, now their precious Emmy (2 yrs) is the joy of the household.
They feel so blessed to have a Pastor that followed God’s direction. They went to church on the Sunday after Christmas 2008, expecting to sing some Christmas carols. What they were not expecting was a sermon that would forever change their lives – a message on what God’s word says about orphans and widows. They felt God’s “spotlight” was on them and began praying for a couple of weeks – which set them on their adoption journey.
“We feel so blessed to have been able to work and be connected with Adoption Ministry of YWAM Ethiopia.” Upon hearing from a co-worker about YWAM, they went to the website, called Joy Casey and knew immediately that is this is where God wanted them to be. “We are so grateful for their prayer support, their quick answers to the many questions we had and just the loving care they displayed and still show us.”
Perhaps, the most amazing part of the whole journey has been the support of an incredible family and friends throughout the process. Anonymous checks in the mail, unsolicited money from different people, surprise showers, presents for Brian and Alex (who traveled together to Ethiopia) to open on the long plane trip and great prayer support will never be forgotten. “It was a lesson to us in giving!!”
Traveling to Ethiopia was the trip of a lifetime for Brian and Alex. They were able to meet Emmy’s caretakers at the Widows and Orphans Home in Adama and see first-hand how much they love the Lord, as well as those in their care. Brian is so thankful to have met Abebe, YWAM’s in-country representative, and to spend an exciting week with him. Abebe is a very patient man and served as an excellent host to Brian and Alex. He will be a forever friend!
And now, they are blessed to finally have Emmy in their home! She has adjusted quickly to their routine and her strong spirit and bright intellect make her a fun (and at times) challenging 2 year old! “You can really tell she has been loved on and was well taken care of.” The other children quite simply adore her. They are a big help and sometimes it feels like they have three mini-Dr. Dobsons giving them advice on what exactly Emmy needs! Son Luke said not too long ago “I love Emmy so much. Thanks so much for keeping her.”
Brian and Jan say, “There are times that we cannot believe God chose to bless our family in such a way. We are honored to stand in the gap as her parents and will rely on God’s daily strength do what is best for her.”
It Doesn't Get Better Than This...
The Halvorson Family
Adoption was not an easy decision for the Halvorson family. Kristen and Glen would be considered “older parents” who already had three biological children. Furthermore, Glen had 4 adult children, including 5 grandchildren. Adding more children to the household was almost laughable, as the family’s finances and home schooling schedule didn’t seem to allow for expansion. The family also encountered considerable family opposition to their plans.
The family’s first adoption was of a 5-year old little girl from Guatemala. Fast-forward another 2 years. The couple has just completed a second adoption of three beautiful Ethiopian children, ages 6, 7, and 8. As of December 2009, the couple now has a total of 11 children.
“I feel incredibly blessed--- full of joy and gratitude for all of these children. Being a wife and mom, home schooling 7 children, and, God-willing, raising disciples of the Lord… I don’t think it gets any better than this,” says Kristen. She admits that the days can get long, yet she relies on the Lord’s strength to raise such a large family. She has also learned to accept help from others.
“Adoption is spiritual warfare; adoption is also the very heart of the Gospel. Satan certainly does not like to see Christian families growing and flourishing. We need to stay on our knees---heads bowed, arms open, hearts willing, bodies strengthened for battle. You have to remain humble yet vigilant--- asking for prayer and for physical help. Adoption is not for the faint of heart, but it is something we feel God has given us to do and to live.”
Glen agrees that adoption is not for the faint of heart. He says that his heart almost failed him when his wife, his 26 and 15-year-old sons, and his three new Ethiopian children were traveling home from Ethiopia on Christmas Day 2009. They were on the NW Airlines flight that was almost destroyed by a would-be bomber. “I was just sick with grief, contemplating the ‘what might have been,’” said Glen. Kristen, while on the plane, felt complete peace in the midst of danger. “ All I could do was pray, surrender to God, and accept whatever His will was for our family.” God was merciful and the family was united on December 26, 2009.
Has adoption been easy? No. Obedience often isn’t. Glen had to work long hours and extra jobs to pay the adoption costs. They had to make difficult decisions: buy a house or pay for an adoption? Save for college or pay for an adoption? But the adoption process - and the sweet family it created - is such a testimony to the sovereignty and power of a mighty God. The new children have melted the hearts of the Halvorson’s extended family; opposition is now undetectable in this blended family.
“Adoption has taught us to see the world - in particular the fatherless - in a completely different way. I will do whatever the Lord asks… the fear is now gone,” Kristen states. “Don’t be afraid to step forward and do what the Lord asks. He will provide the finances, the patience and the attitude you need to make a difference in this world. You just have to trust Him.”
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