Dear Friends and Family,
It has been several months since we have updated you on our
adoption status, so let me take a second and fill you in. Last month there was a slight scare with
international adoptions in Ethiopia.
There were some talks about the well-being of the orphans after being
placed in permanent homes, but after a few weeks of discussion the country has
decided to continue to accept international adoption referrals and pursue more
ethical adoption practices.
Having said this, we have learned a few things about the
international adoption process. It is full of uncertainties, and it is time
consuming. We knew both of these things
going into the process, and both of these things were prayerfully considered
prior to taking the leap. However, in
light of the time it takes, Kendra and I have decided to call an audible in our
adoption journey. Metaphorically speaking, we’re Peyton Manning reading the
defense and then screaming OMAHA!!!!!!! (That’s a Super Bowl reference, all
good if you don’t get it.)
While we are going to continue to pursue an Ethiopian
adoption, we have considered the potential amount of time left in our wait, and
feel that at this point God is asking us to move on something. So here it is,
we are in the final stages of becoming licensed Foster parents. We will be “certified” to accept two children
ages 0-2. Further, we are Fostering kids of either gender, and of any race. Let’s
recap, likely by the end of March, Kendra and I will potentially be taking care
of two babies. Crazy, right?!
In light of your new knowledge here are a few things we
would like for you, our friends and family to consider:
1.
This is not about us. First and foremost, this
is about Jesus, then about the kiddos. In my recent discussions surrounding
Foster care, there seems to be a theme I’ve noticed. People are more concerned
with Kendra and I “getting attached to ‘it’ and then ‘it’ getting taking away”
than with the quality of life of a person, a human being made in the image of
God. We are walking into this Foster journey with the hope of getting to adopt
our Foster kids, but even if we don’t our goal is to simply love them like
Jesus loves us for as long as we are given the opportunity, and to do anything
other than that is a misunderstanding of the Gospel. Believer, consider what
you would be had God not called you to be his child. Jesus emptied himself and
died so we could be called children of God.
2. We have been given 2 pictures of the
Gospel of Jesus Christ. Marriage and adoption.
Our hope is that our marriage reflects Christ’s love for the church (and
we are still growing in this), and that as we adopt and parent, we are
reflecting what God has done for all his children. “But when
the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under
the law, to redeem those
who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.
And because you are sons, God has sent the
Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” So you are no longer a slave,
but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.” (Galatians 4:4-7). We
are no longer slaves to our sin, but we have been set free through Christ’s
death on the cross, and God calls us sons and daughters. That’s why grace is
amazing!
3.
We are asking that you partner with us. Many of you have blessed us financially, with
kind words, with awesome concerts, and with prayer. We are not asking for money or anything like
that. What I am asking for you to do is
to pray for us, but I also want you to pray for ways that you can be involved
in Foster Care and Adoption. I have said this in previous post and I will say
it again, there is a crystal clear calling on us as believers to engage in the
care of orphans and be an advocate for those who cannot help themselves. So,
rise up church and let’s get to work!
Kendra and I feel very honored and blessed by your
friendship, and for the opportunity to share what God is doing in our lives. We
look forward to sharing more with you in the coming days.
Grace and Peace,
Tanner and Kendra
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