How Far Would You Go?

Adoption can be a tricky gig.

There are lots of unknowns.

And I mean, LOTS of unknowns.

What will your child really be like?

Will you like him or her?

Will he or she like you?

Is my child HIV+?

Are there other health issues?

Am I strong enough to handle the ups and downs?

Will I treat my bio children differently from my adopted children?

How much will it cost?

How long will it take?

How long will I have to stay in-country?

What if the judge gives a different ruling than what I wanted?

What if the judge says I'll have to stay in-country for a much longer time than I planned?

Like, maybe 3 years?

Do I just leave this child for whom I prayed and head back home?

Do I make this child's country my new home?

Do I forsake all else for the cause of Christ?

These are not hypothetical questions either.

These are questions many of my friends (both cyber and real life) deal with daily.

I have a dear friend who used to live on the other side of the country from me.

She now lives on the other side of the world from me.

She and I have laughed together.

We have cried together.

We have prayed together.

We have served together.

We have loved together.

While I can't share her story
 (perhaps one day, because it's shaping up to be a really awesome God story!),

I do want to ask for your help in supporting her family.

They are literally around the world

living moment by moment,

living in faith step by step,

trusting God for every little thing.

A mutual bloggy friend has a really awesome fundraiser going on.

She is selling these beautiful ornaments (among other cool things).

And 100% of the funds raised go directly to The Ribbens Family.

I bought 10.

I'll probably buy some more.

Everyone needs one of these on their tree.

Just to help them remember.

That Christ was born in a humble state.

Only to die for those He loves.

Even the little children in Africa.