Why adopt?

I'm starting this blog for all those who may be asking all the "why, who, what, where, when" questions.  I'd also like to start this blog to track the journey of our adoption of Min-Gi, and all the joys I'm sure will come along the way.

To answer "why" is easy.  Five easy answers.  John, Alex, Ellen, Ashley, and Michael. 

Joy is the only word I can say for the feeling each one of these children bring to the lives of Steve and myself!

John and Alex:  wonderful big brothers!  Michael always wanted to do everything like John and Alex.  He would follow them around and imitate their actions.  I miss the fact that Michael is not here to have them as big brothers.  They are always very caring toward their little sisters. John and Alex are kind, compassionate, honest, fun-to-be around individuals.  We are extremely proud to call them our sons!  Any child would be lucky to have them as a big brother!
Ellen:  beautiful little girl, inside and out!  She is a great big sister to Ashley, always including her and enjoys spending time with her.  I enjoy Ellen's company so much.  Just being with her makes me happy!
Ashley:  my smart and sweet little baby!  As the baby of the family, she is petted quite a bit, but always good to share, and never selfish.  Smart, smart, smart is all we can say about our little jibby!
Michael:  my forever baby!  Michael is a part of our family forever. Not a day goes by that I don't think of him and miss him!  I know my life will never be whole without him here, but I hold him in my heart forever. Michael is not with us physically, but is with us all in spirit, always and forever!

So there are our 5 reasons to "why".....very simple:  John, Alex, Ellen, Ashley and Michael.

We've always felt led to adopt and always discussed it as an option.  God put certain people, situations, and emotions in our life to steer us toward this decision.  After discussing all the pros and cons, it only seemed right to move forward with an adoption. We love a big family!  We have lots of love to give and share!  We are willing and able to reach out to a child. God has blessed Steve and I with so much, that we feel it is only right to open our home to a child that is without a family, a home, and mostly without someone to LOVE him!

Our little boy's Korean name is Min-Gi.  He will be given an American name once in our care.  He is 2 years 5 months old.  He is an adorable little boy with a grin that fills his face!  He comes to us with some special needs, but I know that God will see us through it.  We are prepared for what lies ahead.  He currently receives therapies in Korea, and has been given excellent care.  He is currently in the care of a foster mother and father, and will remain with them until he comes to us.  We must wait until Korea releases him before we can legally adopt him and arrange for the travel.  This may take up to a year, but hopefully no longer than 6 months.

We expressed an interest in an older child from Korea and only one match was available.  It was a little boy nearing the age of 2. and I knew it was meant to be.  In no way does this child replace my beautiful boy, Michael, but I do feel that Michael was a part of leading us to this child.  My Michael is with me every day, and I especially felt his presence at that moment.  I felt such a peace and happiness when I saw this little boy's picture and read his story.

God has called us to this little boy, and we will take the role as his parents and family with honor.  Just as God takes care of our sweet child, Michael, in Heaven, we will take care of one of his children here on earth.  God entrusts us to be servants and to walk this earth in our lifetime showing His grace and doing His will.  I know this is the path that God entrusts us down, and one we are led to follow. God is good, and I know that He will be right there with us through this journey. 

We ask for prayers as we embark on this journey.  We ask that you pray for Min-Gi and his challenges with speech and motor development.  We ask that you pray for him as he enters a new world, and leaves the comfort and stability of the only home he's known. We also ask for prayers for our family as we open our hearts to someone who may reject us at first, and be leery of us as his new family. 

Thank you for all your love and support. We hope that you will share with us in our excitement as we add
Min-Gi to our family!

We look forward to updates to come!
God Bless Everyone,

Lori