“God is looking for people through whom He can do the impossible. What a pity when we plan only the things we can do by ourselves.” -A.W. Tozer
Seven years ago, I watched Brad Pitt travel to Africa on Primetime Live. It’s kind of silly. That this special feature with Diane Sawyer, in a region I didn’t much think about, would alter my heart so profoundly. But it did.
After watching, I couldn’t get Africa out of my head. An entire continent, ravaged by war, poverty, and AIDS, planted itself like a seed in my heart. I went through this long phase where I told my brand-spankin’ new husband that I wanted to move to Africa, find the nearest orphanage, and love on kids all day.
If Ryan was scared his wife was going all missionary on him, he never let on.
But the seed was there. I felt inexplicably pulled to a continent I knew very little about. To a whole race of people I’d never officially met.
Looking back, I can see that God puts His plans in motion long before we have any clue.
It was around this time, during my Africa-fever, that I found out my church would be traveling to Nairobi, Kenya for two and a half weeks to do HIV/AIDS outreach. They were gathering a team to go. And I knew, with absolute certainty, that I wanted to be on that team. I wasn’t a doctor. I didn’t have much to offer in the ways of medicine. But I had two hands and a heart that yearned to help.
So I went. A year after hubby and I got married, I boarded a plane with several others, flew across the Atlantic ocean, and landed in Nairobi. I spent two and a half weeks meeting women I’ll never forget. Two and a half weeks with a flock of little black children swarming around me, rubbing my skin, calling me Mzungu. Two and a half weeks driving around in a Matatu learning random words in Swahili.
I came home a different person. If Africa was a seed before the trip, it had turned into a tree after. With roots and limbs and leaves. I loved that continent. And that love transformed into words. Words upon words upon words. So many that I had to get them out. So I sat down and wrote my first novel. A story about two high school students who travel to Kenya.
But life did what life does. It took over. And the leaves turned colors and eventually fell away.
I still thought about Africa. My heart broke for what was happening in Darfur. I taught my 5th grade students about the civil war ravaging Uganda and the Congo. Where Joseph Kony and his rebel army would raid villages and do unimaginable things to the men, women, and children. Oh Lord, especially the children. Africa was still in my heart. It just didn’t pulse as strongly as it once had.
My obsession with Africa morphed into an obsession with writing. A dream to be published, to share my stories. Which, as any writer can attest, is incredibly time consuming. So time consuming that I couldn’t be the wife and mother and writer I wanted to be while working full time. So after much prayer, I left my job. I left behind my salary. We knew God was calling us to step out in faith. Would we trust that where He leads, He’ll also provide?
I won’t pretend it wasn’t terrifying. But we listened and obeyed. And God has provided. In amazing, amazing ways. We’ve experienced His provision.
But something I’m learning about God, is that He likes to keep us on our toes. The Christian life isn’t meant to be comfortable. So I shouldn’t have been surprised when a couple months into our new routine, with me as stay-at-home mom, something started to happen.
A slow and steady stirring in my heart. A slow and steady stirring in my husband’s. A soft whisper that sounded something like this, “I have a blessing I want to give you. It’s not going to be easy. Will you trust me? Will you follow?”
I’m not one to say God speaks audibly. That’s just not my experience with faith. I’m a gal who thinks God speaks through His Living Word and through other believers. But this nudge we were feeling in our spirit was undeniable.
We couldn’t push it away.
God was asking us to adopt.
I wrestled with Him. I argued, “What if I can’t love an adopted child as much as my biological one?”
God replied, “Don’t make this about you, Katie.”
I wrestled with Him. I argued, “Do you know how much adoption costs? It’s insane. I just lost my salary. There’s no way we’ll come up with the money.”
God replied, “I provided before. Don’t you think I’ll do it again?”
He put people in our lives who could never be coincidence. He gave our pastor words that spoke directly to our situation. We could not deny it. We no longer wanted to. God’s love for the orphan had penetrated our hearts until they broke for the fatherless.
So we started to research. Foster care. Domestic. Private. International.
And that tree in my soul? That African tree that had lost its leaves? It grew buds. And the buds turned into vibrant green. Africa came back. With a passion, it came back. And I was left in awe that God was at work in my heart long before adoption was even a blip on my radar. At work in my heart through a Diane Sawyer interview with Brad Pitt. That even then, God knew His plans for my family. That although I never moved to an African orphanage, perhaps I could bring a child home from one.
So after an insane amount of research. After meeting another couple with the same desire (you can find their blog here). After a dead end that led us somewhere different. Ryan and I filled out the application for Lifeline Adoption Agency. We applied for their Congo program. Last week, we were accepted. We’ve signed the papers and sent in the first payment. And now we start our journey.
This crazy, insane, beautiful journey.
I’m holding on to this loosely. At least I’m trying. The Congo program is new. The country is at war. AIDS is running rampant. Nothing is a guarantee. We still have home studies and fundraising and all number of other things to pass through. But there’s a very real possibility that in 12-15 months, I will be returning to Africa. This time with my husband. This time to the Congo. This time to meet our son or daughter.
Let’s Talk: Tell me about a time when God spoke to you about something big. And because this journey is scaring me just a little bit silly…..if you have any great fundraising ideas, please share!
Thank you Holly for sending me these pics! I can’t believe that trip was over six years ago!
I think this internet site contains some really great information for everyone. “Loving someone is easy but losing someone is hard.” by Shelby Harthcock.
Katie and Ryan, this is awesome. Romans 8:15, 8:23, 9:4; Gal 4:5; Eph 1:5 speak of God adopting us. He has brought us out of — not an orphanage, but another kingdom and a status of being His ENEMIES!
When I was 13, I remember hearing a missionary speaking at the church I had grown up in — we were back visiting from across teh country. I’d had ideas of what I’d do when I grew up. But this time there was a different nature to the perception of: That’s what I’m going to do!
Haven’t yet, not in a long-term sense. But that call and drawing is still there. He hasn’t let me forget.
Similarly, freshman year of college, I “heard” (not audibly but unmistakably), “You will use GIS in missions” (GIS is Geographic Information Systems; I was an intended geography major). Sure enough, for my internship more than 2 years later, I worked for a small but important missions mapping, research, information and e-publishing outfit. I have returned to visit them a couple of times and done some related side work.
Pray I’ll know where (geography and organization) that call is to, and that I’ll obey — I don’t feel as though I’m out of God’s will where I am, mind you. He has called but hasn’t quite sent yet. His will and timing are perfect.
Katie, I was given your info by your mom after a professional event. she and I had the chance to talk personally and from your story I see two personal connections we share: Africa and Adoption. Neither are directly related in my personal story, but I find the universe works in mysterious ways, as they say. I have a sister who lives in Africa and I, myself, am a new adoptive mom, since my daughter was born 6-26-10 (locally). What I have to add here, is my perspective as an adoptive mom who experienced an existential journey for 6 years pursuing motherhood, culminating in the birth of my daughter and our adoption of her in 2010. In order to keep this short, I will say that there were times that the universe seemed to present “opprotunities” for us to adopt that at the time seemed tragic and sad that they did not work out. When I look back now, I see that the universe aligns when you and another soul are meant to be with one another. You each are on a parallel journey to be with one another. there is such an inner peace and sense of knowing when you meet that you and this child are connected; you will know then that you and this child are meant to be together.
I hope these words bring some comfort in the challenges ahead. No matter what, stay true and stong and at peace with your convictions…they will guide you unwaveringly. And I think you will find, that when you and your child meet, you will experience a love that is so spiritual and unselfish, it is breathtaking.
Okay, this is soooo cool. Seriously cool. I was able to go to Uganda 5 years ago, when my husband taught a class there and in Kenya. It was such an awesome experience. Such need…and you are going to help! I’m thrilled for you.
Katie,
It is so wonderful to hear how close you and Ryan are, especially in embarking on this amazing journey. I am inspired by you faith to step forward into the unknown future, trusting in Heavenly Father’s love and care. He definitely provides in AMAZING ways. It always leaves me awestruck…if I’m paying attention in the right direction. (That’s key, I know, but sometimes so easy to miss.)
Words can’t express how elated I am! Thanks for sharing the journey on your blog. Inspiring. =-)
Oh my gosh, Katie! I’m so excited for you! Praise God! He is so faithful and I know you’ll look back on this and see His faithful guidance every step of the way!
I love you & I’m now crying. I can’t wait to meet your new child!
May God Bless this journey!
Oh, and God has done this numerous times with my writing journey so far and that we were able to conceive our third child.
~ Wendy
Katie – love reading about your heart and your step out in Faith. This part: “I have a blessing I want to give you. It’s not going to be easy. Will you trust me? Will you follow?” gave me chills!!
Kristin and I are so excited for you and Ryan. We would love to help you with any questions, fundraising or anything else you need. You guys are doing a great thing and in the end you’ll find that new little child is more of a blessing to you and your family than the other way around! God Bless you both!
For the Fatherless,
-chad
Oh my goodness, how exciting! God Bless You on the journey. Adoption has always been on my heart, but as a single almost 27 year old I feel my ability to adopt slipping away each year. Congratulations!
Even though I’m on something of an internet fast while I draft that third novel, there is NO way I could resist responding to this post! SO happy for you and your journey.
Oh, and fellow writer, CJ Redwine, has also adopted a little girl from China and blogged about her trip to pick her up! If you google her, you should be able to find her! Bring the tissues!
Wow, congratulations on making such a huge commitment! I am in awe. My husband’s cousin and his wife just got their little girl from China a few months ago, and though I don’t know all the details of the journey, they are both thrilled to finally be parents.
Blessings on this great journey you are undertaking!
Cheers,
Sue
So excited God has given you passion and direction on this! And so quickly. I will continue to pray for you and cheer as you step out in faith and walk the new adventure God has planned!
So excited for you as you start this journey, Katie. It’s amazing what God calls us to. This is so evidently one of those “It doesn’t make sense, must be God” moments.
Praying for you and your family and will continue to do so.
Wow, Katie, that is an amazing story. I hope everything works out, and I will definitely keep your family in my prayers.
Thanks so much everyone! Your support and excitement and enthusiasm makes this journey not so scary. I know there will be many people who don’t understand what we’re doing, so these uplifting comments mean so much!
Wow, Katie. I can’t speak for the words that are filling my heart right now. Because you have touched on a cord that I trust in His timing will also blossom and come to fruition. Because as your heart is in Africa, mine is with the little lost girls of China.
Oh, thank You, God for the faith of Katie and her husband, Ryan!
Praying God will work out EVERY perfect detail. : D
Awe-some!!! So happy for you, Katie (and for the child God has for you)!!
As an 20-year HIV researcher, thank you for your personal contribution to our cause. It’s been a long and discouraging battle for those of us on the front lines of research but community members that help out, especially those that travel to the most ravaged areas, are angels. And then to take such a personal stance… you’re a true inspiration. In a country that has over 50,000 children orphaned due to AIDS you could be literally saving a life. You are absolutely making an immense difference in the life of some very lucky boy or girl, likely saving them from the same fate as their parents.
Best of luck to you on your journey…
Wow, Katie, this is fabulous news, and very exciting!
Yes, God directed my steps very clearly many years ago in regards to my teaching career. Lately, things are fuzzier…quite fuzzy. But I’m hanging in there, seeing what He has in store.
May He bless you in this special season, and guide your steps regarding a future adoption!
Katy, As you described the things God has done in your heart I could relate. Not to Africa but to other passions.
This is such an exciting time in your lives.
I hope you know how much I love you when I say that reading this made me cry. I feel your heart. I know without a doubt that you and Ryan and Little Man, too, will be blessed by this calling. And God WILL provide. I’m wiping the excited tears away. I can’t wait to read more about your journey, girl!!
So happy to be on this journey with you! And don’t forget that it was your peer pressure (haha) that led me to jump on the Kenya team with you in 2006! Oh what God has done since then. Amazing! Hugs and love…
Katie,
I wish you and your husband the best on your incredible, amazing journey ahead! Six years ago as we traveled to Cherokee Middle School together to fulfill our practicum requirements in UW’s School of Ed program, I remember you talking about becoming a writer someday, and it is amazing to see that your dream has come true! Congratulations again, and best of wishes on your new journey!
Take care, Jen
Katie, what an amazing calling God has put in your family’s life! You’ll be in my prayers as this process unfolds. Let me know how I can support you! It’s such an awesome picture of Luke 18:16 – “But Jesus called the children to him and said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.'” Blessings!
Wow, Katie! Bless you and your family! God always provides–no doubt about that. My girlfriend and her husband just adopted from Africa about a year ago and are going through the process again becuase like you, they fell in love with the country and the people. Praying for you!
What a wonderful story of the Lord working in your hearts to bring you and your hubby to this place, Katie. I had a feeling your news might be that you had chosen to have another child, but my vision was limited to the traditional path. Yours is far more exciting, uplifting, and thrilling. I look forward to posts in which you share your journey as you take steps toward the adoption of your child from the Congo.
Wow. Too exciting. I have a couple of friends I am going to forward this to — including a friend who just sadly lost an unborn baby last night and has been trying for years.
I can feel your joy!
Susan – my heart hurts for your friend. Majorly hurts. This blog post by Nicole Baart (an amazing, amazing author) might offer her some encouragement. http://www.nicolebaart.com/blog/?p=1724
God truly weaves things together in amazing ways. Thanks for forwarding this on to friends.
Katie, I have goosebumps and tears all at the same time!! I am terrified so excited….trusting that God is in control of EVERYTHING and that all I can do is trust and obey. So neat to see how God weaves the tapestry of lives together, for His glory, and according to His plans and purposes 🙂 HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!
Kinsey!!! You have NO idea how much of a blessing it is to be able to walk through this (literally!) with you and Steve. The idea that God has woven our lives together and is leading us down this journey at the EXACT same time in the EXACT same place is truly, truly amazing. And brings tears to my eyes whenever I think about it. We can be terrified together, friend!
Hi Kinsey – My niece is Malinda V. Cool to hear that you are walking through this with my cyber-friend Katie. We’re all like, what, 3 degrees apart? Olivia
The desire in your heart to adopt is one that I share with you. We adopted three children from foster care Dec,1997,after being their foster parents for two years. The girls came to us as 4 and 5 yr olds. Our son was born 6 months later and we picked him up at 2 days old from the hospital. It has been a journey based on faith and always a strong reliance on God to get me through the struggles. It was not the easy road that parenting our biological daughters was. It has made me a better person but also showed me my weaknesses, as we all know how much harder it is to remain strong in character when faced with conflicts in our lives. It was my love for family that pushed me forward. It was a desire to give a better life to them. I wish you an easy journey and much deserved happiness. God bless…
Wow Cherlyn! I’m just putting this together in my head. I know my dad was talking about an old school friend who adopted through foster care. I just am now realizing that friend is YOU! Call me blonde. You, my dear, have been the hands and feet of Christ!
I’m crying for you. There is nothing better than stepping out to embrace God’s plan for you. I felt a bit like this when I felt like God called me to turn DOWN the only offer I received for my book.
It was the best thing I ever did. And boy has he shown up in amazing ways to provide another way – a better way.
I will be praying for you, Katie, and your precious family. And I can’t wait to follow your journey on your blog.
What a wonderful witness this Thanksgiving. Your post has really touched me and inspired me once again to trust Him, no matter where it leads.
xxoo
I’m glad, Katie! And what a cool testimony you have in your writing life!
W O W! I knew the Lord was doing a work through your life, but now, with this news, HE IS JUST SHOWING OFF!! I’m speechless.This is so cool.
LOL, Michele! As long as God gets all the glory, He can show off in my life as much as He wants.
Beautiful! I’m so excited for you. Praying, praying, praying!
Thanks Julie!
Congrats on your decision! That’s amazing. Mike and I have often thought about adoption, but that’s a ways down the road. What an amazing thing to give a loving home to a child who otherwise wouldn’t have one.
A couple at my church is going through the adoption of a little Russian boy with Down syndrome. Amazing story. Their blog is http://room4love.blogspot.com/. If you want to check out their earlier posts, they probably have some great thoughts on fundraising. They’ve already raised an incredible amount.
Hugs and prayers!
Thanks for the blog, Linsday! I will be jumping over there soon! I’m discovering that there’s a huge adoption community out there online!
I LOVE THIS, Katie!!! I’m proud of you guys for listening and seeking and obeying this huge calling God has on your life!
Many prayers as you go through this journey! I’m excited to “blog” share it with you!
Thanks Krista! I loved your post this morning about your daughter’s heart. You’ve been such an inspiration!
Amazing! Sending you prayers for abundant blessings.
The prayers are coveted, Erika! Thanks!
What a way to start my morning! Katie, I’m sitting here with tears streaming down my face. You are about to start an amazing, life-changing journey!
We have two adopted nieces that came all the way to us from China! Getting them here was not easy. My sister and brother-in-law traveled to China, not once, but twice for their beautiful daughters. Their story is too lengthy to go into here, but suffice it to say, the blessings have been huge and God’s love abounds!
Congratulations, many blessings, and I will be praying for you and your family!
I would love to hear more about it! Do they have a blog? I’m finding that a lot of people who adopt record the process via blogging. It’s a great way to find a support group! Just like writing!
Katie, so much of this article resonated with me. I am so unbelievably excited for you, your husband and little man! This, to me, is exactly the kind of story God writes. A story we only see play out in hindsight. He creates each chapter, each twist with such detail, and we can only see how perfectly formed the entire picture is by looking back. With each problem or concern that arises, we worry and fret, but God already has it all worked out. We just have to trust and proceed forward.
I coninue to pray for you and your family, including the little one that will join you sometime in the future. THIS IS SO HUGE!!!
I love your support, Heather. Love, love, love. And I know you can relate to what it feels like to be living in one place, but have your heart take up residence in another.
Well, I’m wiping my eyes as I read this. I am so excited for your journey and He will provide!!
I had a similar experience happen when God spoke to me about quitting my good job and buying a Christian bookstore–I had never done retail, read a Christian book and my husband was struggling to start his own company. We did it and it was amazing how God provided when we followed!
That’s what I’m learning so much lately, Terri. The importance of stepping out first, before we know how everything will work out. That’s what faith means, right? And everytime we’ve stepped out in the past, He’s been right there to carry us. We’re counting on that again!
First off, this is awesome and I admire, respect, and love you even more! I know you didn’t write this post for that but even so. Next, I’ll be praying and I mean it when I say it. Now, a friend of mine adopted a sweet little Thai baby and she fundraised her tail off and still works with Flip Flop to Adopt. So if it’s ok I’ll give her your email and ask her to share a llittle about it. Tweet me.
Got your DM! I would LOVE to connect with your friend!
That’s incredible. It’s amazing how God works. Stories like this always brings tears to my life, knowing a child’s life will be changed forever in a good way.
God’s hand at work is definitely amazing. And we often can’t see it until we’re looking back.
Super exciting and scary all in one!
I’ve had a love of Africa since I was a teenager. Finally got the chance to spend 6 weeks with a mission team in Nigeria in college and the following year, my “big thing” came when I prayed about a journalism and missions internship. I didn’t hear any audible voice, just a gentle whisper that said it was my choice if I went or not. So I did. Alone. It was the most painful and blessed time of my life. But I grew and ministered for about eight months in Nigeria and fell deeper in love with the people, country, and yes, the food. I have yet to return, though we still have African ties and support two kids from Rwanda with Compassion International.
Blessings on this new journey of faith for you, Katie, and that child who will be joining your family. Can’t wait to read about it!
Gina – that is AMAZING! Wow, girl. I wish I would’ve known this in September! I would’ve wanted to sit down with you and talk about your experience. God grows us through the hard times, that is for sure!
Katie, WOW! What an amazing blessing that God plants those seeds and nurtures them all along the way until he is ready for them to blossom. Even more amazing is that he calls both of you and leads you together. Between this and the new book cover you’re going to need an anchor tied to your foot to keep you from just floating away! So happy for you that God has chosen to bless you in this. It will make a wonderful story someday. Not fiction, but then non-fiction is ok too! 🙂
Sherri – you are so right. The one thing I’ve been continually blown away by as we embark on this journey is how profoundly God’s knit my heart and my husband’s heart together in this. And how much God is growing us both – closer to Him, and closer to each other – through this process.
That’s absolutely amazing. My wife was adopted and it’s so strange to think that if her parents hadn’t pushed to get her, or if whoever had to give her up chose other options, we might never have met.
I’m sure adoption is near and dear to your hearts then, Paul!
What an amazing story. I’ve always loved the idea of adoption and am blown away by the idea that your son or daughter may already be alive out there somewhere, waiting for you. I wish you all the best in your journey, and look forward to hearing that the next little member of the Ganshert family has arrived x
I know! I’m totally blown away by that too! Because in all reality, our son or daughter is alive, out in the world right now! It’s sort of like when you’re pregnant. I’m in prayer for a face I’ve never seen, but I know is there.
Oh WOW!! I’m so excited for you on this new journey! Seeds planted years ago do blossom at the right time the Lord intended.
Moving to California had to be the biggest thing in my life, bar none, and looking back, it doesn’t feel all that drastic. Until one of my friends from Mississippi asks me, “Why did you go to CA again?” or I get asked by someone here, “What brought you all the way out here?” We knew it was right for us….and missing Katrina by mere weeks confirmed it in a way even my holds-on-too-tightly parents couldn’t ignore. 🙂
That’s amazing that you moved right before Katrina! Wow! I don’t think I ever really registered that before.