Abbi's story

One example of God's great love for us and tremendous faith (seen while in Jamaica) we actually seen through an American family staying in Jamaica for now. Isn't God funny? This family felt led to adopt a child from Jamaica if the right situation presented itself (already having 2 boys and 1 girl). They met Abbi through a friend and fell in love with her. They have been going through quite a process for well over a year now trying to adopt and bring Abbi into America. We spent the whole week with the mother and their two daughters. They are now considered legal guardians of Abbi, but Abbi is not allowed to leave Jamaica until paperwork is signed for a visa (waiting on US government now). We know from speaking with family and friends who have been through the adoption process, it is long and hard. I can't imagine an international adoption. There have been many ups and downs. Right now, the family is geographically divided. The dad and two boys are in Ohio. Mom and the girls are in Jamaica. The mom hasn't seen her boys in 2 months. 2 months! And yet the faith and strength of the family to stay the course with the strenuous process is inspiring.


A couple of things come to mind...would we be able to give up everything like this mother has? Would we have the same kind of faith and trust in God? With our family growing soon, we have to ask ourselves...is this the same type of love we will have for our child? We pray we give this kind of love to our child and to others.

Upon returning home, we read a blog of Abbi's journey the mother has been keeping. The deadlines missed, lack of communication between the case workers/courts, letters/emails sent with no reply...it's crazy how much they have been through. It has been quite a process, yet God has worked and opened doors in ways they never would have expected. Through the good news and the bad, what a great story of determination, perseverance, patience, faith, unconditional love, and a whatever-it-takes and whatever-it-costs attitude that should be seen in our lives as disciples of Christ.

Would you say a prayer for Abbi's family? Waiting on US Embassy to sign papers...have been since March. Abbi is such a neat kid and her family brought joy and inspiration to us this week. We hope and pray for closure to the process and that the whole family is once again together soon.

Much Love,
Mark and Allyson