Brian and Amy decided to adopt two children from Ethiopia about two years ago. We celebrated their decision, couldn’t wait to meet our new nephew and niece, but we continued to think of adoption as something radical that only a few super-spiritual wealthy people were capable of and “called” to by God.
Certainly not us.
Not long after Brian and Amy told us about their decision, Brian and I took a trip to Ethiopia with Compassion. At the end of the week he toured an orphanage, learned a little more about the adoption process from the Ethiopian side of things. I tagged along.
There I was, a person with more than enough, walking through rooms full of beautiful children in need of family. I wondered if I’d made God’s will too complicated.
Could it be, Brian asked, that God’s will is found at the intersection of someone’s need and our ability?
Could it be that simple?
I’ve known the statistics for years. In Ethiopia alone there are an estimated 4.5 million orphans.
I’ve heard all the profound theological reasons people adopt as well. Yes, adoption is an opportunity to participate in God’s provision for orphans. Adoption is a living breathing metaphor for our own adoption by God through Christ too. And on and on.
But none of this budged my will like Brian’s question. …the intersection of someone’s need and my ability?
That simple question flipped a switch in me that no one and nothing else had been able to reach before. I said yes to adoption that day.
All About Me
But Becky said “no.” And I didn’t push, knowing that Becky is compassionate and generous, prayerful and very discerning. I trusted her and God enough to wait. And pray.
Two years later I came home after a weekend on the road. Becky and I stood in the bathroom getting ready for bed, brushing teeth, talking through what I missed while I was gone.
“Oh,” she said, “I think we’re supposed to adopt.”
I was shocked. And my face must have shown it. “Yea, I know,” she said. “Surprise.”
That morning at church our pastor and friend, Andy, had wrapped up a sermon series called Too Small To Ignore based on the book of the same title – written by Wess Stafford, the president of Compassion International. Because she’s married to me, a speaker guy for Compassion, the information in the series was nothing new. Becky knew what the Bible had to say about poverty, about children, how important little ones are to God’s big plan for the world. She knew the responsibility – the privilege and joy – of caring for the most vulnerable is a treasure given to God’s people – to us. Andy said nothing she didn’t know about God or the Bible but she learned something new about herself.
During Andy’s sermon, about sponsoring children through Compassion, Becky’s mind couldn’t stop thinking about adoption – though Andy never mentioned it. And she said “no.” A lot. And listed the reasons why. And one by one she realized every one of her reasons were self-serving. “They were all about me,” she said.
By the end of that church service she’d said “yes.”
My Maybe
It had been easy for me to to say “yes” to adoption when I thought Becky never would. Easy when I was making money too – but in gig-less December? With an album to fund?
For two years I was the good guy telling God again and again, “You know, if it weren’t for that Becky I’d totally do this.” Becky’s yes suddenly revealed a lot of maybe in me – a lot of my own selfishness.
I like my three kids, the routine, the way the finances work, the amount of space we each have – the comfort and consistency of life together, the five of us. Adopting would mean letting go of all that and opening my life up to who knows what. Everything could and probably will change in ways I can’t totally predict, prevent or prepare for.
We told the kids what we were thinking about doing and told them they could ask any questions they wanted. And we asked them to pray for one week. This is their family too, we told them, and this is a choice that will change our life together forever.
At the end of the week my “maybe” had become an enthusiastic – though still fearful – “yes.” And the kids couldn’t have been more sure. So…
We’re adopting!
Probably from Ethiopia. Probably multiple children.
Most of this long process will be kept private. I want to respect my family’s privacy as much as possible but…
I at the very least wanted you to know that we’ve decided to adopt and how we reached that decision because you’re part our life too and we count on you for prayer and encouragement and, well, also I wonder if some of you…
- …are able to adopt but are waiting for some sign, to be “called”, before you say “yes.” Your calling might be as simple as someone’s need and your ability.
- …want to adopt but are married to someone who doesn’t…yet. Pray. And wait.
- …think adopting (and a number of other things) are “radical” or “crazy” – for super Christians only, not you. In the book of Acts this kind of thing is, well, normal. And so are we.
Off to fill out some more paperwork.
JessicaB says:
THIS IS SO FREAKING EXCITING!
Am I allowed to say “freaking” on here? Sorry, I wouldn’t normally. That’s just how exciting I think this is!
P.S. For me, it would be that middle bullet point. It’s something I’ve thought of more and more in the past year.
Yay for the little boy or girl out there waiting on their mo-hawked daddy!
Shaun Groves says:
I think secondary cussing may be appropriate ; )
Mandy says:
I’m right there, with ya, Jessica. The middle is the one that gets me… And I’m not good at waiting…
Congrats, Shawn and Family! What an amazing journey you have embarked upon!
Erin says:
So excited for you guys. What an awesome thing! Praying and rejoicing w/ you.
Eva says:
Standing with you in prayer, Shaun, and we’ll babysit if you’re ever in Houston 🙂
Kim says:
Welcome to the adoption journey! It’s different, sometimes tough, but totally worth it when you’re in-step with God’s plan for your family and for the little ones who become a part of it!
Thanks for sharing!
boomama says:
Well, now. 🙂
Shaun Groves says:
The prayers of a righteous boo mama right?
Marla Taviano says:
I’ve been the recipient of many prayers of a righteous boo mama. Give God glory!
Sara D in MT says:
I’m SO excited for you! And I will pray for your family. We are blessed to be foster and adoptive parents, we have 2 boys, plus one adopted son, and one foster son. The foster son has been with us since birth (15 months now), but will soon be going back into his birth mothers care. We are grieving as we hoped we would be able to adopt him, I think the hardest part of the whole process is making sure it’s not about me.
Jill Foley says:
This is such a hard issue for me. My husband and I have been open to adoption for years – even desired it. I know some would say it’s a no brainer – that if you are open to it, then God has called you to it. But more and more I am feeling “un-called”. Or at least feeling that now is not the time for us.
I’m still in prayer about it, but your post is a good reminder to pray more fervently and more regularly. I let it drop off my radar quite frequently – especially when I feel like I’m getting no clear direction. The only time I feel strongly pulled toward adoption is when I’m reading about others’ stories. It’s easy to get caught up in other peoples emotions.
I’ll be praying for your family – and will renew my own commitment to pray about this.
Shaun Groves says:
I TOTALLY understand, Jill. I’ll pray you.
Megan @ Faith Like Mustard says:
I know what you mean, Jill. When I was a child, I knew I would grow up to adopt a child because my grandfather was adopted and I heard the sad orphanage stories. But now…I don’t know. It is an honorable and good thing to do, but I wouldn’t want it to be because *I* just wanted to do it. To make *myself* feel like I’ve done good in this ol’ world. Is it God’s desire that we take care of orphans and widows? Absolutely! Is it His plan for me that I adopt? I dunno… still working on that one.
Amanda Pierce says:
Wow. My feelings exactly.
Tracey says:
I randomly started crying, okay kind of balling as I read this. We just had our 3rd child and we feel like there is room for more. And we could have more. But we have also considered, or more mentioned in passing, adoption. And your former fears and feelings are some of my very same.
“…the intersection of someone’s need and our ability” is right where I want to be.
This will stay with me and maybe I will be writing our “we’re adopting” post one day. Soon?
Lindsay says:
I wondered when this post would appear. 🙂 I couldn’t be happier for you guys!
Five plus YES!! 🙂 Whoo hoo!
rebecca says:
AWESOME!!!
praying for and with you and yours (and yours to come)
Owlhaven (Mary Ostyn) says:
Praying for your family! I am so thrilled for you guys!
Mary, mom to many, including 4 from Ethiopia
Shaun Groves says:
Thanks for talking me through this on the phone, Mary. So thank for you wisdom and compassion.
Christine says:
That is so so so exciting! Thank you for sharing and please do share what you can when you can. Would love to hear more. I’d adopt in a heartbeat if hubby was on board with the idea…I guess, there’s still hope. 😉
Jennifer Pelletier says:
You’ve got an incredible wife and amazing kids. You guys will be just as amazing and incredible an adoptive family! Congrats!
Angie says:
Oh, that is awesome!
Can’t wait to meet the newest members of the family-you will all bless each other in countless ways!
Praying for you as you navigate your way through paperwork and other land mines!
Marla Taviano says:
I’m the middle bullet point too. And God showed me a few months ago that I was using my husband’s no-thanks-on-the-whole-adoption-thing stance as a pitiful excuse. Was I praying hard every day that he would change his mind? NO. Did I reeeeeally want to give up my comfort? NO. Was I comforting myself by saying “I’d love to adopt, but my husband…”? YES.
So, I started praying hard. For about a week. Thank you for the nudge to get back in the saddle.
Freaking excited for your family.
Stacy Sublett says:
Welcome to the wonderful world of the waiting! My wife and I waited for 5 years before we travelled to China last year to adopt our Annabelle–she was 9 then (huge, long story behind all that). Then last October we learned about a girl who’d been adopted in July, but needed a new family. She’s our Josie, and she fits in with our family, just like she was supposed to! We’re planning on a trip to Ethiopia some time in the near future to bring home 2 sons…
I wasn’t open to adoption 6 years ago. Now I can hardly imagine what life would be like without our adoptive children. How many more can we take care of? How many more children can we love? Can you help me build some bunk beds in the basement?
So happy for you and your fam…maybe we can travel to Addis together…
Jason Rust says:
Love the way you put this post. It’s honest and well written.
One morning I secretly prayed about possibly adopting, but I needed God to put my wife behind it….She called me an hour later saying we need to adopt.
Sometimes God is slow, other times He’s crazy quick. All times He is good.
Karen F. says:
I’m a wife who waited years (and 2 bio children) for my husband to say yes . . . and what a yes it turned out to be . . .
*yes to opening our hearts and minds to the plight of the orphan
*yes to having our hearts break by what we learned and what we saw
*yes to emptying bank accounts and time accounts and any other account you can think of
*yes to becoming a multi cultural family
*yes to learning that our hearts can expand and explode and enlarge in ways we never thought imaginable
*yes to falling more deeply in love with God as He revealed His father heart to us
*yes to the most amazing, adorable, hysterical daughter and sister from China
I’m so thankful for the yes your family said . . .
our family will be praying for you during the endless paperwork and forms and waiting and learning that is ahead!!
cshell says:
AWESOME! When i saw the picture at the top before reading I was thinking…”nice family adoption photo”…
not really, i was thinking…”which thing doesn’t fit” 🙂
We started our adoption journey in 10/05…waited 4 years and 12 days before we got “the call”. This past December 7th has been a year we have had our sweet Sophie as part of our family.
I was the “no” in our family, i told my wife i would pray about it…the “signs” after that conversation where not a coincidence in the slightest. The changes in my family and more importantly in my heart over this journey can not be put into words.
Awesome, awesome news Shaun.
Tracy says:
I can’t say I’m surprised at all. I’ve been following your journey since the first blogger trip several years back and I’ve wondered what God may be up to in that area.
It’s interesting to me what is happening in this arena all over the kingdom. SO many people seem to be on this journey.
My husband and I are in the beginning stages of “saying yes” to adoption as well and I CAN”T WAIT to see what the Lord has in store. I want to adopt from Uganda because our compassion sponsored child lives there and I have a heart for that country, but God seems to be leading toward adoption through the US foster care system first – and I have a feeling it won’t end there.
Charity says:
VERY exciting! Just this past weekend, adoption was a big topic with my husband and I. We are looking forward to that being part of our life sometime in the next few years. We have no children yet (been married a little over a year), and it just makes my heart burst to hear more about adoption! Thanks!
Kit says:
This IS really exciting! I love to hear of families adopting. My interest in it makes me wonder if we should do it too, but there is still a lot of fear, mostly over finances and thus “what people would think.” (I don’t think we financially qualify to adopt, you have to make a certain amount and have things like private health insurance– although you guys have a Christian share plan like we do, right?)
Barbara says:
Alright. I was enjoying this post very much and just finding it to be a nice God-thing to read about and then you said “Probably from Ethiopia. Probably multiple children.” and I a little bit lost it. The “multiple children” part. Not sure why but it just made my heart super warm to think of several little Ethiopian kiddos filling your home. This is a beautiful, exciting, challenging, encouraging, lovely post. Thanks, Shaun.
(and, p.s. You are right. Your wife is really, really pretty. Not that it is any of my business!) 😉
Shana says:
This post is hard for me as well. You see, we have been in the process of adopting since 2005..thats 6 LONG yrs. My husband & I were in agreement, etc etc…all points led to adoption. We started the process, sent our paperwork to China (2/07) and then the wait began to increase. When we started the wait for referral was 8-10 months..almost 4 years later and STILL NO END in sight. We began thinking that we ‘mis-heard’ God, or misunderstood.
Then out of the blue, we received a call from a family friend & adoption came up and she asked us if we’d be willing to adopt a relative of theirs who needed a home. This was completely different from an international adoption in so, so, so many ways (that i won’t take time to list). However, we felt like maybe this was God’s plan (since we didn’t pursue this little guy, but rather he came to us). Long story short, after he had stayed with us a couple of different times the (drug addicted) bio mom decided not to relinquish parental rights. So, we were unable to adopt him. That loss was, in many ways, worse than my 2 miscarriages. I still hurt when I see a picture of that little guy.
And, these are only 2 examples, we also researched changing countries/programs, and also considered domestic adoption as well, and even Foster-to-adopt….all roads were dead ends.
The difficult part for me is: If it is God’s will to care for orphans, and we both felt led and on the same page, and God has a more than willing couple with enough resouces to care for another child….why is our longing UNFULFILLED???
I wrestle with this question ALL.THE.TIME… I’ve even documented my wrestling (www.malaganssong.blogspot.com). Ive prayed and searced…etc.
I love stories like yours, they are an encouragement to me, and I’m very happy and excited for you and other…..just don’t understand our familiy’s roadblocks.
Laura @ Texas in Africa says:
Shana, my best friend went through a similar long wait with the Chinese system. They turned in the paperwork in April 2006 and just got their baby girl in August. That was almost 4.5 years, plus all the paperwork and time deciding to do it beforehand. All I can say is that it was worth the wait – their daughter is absolutely precious, and the time of learning patience and more patience has made them better parents. Hang in there. You will get your child, all in perfect timing.
JD says:
I knew as a child that I would someday adopt, but it took my husband’s heart 16 years to join mine in this. There were years that I didn’t have the faith that he’d eventually agree… in fact, when he came to me last summer saying we should consider adoption, I was so stunned, I struggled to comprehend that it was actually happening. God certainly delights in doing the seemingly impossible 🙂
We’re in the midst of the adoption journey right now, it’s not for the weak at heart, but it’s breathtaking in a beautiful, messy sort of way, and it was worth all those years of prayers.
We’ll be praying you through…. especially when the “paper pregnant hormones” sneak up on you 🙂
Michelle ~ Blogging from the Boonies says:
I am in tears. This has been on my mind for months, increasingly so. In fact, last week, as I was daydreaming out it, my nine year old “randomly” came up to me and asked, “Mama, what does it take to go and get a baby from Africa?” My husband is on board and we are also thinking Ethiopia or Burkina Faso.
It is the money that is holding us back. I did some research recently and read that it is $30,000 to $50,000 for the entire process. We’re single income, working with a carpenter’s wage. We just don’t have the financial means at this point.
I am very happy for you, though. It has been such a pull on my heart and I am glad that we may be able to vicariously go through the process with you. I pray that God paves the way for us to do it within the next 5 years.
Shaun Groves says:
It’s not that expensive for Ethiopia. Still a lot of money and you should check with your agency to see if their price differs, but we’ve been told the cost will be 20-25K. But there are variables that can make it more costly I’m told. I’m no expert though so…
Amy D. says:
One of my friends is single income, working with a teacher’s wage, Michelle. And they did it. It took a lot of thinking outside the box. I came across a blog last night for a couple that raised $25000 for a baby from the Ukraine to be adopted… and they didn’t have prospective parents to adopt at that time.
And remember… nothing is too big, too crazy or too expensive for God. 🙂
Michael Patterson says:
My wife and I had considered adoption for about 7 years. We’re not “super-spiritual” but understand adoption because my wife was adopted. A Compassion trip in 2006 opened our eyes to the great need. We decided this is something we could do, and desiredto do. It took us 2-1/2 years to bring home our Haitian Princess. She is a true blessing to us. There has also been some significant challenges we could not have expected. We made the commitment but could not possibly have understood what that meant. Like marriage, the joy far outweighs the challenges. Time to start looking for a deal on a larger vehicle! I am so happy to hear your adoption news!
Tiffany C. says:
Adopting our daughter has humbled me, refined me, and has drawn me much closer to my ‘adoptive Father,’ Abba. Congrats and I pray your adoptive journey will bless you and others!
Kat @ Inspired To Action says:
You know what I like about your blog?
It’s never comfortable. You’re always changing, challenging and inviting us along.
(That’s a good thing, by the way.)
Excited for you…
Amanda says:
“Never comfortable” – That is a true statement.
I’m pumped for your family, Shaun. I remember you saying how much Ethiopia impacted you. I will be praying for you guys and especially for the children God has chosen for you and Becky.
K says:
Congratulations! Welcome to the “crazy” 🙂
Ken Barker says:
Shaun, I work for LifeWay Worship & you will be our pastor this summer at our SonPower event! What an incredible journey you & your family have already been on. You will be amazed at what God will do through your YES! There are several here at LifeWay who have adopted from Ethiopia, including my wife and I. We adopted two beautiful sisters about three years ago. They are a great blessing to us and everyone they meet! Congratulations.
Bethany says:
I just started following your blog but dude I am SUPER excited for you!!!!!!
Sara @ Happy Brown House says:
Copycat 😉
Just kidding! So excited for your family! Maybe we’ll travel around the same time to Ethiopia?
Prudence says:
Tears streaming my cheeks. The whole post I was like are they, are they – YES!!
This fills my heart with joy.
Karina says:
I’m waiting and praying. Been waiting and praying since 2007. Our 4th child was an embryo we adopted before pregnancy. That was fun, but I long to be a forever family to some orphans.
Have you ever read “A Place Called Simplicity”? I have a feeling you’d love Linny. http://www.aplacecalledsimplicity.blogspot.com/
donna says:
Oh Shaun … wonderful news!!! Praying God’s bountiful blessings on you and Becky as you embark on this remarkable adventure and as you embrace those beautiful children…
Amy D. says:
Shaun, I almost cried when I read this. Congratulations. I can’t wait to tell my husband!
Kelli says:
This post brought me to tears. And now I can’t stop crying. I’m very excited for you guys and will join with the rest in praying. 🙂
[email protected] says:
Wow, huge news. Well-shared. I love the simplicity of God’s will, though it seems so often we make it
so
dag-gum
complicated.
I love your family’s heart for the children. It is beautiful and inspiring to the many who are watching you guys flesh out your faith.
Awesome!
Jennifer says:
Oh, wow, I am so thrilled for you guys! Those children could not ask for a better family. I am praying for you all now as they wait for you and you wait for them.
I totally understand your need for family privacy, but I would love to know more about how the whole international adoption process actually works as you go through it. I am in the second bullet point camp as well but have faith that God will change one of our hearts some day. And I’m just now pregnant with our first child, so there is plenty of time! Congrats to the whole Groves clan!
jen says:
OH, praying for you and your family.
Just this week I have been going through pictures and old blog posts, preparing a talk about adoption. I have wept as I re-walked that path we traveled three years ago. And now I am weeping for you – thrilled to hear your news and excited to see how God is going to bless your family. Oh, you are about to be SO blessed!
Jo Anna says:
We are so excited for you! Like you, we had a very comfortable Christian life with 2 bio kids. The Lord first spoke to me about adoption in 2007 and by 2009, God confirmed this calling to my husband, too. We are stepping out in faith in so many areas and have been waiting for a referral for sibling boys from the Philippines since approval Feb 2010. Expect the unexpected and expect longer time frames than told. We will be praying for you family and your adoption journey!
Tj says:
Fantastic. You will be blessed.
We have some friends of friends who have started an orphanage in Ethiopia for Mingi children. Check out their blog: http://www.drawnfromwater.org
mrsC says:
So timely. This was the clincher for me too. I couldn’t get past the idea that there were children in need of a mom and I had room in my heart. My hubby struggles still with being a good enough father and with his knowledge of what we are called to do vs. what we WANT to do. we are currently in the process of applying to adopt through our states foster system. We don’t meet the income reqs for international but we do for this. we want to adopt the kids who have been waiting, maybe a group of 4… so a lot of people think we are crazy. And maybe we are, but God gave us this desire. and I am just thrilled with crazy if it us where God has us.:)
JD says:
I don’t think you’re crazy at all… that’s the beauty of it — it’s not radical, it’s the gospel. Praying for your journey! I was once a child in foster care — you’re going to be a blessing to these children.
Kaye says:
SO excited for you guys! Will be praying for you all!
Stacie Townsend says:
My husband has been telling me for awhile that we should foster or adopt. We have three of our own, have had 8 miscarriages over the last 14 years, dealt with infertility, and have taken permanent steps to ensure my body is done going through the miscarriage process. At this point, my youngest is 7 and I’m just not sure I want more kids anymore. We live on one income, and not too successfully I might add, and I could list the same reasons you did. I like our routine, our space, etc. Also, I don’t feel like I’m doing a good job with my own kids, so how dare I try to parent more?? Argh. But lately, more and more links and blogs and stories have come my way about adopting…what is God saying?
Thanks for your post…I’m excited to follow your journey.
Katie says:
Congratulations! I want to adopt one day too (after I graduate college and get married… details, details). Until then, I’ll just look at multicultural families and drool as I wait and pray for my own.
Katie
Stacie Townsend says:
Hmm…thought provoking! Very excited for your family. Very introspective after reading, concerning our own journey with parenthood. Thanks for sharing!
MainlineMom aka Sarah says:
God’s timing is perfect. You may know I’ve been talking to Ben about having you give a concert at our church in conjunction with a benefit run we’re doing…for our adoption ministry. This new ministry was started by our worship leader who is adopting from Ethiopia, and the main purpose of it is to help fund more adoptions, the rescue of orphans. I don’t know if it will work out for you to come, but I am praying for it. So excited for you.
Karen says:
Very excited for your entire family! I know God has and will continue to rock your world through this process!
Princess Leia says:
Excited for you guys! I pray that you will be re-affirmed in this commitment throughout the journey and that at each step you will see God’s hand preparing just the right little hearts for you and your hearts for just the right little people. May your home overflow as you personally release children from poverty in Jesus’ name.
Kristie Braselton says:
That is so awesome Shaun!!! Congratulations. Have fun with all that paperwork. Maybe you could be the first to write a really good song about adoption?
Justin Davis says:
Wow Shaun…so very cool. I love how God does that at times in our marriage. We have had similar conversations and prayers…your post gives us a lot to think/pray about.
Kristy says:
This is literally the second time, in just a few hours, that I’ve read the story of someone who was feeling called to adopt/foster kids but resisted, before realizing that all of the reasons not to were all about them.
I struggle with this, because I really do want to adopt, but. But I’m single. And going from single and no children to single mother feels huge and scary. Its not so much what it would mean giving up. But maybe I’m not one of those who is “able to adopt”? And doesn’t it seem like this is such a big decision that I should be “called” to it? I think of the things I can do now, the ways that I can serve, that would need to change. Then I wonder if all of those things are just excuses.
I don’t know.
jay sauser says:
so so so excited for you Shaun. Can’t wait to follow you in this process
ellen read says:
Good for you! Everyone should at least consider if God has called them to adopt. He might say NO and He might say YES. Won’t know till you ask. We adopted 3 little boys from the foster care system here in the States. God bless you!
Amy @ My Friend Amy says:
This is great news, Shaun! Congrats and I hope all goes well.
We are THAT family says:
I love this.
Not surprised at all.
When we said yes to God on adoption, He pulled the START A MATERNITY HOME IN KENYA card.
Watch out 🙂
It’s our response to the global orphan crisis.
For now!
Congratulations!
Julie Jarnagin says:
Wow! I can’t lie. This post freaked me out a little. My husband and I just returned from a visit with my cousin. He and his pregnant wife have three children and recently adopted two more from Ethiopia. On the way home, I specifically told my husband that if God wanted us to adopt He would have to send a huge sign that it’s what He wanted us to do. You certainly gave me plenty to pray about.
NancyTyler says:
Your life is so, so, so different than mine. God bless your wonderful, morphing, exciting, growing world!
Tater Mama says:
I think it’s wonderful. Two of my good friends in Texas adopted their daughter from the same orphanage where your sister- and brother-in-law adopted their children. They’re in the process of adopting their second child right now.
Wishing you the best. (I know a little about adoption and think it’s beautiful.)
Brian Seay says:
Are you friends with the McDurham’s?
Jennifer B says:
Congrats! I’m always excited when families choose to adopt. It is a HUGE leap of faith {especially financially}, but God will provide in leaps & bounds. I adopted my daughter 3 1/2 years ago & was crazy worried about the $ {single teacher}, but God provided for every step & then some! It was very loaves & fishes 🙂 My friend says -if it’s God’s will, He’ll foot the bill. Now I’m starting my 2nd & just as worried about $ even though He’s proven faithful before…{me of little faith!}. Anyway, congrats & enjoy the roller coaster ride 🙂
Megan @ Faith Like Mustard says:
I’m looking forward to watching your family grow!
Beth says:
So not surprised! Can’t wait to meet them!
Beth
misty says:
I am so excited for your family.
A little jealous too. 🙂 I waver between wanting kids or not. Most days I don’t…my husband already has 2 from a previous marriage and has no desire for more. Although most days I do not want a child, even on those days adoption could open up that desire.
Congratulations!
Nicole @ Here's The Diehl says:
CONGRATS! So excited for your family. And praying for you, too…
RaD says:
Wow! We are so thinking about adoption right now and know it’s God. I think it’s great you’re on that track too. I always thought I would adopt not have my own kids but my husband wanted it differently. Now we have two of our own and he originally wanted five. He mentioned adoption not too long ago and I agreed. There are so many questions and what ifs streaming through my head right now. I’ve actually been reading another blog of a woman and her pastor husband who have adopted ten kids from all over the globe and totally know I was lead to that blog to answer many of my questions and sit in awe of God and how he makes things work.
Right now however, we are only in the prayer part of it asking for direction on what needs to be done before we take our first steps. God has been showing what needs to go, what needs to stay, what routines and things we like will change, etc. We are so excited AND here’s the kicker. A week after we had our conversation, my children both came to me at separate times and asked why we can’t bring home kids that have no mommies and daddies to live with us. Well, there you go, if that’s not confirmation, I don’t know what is. So yeah, our kids are totally on board too.
Thanks for sharing this! It meant a lot to me!
Erin says:
YAYAYAYAYAYYYYYYYY!!!!!!
And thanks for the encouragement that God is at work on our hearts at different times. The time is not now for us, but it is coming. I think about the child who will look nothing like us, but will be completely and utterly ours. Thanks for the reminder that God wants our hearts, not just our dollars.
Buechner says it this way: “The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet.” Releasing children from poverty is definitely your deep gladness. Honored to learn from you, Shaun!
Kelly @ Love Well says:
The kingdom comes….
So excited for you and Becky and your three children. You are an incredible encouragement, Mr. Groves.
Liz says:
Congratulations! We have 2 couples in our church adopting from Ethiopia through Gladney and I have a girlfriend in Tennessee who is also going through Gladney for an Ethiopian adoption (with her husband, of course). So many beautiful, amazing kiddos there!
kristi johnson says:
We’re a family on our SECOND adoption from Ethiopia and with 4 bio kids already…we could have easily said, “We’re done”…but I love God’s plan..and seriously..HIS Plan has been the most amazing, wonderful ride of our life…The best decision we ever made…to trust and GO FOR IT!! 🙂 God has blessed us indeed…guess that’s why we’re headed back again! congrats, kristi
Ann Voskamp says:
So you’re expecting! It looks perfect on you.
For a myriad of reasons — this post may change my life, Shaun. So I *pray.*
God, come by here.
All’s grace,
Ann
Matthew W says:
I, for one, am a recent college grad who has no current marriage prospects and no way to support myself or anyone else. But once I’ve entered the right season to adopt, I would love to.
But back to the post… congratulations! Or… Yay! Or whatever you’re supposed to say when someone decides to adopt. ;-D
Leighton says:
Congratulations to you and your family!
We’re in the process of adopting from Ethiopia, so this was thrilling news to read.
I loved the point you made about how simple all of this is at its core, and that’s what drove the decision for our family.
Can’t wait to hear more of your story as it unfolds.
stacie says:
What exciting news!….as a mom who has 3 bio and one adopted and one in paperwork, my biggest encouragement is to say…that the bio kids will be ALRIGHT! 🙂 God has showed so much to us thorugh how our kids brought in, loved and and sibling’d up our newest little one….God speed on oyur paperwork and Congratualtions! It is a journey worth walking…
shayne says:
(Warning: this will be a long comment)
How weird is this? First: Congratulations, I am very excited for you and your family.
Second: When I was a kid…like 10 or 11, I used to dream about opening up a shelter for runaways. It would be a place where they could get healing, and their parents could find healing, and restoration would happen.
Well, reality kicked in and I never followed that dream. My husband and I had 2 kids and we always talked about how when they left the nest, we’d like to be foster parents. Never talked serious about it, just sort of day-dreaming. Now my kids are on their way out, and my daughter befriends an 18 year-old boy who was in the foster care system. He was turned out by his foster family when he turned 18, but he’s still in school.
So…here we are. We are not a rich family…we are paycheck to paycheck…but we can do something. We can provide food and shelter and well, a place for this kid. It’s been scary (God how do we feed another kid…how do we help him understand You love him etc…), but he’s a sweet kid and then I read this post and oh my I’m rambling, but perhaps…perhaps…God is re-awakening something I had completely forgotten about.
All that to say…we’ll be praying too.
JavaJoy says:
Good for you Shayne! God has been speaking to me for the past 20 hours about this post but I can’t quite decipher what He is saying. Your comment is making it little clearer. thanks 🙂
Melody Joy King says:
Wow! Congratulations! My husband and I have been married a little over a year and both came into our marriage with the desire to adopt. I am really looking forward to hearing about your journey and the ways that God opens doors and hearts along the way. Many blessings to you and yours Shaun, these are exciting times! :0)
Molly Piper says:
Wow, you take a day off the internet and look what happens! 🙂
This is great news, Groves crew! Thrilled for all of you, and for whatever child/children He has chosen to be in your number.
Roberta says:
Oh yes things will be changing and for some change is scary but I always try to find change as an Adventure! Congratulations on your next BIG, GREAT ADVENTURE! You and your family are in our prayers. Fondly, Roberta & Kevin
Julie says:
I’m so excited for your family! I’m definitely in the second camp, and so I am praying the Lord soften my husband’s heart toward adoption. In the mean time, I am doing what I can for the “too little.” My favorite thing is that I do home studies for adopting families. I am so blessed to help loving believers share the gospel with new-to-them children! Congratulations! I can’t wait to see how God blesses your obedience.
Amanda says:
Congratulations to you and your family! We’ve said yes to adoption as well, and are seriously considering all the options at domestic agencies. It’s all so confusing and overwhelming that by late last night, I asked myself, “What am I even doing?” I wondered why I was bothering when we have three kids already and we’re completely satisfied with our lives. Your post today spoke to my heart. Brian’s question resonated deeply, and I remembered WHY we felt pressed to pursue this process in the first place. Not because babies are awesome (which they are) and not because kids are the most incredible of God’s blessings (which they are), but because we LONG to follow the Lord with all we are and with all we have and to yield our whole selves to His will. Your honesty brought be back to reality, so thank you.
I don’t know a lot about this group, but they were referred to me by someone who recently adopted through them. They have very competitive pricing, even on their International programs (including Ethiopia): http://www.adoptionassociates.net/international/ethiopia/
Amanda says:
What exciting news! Congratulations!! We’ve said yes to adoption, and we’re presently trying to navigate the confusing world of domestic agencies and policies and expenditures and so on. Things felt so overwhelming just last night that I asked myself why we were doing this. We have three amazing children, our lives are comfortable, we are richly blessed. Your honest post — and Brian’s question, in particular — brings it all back into focus. So, thank you.
In my searching, I came across this group that seems to have very competitive rates for International adoption (and they work in Ethiopia). I’m not personally familiar with them, but they were referred by someone who just adopted with them. Blessings to you all as you take the next step(s)…
http://www.adoptionassociates.net/international/ethiopia/
Sarah says:
I just wanted to start by saying I LOVE the family photo! I don’t think I’ve ever seen a picture of your whole fam & I love it 🙂
Also, I feel a “congratulations” is in order… like someone else said, you’re expecting & it looks great on you! 🙂
Everyone’s called to help the orphans & widows, and this is an amazing way to do it! Thanks for sharing your passion & conviction!
Jessi Trigger says:
Shaun… I’m so thrilled for you guys! This is wonderful! Joel and I will be praying for you, Becky, and kids as you walk in obedience. We’ll find out in April if Joel is accepted at RTS. If so, we’d love to connect with you when you’re in Orlando in June!
BeckyB says:
I’m thrilled to hear your news and really thankful that you took the time to articulate what went into getting to this point. Such good, honest help for others in the same spot. I’ve linked to you often on our blog and want you to know I respect you so much! Praying God’s richest blessings as you move toward bringing your child home!
Becky
Adoption Ministry of YWAM Ethiopia
Heather says:
We’ve already adopted, it was final almost 2 years ago. But I’m kind of a #1 up there, anyway–we think we’ll adopt again (Well, foster care which might lead to adoption), I want to again, but right now just doesn’t seem like the right time to do it. When will the right time be? Well, I can tell you about 6 practical points as to when I’ll know. But really, I could go unpractical in a heartbeat if it was clear to me that God was saying “NOW, Heather!”
Blessings on the process for your family.
Jason says:
Congrats, Shaun.
Heather Mitchell says:
Congratulations! We have had our Ethiopian girl, Chally, home for 10 months today. Amazing journey and you will never imagine how God will use your journey for His glory. Our God is an absolutely amazing God.
Annie L. says:
Awesome!! I hope to share that same news in our lives soon!! 🙂
sara varghese says:
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Lesley says:
Congratulations! This is fabulous news. We are in process to adopt twins from Ethiopia and we have three bio children. It is a hard process but God is faithful. I’m looking forward to hearing about/seeing your brown-eyed kids.
Janera says:
Yea, us too. Who woulda thought it?
Meliski says:
Congratulations! Just when you think you have patience and faith enough to face ANYTHING you set out on the long and character-building road of adoption. 🙂
My husband are currently on the same journey with you, just a few steps ahead. I am no famous speaker/songwriter, just your average wife/mom/Probation Officer/Rock Back Superstar but I keep a blog too. If you want to take a peek, you are welcome to. Just click on the “Adoption” tab to see where we are in the process.
Welcome to the club and I pray God will bless your family mightily through this experience!
Leeann Ward says:
I’m so excited for you. From reading this blog, I pretty much knew this would happen, though I’m surprised that it’s probably more than one for you guys. How wonderful.
My husband and I made the decision that we’d adopt before we ever got married. I was adopted and my husband was raised by a stepfather that he considered his father. So, it’s a no brainer for us. We’re not quite to the point of adding children to our life yet, but when we do, we plan to adopt two siblings.
My husband is an immensly good man, but not a Christian, but he’s even more fervent about adoption than I am somedays.
Leeann says:
People may have already said this (can’t go through all 108 comments to be sure), but I’m not surprised. I knew from the beginning of reading your blog that you’d be announcing this someday.:) Congratulations! How exciting.
We plan to adopt. We’ve known it since even before we were married. I was adopted and my husband was raised by a stepfather who he considered to be his father. We’re not ready to add children to our family yet, but when we do, we plan to adopt two siblings.
My husband is not a Christian, but he’s an immensely good man and he’s even more fervent about adoption than I am.
Amy W. says:
I’m so excited for your family. We, too, finally took the plunge into the adoption world. It feels good to finally be in the water! We’re also adopting from Ethiopia and aren’t far behind you in the process. Who knows? Maybe we’ll bump into you in a year. 🙂
Amy W. says:
I’m so excited for your family. We, too, finally took the plunge into the adoption world. It feels good to finally be in the water! We’re also adopting from Ethiopia and aren’t far behind you in the process. Who knows? Maybe we’ll bump into you in a year. 🙂
And, hey, we have a connection with your friend Brian.
Christine says:
Thrilled and excited and praying for you. Much as I’d love a family adoption is not for me as I’m single and wouldn’t choose to bring up a child or children alone (although I think single parents are awesome in what they accomplish), but glad for your family’s open hearts.
gretchen says:
Congratulations!! We adopted from Ethiopia almost 2 years ago – – as a matter of fact, we stayed with Brian and Amy at the Ethiopia Guest House while they were there with their family!
Get ready for an exciting ride!!
Teresa says:
As an adoptive mother (domestic adoption), I have tears streaming down my face. To know that the children God gives you will have a loving Christian home with a forever family brings my heart such joy! I will be praying for you as you travel this path, and can’t wait to hear about the day you bring them home! God bless you all!
Jill Wade says:
SOOOO stinkin’ excited for your family and in a strange way, for my family, too! You all are now part of the Buckner Ethiopian Family! Looking forward to following your journey!
Jason says:
Many blessings to you and your family for serving God in such an awesome way as adopting.
Melanie Kirk says:
I have read the note and all the posts. I have to say I am so excited for you both and your kids too! Becky is contrary to believe NOT A SAINT, but she never does anything without prayer and careful petition. I say careful petition, but I am not saying she isn’t brave. She is the bravest and most honest person I know. She always the first down the mountain. I have thought about adoption a lot. I am just not sure it is for us or not. We are so old as an adoption specialist in Houston said. My husband is older than I. I definitely have been intrigued. I got my heart broken in Guatemala- no excuse, but I had my heart set and the Hague Treaty happened. Maybe I may take another look once my health is for sure ironed out. We will take another look, but it is a brave step.
jeff says:
Shaun,
I just recently started following your blog. I am glad to have stumbled upon it. My family and I enjoy how you share your heart for Christ and His Kingdom in the many different things you do. Thank you for your faithfulness.
As an adoptive dad, my heart is filled with a deep joy and gratefulness for your family’s willingness to allow God to use you in writing redemption stories for orphaned children. My wife and I (and our one biological son) have adopted two sibling groups (3 & 6) in the last four years (internationally (Liberia) and out of foster care) and understand the joy and blessing as well as the difficulty and struggle that comes. Grace, strength, wisdom, courage, and peace on you, your bride, and your children as you welcome them home, walk through the healing, and write redemption stories with God.
Sam says:
My wife and I are in Ukraine and have adopted three kids. Our decision to adopt came about when we hosted a 15 yr old boy over Christmas, he then asked us to adopt his friend and room mate also 15 and we said yes. Then we find that his friend has a 14 yr old sister. Why not……Three great kids who will soon be on their way home with us in the USA. Happy for you!