This is it!

We've officially put our toes into the big pool of adoption! After a lot of years of discussion and waiting for divine prompting, we got the "go ahead" shove from God and we find ourselves in application land!

If you're reading this, you probably know us and our connection to East Africa. We knew when Marlyss was born that we'd be returning to share Kenya with her at some point. We've talked about it as "someday" with the kids, but many things have always prevented it. A few months ago, dad mentioned that he was going next October, and why don't we join him? In the swirl of that decision came the nudge to go ahead an bring home some new VandenHoeks! As Kenya does not currently adopt internationally, we chose Uganda and Holt adoption agency. Their process is about a year and we're praying and hoping that some new kids could join us when we make our scheduled trip.

Yes, I'm saying "kids". We are applying and planning for 2, siblings! I don't think just one was ever a consideration. We want them to retain memories of who they are, where they've come from, want them to have someone else in the house that shares as many memories as possible. Plus, we always planned to have 4! We'll see where it goes, but we're praying that God brings us the two kids we need most.

We don't know all the challenges that face us, we have a good idea, but the process is completely new to us. We do know that what God wants, He brings about, so we're mentally sitting back to enjoy the show! We have a list of needs and wants for this next year, and are praying very specifically for each of them. Our faith step is waiting to see how those needs are going to play themselves out where we are pretty powerless to help ourselves! Ahhh, just where God wants us! :) When God gives the go-ahead, I'll share those needs. In the meantime, you can pray for the process, our current kids, and our kids-to-be!