How is it possible?

I am amazed at the idea that you can miss someone you've never met. I don't know how it is even possible, but I really miss my daughter today. I do every day, but today I just missed her to the point of tears. Kampala, Uganda is 8 hours ahead of us here in Greenville, so I was constantly calculating what the orphanage might be doing. With a biological child, you know from the moment of conception everything they are doing. With Joseph, I read so many books and knew the stage of development of every week of the pregnancy. With Charlotte, I grieve the moments I am missing, but have perfect peace that God is holding her even while I can't.

I love the fact that I get to hear Pastor Rob speak on Wednesday nights during choir practice, Sunday mornings for sermons, and also as my Sunday School teacher. God knows that it takes me a few times of hearing something before it gets through. It gives me a few days to ponder on the Scripture, and also hear a message a couple of different ways. This week, Rob spoke on John chapter 6, the feeding of the 5,000 using a little boy's snack. Other than the Resurrection, it is the only miracle recorded in each of the Gospels. His focus this week, however, has not been on the miracle itself, but on the perspective the disciples had on the obstacle before them. Philip, when asked by Jesus how to feed all the multitude, gives the practical answer that eight months wages would not feed them all. Jesus already knew how He would provide, but asked Philip to test him.

Well, I've had a few days to marinate on this Scripture. Jesus wanted to use the opportunity to teach His disciples that God is in control. It is a matter of perspective. Would the disciples be discouraged by the obstacle or glorify God for taking care of the obstacle?

So...my lesson...this adoption will cost eight months of my wages, so I see how overwhelming that amount is. But, am I going to be hung up on the enormity of the cost, or will I praise Him for the provision He hasn't shown yet? He already knows how He is going to make our miracle, he is simply asking me to trust Him with what I have (my loaves and little fishes) and I get the privilege of watching Him multiply it! Jesus asked Philip for a solution, when He already knew the outcome. Just as He knew how He would feed the multitude, He also knows how He will bring our daughter home.

I get to obey, knowing that God is in control of the large and small details. And when my daughter is home with her forever family, I get to share the story of His provision and faithfulness. I can think of no greater honor than to be a part of His plan!

Well, this sums it all up....

Everyone has been asking how the process is going.  Here is a t-shirt I need to order from www.adoptionbug.com

www.adoptionbug.com



Yep, that sums it all up...paperwork, research for paperwork, going through old paperwork for information for the new paperwork.  The state of SC wants to know information on everything we have ever done in our lives (the good, bad, and the ugly...) And it's not just paperwork for the adoption agency.  It's passport applications and immigration paperwork. 


It amazes me the love and support everyone has shown for us.  Charlotte is already one blessed and loved little girl! Thank you to all of you!  Several people have asked how they can help.  We will have fundraising information coming soon, along with ways to donate to our account through our agency.  Most of all, keep praying! 


In recent weeks, a judge in Uganda placed the stipulation on an adoption that the family must return to the country every 5 years with their adopted child.  This is an isolated incident and one that cannot be enforced.  However, it has spooked some families who were in the process of adopting and they are dropping out of the program.  Pray for this country-it is a dark part of the world, and children need forever families.  There are an estimated 2.5 MILLION orphans living in a country the size of Oregon. That is 20% of all children in that country.  One of them is our daughter. 

Meet the Kennetts!

We are the Kennett family....Charlie is my amazing husband, Joseph is our adorable 3 1/2 year old son, and I am Faith. 


There is someone missing from this picture....and our home.  We have a daughter and her name is Charlotte.  We have never seen her pretty eyes or heard her giggle.  I have never held her as she cries or put a bandage on her skinned knee. But she's out there, waiting for us, and we are waiting for her...

God placed the desire for adoption in my heart as a teen.  Later, after meeting Charlie, he revealed to me that God had planted that seed in his heart as well.  We were married 3 years when Joseph was born and we knew that any additional children would come to our family through adoption.

In recent months, we have discussed so many adoption opportunities: foster care, domestic, and international.  After much prayer and seeking God, He has led us to Uganda, Africa in our search for our daughter. 

Africa? Really?  Our daughter is in an African orphanage? How much will it cost?  How long will it take?  Do we even qualify to adopt from Uganda?  God spoke so clearly, and told us "She is Mine.  You are Mine.  Do you think this is too big for Me?" 

So we are going to Uganda.

It will be a long journey (about a year, we hope) and I am inviting you to join us. 

Join us in prayer:

• for our beautiful daughter and Joseph's sister
• for her caregivers
• our adoption workers stateside and in Africa
• for patience and peace
• for obstacles to be removed
• for the hefty price tag and God's provision
• for God to be glorified every step of the way