If you’ve been around this blog much the past months, you know our family is adopting a child from Japan.
Yesterday, we got on a plane and headed out of Juneau. After a few plane rides, we will never travel again as a family of five. With an overnight in Los Angeles, we’re on our way to Japan.
Already we’ve faced some uncertainty. And by some, I mean a mountain seemingly the size of Mt. Everest and K2 wrapped into one with beady red eyes and sharp claws threatening to rip us to shreds at any moment. That doesn’t mean it’s been all bad though.
- Administrative Pressures. The red tape and bureaucracy is enough to make you scream. On the Japanese side, on the U.S. side—we have spent days filling out forms (not even mentioning applying for grants). It has been confusing and stressful as we navigated the labyrinth. Thankfully, my wife is so knowledgeable and wise with resources, but even so, the uncertainty of whether we did things correctly, when we would hear back, what the decision would be. It can make you a wreck, but we are all set on this side with appointments set for our time in Japan.
- Cultural Pressures. Most people don’t think of Japan when the topic of international adoption comes up. With only around 30 adoptions a year, it’s still a bit of a taboo in their country where family and bloodlines are still such an important consideration for much of society. If a child isn’t adopted by 6 (our guy is turning 5 next month), they have to stay in the system until they time out then they’re on their own. According to my understanding, they are essentially marked as without a family which comes into play as even potential employers check family registries. Fighting that cultural tide though is not an easy thing.
- Financial Pressures. Japan is one of the most expensive places to adopt from, but God didn’t lay it on our hearts because it was easy. It was because it was on His heart. I have been overwhelmed by the response of this online community, our family, our congregation, our city, total strangers, acquaintances… You’ve enabled us to walk out this miracle and I believe it will be credited to you in eternity. The uncertainty is still there to a degree, but we are going and standing until we see the salvation of our God.
Like any faith endeavor, there has been tremendous amounts of uncertainty which causes pressure, but the joy has been accessible through all of it. We have held in our hearts a little boy who will have a family for the first time. We have held a vision of a family that will be expanded in love and care and the grace of God.
I guess if we attempt to follow Jesus, the pattern has been established. For the joy set before Him, He endured the cross, scorning its shame… (Hebrews 12:2). Those uncertainties you walk through could lead to fear if you lose our vision.
For us, what we have held in our hearts we will soon hold in our arms and no matter how difficult the road has been getting here or what it will be going forward, there’s no room for anything but unspeakable joy.
What your “joy set before” you right now? How do you keep it front and center when fear and doubt try to knock you down?
14 Comments
“…With an overnight in Los Angeles, we’re on our way to Japan…” totally off topic but oh my but what a long trip!
I would have thought that you could fly straight fro Alaska to Japan.
I pray you are all doing well Jason. Can’t wait to see the first of many family pictures!
God be with you!
Ingrid recently posted.."Jefferson Bethke on "why I HATE Religion but LOVE JESUS"
We’ll be excitedly updating, Ingrid! No worries about that.
thanks so much.
My joy right now are the two mission trips I’ll be taking this year -- one to Czech and one to Romania. Leading trips like these are always a TON of work. I mean, I’ve already been planning the trip to Czech (it’s in July) and have an initial meeting for the Romania trip on Friday (it’s in October). Planning can get difficult and frustrating and the money never comes in early…but it’s always worth it.
Jason Vana recently posted..Capturing Your Dream
I’ve never had to organize a trip like that myself, but I can understand the intense amount of work! It’s an awesome thing you’re doing, Jason. Praying for wisdom, grace, & finances to meet every need. Blessings sir!
My “joy set before” is a beutiful wedding. I am single, and ever since a little kid a have dream of having a lovely husband and beutiful kids.
The waiting has been long, and the fear and doubts have been frequent visitors.
Very cool, Maria. Thanks for sharing!
Continuing to pray for you guys Jason! Praise God that we can joy no matter what!
Kevin Martineau recently posted..Do you appreciate your spouse?
Amen to that an thanks so much for your prayers, Kevin!
I try to make my joy in HIm, if we don’t have that, we don’t have anything. I’ve tried it the other way and it just doesn’t work. With the pressures of life, may we be pressed closer to HIm.
I’m praying for you guys, God bless you.
floyd recently posted..MERMAID MAN
The joy of the Lord is our strength for sure! He takes joy in fulfilling His purposes in and through us. Thanks so much, Floyd. Blessings!
oh, i’m so glad i ended up over here today! brings back so many memories of our trip to russia almost 8 years ago. praying for you and for all the details to be worked out. it is amazing the spiritual warfare you meet while going through the adoption process, and how God fights the battle to bring these orphans into their new families. the joy is in knowing that He DOES have the final say, the final victory. and that victory is ours, as well.
blessings to you!
steph
HopeUnbroken recently posted..ivory keys::the sounds of joy
Amen and amen! That is great encouragement, Steph. Thank you so much for sharing.
Just ran across your blog. We have 2 children adopted from Japan. We adopted our daughter as an infant but our son was 3 1/2 years old. I am in touch with many adoptive parents but none who have also adopted a toddler. Just wanted to reach out to your family. We have been through the “red tape” twice and know exactly what you’re going through. Hopefully you have a facilitator helping you on the Japan side? Would love to be in touch.
Eryn, this is so great! Wonderful to meet you. I saw your friend request on Facebook and we would love to stay in touch with you. Love making these connections.