Why the Congo?

Several people have asked us recently why we chose to adopt from the Congo (DRC). Primarily, God has  lead us to adopting from the Congo through prayer and through opening the doors for us to adopt a child from there. Since His leading us to this decision, we've been learning more and more about the country, the effects of the great African War that has taken place there, and the horrific outcomes of the war(s).

One of the many consequences is a huge amount of orphans (5 million!!!), due to parent's deaths from war, desease, poverty, abandonment, and malnutrition. Eastern Congo especially is still tumultuous and has been deemed the worst place on earth to be a woman. It has been devastated by genocide, guerrilla warfare, rape, and child soldier practices. Of the over 5 million deaths that have resulted thus far from the wars, 50% of them have been children. As we learn more about this country, God further burdens our heart for the victims of the DRC, the children, and especially the orphans. I could go on and on about how God has led us to adoption and the beautiful symbol it is for what God has done for us: giving us a loving Father, hope, and a future. But bottom line answer to this question is-He has burdened our hearts for orphans, He has led us to the DRC and we believe He has a specific child in mind for our family and He has a great plan and hope for that child.

If you'd like to learn more abou the DRC check out some of these videos:

http://video.nytimes.com/video/2010/01/30/opinion/1247466767698/congo-s-forgotten-war.html

http://www.guardian.co.uk/news/video/2007/nov/02/congo?INTCMP=ILCNETTXT3486