The Benefits of Being Adopted by God

Recently, Jason and I FINALLY finished our first daughter’s adoption. It has been a long, tedious, expensive, process that at times, we wondered would it ever end. Even through the process, she never failed to be our daughter. We never failed to treat her like a daughter, love her unconditionally, and show no difference between her and our biological children (her siblings). However, deep down, we ALL knew that something was different and missing. She could not enjoy all the privileges of being a natural-born child, or even a legally adopted child. Mainly, she could never travel with us, as getting a passport and American citizenship is something only granted to natural-born, or legally adopted children, not those with legal custody.

This process has taught me so much, but one lesson is the truth about what being adopted into God’s family really means. During the last 11 years, we have unconditionally loved Raquel, but we all knew that a piece was missing. I imagine that is how God feels about his children. Even those who have not chosen to be adopted into his family. He still loves them as a child, but they are missing out. They are missing out on the privileges that come with adoption. They aren’t missing out on the love, care, and protection, but they are missing out on the bonuses- and with God, those bonuses are even better than a trip to the states or Costa Rica- it’s eternal life, grace, and mercy- things we cannot fully understand.

For all of those who have walked this journey of adoption with us for almost 11 years, we thank you for the prayers, support, and encouragement during the frustrating times. We are so thankful that God allows us to be Raquel’s parents and we are thankful for all that he has taught us through her life. We have said this from the beginning,God has blesses our family with her and we have definitely received more than we deserve!

So, as we are TOTALLY rejoicing that we’ve finished this HUGE step in our family’s goals, it’s also causing me to rejoice with an even deeper appreciation of what being adopted into God’s family means- I’ve (and you too!), got some GREAT privileges waiting for me! 

Grupo Alpha - the base of a good start with God.

Over the last couple of years, one of our ministries that has grown and is making a mark in our church is Grupo Alpha - our preteen group. This group of kids are HUNGRY for God’s word. They have LOTS of good questions. They also love to play and serve! 

Another cool thing about this age is their readiness to invite their friends to the group. Because of this, we usually have about 10 community kids that arrive each week. This group is growing not only in numbers, but it is so cool to watch them learn God’s truths in a fun way. Plus, who doesn’t love to do fun outdoor activities with Mr. Jason!? 

Raquel is in her last year of this group, and this is what she has to say about Grupo Alpha:

“I like Alpha because we can learn more about Jesus and we can spend time with each other. We also receive good advice from my dad, Mr. Jason, how to fix our mistakes and not fall into the same problems again. We also get to help other people, like when we go to the nursing home. I also like how we can invite people that have problems and help them overcome them.”