And the journey begins....

Dear Friends and Family,

We hope that we find you all well.  The change of the season has been welcomed and long awaited as the winter comes to a close and the beauty of spring begins.  I can’t help but look around and see all the wonders that God has strategically placed in our immediate surroundings.  We are truly blessed to live in a country where we are able to enjoy these privileges.  Every day I give praise to our Savior for all that he has provided me through his grace and mercy.  All of our basic needs are provided for far beyond what is necessary for survival.  Our God is an amazing God.

It is at this point that we would like to introduce you to a very special little person. Most likely this individual does not know of the warm and loving embrace of a mother or father.  He or she does not know what it feels like to be kissed and tucked in at night.  He or she does not live in a loving, caring, safe home.  He or she is lacking in proper medical attention and nutrition.  He or she is a child.  A child that will never know what it is like to thrive and flourish in a loving Christian home if it weren’t for America World Adoption Agency. 

Currently Nic and I are in the process of adopting an orphan from Ethiopia.  You may ask “Why Ethiopia when there are so many children in America suffering?”  Currently in Ethiopia there are 4.3 million orphans.  There are more orphan children in Africa than care givers that can provide for them.  It is not uncommon for children to be abandoned and left to defend for themselves.  However, due to poverty, disease and lack of resources many of these children do not survive.   

Religion that God Our father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.

James 1:27

When God first put adopting a child on our hearts, my first thought was: What if it were my child?  Wouldn’t I want someone to take Jaxon or Evelynn in and give them hope and a future?

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” 

Jeremiah 29:11

God has given Nic and I the loving capability to take in a child who is not biologically ours and through his grace and strength give this child a future with a family who loves them as much as if we birthed them ourselves.  But we can’t do this alone.  We need your prayers for continued strength during this long and at times emotionally and financially draining process.  In addition to your prayers, any financial contributions would be appreciated beyond measure. 

We are looking forward to this journey of bringing home our son or daughter.  As we continue on we will keep you updated with any progress.

God Bless.

Nic, Nicole, Jaxon and Evelynn Ayres