Our Puzzling Journey to Build a Wall

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Dear Friends and Family (Or any other Godsent individual that is willing to be a part of our story),
We have written this letter in many drafts, being self-conscious of length (too much…not enough), and being filled with doubts (“nobody is going to care about this”). It is a bit lengthy, but a good story gives many details.

October of 2011 God called us to adopt a deaf child and promised us that he would provide all we needed if we walked in obedience. In researching for this task we started peeling away at the many confusing and intimidating layers of adoption. As the fear and doubt crept in, God delivered 2 messages that would allow us to persevere. One message was a sermon by our friend about listening to what God called you to do and being confident he had equipped you to overcome the giants that you were undoubtedly going to face. In a solidifying act we asked him to pray with us. His prayer was impactful and we know that God honored it. The words he prayed that night are words we have prayed over and over since that day: “Open the doors that need to be opened and close any doors you see fit to close.” We have seen God slam so many doors and lock them tight, but when he allows a door to be opened, it is wide.

The other message came during some quiet time with God. Nehemiah Chapter 3 talks about the building of a great wall. The wall was started by one set of individuals, but it took many people contributing their time, talents, and resources from their portion of the land to complete the entire wall in all of its greatness. Our future son represents the wall that our family has been called to build. We need the prayers, time, talents, and resources of those around us, not only to bring him home, but to prepare him for God's calling on his life.

We are in the beginning stages of our home study process. This is where a social worker educates us in adopting and evaluates that we are fit to adopt. We have spent months praying and seeking God on a decision about where to adopt from. We continue to pray diligently as a family, from the 32 year old all the way down to the 4 year old; and we believe God desires for us to leave our hearts open to location. Our social worker is great and is willing to work in whichever direction God calls us. This has been the best lesson in spiritual growth for every single one of us. It is amazing what God has revealed in just this short time and we anticipate an even larger amount of individual and family growth through this process.

We’ve been praying, pinching, saving, and sacrificing in order to get the ball rolling. And once our home study is approved we will also be eligible to apply for adoption grants. We have also had friends step up with great honor to help us fulfill our destiny. The fact that we are starting the home study process is a huge milestone, because 9 months ago, even that small step seemed impossible. But there is so much more that needs to happen before the wall is built. Our family humbly asks you to participate in one of our greatest journeys yet. We are deeply depending on God to miraculously make this happen, but he has already mandated that we cannot attempt this alone. We would like to extend an invitation for you and your family to joyfully partner with us and help bring our son into our arms. Adoption is a life-altering charge, given by God, and not one that everyone feels called to do, but we believe (and pray) many will come together and join us on the journey to make an eternal impact on this child’s life.

We want everyone to know that we are financially secure enough to support the needs of our son once he is in our care(The U.S. will not approve us to adopt otherwise), but God is pruning our pride and showing us that we can’t fulfill his call unless we include others. We came across an interesting fundraiser idea called a Puzzle Piece Fundraiser. We thought it was such a unique and special idea, because our son will get to have a visual reminder of all the love, support, and effort it took to bring him here.

This is how it works: We purchased 10/ 100 piece Marvel Heroes puzzles and are "selling" each of the puzzle pieces for a $10 donation. Instead of actually purchasing the puzzle pieces, though, it's more of a sponsorship. Each puzzle piece will be representative of a $10 donation. When the puzzles are complete, we will frame them and create a collage. Since the back will be covered, we’ve opted to write your names on printed puzzle pieces instead of on the back of the actual puzzles. Then we are going to create a keepsake scrapbook for him. That way, in the future, he can look back at the names of all the people who cared enough to help bring him home to his forever family.

This is something we are perfectly okay with sharing with the world. Pass this message along to whomever you believe would be interested in being part of the Operation Megatron Team (Our journey page explains the name. ) This is something that can be done by individuals, families, a group of friends, an organization, or anyone else that has a heart for adoption…the sky is really the limit.

Sponsorships can be made 2 ways: Online - https://www.smartypig.com/loves/operationmegatron OR Mail – Benjamin and Kathy Loo P.O. Box 1041 Pikeville, NC 27534

We very much need your prayers, as well as your talents and resources if you want to contribute to this journey in alternative or extra ways. You may also contact us or follow our story at https://www.facebook.com/operationmegatron OR  http://beesandbears.blogspot.com
We are hoping to add a tax deductible option for sponsors in the future, but due to the stage of adoption we are in currently, it is not available. We are truly grateful to you for experiencing this with us.
Sincerely, Ben, Kat, Peanut, AJ, and Boom