The Chappells

"Steve, what should we do? this is moving a lot faster than we thought it would. If we accept these referrals we will need to come up with a lot of money in a short amount of time. This feels so crazy." This is an example of a conversation we had with Steve as we prayed and thought through those first few days after getting two precious photos of two little congolese children who were in need of parents. It was happening a lot faster than we had thought or been told to expect. But just as pregnancy often has it's surprises so did this process. I think what we were amazed by was the support and encouragement we were given not only by Steve and Joy but by the whole Commons church body. I remember everyone crowding around us at church as I showed off the latest photo updates of our future son and daughter. They were just as giddy as I was. And so we launched into a 6 month whirlwind of fundraising, paperwork, preparing, expecting, waiting, and excitement. All of which various church members were a part of. They believed God was going to do this. They didn't think we were crazy. They prayed for these babies they hadn't ever met before. They provided countless things that were needed for our trip over there.... I mean from formula, to baby bottles, to baseball hats, to coffee creamer.... they helped provide for this epic adventure we were about to embark upon. Once we were over there they sent encouraging Facebook messages and comments... they skyped with us, they prayed for us when things were difficult. They welcomed us ALL home with open arms, hugging and kissing and holding these newest Chappells, begging to serve in the nursery to get some time with them, and throwing us a welcome babies party!!! Still months later they all come up to us at church and want to hold a certain kid or let them sit with them in church. They have invested in our family as we know it now and are a part of what God has mightily done in the lives of these two children who once were homeless, hurting and helpless and are now a very important, very loved part of a forever family. "Dan, if God is doing this, which I believe He is... He will provide and He will do this!! You're not crazy.... you're being obedient to the Spirit." Dan sighed and smiled and said, "You're right Steve. He will do this. Thanks for listening to us. I'm going to let you go so I can call the agency and tell them that these two orphans are no longer orphans and they have parents who want them and are coming to get them as soon as we can!"