Why the Congo?

One question that I've heard several times is why we would choose to adopt somewhere else in the world when there are so many children here in the U.S. that need to be adopted? So I thought this would be a good place to voice our heart.

I believe that all orphans no matter where they are from should have a family that loves them and cares for them. I don't think it is a domestic vs. international adoption debate. It isn't "either/or" it is "both/and" (to quote my big brother)! Children here in the U.S. need to be adopted just as much as those around the world. However, I think God directs each of us and places different issues on our hearts so that we can use that passion to bring attention to others and ultimately bring glory to our Saviour.

I have learned so much through this journey and my eyes have been opened so much more to things that I had no idea even existed in our world. When I started reading about the Congo, I came across this information about the DRC:

• At war from 1999-2003
• 1500 people die per day in the DRC due to the conflict
• 5.4 million people have died since 1998 due to conflict, hunger and disease
• Deadliest conflict since WWII
• Malaria kills 400 children a day
• The sexual violence against women and female children is the worst anywhere in the world
• Children are stolen from families; boys are forced to serve as child soldiers, and girls are forced to be sex slaves
• There are over 5 million orphans in the DRC

We decided to adopt from the Congo because we believe that is the direction God is leading us. We see the opportunity we have to make a difference in a child's life who otherwise could possibly be forced into sex slavery or forced to become a child soldier. We hope to bring the number of orphans in the DRC down to 5 million -1 and one less orphan in this world!

Hannah