The reason for the title

Many of you already know how this journey all began...for you - we will talk more tomorrow, but for those who do not know how this began, here is the story of how we got to Colombia and now have Carlos.

About 5 years ago, my heart felt a prick to open our home of boys to yet another. I felt that we enjoyed so many boy activities with our family, and could be a blessing to another little boy. I remember fishing up in Canada in the summer of 2006 and found myself praying for a little child -that I did not know- and for the life experiences he may be having. Craig & I received a Bethany packet, but I felt overwhelmed with the content. It laid under our bed for years. I remember seeing Scott & Beth VanOosten @ Russ' Restaurant with their newly adopted daughter and feeling the excitement with them of bringing a child into their home. I remember when our friends Jeff & Kelli Scheffers began their journey, and feeling excited for them, but also the continued prick that God was leading us, as well, to do more. We were able to spend much time with the Scheffers and enjoyed watching their new son find his place in his forever home.

Fast forward....Last October, I was driving to work, & found myself praying that we could make a difference in this world. I knew that God wanted us to do something more, but didn't know what. I prayed specifically "God please place this boy at our front door step". Two weeks went by and while we were at church, that prayer was answered. I was talking to Jeralyn- a woman in our church (who also was a teacher for one of our boys). She had just adopted 2 beautiful little girls from Colombia the week before, and had just returned home from her stay in Colombia. I congratulated her and she introduced us to 2 shy little girls - Angie & Judi. -By the way--no longer shy with us!! Then she said the words that I will never forget. "THEY HAVE A BROTHER"....The tears started to flow, Craig was standing close by, and when he saw what was going on, he stepped over and I said the same words..."They have a brother". His response was "o.k., lets do this".

We went home and called our families. When my sister heard this, she started to cry. The day before, while she was cleaning her house, she felt the Holy Spirit prompt her to pray for our family. She prayed for wisdom for the Wenke's because they were about to make a decision for their family. When we heard that, we knew God wanted us to work to get Carlos into our home.

Over the next 8 months, we worked on paperwork. We also were able to fall in love with 2 brown eyed girls who now call us "Tio & Tia" -Aunt and Uncle. They were able to talk with Carlos and encourage him that a family was coming for him as well. That being said, 8 months felt like forever as we anticipated meeting him.

Here we are in Colombia finishing up the final paperwork and looking forward to bringing our now 4 sons home to begin life as a family. We can see that God had this in His great plan for us and for Carlos. This is the reason for the title...God's Plan.