We’re almost nine months into our second year here, living in a house that is way too big for our family alone so we can work in adoption care. We’ve had one new missionary family and four adopting families stay with us so far, but we’ve been “empty” since the middle of February. We’re excited that another family is set to move in April 2nd, to finish out their fostering time here in Nicaragua.

But some other families did not stay with us, even though we had enough space for them. One of the main reasons why was money. Can I tell you how much I hate that reason?

I hate that I must ask these adopting families — who already have enough money stress in their lives trying to support two households for months on end — to contribute to our household expenses. I hate that I have empty rooms in my house, but must turn someone away because they can’t afford the cost. I hate that there are people out there who don’t think they can adopt a child from Nicaragua because of the expense of the in-country stay. I hate playing the game that was starting to feel more like a business and less like a ministry.

More specifically, we’ve decided to stop asking for money from our guests if they are here fostering a child for adoption. There is just too much going on during that time — from caring for a child who is essentially a stranger, to living in a developing country where you don’t speak the language or understand the culture — and we want to pour into their lives, not draw out of.

So starting today — as long as we are able — we will not let money get in the way of us housing any orphan and his or her new family. If they can contribute, and want to do so, great. But if not, equally great.

How is it all going to work? We’re not exactly sure yet, but feel certain it is the right course of action. Will it be challenging? Definitely, at least because of course this increases instead of decreases our monthly expenses. But the fact that we will no longer have to seek payment from families who are making lifetime commitments to orphans… is awesome… and so freeing!

Now, instead of playing the game of who owes who for rent and what not, we get to focus just on serving them. 🙂