Here we go!

This is Ken.  I though it would be appropriate for me to start this blog with a few thoughts on, "Why?"  I know some of you are wondering if we've lost our minds... that we're acting prematurely, swept up in the moment.  DeAnna and I have been together for 12 years.  Ever since I've known her, her heart has been on the suffering of children.  Hunger, neglect, and abuse of children have weighed heavy on her heart every day.  We've been on a long road to address that need with organizations such as Feed the Children, Smile Train, Sumaritan's Purse and Compassion International.  Along the way, I have come to some personal conclusions about fatherhood.  First, I think that being a dad to my children, raising them, shepherding them, is what God put me here to do.  It gives me more satisfaction than anything else I've ever done in my life.  Secondly, I believe that many of the things that are wrong in our society can be traced back to the father... abusive fathers, fathers who abandon their children, fathers who are never there.  So, I think that the greatest gift I could ever give a child is to be his father.  I love my children, and I'm told I do a pretty good job.  Add to this the fact that both DeAnna and I have for some reason always pictured our family to include four children.  We are both the youngest of four, so I guess it just seems natural.  Now, I'd also like to point out that, in my opinion, adoption is a calling.  I believe that we are all called (or will be called) in different ways.  You know it when it happens.  I think we're pre-wired for it, and it just seems natural.  Not everyone will adopt, nor should everyone adopt.  But I do feel that we should all help in some way, and that's part of the reason for this blog.  I know that as friends and family of this as-yet unchosen future Horton (who is most likely alive and kicking this very second) we can all lend a hand in the process.  I also want to mention that I'm initially opposed to the idea of a blog about adoption.  I believe it's wrong to stand on the street corner and pray out loud so that everyone will look at us.  I know none of you would ever think that we're doing this because it makes us look good.  So the intent of the blog is just to allow all of you to join with us in this long and complicated process.  Adoption is truly such a beautiful picture.  I am so excited and so terrified!  We're turning in our paperwork tomorrow.  We will have a "home study" within a couple of weeks.  I will let DeAnna take the next post and let you all know what country we've chosen!