Yesterday, I shared with you the big news about how the Shull family is expanding by one girl. Sweet Ashby London will be adopted from another country and a part of our family forever. Today, I’m going to post Andrew’s part of the testimony. God did not work on our hearts at the same time or the same way. We thought it was really important for you to hear both sides of our story. This is Andrew’s…
About three years ago, Shay brought up the whole thought of adoption. One Sunday, I was serving in the Children’s building (the reason why I never heard the sermon) at our church and she attended the service. That Sunday, our former pastor Jeff Warren spoke on the orphans in the world. With over 150 million orphans in the world, Jeff’s sermon was about how our generation has been called to action. James 1:27 says “Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you.” Has God called all of us to adopt? No. Just like he calls some to sell all they have and become missionaries in Asia, he has called some to stay here and fight the fight. God calls each of us to different mission fields and acts of service. On that Sunday, Shay had begun to hear God’s calling for our family.
After Shay and I got home that day, Shay mentioned how the message really moved her. She didn’t say anything about wanting to adopt in that moment, but over the course of the next few months, I could tell God was working on her. She ultimately told me that she felt like she had a desire to eventually adopt. I can imagine most of you think that I was totally open to the idea. Well surprise, surprise. I was 100% against it. Not because I didn’t think it was an awesome calling, but God had not yet called me at that point. I had no desire, not even a shred of conviction. Shay kept mentioning it over the course of the next 6 months and it became a major argument in our relationship. She felt so strongly and I had no feeling at all. So here is what we did. I told Shay that I would spend the next year in prayer about it and at the end of that year, I would let her know if God had changed my heart or if I still didn’t feel called.
So, I began praying.
I knew that if this was something God wanted me to do, He had some major work to accomplish. I was open to whatever God chose. About 6 months after I began searching God on the issue, I finally was able to diagnose one of my major problems. At that time, I viewed my love for my kids as 100%. Almost like I gave Kensington 50% and Smith 50%. My very limited understanding wouldn’t allow me move past this problem. I kept thinking, “I don’t have any more love to share”, and then God reminded me that the kind of love we should have for our children and orphans is the same He demonstrated for us on the cross. He daily gives each of us 100% of His love. I can give Smith 100%, Kensington 100%. Even though my time might be split, I can still give each of my kids the love they deserve. God had just laid the foundation.
Anyone who really knows me, knows that behind God and Shay, my kids follow right after in priorities. I tend to even put my family over things like sleep. If I have to work, I sometimes go back late at night, or usually every Saturday morning, I am at the office at 5:30 am because I don’t want to cut into family time doing the bookkeeping for my business. My love for my kids is deep.
One night (almost a year from our commitment to prayer), Shay and I were driving home from being out. With the kids in the backseat, we stopped at the grocery store so she could run in and grab a few things. As I waited for her, I noticed a man coming out of the store with his three daughters. Two were around 12 years old and one was around 6. The 6 year old had apparently been acting up, but instead of reacting in a way to discipline his daughter the man totally demeaned her in front of the store. So much so that her shoulders sagged her head dropped and she began to cry. Then instead of giving her a hug, the man turned with his other two daughters and began to walk away. God used this like a lightning bolt in my life. He had already shown me that I could love a third child. The fact that if Shay told me she was pregnant, I would have been excited. But right then and there, I began to cry. I realized that God had given me the ability to be a great dad. Not that I am perfect, nor that I don’t/will make mistakes, but I have and overwhelming desire to be a dad. What transpired in my mind that night was that God was telling me “Andrew, you think this is bad, there are boys and girls in the world who get treated much worse than this”. I realized at that moment that God was telling me something. He had over that 12 months, given me the desire that 12 months earlier, I had not had.
So, I wanted to break the news to Shay in the next few weeks. At that moment, we just began praying about the when. We were just open to the idea, and even though we said yes, we knew that ultimately God still might have other plans. So for about 6 months, we said yes and then waited.
About 2 months ago I began reading a book called Not a Fan. I have said it before, but I have read all of about .5 books since I was in college, and even then I never really read. But this book changed my life…especially, one part in particular. In Chapter 3, Dr. Rich Edwards tells his testimony of how God changed his life.
On February 10, 2006, I was in control of my life and I liked the direction things were going. I had a thriving chiropractic practice, two sons, and a devoted wife. On February 11, everything changed. I was heading out to my hunting cabin where I planned to meet up with friends and hunt wild boar. As I drove along I could see the effects from the severe drought we had been experiencing. Everything seemed to have dried up and died.
By the time I reached the road heading to the cabin, it was dark. As I turned, I missed the road and ended up in five feet of thick brush. I tried to free my truck by putting it in forward , then reverse repeatedly. The friction from that somehow ignited the brush. Within seconds the truck was a large torch. I reached for the door handle to escape but the electrical system burned out and I was locked inside. Seconds later the windows exploded. I don’t really know what happened after that, and I have no idea how I got out of the truck. The next thing I remember is walking down the road to the cabin telling myself over and over, “Don’t stop. Keep going.”
When I reached the cabin, my friends thought I was wearing some kind of three dimensional leafy outfit, but it wasn’t camouflage. It was shredded, charred skin. A mediflight helicopter took me to a burn unit where I was told I wouldn’t have much of a face left and that I would probably lose my sight as well as the use of my hands.
God put an absolute halt on my life. I was so busy being so successful; I was on such a fast track, that God was a part of my life but he was not the most important part. He was not on the throne of my heart or at the center of my universe. I was at the center. I don’t believe God caused the fire, but I believe God allowed it because he wanted to get my attention.
That was the part of the story where I stopped and woke up. I felt as though God wanted my attention and I felt all of the sudden like he was wanting me to act on the adoption. I have been so blessed in so many areas of my life. My family, my wife, my business, our wonderful community, …etc. There have been things that have happened in our lives that the only explanation is God. People ask how did that happen and all I can ever say is that God did it. What I sensed was God saying, “Andrew you are at a crossroads. You can sit on your heels for the next few years being comfortable (two kids, nice home, great business, 1 dog)and like Rich, I can grab your attention. Or you act on the adoption and get going.”
So, I did what any normal Christian would do. I didn’t do ANYTHING but told myself I would pray about it a little longer and tell Shay at the right time. God had other plans. Later that afternoon when I got back in the office, I was making sales calls and something happened I will never forget. God wanted my attention, he wanted me to get going. Go back to the story of Rich and his truck being fully engulfed in flames. That must have been a horrific sight. Then it happened… when I looked out my office to the parking lot 75 yards across the street, there was a pickup that had caught on fire and like Rich’s truck, was fully engulfed in flames. No one was inside thankfully, but needless to say God got my attention. In 32 years I have never witness God moving like this. After seeing this, I sat Shay down, told her what had happened and we started our adoption journey.
So I ask each of you readers, what is God calling you to do today? Could you be the one to step out on faith and adopt, go on a short term mission, go on an international mission trip, or just walk across the street and invite a neighbor to church? God wants your attention. Need a plan? Start by reading Not a Fan by Kyle Idelman.
christiking says
I love how you beautifully explained this calling in your family and how God can move mountains for His purpose. I think it's a blessing you are so open and using this platform you've been graced with to share. I think often people get envious wishing their spouse would jump on board so easily. Little do they know what went on if the details like this weren't shared. Congrats and can't wait to see your hearts and family grow!
Kelly Jo says
I'm so sad that I missed the announcement yesterday. Congratulations to all of you! I was adopted 25 years ago from another country. I feel very blessed that there are people like you and my parents in this world. Although times have changed, I'd be happy to answer any questions you may have.
Anonymous says
Wow, I absolutely loved waking up early on this Saturday to read this! Tremendous message that spoke to me. Many blessings to you.
Sheaffer {Pinterest Told Me To} says
Crying. Again. So well written Andrew. And so neat to see both of your journeys leading to your baby girl. Miss Ashby is already SO loved!
Anonymous says
That was an amazing testimony! What a great idea to post both of your sides on adoption. What a gift from God!
Tamara @ The Workout Mama says
Thanks so much for sharing. I loved being able to read more about this journey and the path God has brought you both on in the last few years.
Tonya says
Thank you for sharing this! I am so happy for your family! Thank you for sharing how you are stepping out in faith to God's calling! I have had that book for almost a year with the intention of reading it. I think I will start reading it today!
Jaren says
What a beautiful story about how God works in our lives. Beautiful message!
Blue-Eyed Bride says
This is such a beautiful, honest testimony that I know will touch so many hearts and lives. You truly are doing this because you were called, and I'm so excited to see how God blesses Ashby and the Shull family!
Bethany @ 3SonsPlus1 says
I happened here through a link on facebook and just had to leave a comment. First of all, Congratulations!! We are an adoptive family also, so I completely get where you're coming from. This was very well written, and I hope God uses it to stir and transform many more hearts! Blessings to you all! =)
Little Pink Rose says
Such a beautiful post to wake up to. As I shared in a comment to Shay, we adopted our Owen five years ago and I have seen God work in us in ways I didn't know was possible. Your story is beautiful and I'm so glad you're sharing it. What's the point in having a story if you don't share it. Thank you for sharing it with all of us. It's a beautiful one! Prayers for your family, all five of you.
Sarah E @ theteacherswife.com says
Thanks for sharing, Andrew! I love reading how God works on both hearts in His perfect timing to reveal His plan. So cool how he brings it all together perfectly!
Sarah E @ theteacherswife.com says
Thanks for sharing, Andrew! I love hearing how God worked on both of your hearts to bring about His plan in His perfect timing! So cool!
Vicki Sisson says
Shay and Andrew, I am so happy for your family all five of you.
Chris and I too have been talking about adoption, Chris is where Shay was and I am where Andrew is. I keep praying, I know God will tell me if/when the time is right.
Thank you so much for sharing our story and journey.
Hayley Chandler says
Thank you, Andrew, for such a powerful testimony of God working in your life. I needed this reminder today!!!
Paige says
Thank you both for sharing your testimony on adoption. I commented yesterday as well. I do believe God will move mountains when he calls us to what his desire is for us. We are in the thick of adjustments, effects of trauma from abandonment ect of our 2 girls and you are reminding me of our calling. As I read your testimony it brings to light ALL the many things God did in our lives to bring us where we are right now….the many times he spoke directly to my heart. I'd love for you all to read about how God chose our 2nd daughter for us, truly a miracle…seeing as we were not even thinking about adopting again haha and then he had her file strategically placed just for us. We started the process for Janie in Feb '11 and brought her home in March'12. In Dec '11 we had both commented that we were "ready to move on" with our lives since Madeline hadjust started Jr Kindergarten, now all 5 of our kids were school bound and I could breath a little. Makes me laugh out loud now as to how God must have shaken his head and said "yeah watch this you little planners:)"
I am so very happy for you all and thrilled to see a true willingness to follow Gods desires for your lives. You really have no idea of the enormous blessing his will bestow on your family….it is a beautiful place to see God!
Paige Wright
http://www.paige-foriknowtheplansihaveforyou.blogspot.com
Charity says
I knew I shouldn't have read this right before I had to teach a Piano Lesson! Tears are streaming down my face! What an AWESOME God we serve!!
Erin and Josh says
Thank you both for sharing your journey. So cool to hear how God is working!
The Bryan Family says
This was very moving! I'm in tears as I read it. Congrats to you and your family and we wish you guys the best as this journey continues.
Anonymous says
This is so crazy because a few months ago while I was reading one of Shay's blogs, I thought to myself- they give so much love to their kids, maybe one day they will want to give some more love and adopt a child! That little girl was supposed to be in your family all along but at least now it will be in God's timing being that you both have prayed and waited for the right time instead of having your own plans. Congrats!!!!!!! Now comes time for the patience of waiting to get her! But however long it takes is how long God wants it to be, maybe for preparing yourself(& K&S) for when the time comes!
Lynn {A Taste of Country} says
This was very touching & gave me chills. I love that God plays such an important role in your family!
Also, I just realized that your first initials will be the same forward & backwards – ASKSA. It's like it was meant to be 😉
Tiffany says
Imagine the things we would/DO miss out on because we are too afraid to go where God leads… thank you for setting an example of going after those immense blessings that He has in store for us! I know you didn't come to that conclusion overnight, but the fact that you were willing to prayerfully consider this, and then act on it, WOW. Far ahead of most of us who think we have it all figured out.
aprilparrish says
Beautifully written Andrew. Not only is God working in your life, but he is also using you to speak to others. Sweet Ashby is already a part of your family and loved! I will continue to pray for your family during this journey.
Anonymous says
may God bless you even further with your little girl that is so meant to be a part of your family. it is so refreshing to read a story when someone is as honest as you were andrew about not being sold on the idea right away and put so much prayer, thought and time into this monumental decision. shay, and "all" your children are lucky blessed people to have you in their lives. terry from pa
Cathy's World says
I believe every word that you wrote in this post. My son was 16 when he was diagnosed with brain cancer. He was in Children's Hospital for 11 months until God called him home. Shortly after he passed I had to take care of my dad. He passed away a year and a half latter. I then had to take care of my mom and a friend who has MS. My mom is slowly dieing right now and it is hard,
I sat and wondered why I had to spend the last 14 years in such sadness. I got my answer. Not in the same way that you did. But God did answer me.
We serve an awesome God. A loving God. He laid before me a job to do. I could have walked away from some of the work. I chose to give it my all. I chose to listen to Him.
I am so happy That God spoke to you on adoption. That little girl will be so lucky to have the both of you as parents.
God Bless your soon to be family of 5.
Hugs,
Cathy
Anonymous says
Preach it! Already read Not a Fan, One of my favorite Books after Radical!, which I have read three times. Thanks for sharing your journey!
Kelly in michigan
Amy Lynn says
Amazing testimony. When I almost died this year from necrotizing fasciitis, and lost a large portion of my body to horrible scarring and my ability to walk and run (which I am working hard to get back), a lot of people asked me how I can be positive. How can I praise God in my blog and to others after He allowed my life to change in such a horrible tragedy? I feel the EXACT same way as Andrew described. He was trying to get my attention. To focus on Him. To stop worrying about my appearance or being the best marathon runner. My story is now a testimony that is allowing me to bring others to Christ. And for that, I'd do it all over again.
http://amy20to26.blogspot.com/
Blessing to you both!!!!
Jill Sloothaak says
Thank you so much for sharing your side of the story, Andrew. It is so encouraging to me as I am the wife who feels called to adopt and my husband is the one who is praying and waiting for God to place the calling on him as well. So thankful that God's timing is perfect. Blessings on your family as you continue on this journey!
Jill
Do Likewise
Evan Beck says
What a testimony! So evident is His Grace and Promises! WOW! Thanks for sharing!
Anonymous says
Absolutely beautiful
Erin says
Beautiful testimony! I love your reference to Not A Fan. Kyle Idleman is the minister at my church-he's an amazing speaker! Prayers for your adoption journey!
Betsy Hensley says
Now I'm going to be honest here:
At first I thought… "Let me just read this and see how Andrew explains being smitten with Shay and just say "ok" to whatever she wants.
…
And boy was I wrong.
This story is genuine and incredible.
God Bless the Shull family…. (All 5 of y'all!)
Betsy Hensley says
Now I'm going to be honest here:
At first I thought… "Let me just read this and see how Andrew explains being smitten with Shay and just say "ok" to whatever she wants.
…
And boy was I wrong.
This story is genuine and incredible.
God Bless the Shull family…. (All 5 of y'all!)
jen says
I LOVED reading through this post and all the comments. I love the story of God bringing you to the same place in really different ways. I really appreciate Andrew sharing how he 'wrestled' with God. Sometimes we do. I sure have. I am a believer that when I seek Him with all my heart, He will be found. It seems so clear that your family sought Him and He answered you. I believe He will bless that. Love your family and the testimony you shared!
Anonymous says
Shay and Andrew,
Thank you for sharing your heart and mostly your strong love for Christ! I know about sacrifices and calling as God called us to move across country and plant a church in Atlanta 19 years ago. We may have not adopted orphans but he called us to disciple families. You two are amongst my favorite people! I love your story and surrendered lives for God. I now am putting Not a Fan on must read list and perhaps may even order on Kindle tonight as God has been dealing with me sometime about stepping ok ut in other areas of service for his kingdom. This week, I had a wake-up call to sharing Christ's love with others when a co-worker died through a tragic fall. I had spoken to her a couple of weeks ago, and did not share Christ. She was around a lot of Christians for that matter. I don't know if any of us shared Christ with her. We can't be choosey with whom we share Jesus with. Everyone needs that opportunity. Thank you again for being your genuine selves! Much Love, Mona
Kristen @ notsodomesticated says
You are an amazing writer, Andrew! Thank you both for sharing your story. What an awesome testimony you have. Can't wait to "meet" this little one! 🙂
Kim M says
Such amazing testimony! Our small group read Not A Fan this past year, it truly is am amazing book. Congratulations to your family on your adoption journey. Know that many will be praying for you all.
Paula says
Thank you for both sharing your testimony. So awesome how you both arrived! Praying for you guys as your sweet family is united under one roof.
Narci D says
Love it and love you guys very much! We are lifting your family up during the process! Can't wait until Ashby is home! 🙂
Angela @ Teaching Mama says
Such a beautiful story! Congrats!! God is so good. Excited to follow your adoption story! 🙂
One Crazy Blessed Mama/Boozer Bunch says
So excited for you guys! Such a great testimony! Lots on prayers for you, Andrew, and the kids during this adoption process and transition!
Melanie Lien says
I am thankful to read about a family following the Lord's plan. How crazy, I saw where Mark Driscol made a comment about that book (Not a Fan) a week ago so I went and bought it!
Amie says
Thank you so much for sharing your story. It is truly inspiring in many ways. I just purchased this book and can't wait to read it.
The Eberle Family says
Just wanted to say that our family has been blessed by adoption–we brought home to beautiful ones from Ethiopia almost 2 years ago adding to our already family of 5. We are now a family of 7 and what joy it is!!! We attract attention with our colorful 5 little ones but I love being a walking testimony for Him. May you be blessed on your adoption journey–and yes it's a journey!!! And Kyle Idelman is my preacher. :-). His book is phenomenal!!!
Anonymous says
While attending church yesterday I thought of you and your sweet family. Thank you for being such an amazing example. I also wanted to ask you if you have ever looked into the church of Jesus Christ of latter day saints. I know you are religious and already have a church and huge amount of faith. I wondered if you would consider finding a local church and going for one month or four Sundays. You seem like such an open person and I know you would give it a chance even if you don't really want to. I would love to know how it goes if you decide to so it. If not then I respect your faith and still think of you as an example. May God bless you and your family! Written with love
Jeanine says
Congratulations on the wonderful blessing and adventure you are going to have! We adopted our daughter from Vietnam when the youngest of our three sons was 10 years old. We always say that it was the hardest and best thing we ever did. Kimberly will be 13 next week, and I can't imagine life without her. How glad I am that I have no regrets, but instead a beautiful legacy of grace. My husband had a similar experience in that he wasn't too keen on the idea of adoption. I decided to completely back off and just pray. I didn't even tell him I was praying. He thought I'd just given up the idea. Anyway, he had a come to meeting with God through a radio broadcast featuring a speaker who said, "You can make a difference in one child's life." It's so true! About a year after that, we brought home our sweet girl. It was also the best thing we ever did for our sons. They adore their little sister! So, keep up the good fight through all the paperwork, etc. It will be so worth it in the end. You may want to connect with Kevin and Layla of theletteredcottage.net as they are also in the process of adopting. I will be praying for you all! Also, you would enjoy reading Kisses from Katie by Katie Davis as well as The Hole in Our Gospel by Richard Stearns, who is the president of World Vision.
Anything and Everything says
What a beautiful story- I don’t normally comment on these blogs. But that was such a touching testament to The Lords power, and sometimes you just need to hear that in life. Thank you Shay & Andrew for being so brave with sharing your stories. Because of your blog, I have decided to start one of my own. I am a recent newlywed, and I want to document our marriage for our family/friends to keep up with. We of course have a Christ centered marriage, and if I can encourage even one person to walk by faith (even when it can be hard to see) then I know it is well worth it. Thanks!
Sarah says
THANK YOU FOR SHARING, ANDREW!! Our oldest (she is 6, just started 1st grade) is adopted from Vietnam. It took several years for my husband to come around to the idea of adoption, and now he is its biggest champion! Jen Hatmaker (wonderful woman of God and adoptive mother herself)'s message over and over is, "Don't waste your life", and I have been trying to truly live that way – cherishing every moment with our kids and family. Thank you for sharing! PS – I'm a huge fan of Shay's…have made tons of her recipes and always get great reviews. -Sarah
Mix and Match Mama says
I wanted to answer the question about me attending an LDS church…Christian beliefs are fundamentally different than the Mormon religion. There is no way I would consider visiting a Mormon church…it goes against everything I believe. I would love to chat with you about the differences. Please email me!!
E. Erquitt says
This moved me to tears. Thank you for sharing, Shay and Andrew. Praying for you on your journey!
Brittany says
Thank you both for sharing your stories. It's very meaningful and powerful to read this. So much about this story really went to my heart, so all I can say is thank you! And of course, good luck and congratulations in your journey! What a great and special thing!!
Anonymous says
I know you probably won't publish this, and that is ok:) I just came across your blog and was catching up tonight. Up late with a baby learning to sleep through the night. I was so touched by you and Andrew's posts about adoption. It sounded so familiar as my sister in law was also prompted to adopt. It has definitely been a journey and a huge blessing to take part in too- to witness and have all our hearts softened to God's ways and His will. So so so amazing. I agreed with everything you said and Andrew too. So articulately expressed and genuine too. I can feel your love for Christ. I have that same love. Which is what moved me to comment. I was reading through the comments and saw you said you would never visit an LDS church. That in itself is a-okay, we are all different. But saying that is it against all that you believe is simply not the case. I just had to clear that up because we believe so much the same. I wouldn't want to me saying at all that everything your religion/faith/church goes against all my beliefs when in reality we are both good people that are working for the cause of Jesus and love our families and work each day in faith to improve and be our best selves. We are more alike than you think. It was just a little jab to my heart to see you say otherwise when I felt so connected to your posts and related on a spiritual level. Best wishes to you and your family. You are a beautiful light on this crazy Internet:) and to all that know you- I am sure. Take care:) love, a fan, a Mormon, and a fellow Christian through and through:)
Mix and Match Mama says
Mormons are polytheistic and Christians are monotheistic. We are not the same. I would love to discuss our differences more! Please email me :). mixandmatchmama@yahoo.com
Michelle says
Thank you for sharing your story. It truly spoke to me. I look forward to following your story on your beautiful addition to your family.
Michaela says
Wow this is such an amazing testimony. I will be praying for your family as you walk through this adventure! One of my best friends is going through the adoption process right now, and I just love how we see the heart of God at the core of adoption. It's such a clear picture of how Christ calls and adopts us as his own. So happy for you!
June says
I just found your blog and have been looking over it when I have time. This post gave me chills!! The last few paragraphs made me stop and rethink my own journey. Thank you for sharing.