I have begun to receive inquiries about my resignation from my volunteer position as Adoption Consultant for Acres of Hope. Now that it has been publicly announced, I feel free to make my public statement. If any family inquires of me privately, they will be pointed to this post.

I realize that my leaving Acres raises many questions for the families I have served. While my heart is with you during this difficult and confusing time, ethically, I cannot disclose my reasons for leaving. I will not discuss any Acres of Hope business with anyone other than Acres of Hope staff. I encourage you to ask questions of Acres of Hope staff, and even the Board of Directors, if need be. Be tenacious.

I am praying for you families that are currently adopting through Acres of Hope that you will have eyes to see and ears to hear from the Lord, whatever His direction may be, and whatever the results of His plan for you may be, that you may walk by faith not by sight. I am praying that you will accept His direction (while I recognize that no path before you will be easy to follow and that any path you take from here will require great faith). I am asking God to give you assurance even more than answers--that you can gladly follow His lead, even without knowing all the whys and whats and hows--because, ultimately, obeying Him, whether the particulars of the decision seem wise or not, is your highest calling and your best course of action.

Please understand that though I support you in whatever decision you faithfully make, everything I have to say about Acres of Hope, including my reasons for leaving, is contained in this message.

I wish to thank you for your kindness and generosity toward me both during my service with Acres of Hope and now. I thank you also for your graciousness in accepting this public statement rather than a personal one. The message would be, and remains, the same.

Praying for you to be strengthened in faith and hope,
Rachel