When Lino, a Sudanese Dinka boy, was abandoned at about 4 years old, who except God knew that he would one day have another family? As of November 10th, it is official. The Acker family, who has been caring for Lino for about 8 years now, has been able to get all the legal paperwork together and he is theirs! As a school we've been praying for this particular adoption, because Lino comes from Sudan, has not technically had all the legal paperwork for a long time, and he is older- meaning any history about him is harder to confirm in Sudan.
At first, he met the Ackers in Sudan at a refugee camp where the Ackers served as missionaries. God put him on their hearts while in Sudan, but they moved to Kenya to continue ministries there. And God kept Lino on their hearts. Eventually they were able to work out for Lino to join them in Kenya, along with another boy (Taban). Now, in 2009, the Ackers actually care for about 5 boys, but Lino is the first successful adoption of any of these otherwise homeless teens.
They all moved to Uganda for ministries about a year ago, and of course all this time they'd been working on the legality of the situation. It is one thing to move about in this region with an African boy also from this region. It is entirely another thing, however, to plan on his further life and schooling (he is in grade 10) and to maybe someday take him to the USA or elsewhere.
The judge said 2 weeks ago that he would make his decision this week. But honestly I thought there could be yet another legal snag. But we'd also asked many, many people to pray about the judge looking favorably on all the paperwork, and God moved. Praise Him! Now, the hope of further schooling is not a big deal since Lino can go where his FAMILY goes. More importantly, though, is that he does indeed have a family, legally now, and we are so thrilled and thankful.
In this photo (above), the school had made a card, "It's a [teenage] BOY!" and signed it. We sang "Happy adoption day to you" to Lino as we celebrated with him. Thank you for your prayers; I say that, Lino says that, the Acker family says that. And again- Praise the Lord!