Ok, so I am the type of person that reads the facebook posts but rarely comments or posts myself (my private world lives under a bowl). As I've enjoyed and learned so much from the adoption-blog world I'm convicted--if our story can in someway be a light that encourages you, guides you, or leads you to the Light of the World (John 8:12) then I choose to "let my light shine." Not to mention that the "mountain" of adoption is far to great a task on our own. First, we trust in a sovereign God to provide every resource we will need as well as trusting and knowing that He has chosen a little girl for our family. Second, we know that we need and will need your prayers and support as we journey through this process (and can't wait for you to be a part of her life!). So with that,I will catch you up and post the adoption journal/time line that has been hidden under a bowl. :) We've been on the fence about adoption and considered both domestic and foreign adoption for several months. In the days proceeding (this first entry) the doors opened in the direction we are now headed.
Sunday, January 9, 2010 Adoption Application in to American World Adoption
2 Timothy 1:6-7 “For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God which is in you through the laying in of my hands. For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.
This was the Scripture we studied in church this morning--a confirmation that we are to adopt. All that stands in the way are fears. Kyle filled out the application and sent it in along with the first money spent--$250. The funny thing is that I am left with a giant spirit of fear; which is so not from God. We can not do this on our own—there is no way I can “fix” the issue that loom giant--$30,000+, the travel, the unknown.—humbly I realize that this is a leap of faith (things unseen!) and that this will be a work of God.
Tuesday, January 11, 2010 Angel’s Haven Outreach contacted for home study
Thursday, January 13, 2010 Application accepted at American World Adoption
Romans 12:1- “Therefore, I urge you brother, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will.”
I copied this from a blog: (because I liked it!)
You already have four kids. Why adopt?
The short answer is that we have room in our home and in our hearts. The long answer involves our belief that:
- children are a blessing from God (He said it Himself),
- taking care of widows and orphans should be a high priority for God's followers (see banner graphic above),
- if just a small percentage of Christian familes would adopt a child, all the orphans in the world would soon have homes, and
- God told us to.
Monday, January 17, 2001
Martin Luther King Day has a whole new meaning to us today. J
“From one man He made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and He determined the time set for them and the exact places where they should live, Acts 17:26
Tuesday, January 18, 2011-First payment to AWAA and home study agency sent
He sends His command to the earth; His word runs swiftly.
He spreads the snow like wool and scatters the frost like ashes.
He hurls down His hail like pebbles. Who can withstand his icy blast?
He sends His word and melts them; He stirs up His breezes, and the waters flow.
Psalm 147:15-18
What a mighty God we serve! Oh if only I could have faith the size of a mustard seed. In you, O Mighty creator of all, do I put my trust.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
A week ago (tomorrow) I received the first official call from AWAA from Christina Buckel who will be working with us. Such excitement. By the end of the day, when the e-mail comes in I am so excited to open the e-mail and look through the dossier building process. In my tired Friday state I print the wrong forms and am completely overwhelmed by this process. Thus begins the threads of doubt—plaguing my system. I cling to the hope, the call, and the victory found in Jesus. You are there my daughter; for you I pray. Saturday, Kyle and I look through the forms together—he in his patient steady way shows me that we can do this. It will be a task—but not an impossible one. We finish the Hague classes as well. While the information was good, I am so glad to have them behind me—they tended to fill my soul with fear. And it is one more milestone to cross off the list.
Tomorrow at 6:00 is our first home study meeting with Emma. I struggle against the compulsive need to clean the house. I am praying to relax and enjoy tomorrow (after a quick spiff up! J). I need to be a Mama to the three beautiful children I have.
My soul is filled with wonder and praise to the LORD. He is doing a work in our family that is so beyond our reach.
Friday, February 4, 2011 – First Home study Visit
Be down n to earth with each other, for—God has had it with the proud, But takes delight in just plain people. So be content with who you are, and don’t put on airs. God’s strong hand is on you; He’ll promote you at the right time. Live carefree before God; He is most careful with you. (1 Peter 5:5b-6)
Saturday, February 5, 2011 – Second Home study visit
That was a piece of cake. Not worth the stress I gave it. J
Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs. But I, with a song of thanksgiving, will sacrifice to You. (Jonah 2:8-9)
Monday, February 7, 2011
Today in Good News club we studied the lesson of the little boy’s lunch. I’ve never thought too much about that little boy—willing to give all he had to Jesus. He had to know as he gave his lunch away that there would be little or no lunch for himself. Jesus, Himself, said that the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these (children). My own 9 year old son said (in response to a family meeting about the cost of adoption for our family—no patio, fence, truck, less gifts, less travel, less eating out), “Those things are not what is important. Our sister is a life. She needs to know Jesus; that is what is important.”
Lord, here is my humble “lunch” of five loafs of bread and two fish. I choose to give it to you. I pray you would bless and multiply it.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
The closest moment to a set back this morning. Kyle and my doctor’s appointments were canceled. My first reaction was great frustration. These are the last documents we need to gather for the home study! I remember that God is in control and must have a plan here. At breakfast the kids and I pray for new appointments. Not a minute later, the phone rings for rescheduled appointments for this afternoon! Thank you LORD!
