Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Happy Valentine's Day

Father to the fatherless, defender of widows — this is God, whose dwelling is holy. God places the lonely in families.
Psalms 68:5-6

So it's Valentine's day and I am thankful for my Valentine today and every day, but I have to tell you that something else made my heart full of joy today. I read a blog about a very special little girl who found out that she now has a forever family. Katie met this little girl, Jessica, last summer at Maria's Big House of Hope and we have prayed for a family for her. It was so exciting to read today that just this week she found out about her new family and received a package from them.
Reading these blogs makes my heart long for the day when we can can finally send our little girl a package and pictures of her new forever family. We are trusting in God's timing but praying for miracles to help the process move a bit quicker. I want to use this extra time we have to learn more about adoption so that when we bring our little girl home we are as prepared as possible. I am reading a book that several people recommended to me called "The Connected Child". It seems to be filled with alot of valuable information.
It has been incredible to look back at the events that caused our family to become more aware of the needs of orphans. Though we had no idea at the time, Maria Chapman's short life here on earth was the beginning of our journey. Then Katie and I reading Mary Beth Chapman's book, "Choosing to See" was the next step in our journey. For Katie reading this book set into motion a desire to go to China on a short term trip to Maria's Big House of Hope. Excited that Katie could go minister at Maria's I was truly happy that God granted her the desire of her heart to travel to China last summer, but I really didn't know how this  trip could or would imapct me personally. When Katie came home hundreds of pictures later, the orphnas she visited had names and my heart began to ache for them. Now whenever I hear a story about an orphan being adopted into a forever family I am so full of joy. Actually, when I hear one of these stories I cry. So today I cried when I read Jessica's story, but they were happy tears! So to Jessica and your new family - Our family is so happy for you. God bless you all as you grow your family!
To read the blog about Jessica click here -

Monday, February 6, 2012

"I Know the plans.... Declares the Lord"

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
So I have had to read this verse several times today and reminded myself of the promises that it holds. We received word today that our little girls file may not be ready for a few months. There was some delay in her paperwork and it looks like our adoption agency may not receive her paperwork unitl July. We were praying to be able to travel to China in July, but with this new development it may be more like November. I know in my head that God's timing is perfect, but my heart is hurting tonight. I also know that God could still work miracles and we could have her much sooner.
I was recently watching the movie "Soul Surfer" and there is a part in the movie when Bethany's Youth Pastor talks about being so close to a situation that you can't see it properly and it doesn't make sense, but as you move further away from whatever the situation is it begins to come into focus and you begin to see the big picture. I want God to help me see the big picture today and to claim His promises for my life and for the life of a sweet little girl in China waiting on her momma and baba.
Thank you for your prayers for our family.