the risks are great; but they're nothing compared to the reward.

Adoption is a journey that is full of risks.  The risks for international adoption are daunting if you think about them for long.  You send the biggest check you've ever written in your life to a foreign government and trust them to process your paperwork and approve your adoption in good faith.  You're depending on adoption agencies and social workers that you've never met, that are located around the world and there's no looking them up on the Better Business Bureau's website to see if they're what they claim to be; you can only trust them to keep their word and do their job.  And, then the biggest risk of all--opening your heart to a child that you've yet to meet but trusting that in due time, you'll bring him home where you know he belongs.

All this has been on my mind since the news from Russia came out, and I found myself worrying about the risks and playing the "what if" game.  As a cure for the worry and "what ifs," I begin to pray: "God, I ask a special blessing upon our adoption."  But then....the Holy Spirit reminded me of all that we've been through since we started this.  Like a movie playing in mind, there were scenes of home study visits that went well, even though I was so worked up and nervous * scenes from our first fundraiser, a cake sale, that made way more than we thought it would * scenes from two yard sales in two states that amazed us at the amount of stuff people donated to help us * scenes from our Sunday School class praying for us and our baby * scenes from that day in June when we got the call about our Sam * scenes from the summer when God provided all the money we needed just at the time when we needed.

His answer to my asking a special blessing upon our adoption?  "I've already provided it, so trust Me."

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding."  Proverbs 3:5


P.S. I do not recommend the "what if" game.  It's no fun at all.

a father to the fatherless

Sad news coming out of Russia:  Americans can no longer adopt Russian children.

My heart is heavy for the children that spend their days in institutions, missing out on the love and affection that comes from having a mom and dad.  These same children will age out of the system when they turn 16 or 17 and be on their own, many times without the skills and support they need to make it as successful adults.  And as a result, these children often prey to the predators lurking in the shadows. 

The law signed by Putin today does not change the fact that the need for families is still there and greater than ever.  Join with me in praying for all the children in Russia needing families; let's pray they know the love of the Heavenly Father that will never leave them.  Pray for the nearly 50 families that were currently waiting to bring their children home but now won't be able to.  Let's also pray for willing Russian families to step forward with hearts full of compassion for the children in their country that need families.

"A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows is God in his holy dwelling."  Psalm 68:5

Merry, Merry Christmas to our Sam

It's been a week full of family, food, and celebrations for this Christmas, and I have been blown away by the thoughtfulness of our family buying Sam presents for Christmas.  Their kindness has warmed my heart and made this time when his absence is so evident much easier for my heart to bear.  They already love this sweet baby boy that I carry in my heart, and I can't wait for him to know the family that is looking forward to him coming home.  It's with great anticipation that we look forward to next Christmas when he's celebrating with us!


Merry, Merry Christmas, my sweet Sam.  We love you more than you know!!

Say yes this Christmas

The Christmas story is full of wonder and miracles.  It's the story of Emmanuel; the story of God with us.  But, it's also the story of two people that said yes to God's call.  Until recently, I've never thought a lot about what it meant for Mary and Joseph to say yes to God.  For Mary, saying yes meant risking her reputation, her relationship with Joseph, and maybe her very life since she could have been called an adulteress and stoned.  For Joseph, saying yes meant risking his reputation and his plans that he had all laid out for his future.  By saying yes, both of them were laying aside their neatly formed plans and opening themselves up to the unknown.  Were they given funny looks or asked obnoxious questions when out together in public?  Were they accused of being crazy?  Were they constantly reminded by some that their child was the one that would fulfill the Old Testament prophecies?  Did these reminders make their hearts ache for what was to come?

Saying yes to God's plan for our lives is never easy and requires faith in the One that's calling.  It is, however, the very best way to live.  It is the greatest place of peace and joy.

My prayer for Sam this Christmas is that one day he'll know the Savior that we're celebrating, and that he'll say yes to God's plan for his life.

^"When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife."  Matthew 1:24

" 'I am the Lord’s servant,' Mary answered. 'May it be to me as you have said.' " Luke 1:38

Prayers (and families) Needed for Two Sweet Babies

We're less than a week from Christmas, and everyone seems to be moving at lightning speed, including me.  But, I just read an email that has slowed me down and taken my mind off of packing, travel plans, etc.  Instead my mind is full of thoughts for the millions of children that if asked what they want for Christmas, would respond by saying, "a mommy and a daddy."

This email that has burdened my heart is from our adoption agency, and it's purpose is to find two babies homes--two absolutely precious baby boys that deserve to be loved by forever families.

Would you join with me in praying for these sweet babies?  Pray for these two sweet babies to be loved and protected.  Pray for them to get the care that they need to thrive.  And, pray that they experience the miracle of adoption soon.

P.S.  As you're praying, remember this African proverb, "When you pray, move your feet."


(Note:  If God lays it on your heart to be one of these families, let me know, and I'll give you the name and number that you'll need.)

a bag of candy, tears, & thankfulness

Usually a bag of candy and fruit doesn't make me cry.  But, anything given for Sam or attached to him in some way never fails to make me cry.  Today at church when the deacons are passing out bags of candy to the kids (their longstanding Christmas tradition) and Hope brings me a bag for Sam, the tears started flowing.       Because Sam is always in my thoughts, I am constantly looking and thinking, "when Sam gets here..."

Hope's thoughtfulness today was a sweet reminder that I'm not alone in my thinking.  There are many people from Louisiana to Tennessee that are carrying him in their hearts and thoughts, too, while looking forward to the day he comes home.

Truly, my heart is overwhelmed by this, and I am grateful that God has surrounded us with so many people for this journey.  We are richly blessed by each of you, and Sam is one blessed little boy to have so many people loving him and praying for him from half a world away.

Hope, although you made me cry in church, I still love you and can't wait for Sam to go to camp at your house :).  You make this journey easier to travel, and I'm forever thankful.

no wrapping paper needed

The many gifts that we have received this year can't be wrapped and put under the tree; instead, they fill up our hearts and warm our souls.  There are no price tags involved, yet the value of each one is priceless.

*The incredible sacrifices of our family on friends on our behalf as they walk this journey with us * Encouragement and unwavering support that's given freely--and always when we need it most * The revelation of the sweet baby that we've carried in our hearts * Abundant prayers from the best prayer warriors that I know * Unconditional love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness from the Giver of every good and perfect gift.

"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows."  James 1:17

Sweet Hour of Prayer

During a time when we're supposed to be celebrating the birth of our Savior, we are heartbroken and grieving for families that have been forever changed because of the unbelievable evil of one person.  Evil that has shaken us to our core.

The Savior whose birth we are celebrating is the Savior that came and conquered sin and death.  Because of  our Savior, we have hope even in the darkest of times.  And, to this we will cling!

"Sweet hour of prayer! sweet hour of prayer
That calls me from a world of care,
And bids me at my Father’s throne
Make all my wants and wishes known.
In seasons of distress and grief,
My soul has often found relief,
And oft escaped the tempter’s snare,
By thy return, sweet hour of prayer!"

Counting down while thinking of Sam

Sam,
Every month we look forward to seeing pictures of your sweet little face.  This week we were so excited to get pictures of you from your dol (the celebration for a baby's first birthday).  You look like a little man in the pictures wearing your hanbok (traditional Korean dress worn by babies on their first birthday), and the smile on your face completely melts my heart!!

The doljabi ceremony takes place at the birthday celebration.  During the ceremony, the baby is placed in front of several objects that all symbolize something.  Some of the objects that are used include money which would symbolize wealth; thread or string which symbolizes a long life; books/pencils would symbolize a scholar, etc.  I can see in some of your pictures the things that were placed in front of you--an airplane, string, a microphone, a pencil, and a judge's gavel.  For your doljabi, you chose the pencil, which I think is awesome :).

So, while we're counting down to Christmas, we are thanking God for blessing us with you and looking forward to the day we bring you home! ~love you, sweet boy~

Christmas Countdown: A Gift Like No Other

Last Christmas, we were finishing up our home study paperwork and looking forward to being matched with a baby.

This year, we have been Christmas shopping for our sweet Sam--such a seemingly small act that speaks to God's goodness and amazing love for us!

Let's celebrate the Love that came down at Christmastime, for it is a gift like no other!

Here's the Christmas present that we sent to Sam.  It couldn't weigh more than two pounds and had to fit in a ziploc bag, so we sent him an outfit and a Little People car.  I'm sure he's going to look like a cutie in his outfit :).

Christmas Countdown: Celebrate Adoption

After an interesting conversation the other day, I realized that to some adoption is curious thing, and this causes them to ask some forward questions about private things; questions that make my heart want to roll up like a roly-poly.  Instead of taking the form of a roly-poly, I answer their questions by sharing the journey that God has us on, hoping that my response points to the Author of adoption.

On the surface, this may not have anything to do with Christmas.  But, take a closer look, and you'll see it has everything to do with Christmas.  Because Christ came to be our Savior, we can experience the beauty of adoption by a Heavenly Father.

Celebrate adoption this Christmas.  Celebrate your adoption into God's family, and celebrate the adoption of God's babies here on Earth.

Still counting down

On my way to school earlier this week, I heard a song (a Rush of Fools song I think) that contains part of Matthew 11:28.  That song and the verse has been on my mind all week, and although it's not a Christmas song, it has continually reminded me of the reason we're celebrating this season.  It's a beautiful reminder that because Christ came as our Savior, we can come to Him and receive rest for our souls when we're weary.  What a reason to celebrate and give thanks!

"Come to me you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."  Matthew 11:28

Countdown to Christmas Day 2

Minutes after posting last night that I was determined to be purposeful in celebrating the true meaning of Christmas, I was distracted by something that has nothing to do with the Reason we celebrate.  Isn't that the way it goes??

Thankfully, we serve a God that is great at drawing His children's attention back to where it needs to be!  I am thankful that He used a beautiful worship service with our church family to remind me of what this season is all about.

"Hallelujah to the newborn King
Hallelujah to the peace He brings"

Countdown to Christmas Day 1

Our tree is up, and I took a trip down memory lane as I hung the ornaments on it.  Remembering who gave them to us or what was going on in life when we got them causes me to be thankful for the memories they represent and thankful to the One that is our reason for celebrating.

Instead of jumping into the fray and getting caught up in the hustle and bustle that comes with this time of year, I'm determined to be purposeful in celebrating the true meaning of Christmas, for this is where the blessings will be found!

"I'm going to teach him the reindeer Rudolph song."

Sam,
To your oldest cousin, Carson, you are known as "baby Sam."  And, it appears that Carson has big plans for  what he wants to teach his baby cousin!

He wants to teach you how to:
*run fast and turn flips
*wrestle and jump
*build blocks
*sing the ABC song and "the angry bird song" (not sure how that one goes...)

Me:  "What are you to going to say to Sam?"
Carson:  "Run, Sam!"

Me:  "Is there anything else you'll say to him?"
Carson:  "I am going to tell him Ho, Ho, Ho!"

So, sweet boy, I can't wait for you to meet the family that is anxiously awaiting your arrival and that loves you so much already! ~love you~

Thankful for Moments Like These

A great time in the homeland with the fam for Thanksgiving--here are some of the highlights.

The absolute BEST moment & it totally warms my heart!

we are thankful

We give thanks for:
*the calling that God has put on our lives and the daily opportunities we have to serve Him

*the wonderful people He's surrounded us with for the journey

*the sheer amount of incredible support that we've been given

*amazing adoption agencies that make it their mission to place children in forever families where they can experience love everyday

*a little boy on the other side of the world that we already love more than we can say!

thankful for three little turkeys

One day out from Thanksgiving, and I am thankful for three little turkeys that call me "Aunt Sarah." Carson, Annaleese, and Jase make me thankful for the job of aunt because they are three of the sweetest little people on the planet who never fail to bring a smile to your face! Of course, I can't wait for baby Jeorgia to be added to the mix in April :).

much to be thankful for

Today, I am thankful for the chance to be at home where the roads are familiar, the food is comforting and spicy, the people you bump into while in town are long time friends, and family is close by.  And, I can't wait for next year to see all of these things through the eyes of our sweet Sam!

"Thou that has given so much to me,
Give one thing more -- a grateful heart;
Not thankful when it pleases me,
As if Thy blessings had spare days;
But such a heart, whose pulse may be
Thy praise." George Herbert

National Adoption Day

Today is National Adoption Day for 2012.  This day's purpose is to raise awareness of the 100,000 children available for adoption here in America.

So, let's join our hearts in praying for these children (and the millions around the world).

Pray that they are loved and protected while waiting for their forever families.

Pray that they are joined with their forever families soon.

Pray that they find peace from its very Source.

And, pray with a willing heart to answer God's call to defend the cause of the fatherless.


“Adoption is a beautiful picture of redemption. It is the Gospel in my living room.” Katie Davis Kisses from Katie:  A Story of Relentless Love and Redemption

amazing encourager disguised as a rough and tough hunter

Sam,
Meet your Uncle Justin, your daddy's younger (and only) brother.  I can't wait for you to know him because there are many things that you'll love about him.
~He'll keep you laughing--usually until your side hurts--with the stories that he tells and with the way he carries on with your daddy when we're all together.
~Long before "reality t.v." made things like hunting and camo the latest fad, your Uncle Justin was hunting, wearing camo, and living like any regular 'ole Southerner.  And, he'll still be doing it after "reality t.v." moves on to something else simply because it's his way of life.
~Evident in the way he loves and cares for your Aunt Megan and Jase, his passion for all that he loves in life spills out of him and is reflected in his conversations and actions.
~The encouragement that he offers is genuine and timely, and does a heart good.  His excitement for your homecoming has filled my heart with such joy that it warms my soul and makes your daddy and me love him even more.

HAPPY, HAPPY Birthday to our Sam!!

Samuel,
Today is your first birthday!  It is a day of both joy and sadness for us.  Our hearts are heavy because we are celebrating your birthday while you are half a world away.  We would love nothing more than to have you here with us to blow out your candles and eat lots of yummy cake!
Although the sadness lingers and causes the tears come out at the drop of a hat, it is still a day of enormous joy.  We are overjoyed that God has blessed us with you and are still blown away that you are ours!!  So, on this very important day, we pray that you'll feel our love and prayers from all the way over here.  We love you more than we can put into words, and we're looking forward to the day we bring you home.  Oh, what a party that will be!!
May God bless you and keep you; may his face shine upon you and give you peace.
Love you, sweet boy!
Your Mommy and Daddy

Your birthday cake and presents from us and a sweet card from the Bradleys.

He is worthy of ALL praise and honor.

You are the God of miracles and of blessing; you are worthy of all glory, honor, and praise.  You allow us to do your work and hear us when we call.  You bless us with amazing family and friends that walk alongside us, encouraging and praying.  Your word is full of promises that never fail and that always give peace.  Like Hannah, your heard our cries.  Thank you for our sweet Sam and for the beautiful story of his journey home.  May our telling of his story bring you ALL glory and honor.  ~amen~

May he find his identity in Christ

Adoption is a beautiful gift from you, Lord, but we know that as Sam gets older, he may struggle with the fact that he's adopted.  This may cause him to wonder about who he is or where he belongs.  Instead of looking to the world around him for the answers to these questions, we pray that he looks to you, for you are the only One that can give us the answers to questions like these and the peace that our hearts seek.  We pray that he will see his adoption as a gift from you and as a part of your perfect plan for his life.  ~amen~

may he love You above all else

You are blessing us, Lord, with the opportunity to raise one of your sweet babies in the goodness and knowledge of your Word, so we ask that you give us wisdom necessary to instill in Sam your precious truths.  As we teach him, Lord, grant him understanding of your Word and character.  We pray that he will fall completely and totally in love with you as his Savior, that he he'll hide your word in his heart, and that he'll live in such a way that he points others to the cross.  May his desire be to serve you all the days of his life, and may his heart always be open to your leading. ~amen~

for Sam's arrival home

Lord, tonight we pray for Sam's arrival home.  Not only do we ask that it come quickly, but we ask that you prepare him for his arrival home.  We know there will be many things that are different than he's used to with many areas of adjustment that we could worry about--new language, new food, new routines, new family members to get to know--but we choose, instead, to leave these things in your hands and trust that you'll provide for each and every need.  Thank you, Lord, for all that you've done to bring us to this point and all that you're going to do when Sam comes home.  ~amen~

to the Author of peace and joy

Dear Lord, we pray tonight for our Sam's sweet little heart, for we know there will be grief when he has to leave his foster mom and all that is familiar.  Only you can begin to prepare him for this day--a day that may contain fear and sadness for him.  If there is fear, we ask that you replace it with your peace, and where there may be sadness, we ask that you replace it with joy.  So, prepare his heart, please Lord, to attach to ours as his parents.  You alone will be the One that we praise.  ~amen~

Sam's Birthday Week Day 1

Sam, there's something you must know about how birthdays are celebrated in our house.  Instead of celebrating for one day with a normal 'ole party, we celebrate birthdays for a whole week-known as Birthday Week.  This year, we'll celebrate your Birthday Week while you're half a world away, but that won't dampen the excitement.  We're so thankful for you and are so excited to celebrate your 1st year of life!  The distance keeps us from sending you a present for each day of Birthday Week, but it won't stop the birthday week prayers we'll be praying for you, sweet boy!

Thank you, God, for our sweet Sam and for the miracle of adoption.  You are the Giver of life and the One that knit our baby boy together.  Although we desperately want to be the ones providing for his day to day needs right now, we're trusting your plan and in your timing.  Thank you for providing him with a foster mom that cares for him so well.  Continue to provide for his care, Lord, so that he can grow into a healthy little boy.  Bless him and keep him wrapped in your arms of love.  ~amen~  

life on the road

I'm home off the road!  My time living the "rock star life" was quite the experience and so much fun.  Leaving the house in the middle of the night for bus call * going to sleep in one state and waking up three states later * walking without falling as the bus is going down the road * staying up nearly all night and sleeping during the day * laying in the bunk and being lulled to sleep by the motor's hum * eating supper at 2 am * hanging out with some cool people --all these things are part of life on the road, and I happily experienced them alongside my sweet drummer husband that patiently took the time to help me adjust to the craziness of it all.

The best part of it all though was seeing Jeremy in his element doing what he loves--playing music and doing all that goes into making that happen for each show.

Now, I need to recover some sleep before tomorrow....

Rock star life, here I come!

Saturday will find me riding on a tour bus.  Yes, you read that right--I will be trying on the rock star (or should I say rock star groupie) life for the weekend while Jeremy plays in Shreveport.  My nerdy self is terribly excited about the whole experience!

SO, tomorrow, I'll be with my awesome drummer husband headed for the Louisiana state line.  Life is good :0).

This Sunday: International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church and Orphan Sunday

"Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."  Matthew 5:10

This Sunday, we'll sit on our comfy pews in our heated sanctuaries and worship without fear of  being persecuted for our faith.  Sadly, though, many of our brothers and sisters in Christ around the globe will not be doing the same.  They'll wait until they have the cover of darkness to meet together for worship, for their lives are at risk simply because they're believers.  I imagine that when they meet for worship, they do not spend time complaining about the service being too long or too short or about the music being too loud or the preacher taking too long.  No, I imagine that their time of worship is precious and focused on the One that they have met to worship.  So, this Sunday on the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church, let's remember these fellow believers and pray for God's hand of protection and blessing to be on them.  Let's also remember when we are worshiping that HE is the only One we should focus on--not the distractions that Satan sends our way---because anything other than that isn't worship, is it?

"Religion that God accepts as pure and faultless is this:  to look after orphans and widows in their distress..." James 1:27

This Sunday is also Orphan Sunday when the church comes together with one voice and one purpose:  to pray for the millions of children around the world that are in need of forever families.  There are 147 million orphans worldwide, and an estimated 100,000 of those children are here in America!  I truly believe this breaks God's heart.  His Word is very clear on defending the cause of the fatherless and looking after the orphan.  It's easy to be overwhelmed by those numbers, but don't be--pray for how God wants to use you to reach these children and meet a need--one child, one need at a time.  Pray for these children, for their caregivers, and for the families that are stepping forward to answer the call of adoption.

Thankful for the Harvest

Below is the post I wrote after last year's Harvest Festival, where we had our first fundraiser for the adoption.  We had just started the process, and we were ecstatic that we could add $600 from the cake sale to our "baby fund." A year later, it's Harvest Festival time again, and we look back with awe at how God has worked from one October to the next!  

The baby that I have carried in my heart for years has been made known to us * A check for $25000 has been mailed * God has taken our amoeba-sized faith and stretched it to points previously unimaginable to us * God has used this journey to draw us, our family and church families to our knees and closer to Him. 

We serve a God that is faithful and good, even when we are not. Our God is the Giver of grace and miracles, and for that I'm ever thankful!

Status of cake sale: Total Success

We held our Silent Cake Auction/bake sale last night at our church Harvest Fest, and it raised nearly $600 for the adoption!!  Thank you, thank you, thank you to everyone that helped us make our first fundraiser a success; we really do have the best church family around :0).

"The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace."  Numbers 6:24

Matt's take on life

Sam, today is a special day because it's your Uncle Matt's birthday.  He is a very special member of our family who has an amazing insight when it comes to scripture. He has a very unique way of teaching us all about what matters in life.

** Your daddy and I had not been married long and were living in an apartment.  Matt had come to stay with us at our apartment, and we were talking about how I wanted to buy a house and that it would be even better if we could build one.  His matter of fact response was that we "needed to build our house on the rock because that's what the Bible tells us to do."  Your Uncle Matt's view of scripture is very literal.  He doesn't take the parts that he likes and discards the rest.  He doesn't put his own spin on it; he simply believes it and lives it out each day.  If the Bible says it, Matt believes it for the truth that it is.

**Two weeks after we got the call about you, we were at the beach for the weekend.  Matt and I were in the ocean, and Matt mentioned coming back to the beach next summer.  I told him that I hoped to be in South Korea picking you up although I had no idea how we were going to get the 25k that we needed.  His simple reply, "Trust God.  He will give you the $25,000."  His love for God and God's word allows him to have faith even the most impossible situations.  It flows out of him, encouraging those around him at just the right times.

--Extra, extra:  a funny Matt story that makes me laugh each time I think of it----during that same beach trip, Matt came up out of the water and said that the water was burning his eyes.  I explained it was the salt that was in it, and he needed to keep his eyes closed under water.  The next day, we were in the ocean again.  He comes up from the water and says, "they put too much salt in this water."  I asked who had put it in there, and he said, "the hotel people had."  In between my fits of laughter, I told him that he needed to talk to the good Lord about the salt content of the water since He was the one who put it in there. Love it! :0)

Today's your day---enjoy it immensely!

Our family's best member is turning another year older today!  Happy Birthday, Matt, I pray it's the best one yet!  You are such a blessing to our family, and I'm so excited for Sam to know you!

These pictures perfectly show Matt's personality :).

~you are missing from us~

Sweet, sweet Sam--you are missing from us, and we are ready for you to come home!  We feel you missing every day in so many ways.
We feel you missing when we're at Saturday morning breakfast.
We feel you missing while we're at church worshiping together as a family.
We feel you missing in the evenings when it's just us here at home.
We feel you missing when we see forever families formed through the miracle of adoption.
There's not a moment that we don't feel you missing from us, and we're praying for the day when you'll be home.  ~love you~

do it anyway

My sweet Samuel,

There will be times when the right thing to do is as obvious as the nose on your face.

But then there are times when it won't be as obvious, leaving you searching God's word for answers.

There will be times that you'll do the right thing, yet some will misunderstand or even criticize you.

There will be those times when you know the right thing but for whatever reason not want to do it.

Some days you'll do the right thing and feel like no one notices or cares.

More times than not doing the right thing is the hardest road to take.

Regardless of all this, do the right thing anyway.

The time is always right to do what is right.  Martin Luther King, Jr.

Who knew you could fit so much in a gallon size bag?

Sam, your furry friend was packaged and shipped yesterday, so he's headed your way along with a Thomas the Train toothbrush/toothpaste and a toy car that rattles and rolls :0)!  We love you so much and wish we could be there to see you play with them!  Looking forward to that day...

감사합니다 (Thank You)

Included in our package to Sam was a gift for his foster mother--a gift to thank her.  To thank her for taking our baby home from the hospital at two days old to care for him * to thank her for staying up for late night feedings and diaper changes * to thank her for providing him with proper nutrition that allows him to grow and develop * to thank her for loving him * to thank her for teaching him and playing with him *  to thank her for standing in the gap by caring for God's babies.

So the gift, a locally made & hand-crafted bracelet, is just a small symbol of the HUGE amount of gratitude that we have for her.  

"I thank my God every time I remember you."  Philippians 1:3

 

a bear-y sweet present for Sam

To be loved on by the cutest little boy on the planet, this bear will journey all the way to Seoul!

 I really wanted to include a recordable story book in the package that we are preparing for Sam; however, recordable books aren't small enough to fit in a gallon size ziploc bag.  So...last night, we found ourselves in the Build a Bear Workshop where we made this little bear with a recordable message.  Now, all Sam will have to do is squeeze his bear's paw, and he'll hear his mommy and daddy :0).

the best plan

We started this blog a year ago with an announcement that we were beginning the adoption process. And, we had a plan for how everything was going to go.  Thankfully, though, God doesn't rely upon our plans.  Because let me tell you--His plan was so much better than ours and more amazing than we could have imagined!  I am SO thankful that we serve a God who has a plan for each of His children.

Our plan was to adopt a sweet little girl.
God's plan involved the cutest little boy on the planet.

Our plan was to adopt from South Korea before changing to Russia because the wait for South Korea was going to be too long.
God's plan was for our baby to come from Seoul, South Korea; the long wait was not a factor for Him.

In our plan, we estimated being matched with a baby around Christmas of this year.
God intended for us to be matched with our baby much earlier than that--June of this year!

We planned to pay for the adoption a little at a time as the fees came due.
In God's plan, the fees were all due at once, and He used a lot of special people to provide the money that was needed to pay them!

All I have seen teaches me to trust the Creator for all I have not seen.
                                                                          - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Bro. Donald, pastor extraordinaire

Monday is the first day of October.

The first day of October begins Pastor Appreciation Month.

Start planning now for how you can show your pastor(s) how much you appreciate him.

Bro. Donald has been my pastor since I was a kid, and although we live away from home, we still consider him our pastor.  He is a GREAT preacher, teacher, and friend.  He loves his church family sacrificially and leads us in God's truth.  He  gracefully wears the many hats of ministry.  His partner in ministry, Mrs. Glenda, is right there with him serving, encouraging, and loving all that come across her path.  As we watch them live out the gospel, our faith is strengthened.  (My Bible is full of notes from Bro. Donald's sermons; one of my favorite's is written below.  It was a great reminder to me this summer as God stretched our faith.)

"Faith believes in God's word.

Faith trusts in God's character.

Faith trusts in God's provision." 

Save the Adoption Tax Credit

The Adoption Tax Credit has been offered for years to taxpayers that adopt children--both domestically and internationally.  Because of this tax credit, parents that otherwise couldn't afford adoption have been able to adopt.  This translates to children being taken out of foster care or orphanages and placed with their forever families.

This tax credit is set to expire 12/31/2012.  There are many families that want to adopt but simply can't afford all of the expenses without this credit, so if this credit expires, these families won't be able to adopt.  Children will suffer the most since they will be left in foster homes or orphanages.

Get involved by contacting your Representatives and Senators urging them to support the extension and refundability of this tax credit.  

http://www.house.gov/representatives/

http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm

Sunday Surprise

Sunday we were surprised with a progress report on how Samuel is doing!  He appears to be doing well, and for this we are very, very thankful.  He's eating some solid foods like 'porridge rice, steamed potatoes, and yogurt.'  Using a pincer grasp, standing alone for several seconds, walking with one hand held, and showing an understanding of words are milestones that he's met.  And, of course, he's cuter than ever :0).

There are times when it hits me like a ton of bricks that I'm missing his first year!  It's easy to focus on all the things that I'm missing, but I can't allow myself to stay in that place.  The place that I must stay is at the Father's feet.  It's here where I'll learn more about His character.  It's here where I'll pray for this sweet baby that I love.  It's here where my heart will find peace.  It's here where I will praise the One who has called me.


"The Lord is my strength and my song;
He has become my salvation; 
He is my God, and I will praise Him,
my Father's God and I will exalt Him."
Exodus 15:2

one quilt, lots of prayers

When school let out in May, I immediately started making a quilt for the baby girl that we expected to be matched with.  I barely had the quilt finished when we got THE CALL that matched us with a baby boy (our sweet Samuel).  I gladly spent the rest of the summer making another quilt. Working on the quilt was the perfect time to pray for our Samuel.

Samuel, I pray that you are safe and protected-
that you are getting the care & nutrition you need to be healthy-that you are experiencing an abundance of  love and affection-that you are read to, sang to, and played with.  I pray for God to prepare your heart for joining your forever family.  I pray for you to know and never doubt how much we love you.  I pray that your journey home will point you towards the One who created you and planned for you to be ours.  I pray that you remember that God knit you together for a purpose.  I pray that you'll always recognize your value and worth.  I pray that you will allow yourself to be led and used by your Creator.  I pray that you will see adoption as a gift from our Heavenly Father.  I pray for you to know the joy and peace that comes only from Him.  I pray for the man that you're going to become.  I pray that you come home soon!  ~love you, sweet boy~

We want him to be in love with the Savior.

There's a deacon in our church that has been serving as a deacon since 1971!  What has kept him going all these years?  What kept him going during times when he may have wanted to give up?  I think the answer to these questions would be that this sweet man is totally and completely in love with the One that he is serving.

We want Samuel to be so in love with the Savior that the greatest desire of his heart would be to serve Him for all of his days * to be so in love with the Savior that he'll serve Him from the mountain tops and from the valleys * to be so in love with the Savior that the way he serves will point others toward the cross.

real parents

"Adopting a newborn is better than adopting a toddler.  If you want to be a real parent, you should raise the child from his infancy.  It's the late night feedings, diaper changes that make you a real parent and will cause you to look back in your old age and smile," says one author on a parenting website.

Seriously?!?!  Someone, please, tell me he's joking!!

What makes us REAL parents to Samuel has nothing to do with those early morning feedings and diaper changes.  We are real parents because God put this sweet baby in our family * we are real parents because of the love that we have for him, which is so strong it's at times overwhelming * we are real parents because of our commitment to protect him, provide for him, and care for him no matter what. *

What will cause us to look back and smile in our old age will be more than late night feedings and diaper changes.  We will smile when we think of the beautiful story of his journey home * we will smile when we think of the memories we made as a family * we will smile when we think of the moment that he gives his life to Christ * we will smile when we thank God for allowing us the joy of parenting one of his sweet babies. *

Hey little Fella

So it's time I tell ya about your mom. She writes all these awesome entries about everyone else, and since she is away at school today. I will tell you a little about who your momma is!

She is the most important person in your daddy's life. I cherish her more than any one else in this world. She means the world to me, and she will mean the world to you also. Her love for the Lord will be evident to you in how she raises you as well as lives her life in front of you.  There is no one in this world that could or would be a better mother, teacher, and role model for you.  She will love you through the good days and the bad. She will care for you when you are sick or not.  She will pick up your toys, wash your cloths and clean up after you.  And I know that from experience.  She will make sure that you are raised in the Word of our Lord.  She will teach you how to love unconditionally.  She is beautiful in every way.  Your mom will be the one person you adore and love no matter what.  You will miss her when you are not  with her and you will cherish every minute that you are.

I can't even come close to telling you all the great things about your mother.  Just know that you are one blessed little boy to have her in your life.  Her and I both are very excited and looking forward to the
day you are home with us.

PS she is the best cook I've ever known!!

By the way here is a picture I carry with me when I am gone from home working. Its one of my favorite pictures of her and she is as beautiful today as when this was taken. One day I will give it to you Sam, and I bet it will mean as much to you as it does me!

See ya soon Buddy!

Your old man!

the giver of adventure, pearls & boots, and partners in crime

Samuel,

 With your Aunt Andy around, you will never lack for fun things to do.  Her 4Runner is always heading toward adventure, and there's a spot in it for you. Her great fashion sense will ensure that you never go on any adventure without the cutest outfits (like pearls & boots), and since she always has a camera at the ready, all these fun times will be documented faithfully.  Most importantly, you will experience her tender heart that gives generously, her readiness to help at a moment's notice, and the special love that comes only from an aunt!

Your partners in adventure (and sometimes crime) will be your cousins, Carson and Annaleese.  They are anxiously awaiting the arrival of "itty bitty Sam."  And, I am looking forward to watching you three form a friendship that will bring joy and carry you through  life.  One thing is for certain; I'm sure y'all will never have a dull moment together :0).

One of a Kind Nana

Samuel,

You have a fantastic Nana!  She is the kind of Nana that prays for you without fail, loves you unconditionally, models God's word in her daily life, fills your life full of truth, and encourages you in every situation.  She is so excited for you, sweet boy, and I can't wait for you to know her!

"Samuel, I am proud to be your Nana.  I love you.  Welcome to our family.  Love, Nana"

Matthew, a.k.a the world's best uncle

Samuel,
Your Uncle Matt is one of my very favorite people on the planet.

Here are some of the things that you'll love most about him:
* his love for others is nearly unmatched * he studies God's word diligently and lives it out each day * he's quick to love and even quicker to forgive * he adores Southern Gospel music * when you need encouragement, he will give it freely * he can tell you everything you need to know about wrestling * and he's so excited to be your uncle!

"It'll be my honor to be your uncle.  All the family loves you and in time you will be with us in spirit.  Your great mother and father will be happy you're with us.  Heart.  Love Uncle Matthew."

'He's gonna be like me.'

Samuel,
More and more conversations between me and your daddy are about you.  Yesterday, we were talking about music and football--two of your daddy's loves--and your daddy said, "he's going to be like me; he's going to like both."  Here are some things to know about the man you're going to be like :0).

Cooking outside is the only cooking that he does.
He looks forward to football season like most people look forward to Christmas.
Saturdays in the fall are his favorite days of the year.
The way he loves you and me will show you a picture of how God loves us.
He knows more about music than any one person should know.
Dependable, honest (sometimes brutally), trustworthy, and compassionate is he.
Give him a jar of peanut butter and a spoon and he's good to go.
He is the very best drummer that you'll find.
God's truth sustains him and guides him.
He's prepared to raise you in the goodness and knowledge of the Lord.
He loves you because your YOU and will love you no matter what!

We love Sam!

pearl snaps & cowboy boots

Samuel,
There's something you must know about the men in the Warren family.  They LOVE pearl snaps and cowboy boots.  Pearl snaps and cowboy boots are worn for all occasions, and it's rare that you'll find one of the Warren men without their pearls and boots.
Thanks to your Aunt Andy, you are set to go!  She's given you your first set of pearls and boots, and we can't wait to see you in them :0).

I'm ready!

Oh, sweet Samuel, I already feel like your Mama.  You are my sweet baby sent from heaven, and I love you more than I can even begin to describe.  I am ready to experience being your Mama though!
I am ready for bedtime stories,
playtime outside,
and bathtub toys.
I am ready to read to you,
sing to you,
and pray with you.
I am ready to watch you learn,
experience the world,
and get to know your Creator.
I am ready for an experience that will be like no other, an experience that I'll never forget.

they influence by their actions

Samuel,
In the previous post I wrote about the faith that your daddy possesses, but I would be remiss if I didn't tell you about the men that have influenced and shaped his faith and character.
They are men of character, integrity, and faith.
They do the right thing, even when there's no one around to notice.
They are men that work hard to provide for their families.
And sacrifice to meet the needs of those around them.
They are men that seek God's will, stand on His truth,
And trust Him when the storms of life blow.
They have opened their hearts and their arms in anticipation of you,
And I absolutely cannot wait for you to know them!

So, meet your grandpa and great-grandpa, Samuel.  Two of the most wonderful people you'll ever know!

~love you, sweet boy~

loaves, fish, and $600

Reading John 6 (where Jesus feeds the five thousand) this morning reminded me of some conversations that I had with Jeremy this summer.

I was at home in Louisiana having a yard sale; Jeremy was on the road.  During the yard sale, he text me to ask how it was going, and I told him that we had made $600 so far.  His response was, "well Jesus fed the five thousand with a few loaves and fish; he can adopt a baby with $600."  Faith.

Fast forward to about a week after the yard sale--I was on the phone with Jeremy having a major emotional meltdown because I couldn't imagine how God was going to provide the money that we needed.  I said to him that maybe we should just borrow it, and he said, "no."  Can you believe that?  He told his poor, pitiful boo-hooing wife no!  He said, "Sarah, God would not call us to do something and then not provide a way to do it."  Then, he started quoting Proverbs about the borrower being slave to the lender.  Truth.

We all know how it turned out.  God did the impossible and provided the money over the next few weeks, which still amazes us.  And, I am amazed by this husband of mine who not only keeps the faith but leads by it.

*please, do not tell Jeremy about this post...we can't have his head swelling ;)*

lessons of eternal value

Samuel, you'll learn many lessons in life from many different places.  But, the most important lessons you'll learn are those that come from God's word.

1.  God is good and trustworthy.  Trust Him and the plans He has for you.
       "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you & not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future."  Jeremiah 29:11

2.  Hold loosely to the things of this world, for it is not our home.
      "But our citizenship is in heaven & we eagerly await a Savior from there" Philippians 3:20

3.  Keep your eyes open and always looking for the unseen.
     "So we fix our eyes not on what is seen but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."  2 Corinthians 4:18

4.  Be ready for God to call you to something bigger than you are, and trust that He'll equip you for it.
      "equip you with everything good for doing His will"  Hebrews 13:21

~We can't wait to experience the joy of teaching you God's word.  It'll definitely be the most exciting, most fulfilling teaching that I've ever done :).  Love you, sweet boy.~

I guess you could say my mind has gone

It is getting harder and harder to concentrate, for my mind has wandered to the other side of the world.  A word of warning that it probably won't get better anytime soon.  It will most likely get worse as the year goes on, but I'm sure a cure will come next summer.  Until then...the faraway look in my eyes just means I'm thinking of a sweet faced little boy in Seoul that has stolen my heart and my thoughts!

Nothing Sweeter

This morning's service couldn't have ended any sweeter--two little boys came forward and accepted Christ as their Savior.  My heart was rejoicing for these two that are now my brothers in Christ, and my mind was thinking of our Samuel.  I'm looking forward to the day when it's him standing up there next to the pastor, publicly acknowledging Jesus as his Savior.  Oh, what a day that will be!

Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."  Matthew 19:14

A note to our sweet Samuel

Samuel, the best thing about this start of the school year has been people's reaction to seeing your picture on my desk!  It makes me so happy to tell them that you're our baby.

You are the baby that we longed for, the one that we hoped for, the one that we asked the Lord for.  Never forget that, sweet boy!  ~love you~

Expectant? Yes. Typical? No.

Typical expectant parents we are not.
We do not go to monthly doctor visits to check on the health and growth our baby.
We do not see pictures of our baby through an ultrasound.
We will not bring our baby home from the hospital down the road.
And our baby will not come to us as a tiny newborn.

No, typical expectant parents we are not.

We are updated on our baby's health and growth by someone from half a world away.
We are excited by those monthly emails in our inbox with the subject line of "Pictures!"
We will joyfully travel around the world to South Korea to bring our sweet baby home.
Our baby will come to us as a toddler full of curiosity and a mouthful of teeth :).

Typical expectant parents?  No, but we wouldn't change it for the world!!

The First of Many

Keep an eye on mail, sweet boy, because we're sending you a present!

Looking forward to the day when we can give you presents in person....oh, what a day that will be!  

~love you, Samuel~

Re: previous post picture problem

Those with smart phones have had a hard time getting the picture from the previous post to pull up.  So, I'll describe it for you :0).  It's a picture of my Bible opened to 1 Samuel 1:20--"She named him Samuel, saying Because I asked the Lord for him."

(We can't wait to meet our Samuel!)

And he will be called....

We asked the Lord for you, sweet boy!  May you always remember that you are an answered prayer straight from heaven!  ~love you~

Summer Redesign

When this summer started, I was expecting to spend most of my time getting paperwork together for the adoption agency to send to Russia and to settle in for the long wait for a match with a baby.  But, God completely changed our summer plans with the phone call that we got on June 19th that started with "we have this baby.."  Now here I sit, a little over a month later, with all the paperwork complete and the money paid!
And, it's all because of our AMAZING God.

It's your story, sweet boy.

Everyone has a story, and the story your adoption is a beautiful one, carefully orchestrated by the Creator.

Your story is a story that only God could write.

Your story is one with amazing details that serve as faith-builders.

Your story is filled with the excitement & wonder of miracles.

Your story points to the faithfulness of our Heavenly Father.

Your story is still being written, and I am excited to see the next chapter!

Your story is a story that I will never get tired of telling.

~love you, sweet boy~

To God be the Glory

This morning we were able to mail the acceptance papers and a check for $25,000!!!  God has truly worked a miracle that leaves us amazed by His faithfulness!!  His goodness overwhelms me and leaves me speechless.  To God be the Glory, great things He has done....

"1. I will sing of the Lord's great love forever; with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations.  2. I will declare that your love stands firm forever, that you established your faithfulness in heaven itself.  6. For who in the skies above can compare with the Lord?  Who is like the Lord among the heavenly beings?  8. O Lord God Almighty, who is like you?  You are mighty, O Lord, and your faithfulness surrounds you."  Psalm 89

El Shaddai--the All Sufficient God

God has been very, very busy...He has provided us with 92% of the money that we need, and he provided all of this within a week's time!!  He used some very special people in two states (and a Louisiana yard sale) as vessels for this, and we are so very thankful that they heard and answered God's prompting!!  We are humbled by El Shaddai, the All Sufficient God.  He is worthy of all praise and honor.

(I'll continue to keep you posted on how God is working; may it grow your faith as it has ours!)

Just a Quick Note

We are in the middle of a miracle, and it blows me away!!  I am amazed by the God that we serve....

"Praise the Lord.
Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens.  

Praise him for his acts of power; praise him for his surpassing greatness."
Psalm 150:1-2

Today has really been one of those days..

My heart is heavy.
My prayers seem to be hitting the ceiling.
My mind is completely overwhelmed by the need in front of us.
My eyes are looking for a miracle that I'm afraid won't come.
My faith is so very small, but I'm trying to remember that my God is so very big.

Prayers needed and appreciated.

The BIGGEST news so far!

From the beginning of this journey, I've often said that we weren't sure where we would end up, but we were trusting God to lead us.  We were planning to adopt a little girl from Russia, and we were expecting to be matched with her after Christmas.  But....a couple of weeks ago, we received a call about a baby boy in South Korea!!!  We truly believe that God brought this baby to us, and we are so, so, so excited.  He is the cutest baby that I've ever seen, and I love him so much already!!!!  We received official approval from the orphanage in South Korea this week, so we're all that much closer to bringing him home!

By receiving a referral at a later date, we were expecting to have months to gather the country fee.  God saw fit to bring us a referral much, much sooner than we expected though.  Now, we need to pay the country fee for South Korea, and we need to pay it asap.  I know God is in control of this and has brought us this far, but I have days where I can't see how we're going to get the 18,000 needed.  Would you join with us in prayer that God would provide us with the money needed to complete this process?  And, pray for our sweet baby boy that is waiting for us to bring him home!

To God be the Glory Great Things He Has Done (and will do)

Much Prayer is Needed

Bad news today--our application for a grant that we were really hoping to get was not accepted.  There are simply more applicants to these organizations than there is money.  I was really praying that our application would be accepted since we are about to have a rather large amount of money to pay, and this grant would have covered it.

I know God has called us to do this.
I know God has a plan.
I know God can do the impossible.
I know God already has it figured out.
I know that I need to have faith.
I know everything works out in God's perfect timing.

I know all these things and more, BUT my heart is still heavy and overwhelmed.

So, please, join with me in praying that God provides the money we need, and may I ask that you give if you're able?

The Very Best Kind

I have been so encouraged the past couple of weeks by some very dear friends that double as prayer warriors.  They are friends of the very best kind.  They pray with me and for me.  They hear the cries of my heart even when I can't put them into words.  They understand the call that drives me.  They uplift and encourage.  They amaze me with their friendship. They cause me to thank God for filling my life with such wonderful people!

P.S. I know who to call for diaper duty ;0).

Considering HIM Faithful

God is definitely up to something around here. We don't know how it'll all work out or where we'll end up, but we have faith in the One who called us.


"By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country
By faith Abraham, even though he was past age—and Sarah herself was barren —was enabled to become a father because he considered him faithful who had made the promise. And so from this one man, and he as good as dead, came descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as countless as the sand on the seashore." (Hebrews 11)

I Wonder

When you come home, what will it be like?

To hear your feet pitter-patter down the hallway?

To feel you cuddled up next to me as I rock you to sleep?

To see you tucked away safe and sound in your bed?

To sing to you and read to you and pray with you?

To watch you play and learn and grow?

To hear your voice and your laughter fill the house?

What will it be like? Better than I can imagine, I'm sure.

Praying you come home soon, Sweet Girl...

Current Happenings

Current happenings include--
~Applying to the placing agency.
~Being accepted into the placing agency's program--yay!
~Beginning another round of paperwork--these are documents that will be sent to Russia.

I am so happy to have gotten to this point in the process. It's amazing to look back and see all the steps that we've completed. God has been faithful the whole time, and we're trusting Him to see us through to the end.

We are also at the point of the process that requires another chunk of money. We're not sure where it's going to come from, but we're praying and trusting that God will provide it. We'd appreciate your prayers for this!

To God be the glory, great things He has done (and will do).

She Will be Covered in Prayer

I have spent the first part of this summer working on a very special quilt--a Sunbonnet Sue quilt for the baby. When she is wrapped in this quilt at night, she will be covered in the prayers that I prayed for her as I stitched it.

I pray that she is safe and protected wherever she is.

I pray that she is getting the nutrition and care she needs to be healthy.

I pray that she will come home soon.

I pray that she will know and never doubt the love that we have for her.

I pray that she will see adoption as a gift from her Heavenly Father.

I pray that her journey to our family will point her to Christ.

I pray that she will know love, joy, and peace.

I pray that she will always realize her value and worth.

I pray that she will know God knit her together for a purpose.

I pray that she will know Christ and the power of his resurrection.

I pray that when she looks at this quilt she will know that she's cherished.

Sweet Child of My Heart

I don't know when you will come join our family.
I don't know where you are right now.
I don't know what you look like or how old you'll be when we get you.
I don't know where the money will come from to finalize your adoption.

I know that the same God that put you in my heart will bring you to us.
I know that wherever you are the God that knit you together is watching over you.
I know that I'll think you're the cutest little girl on the planet.
I know that the One who calls us is faithful and will provide us with the money we need to bring you home.
I know that I have loved you since God put you in my heart, and I can't wait to meet you!

What Really Matters

"When this life is over and you stand before the Creator to give an account for how you lived, what will you say? That you worked hard, had a beautiful home, and took your family on some wonderful vacations? Or that you readily and obediently served Him, striving to become like Jesus in all you said and did? After death, all our accomplishments will be laid out before the Lord to be judged. At that point, it won't make any difference how much praise you received, how far you advanced in your job, or how much money you accumulated. The only thing that will matter is what God thinks about how you've used the abilities, gifts, and opportunities He gave you." (Charles Stanley)

My heart's desire is to walk worthy of the calling that God has put on my heart, to be completely used up by Him for His work. When I stand before God one day, I want to hear him say, "Well done, good and faithful servant."

Yard Sale: Success!

What a day! In case you're ever wondering, having a massive, multifamily yard sale is HARD work! But, it was a HUGE success; we made over $1k for the adoption!! Much thanks to all of our church family and friends that donated their stuff and prayed for a successful sale!

A very special thank you to the Cooks, our TN family--not only did they house all of the stuff that was donated, they spent hours with me sorting, pricing, and selling. I can't wait for the baby to meet our TN family. I know she'll love them as much as we do :).

Jeremy and I truly our blessed to have so many people praying and supporting us as we travel this journey, and for that I'm truly thankful!!

"It is not so much our friends' help that helps us as the confident knowledge that they will help us."

Tshirt Store Link

I am still working on putting a widget, gadget thing on the blog that will take you directly to our Adoption Bug store. I am not very good at this kind of thing, and Jeremy isn't here to do it for me. So, in the meantime, highlight the website and copy/paste into the search bar. That will take you to our store.

www.adoptionbug.com/jeremyandsarahwarren

Tshirts for Sale!!

Check out our online store at www.adoptionbug.com/jeremyandsarahwarren

Each shirt sold represents money for the baby, so make sure to purchase tons of tshirts while you're there!! And remember, we appreciate your support and prayers!

Saturday is the Yard Sale

Our April yard sale didn't turn out so well, thanks to the weather. So, we are going to have another yard sale this Saturday, May 26th from 7am-2pm at Chip and Hope Cook's house (8650 Cainsville Pike Lascassas TN).

We need your help:
1. Pray for a successful yard sale. We are at another point where there are adoption fees that need to be paid, and this money will help with that.
2. Make plans to stop by and shop, shop, shop!
3. Spread the word!

A True Miracle

Have you witnessed any miracles lately? I have, and it was a beautiful thing!
There are thousands of children in TN that are available for adoption, but many of them will not be adopted since they usually are older, part of sibling groups, come from less than ideal backgrounds, etc. So, when one of these children get adopted it is something that goes against statistics and logical thought; it truly is a miracle!
One of my students that I've had for the past two years was one of these kids waiting to be adopted, but now she's no longer a waiting child since Friday she moved to be with her forever family!
I am thankful for this family who is answering God's call.
I am thankful that God allowed me to witness such a beautiful miracle up close.
Most of all, I am thankful that we serve a God who hears our cries and answers us when we call.

"Sing to God, sing praise to his name,
extol him who rides on the clouds—
his name is the Lord—
and rejoice before him.
A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows,
is God in his holy dwelling.
God sets the lonely in families,
he leads forth the prisoners with singing."

Choosing Faith

For years Jeremy and I would talk about adopting only after we had saved $30,000-$40,000 required. We knew that we were supposed to adopt, but we weren't sure how we were supposed to pay for it. We were looking at it from a human perspective saying, "how can we save up that amount of money?" Basically, we were telling God that we would do what he had asked us to do after we figured out a way to accomplish it. Then, God showed us this for what it was, a lack of faith in him to accomplish what he's called us to. So, last August we found ourselves in Stephanie's office at Heaven Sent although we did not have all the money that we needed, nor did we know how we were going to get it. What we did know was that God would provide. God has provided for everything so far. We have been able to pay for our home study, fingerprinting, and other things that have come up along the way.
Now we have a completed, approved home study, and we're ready to move to the next step. We are ready to apply to the placing agency and fill out the registration pack, which will be sent to Russia and used to match us with a baby. These next steps mean another chunk of money. At this point, we could do one of two things. We could sit and wring our hands and worry about where the money will come from, or we could step out on faith trusting God to provide. This is where the rubber meets the road; this is an opportunity to live out the faith that we profess. We choose faith.

"Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase." Martin Luther King, Jr.