this thing called fear, an unwanted companion.

There's this unwanted traveler that sometimes sneaks up behind us as we walk this journey; this thing makes a real nuisance out of himself by following us like a dark cloud. You may know him from your own journey--he's known as Fear. When Fear is around, he clutches my heart with an iron clad grip, and he settles in my mind cluttering my thoughts and refusing to budge.

As if that's not bad enough, Fear never comes alone; he always brings Doubt as his traveling companion. Together Fear and Doubt make me wonder if we are ever going to bring the baby we love so much home where he belongs. Fear and Doubt cause me to question the One who has called us. Fear and Doubt make sure my focus is anywhere but on God's promises. Fear and Doubt make the ache in my heart more pronounced.

Thankfully, though, I know just the thing that drives out Fear and his little friend, Doubt. God's word. Not only does it free me of these unwanted traveling companions, it soothes my aching heart and gives me hope for the rest of this journey.

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10

for my pseudo-sib, a teacher in the making

To my pseudo-sib,
I am so excited and happy that you've been accepted into the College of Education.  You are going to be an awesome teacher!  Below is what I learned after I left college, and I couldn't resist passing it along.

*You will never make enough money teaching to be considered rich.  You will, however, be rich in the moments that warm your heart--those moments when a student finally "gets it" after working so hard, those moments when your hard work is validated by a simple thank you, those moments that make you laugh long after they're over.

*It won't take long to realize that the work day usually begins before 8 and ends long after the kids have gone home.  And, summer isn't really a break because you'll spend a lot of those days at in-services, learning the latest greatest methods of teaching.  You'll do all this willingly though because you know it's for the good of the children.

*There are many experts in the field of teaching.  These experts can be found everywhere:  radio, t.v., Wal-Mart, gas stations, and even the Halls of Congress.  They will say things like, "Well, if I was a teacher..." or "What you need to do is..."  When you encounter one of these helpful experts that want to dispense their advice, politely nod your head and hurry yourself out of there ;).

*Hard days will come.  You will feel unappreciated, misunderstood, underpaid, and overworked.  You'll question why you're doing what you're doing and desperately want a job stuffing envelopes instead of working with people as a public servant.  Instead of giving into the temptation to throw in the towel, go to the One who has called you and let His word soothe your weary soul.

*You'll teach more than academics.  Each day as students watch you interact with those around you, they will notice how you communicate effectively, handle yourself under pressure, problem solve, and treat those around you.  These are the most valuable lessons you can teach; these are lessons that will carry them far in their adult lives.

*Teaching gives you the opportunity to invest in the future--a daunting (but fulfilling) task.  The belief that you're investing in children's lives will make you determined enough to take on this daunting task without a second thought.   {P.S.  Purchase a pair of Ninja Turtle socks.  Wear them when you have an especially daunting task ahead of you.  You'll kick butt.}

the real world

You can't walk around very long at all in a school full of teenagers without hearing teachers remind students about the "real world."  Friday, after hearing this for the millionth time, I started thinking, "what do Jeremy and I want Sam to know about the real world?"

We want him to know that the real world is larger than his circle of friends and family.

We want him to know that the real world is full of people with stories that are waiting to be heard, so take time to listen and love on people as they tell their stories.

We want him to know that God has a specific purpose for him in this real world.

We want him to know that although the real world can be a dark and scary place, the hope found in Christ is a light that drives the darkness away every single time.

We want him to know that this real world is not our home; we are just passing through.

We want him to know that just beyond the skies of this real world is what it's really all about--an eternal home with the Savior.

a bit of good news

One part of the new adoption law in Korea involves a court process. During our conference call, Thursday, there were many questions about this and no real answers.  It was unclear if families were going to have to appear in court or if the court was simply going to process the paperwork.  This is such a big deal because appearing in court to have the adoption finalized in Korea would change a lot of the paperwork that families have already filed with our immigration department.  Also, traveling to appear in court would add, possibly, another trip to Korea and would definitely cause a longer stay in country.

An answer came today regarding this requirement, and we are so thankful for the decision!  The court has decided that they are not going to require families to travel to Korea to appear in court; we will travel only once, which is when we travel to escort our children home.

There are still many unknowns about the new process, but we are rejoicing tonight for this much needed piece of good news.

~thankful to the One who has called us~

fairness not promised.

When I am at school, I hate hearing the words, "that's not fair."  Tonight, at the risk of sounding like a whining teenager, I want to stomp my foot and scream those very words.

It's not fair that we have to wait months and months for the child whom we love to join our family.
It's not fair that our Sam and many others are caught up in government red tape.
It's not fair that most of our questions have "we don't know" as the answers.
It's not fair that babies are waiting longer and longer to join their forever families.

God doesn't promise us a life that is fair though, does He?  Tonight, with so many unknowns, I am tempted to stomp my foot and continue telling God how unfair and hard this whole thing is.  But, that doesn't bring the peace my heart desperately needs.  Instead, I will remind myself of the miracles that He's used to bring us to this point and cling to the promises that I know He will fulfill.

"In this world, you will have trouble, but take heart!  I have overcome the world."  John 16:33

praying and planning

Although the timeline for Sam's arrival home is still not settled, planning for it is in full swing.  There are so many things that need to be decided, all requiring lots of thought and careful planning.

One of the decisions involves my heart's desire to be home with Sam.  For years, I've poured my energy into investing in other people's children, but when Sam gets here, I want to pour that energy into nurturing and loving the child that God has blessed us with.

The biggest decision that needs to be made is obvious.  Would you join with us in praying for guidance and wisdom as we seek God's will for this?

a cure for worry

The best cure for worry is God's truth, especially when it's delivered by one of your dearest friends.

Yesterday morning my mind was filled with the worry of  "when are we going to travel?" and "how will it all work out?"  (You get the idea--worry, worry, worry.)

Then came the cure in the form of a text, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts in Christ Jesus."  Philippians 4:6-7

~Thankful for God's promises and for a sweet friend who reminds me of them just when I need it most.~