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