E-X-H-A-U-S-T-E-D

Deuteronomy 31:6

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”

This is a verse I needed this morning!  I'm trying to keep it all real throughout this blog while not complaining.  It's a hard mix sometimes! 

Today, I'm exhausted - mentally & physically!  That does not in any way mean I've lost faith! I give the praise to the Lord for the place I'm at right now!  Is it easy?  NO & I knew that when we started this journey!  I cannot say what will happen in the days that lie ahead, but I do know that I'm at peace right where I'm at today.  I have absolutely zero doubt we have been led here by Christ!  

Until you've been on the roller-coaster called ADOPTION (I'd invent that one for Disney, but it might be too scary! lol), you cannot understand the toll it can sometimes take on you!  GiGi's adoption was exhausting, but I had no idea what exhaustion was with her adoption!  We worried about her; we worried about when paperwork would come through; we worried about bonding.  Now, look at Guan Ya's adoption.  We started out Guan Ya's adoption exhausted!  We had only been home from China with GiGi's adoption for a few weeks (Those of you that followed our journey to her know that we were a week delayed in China & $6,000 more in debt due to that week.)  We also knew this was the biggest leap of faith from the start.  To top off all the normal stresses of adoption, add to it an orphan (your child) that is aging out in 23 DAYS and you don't have All the answers of the days ahead!  Until you have been in this position, it's hard to imagine!

With all the stress I feel today and all the uncertainties that are ahead of us, I do NOT regret any of Guan Ya's adoption!  I would do it all again in a heartbeat; she has been placed in our hearts as our daughter!  I would go through every dark day to stand in the Light of our Maker as He has led us here!  Following His calling was not promised the easy road; but we must keep our focus on God's Love & put our hope in Heaven!  Those are the constants we have as Christians!  I praise God for putting us HERE; yes, RIGHT HERE today!  

Today, please say a few extra prayers for us!  Phil is still trying to regain full strength after being sick since Christmas.  I'm just exhausted but I will smile & make today a good day!  I will do my best to be strong and courageous as we face unknowns   I will continue to pray for guidance & strength from my Lord & in Him I will place my Hope! I will continue to pray for each of you and place my hope on the big picture.  Please don't forget to pray for Guan Ya!  We are her family in her heart also!  She has already told me "Mom, hurry and get me!" She is almost 14 years old and understands completely what is going on so pray for peace for her as she waits in a far away land!  

Thank you so much for each of you & the prayers that have carried us through!  Please share as the more shares, the more prayers we can gain!  We have the greatest gratitude for each & everything you have done!  Love to you all!!!!

If you feel led to donate, you can donate through GoFundMe 
http://www.gofundme.com/longroadtochina?utm_medium=wdgt

Chip-In which goes to PayPal
http://www.chipin.com/contribute/id/cfd424fa893449b8 

Some do not feel comfortable or unable to use online donations & have asked for our address.
Phil Smith
P.O. Box 332
Rienzi, MS  38865

Trustmark still has our an account set up Nation Wide.  You an just ask for 
Phillip Smith or Niki J. Smith Adoption Account

We also still have change being collected so please don't feel any amount is too small if you feel led to donate.

Proverbs 22:2 (NIV)

“Rich and poor have this in common: The LORD is the Maker of them all.”