Time just does not slow down! First, I want to thank everyone that came out Saturday and supported us at the area speaking! We enjoyed each one of you that came by to speak to us! Thank you for all the emotional & financial support! I know this is not a buying time of the year, but many of you purchased & many of you are coming back for Christmas gifts. I cannot stress enough how much all the prayers, support, & encouragement means to us! Each one of you have been very special! Thank you & thank you for coming Saturday.
On Saturday, I had a few very nice people say to me that they hoped we were able to bring our children home. I didn't know what the first person meant by it. By the second time, I realized that people were meaning they hoped we would raise the funds. When I realized what they meant, I clarified that we would bring our children home! I didn't take any offense to these kind people at all, but took it as a very kind wish of encouragement! They were extremely kind and were being very nice, but we want you all to know that no matter what it takes, we will bring our children home. And we would love to oneday help others bring home their children - one more happy family, one less orphan! (0: Money should not be an object when you are getting this kind of payoff & we will always support & help others that are trying to rescue & make an orphan part of their family!
This is a mission from God & not necessarily an easy one, but we will follow His will no matter what it takes. We feel blessed, honored, and excited that we have been chosen to parent more kids! Someone said kinda kidding "Did God come talk with you & Phil one day?" Well, actually yes & no. He did not physically appear in our kitchen and talk to us, but we have been listening to His words and asking Him to lead us. I believe if we ask then stop and listen, God will nudge you in the right directions. I know I sometimes ask, but forget to take the time to listen. I ignored the calling to adopt internationally for a while because I didn't think it was something we were in a position to do. When Phil spoke with me one night and said he thought we were being called to adopt, chills ran up my spine! I said "I know; I've been dodging God" You cannot hide from Him though! lol We've never felt a calling like this before and unless you have felt something so strongly, you might not understand! We have a feeling this is just the beginning of many missions He has for us, but we are trying to take it one step at a time.
Update on adoption: The social worker came to our house on Friday and I think it went very well. She is very nice and never makes us feel nervous! She is a blessing! We hope to get the last 2 visits in this week so our home study will be complete. Once we complete the home-study, we can begin the process of having everything notarized, sealed, etc. Then, the paperwork is off to China to get translated! :0)
Also, we didn't mention it on the internet, but several people knew that we found another little boy on the site over the weekend. We sent in a message about him, but he had found his home. It's heartbreaking, but we knew this would happen along our journey. I'm thankful for many things with this: 1.) I'm very thankful he found his home! 2.) Our prayers were to God that if he wasn't our child then to have a roadblock for us {found a home, we weren't eligible to adopt him for some reason, etc.}
God again answered our prayers and I'm so thankful!!!
There are a few people that are really needing prayers at this time. Terry Smith's wife, Kim, unexpectedly had open heart surgery yesterday. Most of you from Corinth probably know them. Phil has always thought so much of Terry; he was Phil's youth minister when he was growing up. Phil told Terry yesterday we would ask for prayers for them through this difficult time.
Also, I've asked several times for prayers for Ethan Jostad
but he isn't getting any better. His family is having an extremely hard time and have asked for prayers from everyone. I cannot imagine my child being that sick; I pray my blessings for today will go to this family!
Lots of things going on & I thank each one of you for reading our posts and praying for us! You don't know how very much the support we get means to us! It helps us get through this grueling process so much better! I hope you all are having a great week & God bless each one of you!
Love to all,
Niki
"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."
Proverbs 3:5-6
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