Encouragement

Adoption is one of the hardest most rewarding journey's Andy and I have ever experienced. As the days pass there are so many questions that race through my mind. When will we have enough money to turn in our paperwork? How old will our daughter be when we get her referral? Has she been born yet? Will she have any special needs? What kind of trauma has she and her family been through that results in her being placed for adoption?

You see, in international adoption there is always something traumatic that occurs to the child and their family. Whether it's the death of one or both parents, extreme poverty, abandonment, or rape there is always a reason these kiddos are put up for adoption and it's sad.

The beautiful thing about God is that he has a plan for these precious kids and he's watching over them. I'm often reminded of Psalm 121 when I begin to dwell on the questions that plague my mind about the little girl we are going to adopt. One of my friends, Kristin Haden, shared this with me when we were adopting Grace. She inserted Grace's name into the Psalm and I just have to share it with you.

Psalm 121

Grace lifts up her eyes to the hills-

Where does her help come from?

Her help comes from the Lord,

The Maker of heaven and earth.

 

He will not let Grace's foot slip-

He who watches over her will not slumber;

Indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.

 

The Lord watches over Grace- the Lord is her shade at her right hand;

The sun will not harm her by day, nor the moon by night.

The Lord will keep Grace from all harm- he will watch over her life;

The Lord will watch over her coming and going both now and forevermore.

 

Now it's time for me to insert Everleigh's name into this Psalm. It's so difficult not knowing what's happening with our baby girl half way around the world, but God knows and he's watching and taking care of her. I just need the patience to wait on his timing and remind  myself that she's in His hands. Jeremiah 29:11 also helps me with this.

 

Jeremiah 29:11 (with Everleigh's name)

 

"For I know the plans I have for Everleigh", declares the Lord, 

"plans to prosper her and not to harm her,

 plans to give her hope and a future."

 

God is so good! He sends me encouragement in his Word and through the people I come in contact with every day. I am thankful for all of you who read this blog and give me encouragement. Thank you!

 

Update on our process:

 

We were able to pay for our home study update with donations from some generous donors. Now we are just waiting for Andy's FBI clearance to come in. We are not sure why its delayed, but hopefully our social worker can get it this week. Once that is done, our home study will be complete and we can apply for grants and for a Both Hands project.