Adoption Update

We were told at the beginning of this journey by those who had gone before us that adoption is not for the faint of heart. We are just beginning to realize how true this statement was! Our file has been sitting on a desk at the Ministry in Rwanda for over two weeks. This file is precious to us as it contains all of our information about Sierra. Her picture and her medical reports are now a part of our file. It is all there together, our papers, her papers and her picture all in one folder. All still unknown to us. We are writing to you tonight to ask you to join us in prayer this month, in particular. Please join us in prayer about the following things:

• We would love to see Sierra's face soon. Our hearts are so ready! Please pray that the Ministry has the manpower and technological ability to scan all the needed information so we can finally receive our referral. (The referral is when we receive her pic and her medical info)
• We desperately need to pass court in November. The courts in Rwanda will be closed the entire month of December. If we do not pass court, cases will get backlogged during that month and we will not be heard until January. Please join us in prayer that all will go well, the case will be heard and we will pass court.
• We are trying to see God's hand in this and be mindful of His perfect timing. Would you please pray that our hearts would be at peace during this wait. It is difficult, but He is our portion, our shelter and our strength. For each passing day, we are learning that He is enough.

Thank you for walking this journey with us. The phone calls, the letters, the texts have all come at the perfect time. Thank you for caring for all of us...no matter which side of the ocean that is.

Waiting for the Whisper

For the past 22 months we have been on our journey to the adoption of our fourth child. The journey has been filled with highs, lows, miraculous moments, blessings and of course...lots of waiting.

As most of you know we have been waiting since August 20th for our referral. (A referral is when you receive an email and/or phone call which will identify your child.) Tomorrow makes an official two months of waiting.

Last week we had hoped to hear something to give us a clue into the upcoming weeks, but we heard nothing - silence. Most of the families in our circle of adoption had no posts on their blogs, very little chatter on our yahoo group and no emails filled with excitement and wonder.

Then came today....on my way into the office I was praying about the adoption, thinking about our little girl in Rwanda who has been chosen and has no clue she will soon have a family and then I was reminded of this verse.

The LORD said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by.” Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave.
Then a voice said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” 1 Kings 19:11-13

Elijah, a prophet of God, had been a part of one of the most phenomenal highlights in all of Scripture. But quickly he had become captivated by doubt, fear, depression, despair and shear panic. He goes away on a little retreat seeking God's reply, direction and protection. Prior to God displaying His power, he asks Elijah, "What are you doing here?" Elijah gives the best Sunday School answer he can deliver, but God does not accept his answer. Then it happens...an earthquake, mighty winds and fire, then the gentle whisper of God. (Referred to as "it" in vs. 13.)

"It" drew Elijah out of the cave and into the presence of God.
"It" brought Elijah before God and the questioning of God.
"It" began the process of change in Elijah.

This morning I am taking comfort in the "it." I don't want to forget what God has done in our family to bring us to this point. I don't want to obsess about the "phone call" or the "email" to the point that I cannot enjoy the blessings of today. I desire for God to use this time of trial and anticipation for His glory and gain.

Today, well today I am taking comfort in the silence and am waiting for the whisper.

Truth or Dare: Skydiving

Sunday we began a new sermon series that I am super excited about and would love for you to invite some friends to join us at one of our worship services. If you missed the first week, then you can take a listen to week 1 under the sermon section of the church site.

My dare to begin the series: skydiving....you can watch the video by clicking here.
Yes I know the picture on the right if flattering.
(Special thanks to my new friends at SkyDive Carolina.)

October 4th

Today was a much anticipated day in the life of our church and I really believe it was a great day. We began a new service schedule (9:30, 10:50, Noon) and a new sermon series (Truth or Dare).

I cannot tell you how proud I am of our church for taking chances. I recently read this statement from Craig Groeschel, "In order to reach the people that no one else is reaching, then we have to do the things that no one else is doing."

My prayer and desire is for our church to continue to examine all that we do and to examine ways to reach people with the message of good news found in Jesus Christ.

Today has been a good day!