Checking In...

My, its been a while since I've updated- sorry about that. My only excuse is that school has started up again and, well....there really isn't much to report regarding our adoption right now. Yesterday we had our quarterly 'check-in' with our social worker Renee. We're still confidant that our referral is still about 5-6 months away. However, we're thankful that the process is moving along smoothly. We're been keeping busy narrowing down names from the short list and getting into the routine of the new school year. The busyness of fall is definitely here!!
Good news on the shoe effort- we're up to 25 pairs of shoes! Thanks Donna for keeping an eye out and helping us out!! Lunch is over so I'd better run...

Its a GOD is Good Thing...

This week I've been reminded so many times of the ways in which God blesses us. And, the way in which God coordinates everything in life.
As you know, its been laid on our hearts to fill a suitcase full of shoes for the children of Ethiopia. Shoes are such a basic for life, yet for many people they're expensive and out of reach. Shoes provide protection from disease, cuts and sores. They also are a sign of dignity to the poor. As we've been thinking about this and talking to people about our shoe donations, we've witnessed some big little miracles on God's part. The moral of the story is that God has provided a family with a trunk (who is willing to sponsor the extra airline fees, if needed!!!) to haul shoes to Africa. Why is this a miracle well... you see, in order for this to happen, a lot of things just 'randomly' had to fall into place. If you unravel it, you'll find the beauty in how God orchestrates our lives and how He provides for all His people. This family lived in Africa for part of a year which obviously involved moving their entire young family overseas. This means they needed trunks to haul their goods. A few years later, they still haven't thrown them out. The wife 'randomly' did observation hours in my classroom last spring for her Master's degree. Another friend family of ours, recently contributed some 'extra tithing' to our adoption which we decided would be used for orphanage donations. Together, we're now going to try and fill it with shoes for another trip across the pond. So, Thank You and to God be the Glory!! Ahh, God is good. Like the scripture says...
"We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28
Today, God was at Kohls- in Rapid City! He really was : ) You see, I picked up 13 pairs of kid shoes for $89. Saving a whopping $324!!! I'm warning you now... if you see me heading towards the shoe clearance aisle- you better grab what you need quick because I'm cleaning the place out!!! If you're counting, we've got 19 pairs... how many more to go?

What's Missing?

We're been thinking alot lately about our donations to take with to Ethiopia. There are so many needs, it can be overwhelming to try know what direction to take. But, with a little prayer and a nudge from God- I think we've got an answer.

What's Missing?

Shoes.

What's NOT missing from our back door?

Shoes.

Yesterday while running errands in Rapid, I found myself returning a couple pairs of shoes I ended up not needing for our trip to Chicago. In exchange, I had picked out some super, super cute comfy little NewBalance sneakers. I then, set off to find a pair I could pick up on the cheap since the 2nd pair would be 1/2 price. Long story short- here's what I brought home...six pairs of kids shoes- and they're all headed to Ethiopia. And, they only cost me $10 out of pocket yesterday.



Focusing our donations on shoes has been on my mind for the past few weeks. Yesterday, God got the ball rolling. Six pairs down...how many more to go? We would love to take an entire suitcase packed full of new shoes for children in our child's homeland. We're on the lookout for some great deals!
Here's a deal- if God calls you to buy a pair to help fill the suitcase, we'll include the shipping to Ethiopia. Although the sneakers would have been cute and fun...my feet won't miss them for a moment. I'm confidant the kids will appreciate their's much more!

Dossier To Ethiopia!

Great news!! We received word on Tuesday that our dossier has been authenticated! And, our dossier was sent to Ethiopia today!!! So, this means that we are officially on the wait list for our little one. Its a relief to know that all of our paperwork is correct, complete and enroute to be on hand with the Ethiopian office.

Currently, we're still anticipating a wait time of around 6-8 months. Which sounds like a long time to wait but, it'll be sooo totally worth it in the end. We remind ourselves that lots of things can change and there are many uncertainties. Right now we're telling people that maybe by Valentine's Day we'll have our referral and a little information about our child. Thanks for praying everyone... and keep up the good work : ) God Bless and God speed little one...

Knitting...

"For you created my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother's womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;

Your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in a secret place.

When I was woven together in the depths of the earth."

Psalm 139:13-15

These past weeks, I've really been frequently remembering and praying for our child's birthmother. And, in doing so, God has been reminding me alot this past week that He is knitting our child in her womb. We pray frequently for her, that she has food, water and that she stays as healthy as possible. Alot of days, my prayer for her is that her burdens of the day are lighter and that she can see God's provision in taking care of her. Because, God's got it under control. Duh, He always does. But, even though we are here and she is there- in a different country, across an ocean and in an entirely different way of living, He sees us just the same. He's taking care of her, knitting our child just the way he/she is meant to be. What amazing reassurance that our little one is going to be just fine. And, as another reminder of how God orchestrates all things- Pastor Ron focused on this verse this morning at church too. Coincidence, I think not.

We like to call that another exmple of God's 'random' I-pod. : )


So, if you think of it these coming days and weeks, maybe when you see an obviously expectant mother, say a quick prayer for God's little knitting project in Africa if you would. We've got faith God only cranks out masterpieces and we can't wait to see what He reveals to us.