9 months... and counting-The Blessings

I suppose that if this were a pregnancy I'd be feeling rather uncomfortable about now. We have been in the process and pursuit of adoption for nine months now. Instead, I am very comfortable and pleased with where God has us right now. God placed the orphan crisis in my heart when I was about 10 years old. We have been planning to adopt since before we were married. God really put the calling on our hearts in the early months of 2010 and we began to research and plan.
As I look back at 2010 the year has been packed full of ups, downs, lessons, and abundant blessings. Though each step of the process seemed to take a year; looking back the time has really gone quickly. I am thankful for all of the experiences and lessons God has worked in and through us this year. He is readying our hearts for parenthood.
Nine months have passed since we started to picture our son and dream about him. We patiently wait upon the Lord to bless us with a son from Ethiopia as we take comfort in knowing that God's timing is perfect. Each day we know that we are getting closer and we pray for our son and the new blessings in 2011.
Instead of pregnancy pictures I will post this:


This is an old chest of drawers we had and decorated for the little man. It contains all of the adoption paperwork (that has grown each month). We have also put a few items that were given to us for him inside the drawers.

This Time Next Year...

During this time of waiting it is encouraging to think that this time next year we will have our son with us. While we were spending time with family and friends this holiday season we would think about the blessing that God has in store for us. Every day is one more closer.

God is good and knows when our little man is supposed to be with us. I would say that God knows when he will be a part of our family but he already his. Our son has been in our hearts and a part of our family since before we began the paperwork last spring. We eagerly anticipate a phone call this year when we find out who he is and when he will be with us.

We want to take this time to thank all of you for your prayers and support as we continue in this process.

Water.

Here in the United States clean water has always been accessible. We walk to the kitchen or bathroom and turn on the faucet it flows out and we don't stop to think about the miracle and blessing it is. We drink it, shower, cook, clean, swim...

The story of charity: water - The 2009 September Campaign Trailer from charity: water on Vimeo.

There are about 7 billion people on the planet; and for nearly 1 billion of those people, having access to clean water is sadly not a reality. Not yet... but it can be. Every twenty seconds a child dies of a water related disease. Clean water saves lives.

You might have noticed the charity:water button at the bottom of my blog. It is an incredible non-profit organization that uses 100%. ONE.HUNDRED.PERCENT of their donations to fund clean water projects in developing countries. They have done some great work in Ethiopia. I encourage you to give water.


I know that I take it for granted that I can just turn on the faucet fill my glass and drink. For nearly a billion people that would be like turning on the faucet and having gold pour out.

fifty-six

We received our December waiting list numbers. There was not much progress, we moved only one spot closer to bringing our little man home. We are number 56. Hannah's Hope is at capacity now. As soon as the parents of the children at HH receive court dates, pass court, and are able to bring their children home HH will be able to take in more children from the govermnent orphanages.

We continue to wait and pray.

Gold, Myrrh, Frankincense

Tis the season... The stores are full of shoppers, the mailboxes are full of packages, people are scurrying to get just the "right" gift. All meaning is lost when gifts are given just for the sake of giving a gift; when we have more than we could ever need.

I enjoy aspects of the Christmas season. The lights, trees, seasonal decor and gift giving are all fun; but not what Christmas is all about. Sadly the true reason for the celebration of Christmas is too easily forgotten. It breaks my heart that so many people get so wrapped up in the commercialism and materialism of this season without ever thinking about the greatest gift, Jesus.
Each year Dave and I discuss gift giving and decide to do less than the year before. This year we are trying to only give handmade gifts, gifts that support fair trade, or giving in the name of someone else.
Throughout the adoption process God has been developing a deeper world view in our hearts and minds. We keep learning staggering statistics that can't be ignored. We live a life full of blessings and want to live a life that blesses others for the glory of God.

The sermon series at church this season is Advent Conspiracy and the focus is to Give Presence instead of presents. I am glad that our church is participating in this.