The last week I have been finding out as much as possible about hosting. There are a few paths that could be taken. I sat at a stop sign trying to choose which way to go. I had 4 choices. 2 were easily discarded. 2 were equally apealling. First choice: quick jump to the interstate, maybe longer in distance but higher speed. Second choice: slower speed, lots of red lights but a straighter shot. Do I take the easier road or risk the straight and harder path and end up stopped at lights? I chose the straighter path. This is one of those times that I'm in the car with my children and talking to God like I'm alone. I chose to have the possiblility of being stopped. Why? Because I don't want to take the easy road in life. I want to be willing to serve God in whatever He calls me to do. It was the conversation between God and I that there are easy roads in life but they are not always the best way to go. A few minutes later, I had the radio on, a traffic report comes on. Accidents on 2 of the roads I chose not to take. Honestly I was thanking God for the confirmation I had chosen the right path.
My Aunt Wanda is in the hospital. She has been told she has cancer and 4-6 weeks to live. We were uncertain of her salvation. She has prayed and ask Jesus in her heart. God's perfect timing and the Holy Spirits prompting are awsome. One more in the kingdom of God!!! Please pray for her and her only child, Teresa.
Prayer request from me:
The path to take in hosting. The number to host and how long.
Which churches will be involved and how they will help.
We will need bunk beds, mattresses, sheets, comforters, meals, a 12 or 15 passenger van, maybe another fridge or freezer, activities, clothing for the orphans (they may come only with the outfit they are wearing) and helpers.
God's perfect provision.
But I prayed, "Now strengthen my hands." Nehemiah 6:9
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
"My grace is sufficient..."
The ladies in leadership from Community Bible Study went to Gatlinburg for a retreat. We had a great time. Some of us thought that we would have a long quiet time. What silly thinking. I had hoped for clear words of wisdom from God. I'm not the only one. My friend heard what God said. But not what she wanted to hear. I heard a lesson I taught my children in first grade, simply obey. I was trying to get them to do their schoolwork. I was telling them to simply obey. God clearly told me to obey quickly. How convicting. I wanted them to learn what I apparently was not living. Well, I'm guilty again.
I've been asking God for Scripture. He's been giving it. Today's verses, just what I needed. "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
I woke up early, spent time with my husband and then prayed. I told God I don't feel worthy to do what I feel Him calling me to do. Just so you know the adoption part is not the hard part for me. It is hosting other orphans in our home for a few weeks. Creating a nonprofit. Fully having to walk by faith. Tearing down even more of my walls and limits to obey God. Yielded to God takes on new meaning all the time. There is no comfort zone anymore.
My comfort zone was my husband, four children and our home. Well they are all going to be invaded and changed. Because God's plan is perfect, I trust in Him. We will all be better servants in the end.
"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness" 2 Corinthians 12:9. God's second verse of the day. I admit my weakness and He tells me He is powerful enough to do the job. So, God reminds me of that I've been trained. It amazes me to look back and know He has been preparing me for years. Things you may not know about me: Love camp work (counselor, leader, etc.), degree in Social Work, worked with the homeless and the needy, taught children how to read, volunteered at Sav A Life, Shelby (getting pledges, donations, speaking in churches, helped write the new by-laws). Like I said God's been preparing me for this for years. He gets the glory. I'm just a vessel that has to empty out myself - so God can use me. All these tasks accomplished add up to be what I need to know to do the new job. It gives me confidence in my God.
At 16 I felt God call me into missions. I was disappointed not to have a long period on the mission field. Just short trips. I know some have come to know Christ as their Lord and Savior. I always want more. There is one thing there will never be enough of, new Christians. Instead of jumping at the opportunity, I've said surely not me. I've given good reasons for it not to be me. And God said "My grace is sufficient for you".
God's timing is perfect. I don't know His details. I plan to be obedient and work toward the goal of hosting. I serve and awsome God. He says "Be doers of the word, and not hearers only." James 1:22 And then there is James 1:27 "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world." Oh to serve God, my Father, who "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." What more could I ask for.
I've been asking God for Scripture. He's been giving it. Today's verses, just what I needed. "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
I woke up early, spent time with my husband and then prayed. I told God I don't feel worthy to do what I feel Him calling me to do. Just so you know the adoption part is not the hard part for me. It is hosting other orphans in our home for a few weeks. Creating a nonprofit. Fully having to walk by faith. Tearing down even more of my walls and limits to obey God. Yielded to God takes on new meaning all the time. There is no comfort zone anymore.
My comfort zone was my husband, four children and our home. Well they are all going to be invaded and changed. Because God's plan is perfect, I trust in Him. We will all be better servants in the end.
"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness" 2 Corinthians 12:9. God's second verse of the day. I admit my weakness and He tells me He is powerful enough to do the job. So, God reminds me of that I've been trained. It amazes me to look back and know He has been preparing me for years. Things you may not know about me: Love camp work (counselor, leader, etc.), degree in Social Work, worked with the homeless and the needy, taught children how to read, volunteered at Sav A Life, Shelby (getting pledges, donations, speaking in churches, helped write the new by-laws). Like I said God's been preparing me for this for years. He gets the glory. I'm just a vessel that has to empty out myself - so God can use me. All these tasks accomplished add up to be what I need to know to do the new job. It gives me confidence in my God.
At 16 I felt God call me into missions. I was disappointed not to have a long period on the mission field. Just short trips. I know some have come to know Christ as their Lord and Savior. I always want more. There is one thing there will never be enough of, new Christians. Instead of jumping at the opportunity, I've said surely not me. I've given good reasons for it not to be me. And God said "My grace is sufficient for you".
God's timing is perfect. I don't know His details. I plan to be obedient and work toward the goal of hosting. I serve and awsome God. He says "Be doers of the word, and not hearers only." James 1:22 And then there is James 1:27 "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world." Oh to serve God, my Father, who "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." What more could I ask for.
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Rejoice in Hope
"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; He rescues those who are crushed in spirit." Psalm 34:18 I don't understand God's big picture. I do trust Him. My understanding is the youngest of the 3 we hope to adopt will be coming this summer for 2 weeks. Not expected by me. I dared not hope for them coming. Bittersweet was going to be my title. It didn't give God enough thanks.
I grieve for the oldest. One of our first conversations was because of the sadness in her heart from not getting to come last year. So I pray for her strength, wisdom and hope. God loves them more than I do. I await his plan.
I Thess 16 Be joyful always; 17 pray continually
I am filled with joy over the thought of being able to see the youngest again. I am already praying about self control. I'd love to scoop her up and give her a hug and a kiss. Praying for God's wisdom and to be in His will.
On a fun note: Riding home Amy's in the back seat talking to Andrew and Heather. I hear Amy say, "I want to have one and adopt a family. I mean the kids not a mom and dad." I'm ready to cry. At 8 she's already thinking about adopting. Rejoicing in hope for others.
I grieve for the oldest. One of our first conversations was because of the sadness in her heart from not getting to come last year. So I pray for her strength, wisdom and hope. God loves them more than I do. I await his plan.
I Thess 16 Be joyful always; 17 pray continually
I am filled with joy over the thought of being able to see the youngest again. I am already praying about self control. I'd love to scoop her up and give her a hug and a kiss. Praying for God's wisdom and to be in His will.
On a fun note: Riding home Amy's in the back seat talking to Andrew and Heather. I hear Amy say, "I want to have one and adopt a family. I mean the kids not a mom and dad." I'm ready to cry. At 8 she's already thinking about adopting. Rejoicing in hope for others.
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Divine Delay
Thanks to Sandra for the title. Due to Ukrainian law we are experiencing a Divine Delay. The children we hope to adopt are not registered. Ukrainian law states something like: they must be registered in the Ukraine for 1 year before anyone from another country can adopt them. I regret to say it will at least be a year, unless something changes. I know there are others waiting on children to be registered and then waiting the year also.
"I pour out my complaints before God and tell him all my troubles. For I am overwhelmed." Ps 142:2-3 I want to pray, "God send them now." I can't. I know God's timing is perfect. He sees the entire picture. I don't. Today was one of those days I had to cry and tell Him it is hard to wait. I want to give them hope, love and a home. In God's time. I also want to be a moldable piece of clay in the hands of God. For Him to make and use me in His time, in His way.
Thanks for the prayers. They are needed and appreciated.
I'm excited to see what God's assignments are while I am waiting.
"I pour out my complaints before God and tell him all my troubles. For I am overwhelmed." Ps 142:2-3 I want to pray, "God send them now." I can't. I know God's timing is perfect. He sees the entire picture. I don't. Today was one of those days I had to cry and tell Him it is hard to wait. I want to give them hope, love and a home. In God's time. I also want to be a moldable piece of clay in the hands of God. For Him to make and use me in His time, in His way.
Thanks for the prayers. They are needed and appreciated.
I'm excited to see what God's assignments are while I am waiting.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
THE BEGINNING
Why adopt?
Ephesians 2:10 We are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
We married 18 years ago. Ricky said he wanted a big family, 10 kids. I said I would have 4 and adopt 6. In our Montevallo home there was no room for more children.
God blessed us and we built a new home near family.
God brought Ukraine up to me over 10 times. He did it in different places and different ways. I didn't know why.
Summer 2007: Last summer a friend invited us to go to lake day with Ukraine orphans. I was in! Reach Orphans with Hope brings orphans to the U.S. for a cultural exchange. Last year they brought 3 groups of 12 children. Each group was to stay 2 weeks. We enjoyed being with them so much that we spent every chance we could with the orphans, for the next 5 weeks.
I want you to know I was ok with adoption. But my thinking was there are soo many here in the U.S. - Why adopt overseas? God changed my thinking.
There are 100,000 orphans in Ukraine. 1% chance of adoption. 10% chance they will kill themselves before they are 18. At age 16 most orphans are out of the orphanages. They have a very small chance of getting a job(27% chance). Most girls, (60%) end up doing what we parents would hate for our daughters to do, prostitution, to eat. 70% of the boys end up in crime.
So I got the message. God wants us to adopt from Ukraine. Wow!
Ok, I want my oldest to be the oldest and my youngest to be the youngest.
Another wall came down.
I met wonderful children this summer. How can one pick? So I asked others how they picked. "They just knew." "Fit in like always been there." No clear direction from God for us.
My son has been praying for a brother for years. So, we must adopt a boy.
Ukraine mission trip: I found out I had missed registration for the trip. If I turned in my paper work the next morning, with my deposit, I could go. 3 hours to find my passport that had been missing for a year. We had 2 houses and 2 house payments and little money. I called my mom. She offered deposit and assumed I was going. Praise God. I filled out the paperwork. Looked in a box and pulled out my passport. It was still valid. God provided - quickly.
I thought I would go to the poorest orphanage. They had a full team.
Kiev is a big city. We live in the country, big city kids would get bored here.
To Poltava: Thanks to all those who helped with my 4 children while I was gone. Thanks to those that donated money to get me there! You're all a blessing! You were an important part in God's plan.
A group of six went to the orphanage. We had a wonderful time. God filled me with such joy being there. I slept very little. Prayed alot. I didn't need an alarm clock, God woke me every morning. We met so many wonderful children. The staff at the orphanage was warm and kind. We were able to spend 2 days in the park. I think everyone would agree these were the best days.
I met the siblings of the children that came over the summer. I was surprised that so many had siblings. One had said to me "These are my brothers and sisters" referring to the other orphans. Some had said they had none.
The second day in the park was a Thursday. My heart lept watching two sisters. God had let me know who. Now it was my secret. The mission: to love all the orphans the same. Show no favortism. It was easy. God had filled me with love for all of them. (Now back home, my heart aches for them.)
I had discussed with my husband a one time adoption. That we would not go for just one but 2, 3, or 4. Now there were clearly 3. How could I leave so many behind? Why not the others?
The adoption agency says 3 max. Yes, it's a money thing. I've got the room for the 4th.
My husband has not met these girls. He is stepping in faith.
In Process: We are still waiting on our fingerprints to come back. We are working through Hague readings and questions. The social worker has been to our home. We wil do physicals soon, I think.
Ukraine does not allow preselection. We pray we are able to adopt whom we feel God led us to. They don't know we are trying.
Pray for: God's perfect timing in adoption. God's provision financially. Our family learning Ukrainian. What fundraising to do. God to be seen in us and through us as a family. A quick process. Favor with Ukrainian officials. Hosting orphans.
Ephesians 2:10 We are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
We married 18 years ago. Ricky said he wanted a big family, 10 kids. I said I would have 4 and adopt 6. In our Montevallo home there was no room for more children.
God blessed us and we built a new home near family.
God brought Ukraine up to me over 10 times. He did it in different places and different ways. I didn't know why.
Summer 2007: Last summer a friend invited us to go to lake day with Ukraine orphans. I was in! Reach Orphans with Hope brings orphans to the U.S. for a cultural exchange. Last year they brought 3 groups of 12 children. Each group was to stay 2 weeks. We enjoyed being with them so much that we spent every chance we could with the orphans, for the next 5 weeks.
I want you to know I was ok with adoption. But my thinking was there are soo many here in the U.S. - Why adopt overseas? God changed my thinking.
There are 100,000 orphans in Ukraine. 1% chance of adoption. 10% chance they will kill themselves before they are 18. At age 16 most orphans are out of the orphanages. They have a very small chance of getting a job(27% chance). Most girls, (60%) end up doing what we parents would hate for our daughters to do, prostitution, to eat. 70% of the boys end up in crime.
So I got the message. God wants us to adopt from Ukraine. Wow!
Ok, I want my oldest to be the oldest and my youngest to be the youngest.
Another wall came down.
I met wonderful children this summer. How can one pick? So I asked others how they picked. "They just knew." "Fit in like always been there." No clear direction from God for us.
My son has been praying for a brother for years. So, we must adopt a boy.
Ukraine mission trip: I found out I had missed registration for the trip. If I turned in my paper work the next morning, with my deposit, I could go. 3 hours to find my passport that had been missing for a year. We had 2 houses and 2 house payments and little money. I called my mom. She offered deposit and assumed I was going. Praise God. I filled out the paperwork. Looked in a box and pulled out my passport. It was still valid. God provided - quickly.
I thought I would go to the poorest orphanage. They had a full team.
Kiev is a big city. We live in the country, big city kids would get bored here.
To Poltava: Thanks to all those who helped with my 4 children while I was gone. Thanks to those that donated money to get me there! You're all a blessing! You were an important part in God's plan.
A group of six went to the orphanage. We had a wonderful time. God filled me with such joy being there. I slept very little. Prayed alot. I didn't need an alarm clock, God woke me every morning. We met so many wonderful children. The staff at the orphanage was warm and kind. We were able to spend 2 days in the park. I think everyone would agree these were the best days.
I met the siblings of the children that came over the summer. I was surprised that so many had siblings. One had said to me "These are my brothers and sisters" referring to the other orphans. Some had said they had none.
The second day in the park was a Thursday. My heart lept watching two sisters. God had let me know who. Now it was my secret. The mission: to love all the orphans the same. Show no favortism. It was easy. God had filled me with love for all of them. (Now back home, my heart aches for them.)
I had discussed with my husband a one time adoption. That we would not go for just one but 2, 3, or 4. Now there were clearly 3. How could I leave so many behind? Why not the others?
The adoption agency says 3 max. Yes, it's a money thing. I've got the room for the 4th.
My husband has not met these girls. He is stepping in faith.
In Process: We are still waiting on our fingerprints to come back. We are working through Hague readings and questions. The social worker has been to our home. We wil do physicals soon, I think.
Ukraine does not allow preselection. We pray we are able to adopt whom we feel God led us to. They don't know we are trying.
Pray for: God's perfect timing in adoption. God's provision financially. Our family learning Ukrainian. What fundraising to do. God to be seen in us and through us as a family. A quick process. Favor with Ukrainian officials. Hosting orphans.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)