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Fruit Tea Recipe…

05.16.2010

Thought we could use a fun little post and you could maybe use my super easy recipe–it is my current Southern addiction and it must be shared;). Now that the heat is on in the South–out comes the sweet tea. Not everyone loves sweet tea (I can’t imagine!)…but I promise you friends—no one can reject my fruit tea;). You should make some and see for yourself…

Fruit Tea Ingredients
2 Tea bags
1 cup sugar
1 (12 ounce) frozen orange/pineapple juice
1 (12 ounce) frozen lemonade
4-5 Fresh Mint leaves (optional…but in my opinion important;)

Directions:
Bring approximately 1 quart of water to boil. Turn off heat and place 2 tea bags in water to steep (sit approximately 5 minutes). Pour in pitcher–add sugar, frozen orange/pineapple juice and frozen lemonade. Fill pitcher with water to make 1 gallon. Add mint leaves for a fresh kick. (If you put in frig for later-be sure to stir before serving)

What’s better than a recipe like this???

Well…only one thing. A book FULL of recipes…that will go toward Wiphan Care Ministries! Stay tuned…this baby is being printed right NOW and will be available summer 2010! Yep, that just around the corner!

Here’s a sneak peak of the cover…

I’ll be posting details on how to order and even how to HELP US sell them soon! Have a great week!

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7 comments

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missy - May 17, 2010 - 1:17 am

the tea sounds yummy and i’m so excited about the cookbook and all that it represents.

Elle J - May 17, 2010 - 1:22 am

Yum! Love Sweet Tea and yours sounds awesome ~ but I will have to rename it to Sweet Andrea Tea for my recipe box. =) Can’t wait to see the cookbook too.

Megan - May 17, 2010 - 5:05 am

Can’t WAIT! =)

Rebecca Harley - May 17, 2010 - 8:26 am

oh, you have found another sweet tea lover!! I became addicted when we lived down south, and I am ecstatic to report that our McD here in NY just started carrying their biggie sweet tea! Oh, it makes this momma’s day doable:) I can’t wait to try yours:)

Asher Collie - May 17, 2010 - 9:55 am

LOVE it! I’ll help you sell these!!

Lara - May 17, 2010 - 11:32 am

Thanks! I’m a wannabe Southerner. After spending two years of my life in the south, my children will forever be dressed in smocked clothing and my daughter will wear big bows. I’ll make this tea for my small group!

emily v - May 17, 2010 - 11:41 am

Yes! I too am addicted to Fruit Tea (It’s all I drink when I visit Nashville!) I had not found a good recipe for it, so I am excited you posted this!!

Longing for Isaac…

05.15.2010

This weekend marks exactly 4 months since our 9 month old has been at an orphanage. And I hate to think about him turning 10 months in June…and spending half of his sweet little life in an orphanage as it will be 5 months since he was relinquished. My heart aches—and I just want to say I really appreciate all of your prayers that his birth mom will be healed and that we will pass court on the 24th.

My mind and heart can’t go to the “what ifs” any more. I feel like there is too much at stake…and I told my hubby tonight that I just want Isaac home—and I’m tired of feeling nauseous with the unknowns. I know the Lord is with us–but my mommy heart aches deeply and I’m just ready to have my boy home. I think about that song “Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord”. Today, I’m tired. My heart is heavy. And I think I’m just going to take a few days to let my strength rise…as I wait upon the Lord. Today I feel my heart questioning if this is really going to work out…so many unknowns in every arena…but I have to trust in the Lord and wait on Him.

We were at Hobby Lobby tonight…haven’t been in awhile as I haven’t been in craft mode lately—but I needed some time out with my girl. Laney passed the windchimes, and she begged to buy one for Isaac. I told her no, that we’d let him pick his out. Really though, I felt in my heart that my saying no to her buying one was my lack of faith. My heart didn’t want to open itself anymore–I am trying to protect my heart and it’s longing…and I’m…well, just tired.

May 24th can’t get here soon enough–but I know there must be time for a miracle of healing to happen. Truly, I can’t thank those of you who are with us praying for us and standing with us and beside us enough. I sat in the yard tonight…sun setting and watching Parker and Laney laughing as they jumped through the sprinkler. I thought, “And this is how life could be for them too…if there wasn’t death, poverty, malaria, AIDS…” And then I imagined a little boy…who because of these things…some how got led to our family…and I just LONG.

Thankful my parents came to town this weekend to be with us. Thankful for my husband who feels nauseous with me…making me realize I’m not crazy. Thankful for our 3 healthy children who ask about Isaac every day and love him so much already. Thankful Isaac is in good care. Thankful that we just have 8 more days to wait until our next court date.

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18 comments

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melissa - May 15, 2010 - 12:35 am

So hard…Praying for you.

natali - May 15, 2010 - 12:55 am

i just sit here and my heart hurts for you, andrea. praying for you, sweet friend. praying that GOD will give you a peace and wrap His arms around you and let you know that He is there with you and there with Isaac.

Megan - May 15, 2010 - 12:59 am

🙁 I’m sorry Andrea. My heart hurts for you. We will continue to pray!

Shannon - May 15, 2010 - 2:20 am

I’m hurting with you and praying.

Jenny - May 15, 2010 - 7:44 am

this has GOT to be THE MOST difficult wait of all so far… i feel like waiting for a referral is hard, man, this part is going to be worse… praying for the 24th!

Kim Bedzyk - May 15, 2010 - 7:58 am

Hang in there Andrea, he will be SO worth the wait, and this time of wait will soon become a distant memory once you hold him in your arms. Stay busy this week with your sweet little ones.. praying for you and Isaac!

Kristin - May 15, 2010 - 9:12 am

I just posted my own “strength will rise” entry and was thinking of you too. It’s amazing how God uses all of our unique and changing circumstances to show us His everlasting and unchanging Truth and love. He doesn’t grow faint and weary like us. May you feel His presence and know Isaac does too.

rachel overton - May 15, 2010 - 9:43 am

oh sweet friend, i am praying for your heart and know that nauseous feeling all too well. praying for healing for isaac’s mother and praying for little isaac.

Jennifer - May 15, 2010 - 9:44 am

Praying for strength and peace. This last part of the journey is tough! God is good and keep your eyes focused up…don’t look to the left or the right (what could be….). Our daddy God will carry you through this last part…rest in Him!
Blessings,
Jenny

Rebecca Harley - May 15, 2010 - 11:01 am

dear friend – lifting you all up this weekend. For the peace that passes our understanding. For His arms to envelope you as your arms long to hold Isaac. For his birth mom’s health. Love you
You know my life verse:) you sent it to me through a cd not even knowing – Iasiah 40:31 – your strength WILL be RENEWED. you WILL mount up with WINGS as eagles. you WILL run and NOT grow weary, you WILL walk and NOT faint!

Elle J - May 15, 2010 - 11:53 am

Praying for you, Andrea.

Heather - May 15, 2010 - 2:10 pm

I’m praying for you girl! Keep pressing on!

Dawn - May 15, 2010 - 2:33 pm

Praying……parents hearts are special things….and it is hard if one is missing. PRAYING he won’t be long!!!

Shelley - May 15, 2010 - 3:23 pm

I am praying for you and baby Isaac.

Vanessa - May 15, 2010 - 3:35 pm

Right there with you!!!!

Gini - May 15, 2010 - 10:09 pm

Praying for you guys.

Chrystal - May 16, 2010 - 10:41 pm

.. my heart aches for your family & esp. aches for you, because I can only imagine how difficult the waiting is, but moreover.. the unknown that you are very much feeling. I know in my heart however, that this is just the Lord showing you that Life around us happens. The unknowns, the unexpected… just when we are trailing down on a flat road, the enemey always tends to throw as many speed bumps our way as he can. But it’s just that my friend, a “speed bump”.. sure, we may slow down a bit but that doesn’t mean that we can’t get on the other side of that bump. And YOU WILL! We serve a MIGHTY God that will always provail. He wants that precious little baby in your arms as much as YOU do. He has shown His face & His hand all through this… don’t lose sight of that. As hard as this is, do not allow the enemy to defeat you.. even for a second. Stand strong & KNOW that God is RIGHT HERE with you, every step of the way. The protecting of your heart is unstandable, but Andrea.. God is growing your heart even MORE so during this time of waiting.. and this time of the unknowns… like you had said before, if He just made this easy it doesn’t testify to how our God moved MOUNTAINS to bring little Isaac home… JUST AS HE WILL. As hard as it is, sometimes we have to let go of the “human clock”, and allow God to work in His timing…His sweet, perfect timing. Isaac’s birth mommy needs prayers for healing.. she is getting them, now.. by who KNOWS how many people..thanks to YOU and YOUR obidence to our Heavenly Father. Just like the way He has used His people, of which some you don’t even know, to lift up your family and your sweet Isaac. He has used YOU and His people to lift up that poor woman who has not only gave up her son for a better life because she felt she had no other choice, but is now fighting a sickness that needs prayers for healing. I know I am repeatedive, but Andrea.. I truly feel this in my heart. Please continue to seek our Heavenly Father for strength.. for peace.. for trust.. for hope.. for contentment.. and anything else that you need, friend. I know you will, and I will br praying for the same things. I pray that the Holy Spirit will fill you so much with love and comfort that you will wake up tommorow with a new sense of renewal of TRUST and HOPE. It’s so hard for us sometimes, our human hearts can only take so much, but that’s why He is there to carry us through. Everything is going to be okay. God is growing your heart even MORE SO for that precious baby during this time of waiting, as if you thought that couldn’t happen. 🙂 EVERYTHING IS GOING TO BE OKAY. I am praying for you friend.. continue to seek His face so He will strengthen your heart, mind, and spirit.

“My soul finds rest in God alone, my salvation comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, he is my fortress, I will never be shaken. Psalm 62:1-2

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27

PRAYING FOR YOU!!!!!!!! ((hugs))

missy - May 17, 2010 - 1:16 am

praying that your strength will continue to rise as you wait upon him. actually no, not YOUR strength, but HIS strength in you that i have seen time and time again. may you feel him hold you close and feel him give you the strength you need each day. the strength to long while still living right where you are.

Did you know???

05.14.2010

…that you can get anti-malaria meds in Africa for $5?

…that malaria mosquitos bite at night?

…that insecticide treated malaria nets are more effective long term than anti-malaria meds?

…that treated malaria nets are just $10?

…that you could actually provide anti-malaria meds AND a mosquito net for less than a run through Chick-fil-a?

…that when the nets are used properly, that the mosquito population drops by as much as 90%?

…that less than 5% of children in sub-Saharan African sleep under a net?

…that if malaria isn’t treated it becomes life-threatening and distroys vital organs?

…that 1 million people die every year from malaria…mostly children under 5?

…that nearly 90% of these deaths are in sub-Saharan Africa?

…that thousands of children are orphaned because of malaria as well?

Please pray for healing of those who are now fighting malaria. Pray the Lord will raise up people to help fight with them. Pray for those orphaned due to malaria…and for those children who are fighting it defenseless. Defend the widow and orphan? Isn’t that the way the gospel words it? Here’s another way to do that.

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natali - May 15, 2010 - 12:58 am

praying for the healing of those with malaria and for people to rise up and fight with them. praying for those sweet little innocent babes orphaned by it, and for those same little babes who have to fight it alone.

A sweet night…

05.13.2010

After a long day…God had a sweet night in store for me. I was sitting in my back yard with Frank—enjoying the quiet (that is until the neighbor’s dogs started growling at is…if you have a trick for how to stop that one…lemme know;)…and again was taken back by all the beautiful things that surround me dispite the background noise around me…

Like a flower garden that the Lord cares for and grows…Did I grow that? Absolutely not. I haven’t watered these…not done one thing! Yet…He is able. How He cares for these and creates them with splendor…yet how much MORE He cares for us!

Then later I was heading out the door to meet my Bible study girls for a long-planned GNO (girls night out). And I had to run back inside and grab my camera when I saw this beautiful image…Sitting pretty and mounted on my love’s truck…a bottle. I just love the life the Lord has blessed us with. And my mommy heart longs for more…yet my heart is at rest and at peace with where and how the Lord leads. OH…and not to mention—God’s beautiful creation in the back. The clouds! The sky! Again…the Lord blows me away.

As if that isn’t enough—I head to this completely Southern local restaurant…you know the type–Fried Pickles for appetizers and sweet peach tee…just locals working the joint. I’m sitting there with 9 of the girls that I have done life with for the past 2 years. Just happened to have our Bible study night…our last night meeting and our Girls Night…the night I would need most to be around the girls who we have walked through everything with. We’ve seen it all together. A husband fighting cancer. Pregnancies. Miscarriages. Births. Death. Job loss…job gains. You name it…we’ve been holding hands through it. There we all sat…and I didn’t have to say a word about how I was feeling–because they. all. knew. And there we sat…eating fried pickles and talking about our kids (and doing impersonations that make my side hurt!). Love those girls.

Then out of no where—my social worker…whom I have never seen in public—walks up. She just HAPPENED to be having dinner there…and just happened to have read my blog today…and it was such fun to introduce her to all my girls. (Love you Donna!). I love how the Lord surrounded me with the people who have been such a big part of our journey to Isaac tonight. PRECIOUS.

And as if it couldn’t get any better…

Later, one of the waitresses walks up says, “Excuse me…would you like some more tea?” in an ancient my heart some way without every being there knew…

and so I asked, “Ma’am, where are you from?”

And in the most beautiful accent and cocking her head she replied, “E-t-iopia.”

That’s. what. I. Thought.

Of course you are.

A waitress at this small country local joint…that serves fried pickles and whom I am a regular at…and I’ve never seen you before…but of course tonight—you are here…and there we sat…talking about Addis and Welayta…and the South region.

Of course.

Would you expect anything else from a God who is so big?

Thank you Lord for showing me that you are in this…over and over and over again. I loved that my Bible study girls were sitting there when Donna walked up. And even more when our Ethiopian server came to talk. I couldn’t say anything but, “This is just crazy! Crazy, I tell you. God is so in this…and I am just amazed.”

And then we left. They actually kindly told us they were closed. So for the next hour we stood in the parking lot and laughed until our sides hurt. Oh, the joys of friends who know you best—and who can make you laugh on days like today. Thank you Lord…for the flowers, the clouds, the reminder of our beautiful life with the bottle…our social worker walking by during our dinner, for the random Ethiopian waitress…and for the best of friends.

So thankful. How can I not praise my God?!

Praying for complete healing of Isaac’s mom. And of course 9 more days until our next court appointment. God is in this! Will you join me in praying for another miracle?!

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Vanessa - May 13, 2010 - 11:49 pm

I’m always amazed at the ways God shows himself to us when we are “open” to it. I am sad that court didn’t happen today. I pray for little Isaac’s mom’s healing and give God praise for you and your wisdom. Sending you hugs from TN!

missy - May 14, 2010 - 1:31 am

i am sad that you didn’t pass court this time, but i am joining you in prayer for the next one. i am glad it is so soon. what a precious night god gave you. i am always touched by the perspective you have on things, but i know it is because you gain your perspective from a fresh encounter each day with the lord.

love the gift of your waitress god gave you.from injera to fried pickles…that’s one long journey! 🙂

Shannon - May 14, 2010 - 1:42 am

I am so glad you had this evening. I’m smiling just thinking of the laughter. I am so thankful for the women God puts in our lives that we can cry hard with and laugh even harder with! Beautiful thoughts and pictures. Praying.

april - May 14, 2010 - 1:45 am

so glad the Lord gave you this wonderful evening full of reminders of His love!

Tracy - May 14, 2010 - 6:05 am

I’ve been in your shoes with the anticipation of passing court, only to receive news that you didnt. Its such a disappointment. Hang there. His timing is PERFECT!

Becca Harley - May 14, 2010 - 7:03 am

I love friends!!! So thankful that you had a blessed night, full of laughter and joy!!!

Kelly - May 14, 2010 - 7:54 am

I’m so glad that we could all have a fun night together! 🙂 I just watched King Burger…..so funny!

julie@Flitterbugs - May 14, 2010 - 8:00 am

I woke up multiply times last night thinking about Isaac’s Bmom…thank you for giving us the chance to love her!

Chrystal - May 14, 2010 - 9:25 am

Andrea, God is watching over you & that sweet baby Isaac.. protecting your heart in ways that only He knows how. I shared your news yesterday with my sister in law, who is adoption from Tawian, about not passing court and just how your post from the previous day couldn’t have been any more perfect for what news was awaiting the next day. THY WILL BE DONE. I hit refresh on my computer NO LESS than 10 times yesterday morning, awaiting the news. I KID YOU NOT. You are on my mind and on my heart SO VERY MUCH I think it would blow you away. God has used SO MANY of His people to PRAY for your family & for that sweet, sweet baby Isaac. In my heart today, I feel that maybe the reason WHY all this is happening is because little Isaacs birth mommy NEEDS PRAYERS FOR HEALING. Think about the AMOUNT of people that now know of her need, that are now lifting her up to the Lord and asking for complete healing. Not only for her, but for the other 6 precious children that she is caring for. There are so many unknowns in life… but we can rest assure that God watched over us, protects us, guides us, and loves us. Isaac’s birth mother & children are heavy on my heart right now, as I’m sure she is PLENTY of others. THIS IS SO GOD. He uses US to lift up those in need…

I am praying for you friend, my church is praying, my friends/family are praying… I can’t explain the connection that I have felt with you during this process. SO GOD. I love how He is reconfirming His hand through this amazing journey that you have allowed Him to take you on. I love your heart, I love your spirit, and that sweet baby boy will be in your arms soon, just where he belongs. Hang in there… keep the focus on all things GOOD.. oh, what a amazingly precious day that will be when you are holding that sweet baby in your arms. I am praying for you, friend….

Kim - May 14, 2010 - 9:57 am

I love how you approach your days … eyes wide open in expectant anticipation of God’s hand in the everyday details.
You inspire me.
Covering you and Isaac in prayer from Hong Kong!
Love ya,
Kim

Elle J - May 14, 2010 - 10:38 am

I can picture this perfectly. The girlfriends that can make your side ache with laughter, shutting down restaurants, and spending extra hours in a parking lot are THE BEST GNO’s! 😉 Not to mention the comfort and honesty you share in the difficult times too. God is so awesome!! Love your connections in all different points last night. Hugs to you, Andrea!!!

Gini - May 14, 2010 - 10:44 am

Oh, what a cool night!! Awesome God, indeed. 🙂

natali - May 14, 2010 - 11:16 am

GOD works in mysterious ways, doesn’t He! Praying for you guys & Isaac’s birth mother and family.

Alison - May 14, 2010 - 4:05 pm

What a cool night…I just love it when God just brings so many neat circumstances together that is just undeniable…it’s all HIM!! So precious…praying for your next court date and your sweet baby boy!!

Katie - May 14, 2010 - 4:39 pm

Awesome! Just awesome!!

Crissy Sorenson - May 14, 2010 - 8:55 pm

The Lord did something like that for me a few weeks ago- I had read on someone else’s blog about them ‘happening’ to meet someone from Ethiopia, and I thought surely never in my small town…..so we were in Atlanta in front of our hotel and a man who worked there saw our Ethiopia sticker on our van and asked us about it. I probably scared the man, I scream, “can I hug you?!!?” and gave him a big ol’ hug, and we all talked for a while…he is so excited for us. It is so awesome- I didn’t even ask God for that and He knew one of the little desires of my heart!
BTW- our fam prayed for Isaac’s birth mommy during our family worship tonight…….we’ll keep praying!

Jackie - May 14, 2010 - 9:47 pm

I love to read this! It doesn’t surprise me one bit. I’m telling you it brings back such memories of how God would remind me that he was still in our adoption. It just puts a smile on my face and all I can do is shake my head. Yes, He is in this! Praying for your next court appointment!

Heidi - May 14, 2010 - 11:24 pm

I’m praying for you and your little miracle to be in your arms soon! God’s has the perfect timing and I know you know that:)
I just love your eyes that fully see God wonderful beauty!

Give thanks to the Lord…

05.13.2010

for He is good. His mercies endure forever. In all circumstances…give Him praise.

We did not pass court today. BUT…I know my God is in this. If God is for us—then WHO can be against us?

Last night, I prayed throughout the watches of the night. From 1am-2:30am, Addie (one of my very bestfriends) and I were texting prayers back and forth so we could pray in agreement with one another. At one point, the Lord put on my heart to pray, “Arise, O Lord, let your enemies be scattered.” I thought…what a funny thing to pray. I started to text that to Addie and wanted to include the verse but couldn’t find it so I just texted it without the scripture.

We continued to pray…and pray…and pray…and pray. Rich got up at 3am…this momma was still praying and at 3:30 I was praying and making blueberry muffins while I prayed:). The house smelled DELISH at 4am;). Then, I woke this morning and opened up God’s word.

As some of you know, I’ve been reading through the chronological Bible reading this year. I’ve gotten a little off, but thought this morning that I’d go to today’s reading. Psalm 68-70, Psalm 86, Psalm 101. REMEMBER the scripture the Lord had me read in that chapel THE DAY Isaac was relinquished by his birth mom?? YEP. You got it. SAME verses. The Lord was showing me today—that HE IS IN THIS! And NO MATTER WHAT His will…WILL PREVAIL. Nothing can’t thwart His plan! NOTHING!

My hands were quivering before the Lord as I read scripture—indeed, the Holy Spirit was in my presense. And I was sure the answer for today was from the Lord and would be one where HE would receive the most glory!

And the Lord showed me in Psalm 68:1 where that verse I was looking for last night is found

“May God arise, may his enemies be scattered…”

Read on…

Psalm 68:5-6 “A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows,
is God in his holy dwelling.
God sets the lonely in families…”

Want more?

Psalm 68:10 “Your people settled in it,
and from bounty, O God, you provided for the poor.”

More…

Psalm 68:19-20 “Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior,
who daily bears our burdens.
Our God is a God who saves;
from the Sovereign Lord comes escape from death.”

The Lord has helped Isaac escape from death. But the Lord needs us to pray for his birth mother. The reason we did not pass–is because Isaac’s birth mother was too sick to travel. She has malaria. Isaac’s birth father died from malaria in July–and more than anything—we need the world praying for HEALING of this mom. There are 6 more children she is parenting…and we pray that they, too, are not orphaned. RESCUE HER FROM DEATH O LORD!

Psalm 68:28 “Summon your power, O God;
Show us Your strength, O God, as you have done before.”

And then jump to the King James version and read this…where David is talking about who will come to praise the Lord…

Psalm 68:31 “Princes shall come from Eqypt; Ethiopia shall soon stretch out her hands unto God.”

And finally…

Psalm 68:32-35 “Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth, sing praise to the Lord,
to him who rides the ancient skies above,
who thunders with mighty voice.
Proclaim the power of God,
whose majesty is over Israel,
whose power is in the skies.
You are awesome, O God, in your sanctuary;
the God of Israel gives power and strength to his people.
PRAISE BE TO GOD!”

This is NOT my story. It is His. We need our story to be one that gives HIM THE MOST GLORY. If we passed today…done–go get Isaac…life is good. BUT…what IF he could receive MORE glory??? What if in this—our eyes are MORE opened to the orphan?

There are thousands…no wait–MILLIONS…of orphans who need us to pray on their behalf. Every day, malaria…AIDS…starvation…is taking mommies and daddies away. DO THEY KNOW JESUS? How can we 1. take them the gospel and 2. how can we live the gospel for those already orphaned?

I believe He wants to use EVERY SINGLE one of His people.

How will you answer His call?

I can already see how the Lord can and will receive the most glory out of this. IF the Lord chooses to heal Isaac’s mom—then GLORY BE TO GOD…she can parent the 6 additional children AND appear in court on the 24th and we can parent the child that she could not. SHINE JESUS! But what if…if the Lord chooses to take her to glory—then we will advocate and open our hands for the others left. WE NEED TO PRAY! We want every child to remain in the family the Lord made for them…but this isn’t always possible. PLEASE first pray with me that the Lord heals!!! This is our FIRST prayer! Pray for healing and pray we pass on the 24th.

Second, pray that you would open your hands wider—trust the Lord with us…and be brave, courageous and obedient in however He chooses to call you.

I am amazed how the Lord meets with us when we slow down to meet with HIM. Just think…if I had not come to Him this morning what I would have missed? Day in and day out—HE LONGS TO MEET WITH YOU. What are you missing out on when you do not come to him??? Oh…meeting with Him…there is nothing sweeter. We not only miss sweet time with our Savior…but we risk missing how He might want to lead us in the plight of the orphan…the widow and the poor. We have no time to waste…this is just one orphan’s story. There are millions others who need us to pray on their behalf. Will you join me?

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Asher Collie - May 13, 2010 - 1:52 pm

This takes my breath away. How GREAT is our God. I love watching your story unfold. My prayers are with you all, Isaac and his birth mom…along with all those orphaned in this world. Your story is a living testimony.

Marci - May 13, 2010 - 2:01 pm

What a journey for you,Andrea. Although we have never met we are linked with our love of Christ and knowledge of His faithfulness. I just started breathing again after what you have shared. Yes, we will pray for Isaac’s birth mother to get up and get the strength needed to help her youngest Isaac. God is powerful,mighty and He can do all things. Keep your faith soaring .we all will be praying. Pax, m

Katie - May 13, 2010 - 2:12 pm

Andrea,
I will be praying for Isaac’s brithmother and her other children.

Elle J - May 13, 2010 - 2:16 pm

While you did not pass court, you have reached a level of understanding and praise for your King that goes beyond measure. You are an inspiration. You are a true missionary who has the steady love for God and your faithfulness is awesome. I love learning from you. Praises for our King ~ He is with you and all of Isaac’s birth family. Every step. Thy Will Be Done. Continuing to pray right along with you.

julie@Flitterbugs - May 13, 2010 - 2:37 pm

Praying. praying, Andrea. Because you did not pass last night, this precious widow, created and made by the hands of God, has hundrends of families in America loving her…praying for her. I know I will probably never meet her this side of eternity….but one day I will. “Oh, you are Isaac’s birthmother!…”I know I will have that meeting one day! Though your hearts may ache that you are not yet packing backs and buying your tickets,Isaac’s bmom has a host of “strangers” interceeding on her behalf. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to love on this precious lady!

kristi johnson - May 13, 2010 - 3:10 pm

oh, hurt me…I’m so sad you didn’t pass…but I love your heart and mind on all this…praying for that Momma to be healed…kj

Leigh - May 13, 2010 - 3:36 pm

Praying for everyone involved with Isaac! Praying big things! He can do it!
His story for your family is so beautiful.

Jessica - May 13, 2010 - 3:46 pm

How awesome is our God!! Of course so sad that you didn’t pass, but your story has shown how much bigger this all is than just bringing one child home. We as adoptive parents get the biggest benefit of adoption. We are the ones rejoicing with each homecoming and cherishing these little blessings that we are given to raise-which is an amazing gift from our father. Let us not forget that the reason these children-HIS gifts-are coming home to us is because things are not as they should be in the world. It is just not right that 6 more children’s fate are at the mercy of a disease that we have the ability to treat. I will pray with you for this mother and her other children and God’s timing for bringing your sweet boy home. Eyes will be open because of this post. It is so much bigger than just our stories. Praying for God to get all of the glory from this situation.

Defending the Fatherless

Jessica

tami - May 13, 2010 - 3:53 pm

First, just WOW, Ang! It is a beautiful story He is writing and thanks for a much needed reminder. Praying for both of Isaac’s moms. Love you!!

Karen - May 13, 2010 - 5:41 pm

So beautiful Andrea. You are SO right!! Does our heart break for the people who are in need of God, in need of healing, in need of restoration!? Our prayers are powerful! I will be praying for your son’s BM that she will be healed! you have such great perspective.

Lauren - May 13, 2010 - 6:03 pm

sooo powerful! I love hearing how the Lord is working in all this.. absolutely incredible!

Praying, dear friend, unceasingly for our little boys and their bio mommies… and all who are left behind… my heart just breaks!

natali - May 13, 2010 - 9:27 pm

I love your heart, andrea. praying for you guys& isaac & for isaac’s birth mother to get well, and for her children.

Jenny - May 13, 2010 - 11:21 pm

So disappointed for you today but as someone else commented, what a blessing that so many people are now praying for Isaac’s birthmom! Your post was a beautiful example of God’s peace in the wait. Encouraged my heart! Praying you continue to hold onto HIS peace.

We are THAT family - May 14, 2010 - 9:21 pm

Praying for your adoption journey!