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May 13, 2010

Give thanks to the Lord…

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!

May 12, 2010

Court tonight…Thy will be done.

Well, here we are. Tonight is the night—that Richard and I could legally become Isaac’s parents. My heart longs for him to finally be ours, BUT I must rest and wait in the Lord.

Psalm 27:14 “Wait for the Lord; Be strong, and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the Lord.”

I feel like my heart is on the way to the hospital…driving there to deliver. Will the physician say, “Yes, it’s time!” Or…will He say, “He’s just not ready yet–I am going to send you home…but you will be back.”??? Yes, we are a part of this story. But the story is not just “ours”. And I can’t afford to be selfish in it. I want the Lord’s will to be done. Because what IF it could be grander? Then…not mine—but thy will be done!

Proverbs 19:21 “Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails.”

Richard and I followed this journey to Isaac because we felt the Lord calling us to grow our family. Through our work with Wiphan, our eyes were open to the need in Africa and all over the world…but it truly and honestly was not the need that drew us…but the longing for what the Lord placed on our hearts. Yet just as I longed for Frank, we have longed for another baby…our Issac. As much as I wanted them to induce me for Frank’s delivery…I selfishly wanted him here and I wanted to be comfortable…YET I truly didn’t want him here in my arms before he was ready and before the Lord wanted his first day to begin. Again—selfishly I want Isaac home and I want to no longer be uncomfortable being worlds apart. Of course I am confident in the care he could receive here, but because I have already seen the great work the Lord has done–I am MORE confident in the Lord and His PERFECT CARE! More than anything—I want His will to be done…I want what is BEST for Isaac…and what will bring the Lord the most glory.

Psalm 33:20 “Our souls wait for the Lord; He is our help and our shield. For our heart shall rejoice in Him, because we have trusted in His holy name.”

As much as I pray tonight to become Isaac’s mommy, I also pray for his birth mom. I pray that we will pass WHEN it will work out for me to actually meet her. Coming into this journey my heart was broken for the widow. I feel like the Lord has placed something on my heart—and that if I don’t meet her when I go to get Isaac that I will need to go back one day to meet her. And of course…once Isaac is home—it will be hard to leave him…so I pray that we will pass court and be given travel dates when I can meet her.

Because…what if.

What if God wanted to do more than just grow our family?

What if God wanted even more than I could imagine possible?

What if just was Wiphan began in Zambia through a widow whose heart we had fallen in love with…what if something like Wiphan was born in Ethiopia through a widow’s heart…that we have fallen in love with?

What if there is more to the story than just “ours”…and therefore, we can’t afford to be selfish in our prayer. THY WILL BE DONE.

Yes, I want to be Isaac’s mommy. Yes, I want him home. BUT MY GOD IS ABLE. And I trust Him.

When we begin to pray for the bigger picture–we no longer know HOW to pray…and our prayer becomes THY WILL BE DONE.

Yes, our expenses are paid. Yes, the Lord has provided. Yes, the Lord has over and over and over again shown us this is His will and HE has paved a way…and provided EVERY. SINGLE. TIME.

But today and tonight I will lift my hands to the Creator.

THY WILL BE DONE.

Do more, oh Father, than we could ever imagine possible. Thy will be done! He goes before us—and boy, His plan PERFECT! I long to be Isaac’s mommy…but even more than being Parker, Laney, Frank and Isaac’s mommy…I long for His will to be done. Oh, will you be brave and couragous and lift your hands and ask the same thing for your journey in this life? What if there was even more that the Lord wanted to do if you were willing to raise your hands…forget about all you have to lose…all you have to gain…and just say THY WILL BE DONE.

My God, tonight, will not sleep or slumber. He goes before us. He goes before Isaac’s birth mom on her journey RIGHT NOW. And He who is healing my son…(tears)…is also healing me. Be encouraged by this.

Off to chase my little ones…and find my rest in the Lord. When we hear our news…you will be the first to know;-).

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Lucy - May 12, 2010 - 1:44 pm

Praying peace and comfort for your precious family this day! We can’t wait to hear about how it goes. Love you!!

Amy - May 12, 2010 - 2:19 pm

Oh Andrea, I love your heart! You are the one who is going to court tonight and yet your words are comforting me! Wow! I admit, I have been anxious for you and I have been anxious for our yet to be scheduled court date. We all want our kiddos home asap. But God is faithful and His plans are ALWAYS best – thanks for this reminder today!

Praying for you!

Kristy Filbrun - May 12, 2010 - 3:24 pm

Hey! I want you to know that this girl in Ohio has already prayed for you today! It is on my calendar!!! I have this saying on my fridge that I look at often, Gods timing is always perfect, even if we don’t realize it at the time. I believe that with all my heart and I will keep praying for GODS will 🙂 Can’t wait to hear!!

april - May 12, 2010 - 3:29 pm

Amen sister! Beautiful post! Ephesians 3:20

Lara - May 12, 2010 - 3:31 pm

Your faith is so encouraging. I don’t stop often enough to ask Him to do what He wants.

natali - May 12, 2010 - 3:39 pm

beautiful post, andrea! praying for your family.

Becca Harley - May 12, 2010 - 4:12 pm

Friend – you are right – God’s will be done! I know that our awe-inspiring God has huge plans for your Isaac – I can only wait in anticipation for all He has to show us!! Praying for you tonight (for a little sleep!)

Amy @ Filled With Praise - May 12, 2010 - 5:22 pm

Waiting in prayer with you sweet friend.
Blessings,
Amy

Elle J - May 12, 2010 - 5:49 pm

So genuinely and perfectly written, Andrea. Praying, Thy Will Be Done.

meghan - May 12, 2010 - 6:41 pm

Believing great things for you! Can’t wait to read of your “pass” tomorrow.
Hugs,
Meghan

Gini - May 12, 2010 - 8:32 pm

Praying for you all now! 🙂

Rebekah - May 12, 2010 - 8:55 pm

Praying for you! Praying for strength, courage, hope and for God’s will! Can’t wait to hear how court goes!

Vanessa - May 12, 2010 - 9:41 pm

Thank you for your wise words!!!

Tiffany - May 12, 2010 - 10:20 pm

I’ll pray for you tonight…and for sweet Isaac. I love to read your story…at 3 months out ours is already feeling like a distant memory. It is wonderful to follow others on their journey!

Shannon - May 13, 2010 - 2:17 am

You’ve been on my heart all day! Praying, praying, praying for your peace in the wait and for His perfect timing.

Chrystal - May 13, 2010 - 11:38 am

pins and needles over here my friend. You’ve had MORE people praying for your family & sweet, precious little Isaac, I think you’d be blown away. 🙂 Every one around me knows about little Isaac & have been praying. You come up in my daily conversations. 🙂 I LOVE how God has placed your family & little Isaac on my heart so heavy…. *amazing* how He does that. I have hit refresh no less than 10 times since 9am. It’s 11:34pm. I am either 1) REALLY REALLY excited for you & that precious little boy or 2) Excited AND a freak. Your call. 🙂 LOL. seriously, I was sharing your story with a group of people at church last night whose hearts are being tugged in adoption.. God has been working SO MUCH in our church it has been mind-boggling. He is onto something [huge] in our church right now, and I just pray for guidence, complete surrender, and obidence. You are a blessing to many… praying for you friend… THY WILL BE DONE. *hugs*

Melanie Hobbs - May 13, 2010 - 12:53 pm

Chrystal…I am right there with you, my friend! 🙂 I have “refreshed” the website this morning no less than 8-10 times! I can’t stand the anticipation! Andrea – I am hoping that no news (so far) is GOOD news! My son, Chase, & I said extra special prayers for you & your family last night!

May 11, 2010

Living on the front lines…

A wise woman once told me that if I am not experiencing spiritual warfare in my life…then something is wrong. Why? Well, simply because that would mean that I am not a threat to the enemy.

OK…I just lost some people. But it’s true. As much as I know that God is real—I also believe satan is real. And satan’s best scheme of all time is to fool us into believing that spiritual warfare and that he, himself, does not exist. One of my dearest friends has been involved with starting two very powerful ministries–and she always talks how the roads to both of these are paved with tears. I must agree.

I experienced opposition more than any time in my life when I went to do mission work in China–but I also saw the Lord in ways I never thought possible. Talk about everything going wrong when we started Wiphan–every roadblock possible…yet the Lord made a way. And our road to adoption has been no different. Some of you who are very close to us will remember when Laney was diagnosed in August with MRSA–a infectious disease that would have kept us from persuing adoption. THEN the Lord miraculously healed our girl. When our Isaac was being born–the enemy was trying to distract us and make it impossible for us to persue adoption. We had people all over praying–and His glory shined and our daughter was healed.

We have had countless other things happen, but as we put on our full armor and stepped forward trusting God–He and His faithfulness overcame…time and time again.

Today, I just want to encourage those of you on the front lines…where ever you are and whatever you are doing. Some of you are being called to the mission field…and there seems to be no way either financially or emotionally to continue. Others of you are called to adopt…and you feel like everything seems to be taking too long or not going as you hoped. And others…maybe you are starting a ministry and you just feel continued defeat.

That same friend who has experienced hardship as she followed the Lord in ministry is teaching her 3 year old son to put on his armor and his sweet little 3 year old self is memorizing David’s speech to Goliath…”You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD Almighty…” (I have to say I love how this little one pronounces javelin;).

There will be many things that come to you and try to defeat you on your journey to following the Lord. Some things you will have to take that sword and fight through. Remember whose name to come to fight the battle with! There will be opposition…but the Lord is able to overcome it! And then there are other things you will be up against…that you will be tempted by…called…

Sin.

When the Lord asks you to step up—the enemy is going to tempt you to sin. Be careful. And be ready.

I encourage us to cling to scripture and follow the Lord NO MATTER WHAT. Because sin entangles us and will get us off where we need to be. And that will be the enemy’s chief aim when you step to the front lines. Here is some scripture to cling to and remember during your call whatever it may be:

Ephesians 4:29 “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”

This may mean keeping your opinions to yourself—and most certainly not being judgemental. Each man must be accountable for his own choices–so let us not look to the left or the right and keep our eyes instead focused on the prize set before us in Christ Jesus.

Matthew 7:12 “So in everything, to do others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law of the Prophets.”

Before you act of speak…put yourself in the other persons shoes. Try to see their heart…and try to love them as Christ loves them.

Leviticus 19:16 “Do not go about spreading slander among your people. Do not do anything that endangers your neighbor’s life. I am the LORD.”

Notice the LORD said this. And what people is He telling us…YOUR people. That’s other believers. Maybe even friends. Maybe even family. If you can’t say it to them…if you can’t share you opinion about them directly to them and know their heart before you speak…just don’t speak. Why? Because I AM said.

And what are we to do when we do? Matthew 5 tells us to first go reconcile to our brother—before we go to the Lord again…go to our brother and be reconciled. And then…be encouraged.

One of my favorite Proverbs is Proverbs 17:17. You know it. “A friend loveth at all times…” I remember this “Precious Moments” doll a childhood friend gave me and that was enscribed on the bottom. BUT the last part of the verse…THE BEST PART of the verse…was left off.

Be encouraged when doing the right thing is hard…when going to a brother for reconciliation isn’t easy because of the 2nd part of the verse!

Proverbs 17:17 “A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born in adversity.”

I love how God always, always, always trumps the enemy. The enemy causes us to sin. But God always offers hope. And in following the Lord even in reconciliation—A BROTHER IS BORN. Amen?!

I write this…to encourage you.

Hold tight to Jesus.

Memorize the scriptures.

And as you follow the Lord—keep your eyes on Jesus…but be ready. Because the enemy is always lurking about looking for a way to steal, kill and distroy. The Bible said it, I believe it…and I have experienced it. I have seen it in ministry—and I see it now some times with families in adoption. I have had to confess sin to my own brothers and sisters in Christ…but I have been blessed by deeper relationships as I follow Him and His commands. Don’t let the enemy fool you into sin–and even worse don’t let him fool you into not following the Lord into forgiveness.

Let us not give in to sin but hold tight to Jesus as we step to the front lines…together.

Posted in Day in the Life,Orphan & Widow Care
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natali - May 11, 2010 - 4:15 pm

i loveloveLOVE this post! thanks for the great encouragement. I’m moving out on the mission field next January [for at least a year, praying about a lifetime]. Thank you sososo much!! :))

Megan - May 11, 2010 - 4:41 pm

Thank you for these encouraging words.

Jenny - May 11, 2010 - 8:11 pm

VERY very good!! The most opposition I’ve ever faced was when I traveled to Rwanda to teach. I also always find opposition at work as a teacher! Ugghhh!! I feel that I constantly battle with others, which I know it’s satan using them, but it’s so draining! Love the post!

Angie Walter - May 11, 2010 - 8:46 pm

OH ANDREA! How I needed this today! I haven’t been able to follow any blogs lately but stumbled upon yours just now and whoa…you have no idea how I needed to read this! – Satan is trying to bog me down with the day to day worries and chores, etc…instead of enjoying my precious, rowdy, messy, silly boys! Thank you for letting God speak through you!

Rebekah - May 11, 2010 - 9:03 pm

Wow! This post is truly fitting! I’ve felt God impressing this on my heart lately but seeing it in words has really opened my eyes! We are at a huge crossroad and I can’t see how God is going to work everything out… but He IS! You truly have a gift for writing! Thank you for sharing!

april - May 11, 2010 - 9:26 pm

amen! amen! amen! We have been touching on that a little in our daniel study by beth moore at church and it’s so true! Thanks for this reminder but most of all thanks for the encouragement and hope found in God’s word that we can cling to through our times and through the journeys God calls us to!

Alison - May 11, 2010 - 10:59 pm

Andrea, thanks so much for these encouraging words! We have just started this journey and already the enemy has started his attacks. It was the same way when we were transitioning into full time ministry. It is hard, but it encourages us b/c we know this means we are truly in God’s will. We know that satan would leave us alone if we were just sitting still doing our own thing. We are truly putting on our armour everyday!

kristi johnson - May 11, 2010 - 11:21 pm

awesome….great post, kj

toni kuguru - May 12, 2010 - 5:24 am

Andrea, I stumbled upon this website via the update in the former 30 something mailing. I’ve been sitting here for almost an hour reading all of your old posts. What an amazing journey you have been on, and this is ONLY the beginning 🙂 Looking forward to seeing what God has in store for your family of 6!

Kameron Shadrick - May 12, 2010 - 11:13 am

Thanks so much for this post! Ever since we began the adoption, the spiritual battle has intensified. But lately it has gotten worse and more personal. Basically, my BFF won’t support our adoption because of some very, very selfish reasons on her part – I could not believe what she was saying. I am trying to not be bitter and have been praying that God heal us and help me move on. But it is eating me alive and stealing my joy. I feel defeated. Then, just this morning I went to your blog and read this post! It has totally convicted and encouraged me. Although I know that we are in the right, I must call her and reconcile. I must truly forgive her. Thanks for the Spirit led post. It was a blessing.

May 10, 2010

Waiting and trusting in the Lord…

How do you get water to boil? You stare at it of course;). No. We all know not to stare at water waiting to boil. I have tried the same thing during our adoption wait. Each month, I would hold my cell phone in hand waiting for it to ring. I’d check my email–I confess some times a gazillon times a minute. Refresh. Refresh. Refresh. (iphone access to constant email…not helping.) I even gave our agency a special ringtone. And some how…my hubby never said it but his facial expressions often did…”JUST CHILLLLL OUT.”

Hey…but some things have worked to his favor. Like–the nervous energy has turned productive…like when I built him that flower garden when he was in Africa in March. But MY how the Lord has even taught me things through that. I would sit out in those brown chairs just looking at the mulch.

“Rich…do you think any of them will bloom?”

“Dunno. Maybe. Hope so.”

“I mean, I planted like 200 of them. I gave ’em plant food. Surely one will bloom. Don’t ya think?”

“Sure. Hope so. But staring at them won’t help.”

Ugh. Well, why not? Just won’t. I know that. And I felt the Lord speaking to my heart as the first teeny sprouts came up. OK, you all are going to think I’m wacked…but while we waited on a court date I’d run down and look to see if there was a bloom. I kept telling Richard I just bet they’d bloom on the day we got a court date. But…not so much. We got a courtdate BEFORE they bloomed. And a few days later—a bloom came up. All in God’s timing.

Oh my daughter. Why do you worry? Do you see how I clothe the flowers? They do not labor or spin…Oh, you have little faith. Do not let your heart worry. Seek first my kingdom.

Amazing how our Creator is the ONLY One who can make this flower blossom…Amazing that if I showed you two pictures of Isaac–one the day he entered Hannah’s Hope and one from a week ago–that you wouldn’t know it was even the same baby! The God who is growing these flowers in my backyard is the same God who is growing and strengthening my son across the world. AMAZING. SO…why do I have so little faith?

Do I appear to have it together and look like I’m smooth riding? Don’t let me fool you. 2.25 days;) until our court date…woke up this morning and I honestly felt like I was going to puke. I had to sit up and say out loud, “Help me trust you Lord.”

I must trust in the Lord. He has been too good to me. He has shown me His hand so much in our journey. I asked Him last night, “Lord, do you really want to hear the same prayer 500 times? Am I driving you crazy?”

My heart has never felt this much longing. I’ve searched my heart, asked Him to reveal sin in my life…confessed it, asked for forgiveness. And then I hear Him speak to my heart…MY GRACE IS SUFFICIENT. TRUST ME.

I held Frank tonight and was rocking him…singing “his hymn” to him that I’ve sung for the 18 months he has been in this world and the 9 months in my womb. I LONGED FOR THIS BABY…my Frank…I just longed for. Of course I’m just as in love with my others—and those surprise pregnancies joys in themselves…but there is something powerful in the longing that happens and seeing His grace in the gift.

Amazing Grace…how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now I’m found;
Was blind but now I see.

Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears relieved.
How precious did that grace appear,
The hour I first believed.

Thro’ many dangers, toils and snares
I have already come.
‘Tis grace that brought me safe thus far,
and grace will lead me home.

When we’ve been there ten thousand years,
Bright shining as the sun,
We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise,
Than when we first begun.

His head laying on my shoulder as I sang and one tiny hand wrapped around my back…I could feel his little fingers gently loving…rubbing back and forth. My heart melted. My third baby. God’s grace resting on my shoulder. I cradled him down so I could look into his eyes. Binky in his mouth staring back at me…he giggled and his little binky almost fell out until he gripped it with his tiny baby teeth smiling. I giggled back and…began to tear up. My heart felt a bit of pain knowing in a few months this quietness with Frank must be shared. And my heart longs to share it. But some will be lost. Each of my children have made a sacrifice for one another—except Frank. And now…it is his turn. I felt my prayer changing. The Lord’s ways are higher than my ways. His timing is always perfect. Holding Frank I realized only the Lord knows when is best…and even my heart can’t be trusted. Hear this…I LONG TO PASS COURT ON THURSDAY…but the Lord knows the best timing for Isaac, for Frank…for all of us. THY. WILL. BE. DONE.

The butterflies in my stomach rest…for now;). Thy will be done.

Such power when we can finally pray that prayer. And Lord–forgive me for my lack of faith. How I want to trust You…with all of my children. Thy will be done.

I’m going to do my BEST not to carry my phone around…to “stare at water” or “my lillies”…and to trust in the Lord in new ways for things my heart deeply longs for.

And just to make you smile at some real life things this weekend…for some much needed laughter and comic relief;)…
I had to promise Richard that Frank will no longer wear things like this…OK…I know the bubble at 18 months is taking it overboard. Honestly, I put him in it just because I love watching my hubby cringe. OK…see, I’m showing you all kinds of character flaws I have;) Seriously, I’m done with the bubbles. He made me promised Isaac wouldn’t wear this. If you like it, find it on ebay next week;). Sorry Southern Gigi’s and Nana’s…we’re done with the bubbles. (And if you are wondering what is going on in that pic…Laney is my little MOMMA and she was insisting that Frank had something on his foot! LOVE this little momma and boy will I need her help in the years ahead!)

And then TODAY (Monday)…I was greatfully distracted from Thursday’s wait by another PRECIOUS AGCI mommy who came in town! Betsy came up and brought just one of her boys (she has 3)…the older 2 were in school. Betsy and her family are on the girl list in the 20’s and the sibling list in the teens. I can’t WAIT to watch their journey unfold! Here’s the adoption mommas hanging at the park…
Her littlest guy…he is going to be the BEST big brother. He is too sweet, too cute and too fun!Thank you Betsy for coming to see us! I had such fun meeting you and your little guy…and can’t wait to see what happens for your precious family in the months ahead! Praying for ya’ll!

2 more days…resting and trusting in the Lord—so thankful to be on this journey with you all. Thank you for praying for our family and for our Isaac. Please keep Isaac’s continued progress and health in your prayers. I was so encouraged to hear my friend Betsy say how healthy he looked when she saw his pictures today! He has come a long way and I’m just ready to have this happy, cutie finally home!

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Jennifer - May 10, 2010 - 10:23 pm

Praying for your court date and claiming VICTORY!!!
Jenny

Caytie - May 10, 2010 - 10:32 pm

oh Andrea…I am praying for you….I am singing the same familiar song as we are on our journey also. “You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord, is the Rock eternal. Isaiah 26:3(notice how the Lord is said twice in this verse)

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Phillip. 4:7

Amy @ Filled With Praise - May 10, 2010 - 11:10 pm

I am praying for you Andrea. I am also praying with you for your family and your sweet Isaac to be united in HIS timing. Much love,
Amy

kristi johnson - May 10, 2010 - 11:48 pm

oh, i wanted to puke on my court date…prayin girly, kj

Megan - May 11, 2010 - 1:59 am

I think Frank and my Lil Monkey must be bout the same age. I find myself in your same position…longing for my baby, but wanting to cherish these sweet, sweet moments with my baby now. It’s sometimes the only thing that I find comforting about God’s timing right now. Praying with you for Thursday.

Marci - May 11, 2010 - 6:36 am

Praying for you every day in daily mass and through out…The Lord loves our prayers and the constant talking and trusting and obedience….relax. It will all happen beautifully for the conductor of the universe has each of you in the palm of his hand . Angels are protecting each of you. Don’t let Satan in any way destroy the JOY you feel right now. I am convinced he is miserable to see the love you are sending to the world to love the orphaned and God has made you ,Andrea, Isaac’s mom. It is sealed and I believe Isaac will be in your arms soon to feed and heal well. All the love ya’ll have and the laughter is the medicine Isaac needs. Your sweet children will get their brother strong. Ahhh, love sweet love …their are no boundaries.

Marci - May 11, 2010 - 6:37 am

Oops…there are no boundaries for love ! Misspelled word above …too early.

Jenn - May 11, 2010 - 9:06 am

On our knees for you too. Hang in there friend!!!!!

Jenn

april - May 11, 2010 - 10:54 am

oh andrea, your post made me cry! A friend and I were just talking last night about how she see’s God’s magnificent power and beauty in flowers and how He chooses when to bloom them and then I read your post! Beautiful! Since we are hopefully getting on the waiting list this week, we will have a time of waiting! We’ve have plenty of other times of waiting in our lives including 4 years of waiting as we tried and had four miscarriages but this time, the waiting will be yes hard in a way but also more hopeful and exciting knowing once the waiting is done we will be holding a precious baby in our arms that God decided we would raise before time began! What a great God we have!

May 9, 2010

A precious “GOTCHA DAY” video!

For those of you new to the adoption world, “gotcha day” is the day mommies and daddies get to FINALLY hold the one/s they have LONGED for in their arms…and FINALLY they are a family. Some also call this “family day”. A “gotcha day video” I saw on You Tube actually “got me”. Something happened as I watched it…and a light came on. And for us—growing our family through adoption made perfect sense. For us…it was a calling. Not everyone is called to adopt, but I believe we are all called in some way to help the orphan, the widow and the poor. Adoption is one way. Helping others adopt is another. And you can sponsor orphans and widows through organizations like Wiphan. No matter how you follow the Lord in this calling, your life will be different. But seriously, why would anyone want to live the “American Dream” with a white picket fence and vacations as your highlight? I mean…seriously?! Truly…there is so much more!

As we started our journey, we realized that part of our wait was to pray and cheer on families who were ahead of us. I watched a nearby family, the Vogeltanz family (another AGCI family), journey through before us. I remember when they got their referral…I actually called A LOT of my friends and family who didn’t even know them SQUEALLING that the “OH MY GOODNESS…the VOGELTANZ’S HAVE A BABY GIRL!” and while they said, “Vogel who?” I was just soooo excited as if it were MY referral! And then when they got ready to travel…they left on Christmas day…I’ll never forget—I was smitten! And then when they got home the beginning of January…I was absolutely sooo excited! Talk about being a blog stalker;) I just had such fun celebrating alongside this family! We prayed for them…rejoiced with them…and were inspired and encouraged by them.

“The Vogel who’s???” you ask.

Well…first turn off my music up top…and then you must meet them!

It is my honor to introduce you…

Evyn’s Gotcha Day + Adoption story from emily Vogeltanz on Vimeo.

Be encouraged.

The waiting is worth it.

The journey is worth it.

And having a family that looks different…worth it too.

And to those families who are now rejoicing with us and praying for us…and waiting on our travel…and one day a “gotcha day video” too…thank you. Thank you for being on this journey with us.

And to those of you wondering if adoption is for you. Trust in the Lord, seek Him and just be obedient in whatever He calls you to do. It may be becoming a parent to one of these. It may be helping financially. Or it may be not only sponsoring a child but going on a trip and giving part of your heart away. And trust me—if you follow…it will be worth it.

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Kristy Filbrun - May 9, 2010 - 9:45 pm

That is a beautiful “gotcha day” video!!!! Thanks for posting it!!! Looking forward to making one of my own as I am sure you are to!!!! Happy Mothers Day to you!!!!

natali - May 9, 2010 - 10:32 pm

beautiful gotcha day video! thanks for sharing! Happy mother’s day, andrea!!

kristi johnson - May 9, 2010 - 11:13 pm

awesome..i can’t wait to post it too, loved it, kj

april - May 9, 2010 - 11:59 pm

oh WOW>..that was one of the BEST gotcha day videos I have watched! What a testimony!

Tracy - May 10, 2010 - 6:19 am

What a beautiful testimony!

Rebekah - May 10, 2010 - 7:25 pm

That is beautiful! We have just started our journey to adoption and I was so encouraged to know that they raised their entire amount! God is so amazing! Congrats to this beautiful family!

Molly - May 24, 2010 - 6:34 pm

Do you know where she got the necklace from that she is wearing in the video?! I sponsor 5 little ones from Zambia and would love to have something to wear so close to my heart.