God's Way...Not Ours

"I know, O Lord, that a man's life is not his own; it is not for man to direct his steps."  -  Jeremiah 10:23

Even though our adoption journey is just beginning, Jenny and I have been encouraged and amazed at how God is guiding our steps and decisions.  At times it really does feel like we're just passengers along for the ride, which is probably how is should feel I guess.  For those of us who like to feel in control of things, it can be unsettling to let go of some much and embrace the unknown, but it is easy when you realize who IS in control.  


As some of you may know, I've been dissatisfied with my career in the last year and have thought about different employment options as a result.  Through alot of prayer though, I felt that I needed to stay put for now and that God had a plan for me there.  In my worldly view, I thought, "well, I guess He's going to bless me with a promotion or some other professional advancement...".  Instead, I started to get a sense of God's plan this week when I learned that my employer was just named one of the top 100 companies to work for for employees that are adopting!  Our benefits package allows for $10,000 in adoption expense reimbursement and a number of other supporting services as well!  I'm currently reading through Genesis and was immediately reminded of Abraham's attempt to interpret God's plan for his life through his human wisdom when God told him that he would establish a covenant with mankind through Abraham and Sarah's unborn son.  Since Sarah was a hundred years old already, Abraham couldn't imagine how God would fulfill his promise and instead suggested an easier and more realistic path to fulfillment by simply establishing the covenant through his son Ishmael that he had with Hagar his maidservant. (Gen 17:15-19)  This seems to be a common reflex that we have when we have an idea of what God's plan for our lives is, but try to accomplish it through our own wisdom and not his.  Pray that Jenny and I resist this urge and instead learn to surrender completely to His will and whatever direction it takes us.

There are several other instances that we have been noticing in which we see God's hand leading us and it is really exciting to see the path revealed to us as we go.  I know it drives Jenny crazy sometimes, so pray for patience, but the journey wouldn't be near as amazing if we knew every twist and turn in advance.

Things are certainly ramping up as we head into 2013 and we appreciate everyone's support and prayers.  We'll be including more posts to update you on the progress and any other exciting things we discover along the way.

Merry Christmas to you and yours and Happy New Year!


 

Encouraged

"Do not withhold any good thing from those who deserve it when it is in your power to help them." Proverbs 3:27

 

Do you see this verse?!  I love it!  Every single flippin' day I get confirmation from God that what we are doing is right.  Maybe because that was my prayer through all of this.  If you don't know me well, then I will tell you...I am a doubter.  A self doubter.  Every single decision I make I question.  Except this one.  I mean, I have fears, concerns, etc.  But doubting that it is what we are supposed to do.  Nope.  Not. At. All.  I have heard so many people tell me, "Fear is not from the Lord."  So, I seriously tell myself that at least 10 times a day now.  Last night, I got home from our Life Group and read this verse.  And it's not just about the adoption.  It is about everything in life.  Jesus wants us to serve others.  Even when we don't want to.  :)  And I am the QUEEN of not wanting to!!!   So, I just wanted to share it with you.  Maybe it will move you like it has me.  I am just grateful for little reminders that tell my doubts to shove it.  :)  

So, what else is going on with us?  Not much.  If you are expecting a daily blog post, then you might want to change your expectations!  ;)  Things are moving very slow right now.  Mainly just due to the time of year.  Work is busy for me and Clay is busy as always.  This week we are just trying to complete our applications for our agencies.  We have a local agency that will take care of the home study, dossier, and all post adoption stuff.  And then there is an agency that handles all the international adoption stuff.  Just deciding on which agency to use is progress!  ;)  As far as countries...we are still undecided.  I think we have ruled out Russia.  It is so much more expensive.  And it requires 3 trips.  The Ukraine is only 2 trips, but the first one is 4 weeks!  Can I actually leave my other babies for 4 weeks?   Hmmm.  Bulgaria is by far the easiest of all 3.   The one thing that has us leaning towards the Ukraine, though, is that Jack's school has a program for the high school students that takes them on a mission trip every year to the Ukraine to visit the orphanages!  How cool is that!  Clay had just said that he hopes this whole process becomes a family involvement.  That we could do exactly that one day...take the kids (biological and adopted) back to the country and get involved in missions in that country.  So, already having a program is pretty cool.  But that darn 4 weeks.  We will see.  We still have time to decide.  So you can pray that God would lead us to the country we are supposed to adopt a child from.  ---yes, I ended that sentence with a preposition....do not critique my grammar!  ;)  

We also started talking to the kids about the adoption this week!  That was fun!  Chandler was excited.  She says she wants a sister.  And "no more boys!!" Jack was excited too...as long as "I am still the oldest!"  Jack was also open to the idea of getting 2 kids.  And, so are we....if that is how God directs us.  Everyone says even numbers are easier, right!  Ha!  

So that is all. I am so grateful for everyone's support and encouraging words.  Total strangers have offered their time and help in fundraising.  For those of you who I have not contacted yet, I will....just give me time!  ;)  I really was surprised by the overwhelming response of encouragement.  I only had 2 people look at me like I was completely crazy!!  One was being protective and the other, well, he just thinks the world is going to end soon and all sorts of business, so whatever.  ;)  We will probably start fundraising in the new year, so if you have a service or idea or want to help out, feel free to let me know!   Thank you again to everyone for your prayers and support.  What is that saying...."it takes a village...."   Yep.  We're gonna need that village this next 15-24 months!  We are so thankful for your love and support!