So, it's been a while since a blog post. We have had some progress the past 6 weeks with the adoption. In terms of where we are in the process....we are hoping to be able to mail off our dossier in about a month??? Obviously, we cannot control the timing of anything, that is just a hopeful goal. Still a few more things to do (and wait on) until we can do that. BTW, the dossier is basically just your life in a big stack of paper. Your medical history, financial, history, home study...and the list goes on. Once we submit that, it goes to our country to be translated and then we should get our travel dates in about 8 weeks. So, we are hoping to travel to meet our little guy in October/November. Again, we have no control over any of this. And the country were our son is, actually has a nice long 1 month government holiday in the middle of all of this, so that could push things too. But, one thing I have learned in my life is that, while I may not understand, is that God's timing is much better than mine! So, we wait patiently. And in the midst of it all, we pray that our little one is safe and healthy and being taken care of and maybe held and loved on a little. I think for me, that is one of the hardest parts of this process. I don't know what his orphanage is like. I don't know how often he gets taken out of his crib, or held, or gets a diaper change! But, I do have faith that God is watching over him. And I pray often that he would know that he is loved.
So, what else? Where are we in the financials you may wonder. So, big news! The race brought in a great amount of money! Thank you to all of you who participated!! It was so much fun to see our friends and family out supporting us!! So, up to this day, we have made about $10,000 in fundraising or personal donations!!!! Wow!! Isn't God great!!! That leaves another $15,000 to go!!! We started this process in March....guys! That is only 3 months!! And we have about 9 months to make up the rest!! We can do this!! We are planning to participate in the Chosen Marathon this fall....so if you are a runner (or know runners!) we would love for you to join Team Richey!! We will also do another garage sale in October. So, we will gladly take your stuff for that. There are other things in the works (ok. Maybe not in the works. I have been a little blah on fundraising lately. But, soon, we will get going on those and let you all know!)
Right now at church we are studying the book of James. Our study this week was James 1:1-12.
"2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,[a] whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. 6 But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7 That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. 8 Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do."
"12 Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him."
Read those words again. And again. This whole process is hard. But, God tells us to consider these trials "pure joy". Those may not be my words of choice at times ;) but I do think it is making me stronger. And that, is pure joy! I love to see growth in myself. I love to watch the Lord open my heart and my eyes to those in need. A few times I have made references to "the old Jenny" and "the new Jenny" when I talk to Clay. Now, I am a work in process. Always have improvements to be made and this work in me is never completed. But, I am working daily to be the type of person that God intended me to be. One full of grace, love, and joy. And, some days are better than others. The days I have worked all day and come home and have to get dinner on the table and am just exhausted. Those are the days I stumble. Or, the days I have been home all day and the kids are driving me nuts. But, if we ask God for the wisdom and HIS strength, then we can persevere.
So, this is a little subject change. But, it's been on my heart. The other night, Clay and I were talking. He had read ahead for next week's study. James 2. I am sure you may have heard "Faith without works is dead". Have you? Here ya go...
"14 My brothers and sisters, if a person claims to have faith but does nothing, that faith is worth nothing. Faith like that cannot save anyone. 15 Suppose a brother or sister in Christ comes to you in need of clothes or something to eat. 16 And you say to them, “God be with you! I hope you stay warm and get plenty to eat,” but you don’t give them the things they need. If you don’t help them, your words are worthless. 17 It is the same with faith. If it is just faith and nothing more—if it doesn’t do anything—it is dead.
18 But someone might argue, “Some people have faith, and others have good works.” My answer would be that you can’t show me your faith if you don’t do anything. But I will show you my faith by the good I do. 19 You believe there is one God. That’s good, but even the demons believe that! And they shake with fear."
Ok. I will start with saying.....Just because I am adopting a kid doesn't mean I don't have to do other things. So, I am not exempt. But, it's been weighing heavily on my heart that I have several friends who call themselves Christians, but let's just say don't exactly act like that. "Faith without works is dead." Think about those words. So, do you really think that when Jesus comes back for us, do you think you will be saved? I am not judging. I don't know the answer to that. Only God does. And, I am the first to admit that I lived 22 years as a luke warm Christian. But, I will tell you what I told Clay the other day. I do not want Jesus to come back, and our friends not get to join us in heaven. So, this is me, asking you, my friends, to just think about your life. Where are you spiritually? And, let me just say, going to church every week and checking off that "box" isn't gonna cut it. I know. Bummer right? Compare it to anything in life. Let's say working out, going to the gym one day a week and not eating right....you will never get that body you want.
Again. Not judging. Just want to put a little bug in your ear. Start thinking about it. Praying about it. What does God want you to do next? Not sure? Ask HIM. HE will let you know!
Now, a couple of pics from the race!
