We will board a plane to China.
I can hardly believe that almost a year ago–I was preparing for Orphan Sunday and it happened.
We Saw Hannah’s Sweet Face!
On a waiting child’s list.
I believe on that day that there were over 2,000 children waiting for families.
That was just on one list.
God tugged on our hearts, He spoke softly. “She’s yours.”
So many other people looking for children passed by that sweet face and didn’t choose her.
That’s because there was a force at work, behind the scenes.
A force compelling us to take a chance–risk our hearts again. Step out in FAITH.
“She’s Yours. DO you TRUST ME?”
We took baby steps . . .
We agreed to pray for her to find a family.
We called the agency–was she available?
We completed the application–just in case the other family decides not to proceed.
Then the call–Do you want her file–the other family said, “no”.
We took the file–we prayed over the information–we processed her needs–we spoke to 2 different doctors.
Baby Steps turned in walking. Walking changed to running.
Isn’t that AMAZING–THAT GOD in His infinite wisdom–knew we would have to led–drawn toward action.
In time–we BELIEVED that this was God at work again.
Then a curve ball came out of know where.
A harmless video at church–describing how “God always has room for one more in his family.” Spoken by a 13 year old who had recently joined her forever family.
An email arrived–Can you advocate for this 13 year old–she has the same need as Hannah?
God said–“DO you trust ME? She is yours–I want you to bring home Sara also. She is YOURS!”
Really God? Another child? 2 at 1 time?
God do you know we can’t afford that?
God do you know that we won’t have many years to teach her about you or to show her the love of our family?
“She’s Yours. Do you TRUST ME?”
Ben and I agreeing separately then together. God working in both of our hearts at the same time.
Another race–more paperwork.
Then waiting–for government officials. Finally, All approvals are here.
Still God is whispering, “Do you Trust me? They are Yours.”
I don’t know HOW God is going to overcome the last obstacles–But I do Trust in Him.
I know a month from today we will leave to go get our two girls–because they are OURS!
"[10] Yes, the Sovereign LORD is coming in power. He will rule with a powerful arm. See, he brings his reward with him as he comes. [11] He will feed his flock like a shepherd. He will carry the lambs in his arms, holding them close to his heart. He will gently lead the mother sheep with their young. [12] Who else has held the oceans in his hand? Who has measured off the heavens with his fingers? Who else knows the weight of the earth or has weighed the mountains and hills on a scale? [13] Who is able to advise the Spirit of the LORD? Who knows enough to give him advice or teach him? [14] Has the LORD ever needed anyone's advice? Does he need instruction about what is good? Did someone teach him what is right or show him the path of justice? [26] Look up into the heavens. Who created all the stars? He brings them out like an army, one after another, calling each by its name. Because of his great power and incomparable strength, not a single one is missing. [27] O Jacob, how can you say the LORD does not see your troubles? O Israel, how can you say God ignores your rights? [28] Have you never heard? Have you never understood? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth. He never grows weak or weary. No one can measure the depths of his understanding. [29] He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. [30] Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion. [31] But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint. (Isa 40:10-14, 26-31 NLT)"
Through this there have been times that we have walked, times that we have run, times that we have been utterly exhausted from our own doubt and unbelief, but GOD IS FAITHFUL and because of his faithfulness we can also soar high on wings like eagles!
That's my Man! Love you Honey–Couldn't have chosen better words to add.
Julie & Ben, How exciting and what a sweet story!! God is so good! We will certainly be praying for you as you travel to China to bring your precious daughters home. We too have adopted our daughters from China. We learned of your story through our friends Robin & Todd Coleman. God bless you, Beth Neece
Oh, how God continues to use Isaiah again and again to encourage us on our faith journey. He is faithful!
What a beautiful post. I can't wait to follow your journey to China next month. I am finally catching up from being in China last month. I wanted to tell you how much I appreciate your notes on my blog during that time!
Blessings,
Gayly