We got "THE" call!

We are so excited to finally receive the long awaited call last Friday! I had resigned to the fact that it would likely be another month or so before we were matched, then when I arrived home from work Carlos calmly said "The agency called - you may want to call them back." WHAT!!!!! I called, we received the email with the info and her pictures and promptly started filming "our moment." We've been talking with Ean for months about his baby sister so it was the sweetest moment when we opened the photos and he said "baby sister." All night, he continued to ask for "baby sister" pointing to the computer. What a sweet moment the Lord gave our family.

So, we officially accepted the referral today and we've covered our fridge with her photos. I can't wait to see her. God is so good!

Carrying the Cross

"If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me." (Matthew 16:24)

From my devotion today: Think about it - our biggest burden is us. We cannot manage our own lives, but we are exhausted trying to do just that. We cannot determine our own futures, and it's mind boggling to try. He says we must "deny ourselves" . . . denial of all self-management that weighs us down . . . surrender to everything that rivals our dependence on God.

"Open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest." John 4:35

What would my life look like if I was outwardly focused at the urgent needs of our hurting world?

Would I stop to greet the homeless man I see as I drive to work? Would I offer food or comfort? Would I stop to listen to my hurting family member when I call instead of quickly ending the conversation so I can continue on with my night? Would I send more money? Would I pray more intensely? Would I move overseas? What would I REALLY do?

I struggle with this question and especially as the Lord puts certain people/circumstances on my heart - the burden often feels overwhelming. I question should I even be working? Can't I spend my time doing something more meaningful? Or, is the person I know at work that seems distant less important or less in need of my support?

So many questions, so many needs and one servant with a heart to follow and gather the Lord's harvest....so Father, where is that for me?

God of Wonders

I am often so overwhelmed with my circumstances, staring directly at them and wondering when they'll change, that I overlook the amazing things that God IS doing in my life today.

We had a really great time this weekend meeting new friends from Africa. Our friend from Ghana has been a God send. He is one of the sweetest people, and he knows our heart for getting to know other Africans in light of the upcoming adoption of our daughter. He invited to us to attend an African baby shower. I must admit, I was a little reluctant. I didn't know anyone. How weird is it to show up to someone's baby shower you don't even know! Not to mention I debated leaving Ean the third day this week. But - God really blessed us!

We met an amazing group of people so warm and kind. Many were from Nigeria and a few from Uganda. The woman having the baby was expecting her 5th. Oh my! As I now understand, they don't typically do showers like we do in Africa until after the baby is born. Apparently, the woman doesn't like being seen. I can't imagine why! I certainly felt like I was hot when I was pregnant - not!!!:) But, they were adopting some of our American customs by throwing the party including the guess how many jellybeans in the baby bottle game and how big is the momma-to-be's belly! It was quite funny. They seemed a little uncertain of how to do the games as they spoke in their Nigerian accents.

We had disccussed before going that we would stay a short while then enjoy dinner out since we don't get to do that very often. After seeing the room full of Nigerian food, we thought - why wouldn't we stay and eat there. Afterall, how many times do you get to enjoy African food?

As it turns out, the food was amazing and the company even better. One by one, each African came to shake our hand and introduce themselves to us with warm smiles. The kids were running around bouncing off the walls - I think Ean would have been in good company afterall:) At one point I heard the young girls singing with Miley Cirus on the radio "Put your hands in the Air!" I couldn't help but laugh. Then, the traditional African music began playing. It was so great. Several of the women were dressed in traditional Nigerian dresses. They seemed so proud and they looked beautiful. The modesty and pride of the culture really impressed me. I want our daughter to know this too!

As we prepared to leave, we congratulated the new mom and made our way outside. She followed us and started to ask us about our adoption journey. I'm always a little nervous about what people will say especially Africans. Do they think we will destroy the African culture in our daughter's life? Do they think we're just rich white people buying a baby? I was impressed with her comments and questions, and in fact she shared how much it warmed her heart for people like Carlos and I to be willing to take an orphaned child into our family. I was especially moved when she shared about her own sister's plight having a baby out of wedlock. The baby, in her words, would forever be culturally rejected. In fact, she offered to connect us with her sister to potentially adopt as well. Oh my - one at a time:) She was so sweet, she offered to help do our daughters hair when she arrives. So sweet.

As much as I know this journey began with the desire to save one child in a country very far away, I KNOW that God has a vision for us. He is so amazingly faithful and creative. I can't wait to see what He is going to do.

I am thankful that when I can rise above the "stuff" in life, see clearly for a few moments, I can really enjoy God's creativity and attention to detail in my life. Worry - ha no worry coming from this girl today!