John and I are having a garage sale this weekend and the money we raise will go into our adoption fund. But besides that, we are taking a break from fundraising for the next few months. I really feel like God is asking me to "Be Still and Know that He is God." To have faith and trust that He will provide the remaining money at the exact time we need it. So I am resting, trusting, knowing that God will provide.
This morning I was listening to KLOVE and they said something pretty profound. It was important enough for me to stop curling my hair and make myself a note so that I wouldn't forget the words of wisdom.
"Jesus will meet your needs as the need arises"
Praise Jesus that He does! I have a feeling I will be holding on to this promise throughout the next 12-18 months. The reminder this morning goes right along with one of my memory verses this month.
"And my God will supply your every need according
to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19
As we wait for our referral I have a long list of things to keep me busy - decorating the nursery, doing some home improvement projects with John, completing my adoption journey scrapbook (I don't think I will have time when I get home from Ethiopia) and working some more on the book I am writing about this journey. John and I also have some fun things planned over the next few months - some weekend trips to Texas and St. Louis and a trip to the beach. I want to make sure John and I enjoy our time together and focus on our marriage because things will get a little hectic with two little ones joining us.
As we are waiting here are some things that our friends and family can do.
1. PRAY: More then anything we could use your prayers. Prayer is a powerful thing and we know that God hears each and every one that is lifted up on behalf of this adoption, our future children, etc. Please pray for our future children, that God would prepare them to be a part of our family. Pray for John and me – that God will prepare our hearts to be the parents He desires us to be. Pray for us as we continue to fundraise to pay for the adoption expenses. We know that God will provide. He has already provided so much.
Please also pray for the birth mother. She will be sacrificing so much and I can’t imagine having to make the decision that she will have to make.
Please also continue praying for the changes in Ethiopia adoptions. Pray that God will soften hearts and that adoption cases will be heard quickly. We know that God can move the mountains that are standing in the way of children being united with their Forever Families.
One more prayer request (I know it's ridiculous) but I am terrified of needles and the thought of having to get the shots I need to go to Africa freaks me out. Please pray that God would ease my fears.
2. Buy a puzzle piece! We only have 20 pieces left and we would hate for some of the pieces not to be signed by the people who have encouraged us and supported us all along this journey. Each piece is $20 and we will write your name and a special message on the back. We can’t wait to show our children the puzzle and read the messages from all the people who helped to bring them home.
3. Spread the word about our adoption and the puzzle piece fundraiser on your blog, Facebook, etc. We love to share our adoption story with new people because it’s a chance to share Jesus and all that God has done through this journey. It really is all about Him.
4. If you'd like to donate to our adoption you can do that through the paypal button here on our blog. Every little bit helps. We have already raised more than $20,000 and now we are focusing on raising the funds we need to travel to Ethiopia twice. We only need to raise about $7,500 more.
I like your plans for the waiting game--have some fun and relax a bit (if that is possible!). Know that every referral has a direct impact on your wait, and moves you closer to your babies!
ReplyDeleteAnd thank you for your comment yesterday--it was very sweet and appreciated.