"Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere." -Psalm 84:10
We went to the local post office to get our passports made. A simple task turned into something straight out of a Stephen King novel. We had an appointment and got there at 11:05. We didn't leave until 12:15! We even filled out the applications online in hopes of expediting the process.
It took 30 minutes for the lady to come and meet us. She started to fall asleep at the table (picture someone who has had too much to drink). We had our three kids in tow which added to the fun. We had to get the manager twice. The first time the guy came out, he said, "Kathy, are you okay?" She came out of the stupor long enough to tell the guy she was fine and off he went. Kathy went back to our application, and tried writing a zero. She made a few "air" zeros and then dozed off again. We went for the manager a second time. He pulled Kathy to the backroom for a few minutes. She returned and was upset that we told on her. "So, you told them that I was falling asleep? I wasn't sleeping. You'd know it if I was sleeping!"
We hope Kathy mails our checks and forms to the government and doesn't pitch them in the trash because we told on her.
Monday, December 29, 2008
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Adoption Journey-Day 105
"The virgin will be with child and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel"--which means, "God with us." -Matthew 1:23
We had our final piece of paper notarized which completed our Home Study application pack. A friend of ours from church had a great suggestion about hand delivering the paperwork. Our coordinator lives almost 40 miles north of Mansfield, but it was a blessing to know the forms got there. We put a bow and a To/From sticker on the manilla envelope to keep the Christmas spirit.
Dear Father, thank you for Jesus. Your precious holy Son. You are with us and we praise you now and forever!
We had our final piece of paper notarized which completed our Home Study application pack. A friend of ours from church had a great suggestion about hand delivering the paperwork. Our coordinator lives almost 40 miles north of Mansfield, but it was a blessing to know the forms got there. We put a bow and a To/From sticker on the manilla envelope to keep the Christmas spirit.
Dear Father, thank you for Jesus. Your precious holy Son. You are with us and we praise you now and forever!
Monday, December 22, 2008
Bible Journey- Adam & Eve
"the LORD God formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and man became a living being." -Genesis 2:7
When our heavenly Father grants me the grace to experience His word, my life is forever changed. Pastor Daniels gave a sermon about the wise men doing whatever it took to reach Jesus. That got me thinking about how the entire Bible is really a series of journeys taken by people who were in need of a relationship with their Creator. The adoption journey is a mirror that reflects God's larger plan of calling His children to a life that they could never have or make on their own.
The first journey was given to Adam and it took him from dust to life on the breath of the Father. Can you imagine? No cars, airplanes, buses,etc. Adam arrived in Eden by the breath of God. He saw beautiful trees grow and a river run. Adam was put in charge of taking care of paradise. As he obeyed, the Father gave him more responsiblity. Adam had been given the task of naming all the living creatures. He followed instructions. God wasn't finished with Adam.
The second Bible journey was given to Eve and it took her from one Adam's ribs to life, once more on the breath of God. The Father escorted her to Adam and the first travelers were loved by their Creator and each other. What I learn from this passage is that God is not only the Author of life but also the Author of Journeys. His timing. For His will to be done. Today is a gift. We are right where we need to be.
When our heavenly Father grants me the grace to experience His word, my life is forever changed. Pastor Daniels gave a sermon about the wise men doing whatever it took to reach Jesus. That got me thinking about how the entire Bible is really a series of journeys taken by people who were in need of a relationship with their Creator. The adoption journey is a mirror that reflects God's larger plan of calling His children to a life that they could never have or make on their own.
The first journey was given to Adam and it took him from dust to life on the breath of the Father. Can you imagine? No cars, airplanes, buses,etc. Adam arrived in Eden by the breath of God. He saw beautiful trees grow and a river run. Adam was put in charge of taking care of paradise. As he obeyed, the Father gave him more responsiblity. Adam had been given the task of naming all the living creatures. He followed instructions. God wasn't finished with Adam.
The second Bible journey was given to Eve and it took her from one Adam's ribs to life, once more on the breath of God. The Father escorted her to Adam and the first travelers were loved by their Creator and each other. What I learn from this passage is that God is not only the Author of life but also the Author of Journeys. His timing. For His will to be done. Today is a gift. We are right where we need to be.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Adoption Journey-Day 67
"Blessed are those whose strength is in you, who have set their hearts on pilgrimage." Psalm 84:5
This part of the adoption process is a pilgrimage across the Paper Desert. There is no beautiful scenery or inviting landscapes. Here, we move forward by pen strokes and phones calls. We thank our Savior for giving us the gift of being able to travel through this place. It means that Baby Sam is closer now!
This part of the adoption process is a pilgrimage across the Paper Desert. There is no beautiful scenery or inviting landscapes. Here, we move forward by pen strokes and phones calls. We thank our Savior for giving us the gift of being able to travel through this place. It means that Baby Sam is closer now!
Monday, November 3, 2008
Home Study Papers
"My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior..." -Luke 1:46
Our Home study paperwork arrived today! There are 29 items that we have to complete before America World will conduct the actual Home Study. Some of those items include, medical exams & TB tests for all, pet vaccination proof, floor plan sketch, photos of all yard space, fire protection checklist and autobiographies (4 type-written pages).
Our Home study paperwork arrived today! There are 29 items that we have to complete before America World will conduct the actual Home Study. Some of those items include, medical exams & TB tests for all, pet vaccination proof, floor plan sketch, photos of all yard space, fire protection checklist and autobiographies (4 type-written pages).
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Adoption Journey-Day 49
"See that you do not look down on one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven." -Matthew 18:10
We were assigned a Family Coordinator today! The coordinator helps get us through the "paper pregnancy." Our first big task is to complete a Dossier which takes between 4-6 months. It includes accumulating paper proof of birth, marriage, employment, etc. While that's going on, we are able to start on our Home Study.
Dear Father in Heaven, thank you for guiding us toward one of your little ones-Baby Sam. Thank you for your words of Matthew 18 that renew our hearts as we remember that angels are guarding him! Help us keep our eyes on you. We praise you for your grace that continues to make this journey possible. We love you, Lord.
We were assigned a Family Coordinator today! The coordinator helps get us through the "paper pregnancy." Our first big task is to complete a Dossier which takes between 4-6 months. It includes accumulating paper proof of birth, marriage, employment, etc. While that's going on, we are able to start on our Home Study.
Dear Father in Heaven, thank you for guiding us toward one of your little ones-Baby Sam. Thank you for your words of Matthew 18 that renew our hearts as we remember that angels are guarding him! Help us keep our eyes on you. We praise you for your grace that continues to make this journey possible. We love you, Lord.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Possible
Jesus replied, "What is impossible with men is possible with God." -Luke 18:27
We wish we could get on a plane and fly to Ethiopia. The adoption agency says that it will take anywhere between one to two years before that happens. We can't make the clock turn faster. That's impossible. If we want a gallon of milk, Target is a short car ride. If we want a book, Mardel is right up the street.
We want Baby Sam but bringing him into our family is different. In our hearts we feel that it is God who is bringing us into His house; under the shadow of his mighty wings.
Jesus could have come into the world as a grown man, ready for the cross. Instead, he chose to grow...and wait. On this quiet night, with no forms to fill out and no questions to answer, we sit and wait for the next set of tasks that will bring us closer to Baby Sam. We choose to grow closer to our Father while we wait, praising His perfect timing. He's the One who is making this adoption possible. Glory to God!
We wish we could get on a plane and fly to Ethiopia. The adoption agency says that it will take anywhere between one to two years before that happens. We can't make the clock turn faster. That's impossible. If we want a gallon of milk, Target is a short car ride. If we want a book, Mardel is right up the street.
We want Baby Sam but bringing him into our family is different. In our hearts we feel that it is God who is bringing us into His house; under the shadow of his mighty wings.
Jesus could have come into the world as a grown man, ready for the cross. Instead, he chose to grow...and wait. On this quiet night, with no forms to fill out and no questions to answer, we sit and wait for the next set of tasks that will bring us closer to Baby Sam. We choose to grow closer to our Father while we wait, praising His perfect timing. He's the One who is making this adoption possible. Glory to God!
Friday, October 17, 2008
Closer to Him
"O Lord, you are my God; I will exalt you and praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness you have done marvelous things, things planned long ago."
-Isaiah 25:1
We received a handful of forms today that need signatures. We can't help but count the days until, by God's grace, we get to hold Baby Sam. The apostle Paul said, "I press on to take hold of that for which Christ took hold of me." (Philippians 3:12) Past all the toil and tears is a place for which Jesus took hold of us--His Father's house. Heaven. This adoption journey has begun to fill our hearts with a new love; one that flows from the river of grace. We press on, because the journey leads us closer to Him.
-Isaiah 25:1
We received a handful of forms today that need signatures. We can't help but count the days until, by God's grace, we get to hold Baby Sam. The apostle Paul said, "I press on to take hold of that for which Christ took hold of me." (Philippians 3:12) Past all the toil and tears is a place for which Jesus took hold of us--His Father's house. Heaven. This adoption journey has begun to fill our hearts with a new love; one that flows from the river of grace. We press on, because the journey leads us closer to Him.
Saturday, October 11, 2008
A Baby from Ethiopia
"I will praise you, O Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonders."
-Psalm 9:1
Our pastor, David Daniels, has an awesome saying: Make God famous. We pray for this blog to do just that. On September 10th, Cindi and I mailed off our initial application to America World Adoption Agency. Yesterday, October 10th, the agency called and told us we have been approved to adopt a baby from Ethiopia. The next step is a Home Study with 8 hours of online training that focuses on inter-country adoptions. Thank you God for letting us share your wonders.
-Psalm 9:1
Our pastor, David Daniels, has an awesome saying: Make God famous. We pray for this blog to do just that. On September 10th, Cindi and I mailed off our initial application to America World Adoption Agency. Yesterday, October 10th, the agency called and told us we have been approved to adopt a baby from Ethiopia. The next step is a Home Study with 8 hours of online training that focuses on inter-country adoptions. Thank you God for letting us share your wonders.
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