When nothing makes sense, where do you go from here?

So, we were just sure that we would be getting our little guy's file this morning...we just knew that the good news was coming. Our agency seemed sure...we seemed sure. This whole time I have been praying, "Lord, don't allow us to get so emotionally close to this child if YOU don't want him for our family." We got word today that it looks like his file will be going to another agency...we don't know which one, we don't know for sure it is even going to another agency, we don't know why we weren't matched with him. Actually, what we don't know exceeds what we do know.
So, where do we go from here? We proceed with our homestudy knowing that there are many children in Ch*na that need homes. We believe that the Lord will guide us to exactly the child that He has intended for our family. I just must remind myself that "Many are the plans in a man's (or momma's) heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails." I also must remind myself that "All things GOD works together for the good of those who love him and who have been called according to His purpose." Please pray with us and for us that the Lord would guide our footsteps and that we would not try to run ahead of Him.

Helping Paige and Jonathan

Back in July 2009 when we received Abby's referral, we were told that she had ASD (a minor heart condition) that may or may not need surgery. We began praying for her healing, but we also began researching pediatric cardiologists, finding out what would and would not be covered by insurance, etc. Soon after we got home, we took Abby to see one of the greatest pediatric cardiologists (a shout out to Dr. Romp :-) He took great care and time with her and explained that her heart was FINE! A miracle, we believe...but she would have been no less of a miracle if it hadn't been healed.

Now...we have a couple of little ones that I want to advocate for. I am not a fundraiser-type person, but this is something I am passionate about and truly feel led to advocate for. Currently, these 2 precious babies don't have a forever family to research the leading pediatric cardiologists in their area or to check and see what will and will not be covered by health insurance. They don't have mommies to hold them as the doctors do all of the needed tests. But, they are at an amazing foster home in Beij*ng! This foster home is near to our hearts and works tirelessly to get these children what they need. Paige and Jonathan desperately need heart surgery. They will need this to make their physical hearts whole. Please consider donating even $10 to help cover their surgery costs - every dollar donated up to $2,000 will be matched! So, when you donate $10, it is like you are donating $20!! :-) I would never post anything on this blog that isn't safe and secure and reputable - to "Chip-In" you just click on the link, and you can chip-in without creating an account or anything. I have had a link to New Day Foster Home's blog on my site for a while...check it out...see the precious children's faces and lives who will be impacted through your donation. These kids are amazing, they are real, and as believers, we can't ignore their plights.

Little Jonathan

Jonathan peeking at you :-)

Precious Paige

Paige...playing with her hands? :-)

A Fantastic, Whirlwind Trip to Florida

We celebrated a birthday - Maggie turned 4!!

visited the St. Augustine Lighthouse...


spent precious time with family...

and precious time with friends! :-)

We just got back from a great trip to Jacksonville visiting our family and catching up with friends. We didn't have time to pack in all that we would have liked to do...why can't vacations be 3 weeks instead of 1? :-)

Just Tryin' to Beat the Heat

Let me just tell you that it is HOT here right now! Good grief, it has been between 96 and 99 degrees for days on end. It seems like the only way to stay cool outside is to either be in the pool, the shade, or to be eating watermelon. These girls LOVE watermelon...so do the boys, but for some reason, I don't have any cute pics of them eating watermelon.

We have gotten word that there has been some small movement in the little guy's file that we are pursuing in Ch*na. We are hoping to hear something soon and to be able to post his adorable little face on our blog for you guys to see! Can't wait until he is joining us next summer to eat watermelon with all of us!!

Wish I had news...

Well, I wish I had news about the little guy waiting in Ch*na, but nothing yet. So, we have just been having to pass the time busy-ing ourselves with homestudy paperwork and milkshakes :-)

One sweet story to go along with the milk shakes. When we brought Abby home, Maggie was officially "de-throned". This was quite an adjustment for her. Yet, she and Abby have grown so close. This has been our prayer, especially since they are so close in age. Often I will see them competing for attention, toys, space, love, you name it. But, the other day they were chasing each other and playing hide and seek. Maggie came running up to me and said, "Mommy, Abby is the BEST fwiend (translation...friend)" That just makes my heart smile, and makes me whisper a little "Thank you, Lord." He knits these kids together like I could never do on my own.

Announcing...

someone is missing...

Yep, we are adopting again! :-) We are really excited, and I wish I could post the little guy's picture, but Ch*na hasn't given us the official "go ahead" yet. We have begun the paperwork chase, and we should know more in a few weeks. But, I just wanted to ask all of you to be praying for us and for our (Lord willing) newest little one. He will be a year old this month, and he has spina bifida. He is beautiful, and we love him already. If the Lord closes the door, we know that He has another better family in mind for him.

Thanks!!

Just in case you are sending money to Texas for the Tom Lee family, please note that the address below has been changed just a bit. We got an update on that address in Sunday School this morning.
You guys have all been amazing! There have been responses from Florida, Texas, Tennessee, and even California. Thank you so much - this is a huge blessing for the Lee family, and their neighbors who also lost their homes!
Also, in case you are local and want to help with the clearing of debris and/or rebuilding, this blog http://shoalcreekvalleyrelief.blogspot.com/ has been set up to tell you in what ways you can help best (days, times, tools needed, etc.)