We've had a difficult week, in the ongoing waiting game.
Friends of ours, who began the adoption process shortly after we did, got their adoption decree this week. They plan to travel to Ghana and bring their children home before Christmas. We truly are excited for them ... but it does make our wait even more frustrating.
Why did their adoption go through so quickly? Because they only have 2 biological children. While Ghana does not have any laws regarding family size (as many countries do), there are judges who just aren't favorable towards the concept of a large American family adding several African children.
Two weeks ago, we were told that our adoption would be delayed at least 6 weeks, because the judge that our attorney is planning to use has taken an unexpected holiday. We asked if there weren't another judge that might be favorable, but were told to wait.
The process is made even more difficult by the fact that all communication with our orphanage director is through email, so we know that we are not always heard clearly (usually too much emotion is read into things, when, truly, we are just wanting to ask questions). We have not met the director, nor have we met the attorney. But ... we must trust that they know what is best.
This morning, we are so very thankful for the wisdom that the director and attorney have shown in waiting. Still difficult ... but thankful. I have made a new friend, through this blogging world. She is the precious mama of 9 children, in process of adopting 2 more from Ghana. On her blog this morning, I read that the Ghana Social Welfare had denied them due to their large family. Heartbreaking ... to say the least. They have not given up, but my heart aches for them (for the parents, for their other children, and for the 2 precious boys in Ghana waiting to come home to this beautiful family). Please say a prayer for Jim and Renee and their family, as they continue to puruse the adoption of these 2 boys that, in their hearts, they have already called their own.
Welcome to Our Journey of Faith. My blog is a place where I share the joys and trials of living a faith-filled life as the mother of an extra large (12 children) homeschooling family, and my prayer is that it brings encouragement to others to live their lives as an adventure of faith, as well.
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Friday, November 2, 2007
God's Mission: Adoption
I found this on another blog, and it touched my heart. Hope it ministers to you as well.
God's Mission: Adoption
by Max Lucado
When we come to Christ, God not only forgives us, he also adopts us. Through a dramatic series of events, we go from condemned orphans with no hope to adopted children with no fear. Here is how it happens. You come before the judgment seat of God full of rebellion and mistakes. Because of his justice he cannot dismiss your sin, but because of his love he cannot dismiss you. So, in an act which stunned the heavens, he punished himself on the cross for your sins. God's justice and love are equally honored. And you, God's creation, are forgiven. But the story doesn't end with God's forgiveness.
For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out "Abba! Father!" The Spirit himself bears witness with our Spirit that we are children of God (Rom. 8:15–16 NASB).
But when the fullness of time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, in order that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons (Gal. 4:4–5 NASB).
It would be enough if God just cleansed your name, but he does more. He gives you his name. It would be enough if God just set you free, but he does more. He takes you home. He takes you home to the Great House of God.
Adoptive parents understand this more than anyone. I certainly don't mean to offend any biological parents—I'm one myself. We biological parents know well the earnest longing to have a child. But in many cases our cribs were filled easily. We decided to have a child and a child came. In fact, sometimes the child came with no decision. I've heard of unplanned pregnancies, but I've never heard of an unplanned adoption.
That's why adoptive parents understand God's passion to adopt us. They know what it means to feel an empty space inside. They know what it means to hunt, to set out on a mission, and take responsibility for a child with a spotted past and a dubious future. If anybody understands God's ardor for his children, it's someone who has rescued an orphan from despair, for that is what God has done for us.
God has adopted you. God sought you, found you, signed the papers and took you home.
God's Mission: Adoption
by Max Lucado
When we come to Christ, God not only forgives us, he also adopts us. Through a dramatic series of events, we go from condemned orphans with no hope to adopted children with no fear. Here is how it happens. You come before the judgment seat of God full of rebellion and mistakes. Because of his justice he cannot dismiss your sin, but because of his love he cannot dismiss you. So, in an act which stunned the heavens, he punished himself on the cross for your sins. God's justice and love are equally honored. And you, God's creation, are forgiven. But the story doesn't end with God's forgiveness.
For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out "Abba! Father!" The Spirit himself bears witness with our Spirit that we are children of God (Rom. 8:15–16 NASB).
But when the fullness of time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, in order that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons (Gal. 4:4–5 NASB).
It would be enough if God just cleansed your name, but he does more. He gives you his name. It would be enough if God just set you free, but he does more. He takes you home. He takes you home to the Great House of God.
Adoptive parents understand this more than anyone. I certainly don't mean to offend any biological parents—I'm one myself. We biological parents know well the earnest longing to have a child. But in many cases our cribs were filled easily. We decided to have a child and a child came. In fact, sometimes the child came with no decision. I've heard of unplanned pregnancies, but I've never heard of an unplanned adoption.
That's why adoptive parents understand God's passion to adopt us. They know what it means to feel an empty space inside. They know what it means to hunt, to set out on a mission, and take responsibility for a child with a spotted past and a dubious future. If anybody understands God's ardor for his children, it's someone who has rescued an orphan from despair, for that is what God has done for us.
God has adopted you. God sought you, found you, signed the papers and took you home.
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Run Josh Run
Joshua competed in the 5K District Cross Country meet yesterday. He placed 36th in District (one step away from the State meet), and this is only his first year of running. Yea Josh!
After starting his long distance running "career" in August, he competed a few weeks ago in a 1/2 marathon (13 miles), and placed 64th out of 1217 runners. We've nicknamed him the Energizer Bunny ... he keeps running, and running, and running, and running .....
After starting his long distance running "career" in August, he competed a few weeks ago in a 1/2 marathon (13 miles), and placed 64th out of 1217 runners. We've nicknamed him the Energizer Bunny ... he keeps running, and running, and running, and running .....
Saturday, October 27, 2007
A Day at Stoney Ridge
Big sister Cassie came home from Oregon last weekend, and took the 3 younger kids to a friend's farm.
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Poetic Prayer
One of our dear friends, Linda, has the most amazing gift. Not only is she a prayer warrior, but she writes poetry as prayer. Many times I have sent off an email, asking for prayer, and Linda has responded with a written prayer. No chit-chat, just a prayer.
A few minutes ago, I checked our blog messages, and found a short poetic prayer that I knew I needed to share with all of you. First, however, I printed it off and took it to read to Jim. I couldn't make it through two stanzas before my eyes watered up. Jim's tears were soon to follow. We cried with pain, from the waiting and wondering. We cried with joy, for the blessings that the Lord is giving us. And, we cried with hope, for all that the Lord is doing, and is going to do, in and through these precious children.
I hope that you, too, will be blessed by Linda's prayer:
God has a plan. Lives will be changed.
Trust that His timing is all Pre-arranged.
Lift them up daily, and love them unending.
Prepare in your hearts, that they might need some mending.
Your love will expand, and the house will be full.
It's God's grace abounding, as you answer His call.
Jacob, Sarah, Rachel, and dear Rebekah too,
God's love is so great, for each one of you!!
May you know His deep grace, as you learn of His love.
May you treasure your family and the gift of their love.
Every day is precious and your family's the best!!
I'm praying that all of your lives will be Blessed!!
Thank you, Linda, for blessing our day with your gift. I will send this message right off to the children, so that they, too, may be blessed by your words.
A few minutes ago, I checked our blog messages, and found a short poetic prayer that I knew I needed to share with all of you. First, however, I printed it off and took it to read to Jim. I couldn't make it through two stanzas before my eyes watered up. Jim's tears were soon to follow. We cried with pain, from the waiting and wondering. We cried with joy, for the blessings that the Lord is giving us. And, we cried with hope, for all that the Lord is doing, and is going to do, in and through these precious children.
I hope that you, too, will be blessed by Linda's prayer:
God has a plan. Lives will be changed.
Trust that His timing is all Pre-arranged.
Lift them up daily, and love them unending.
Prepare in your hearts, that they might need some mending.
Your love will expand, and the house will be full.
It's God's grace abounding, as you answer His call.
Jacob, Sarah, Rachel, and dear Rebekah too,
God's love is so great, for each one of you!!
May you know His deep grace, as you learn of His love.
May you treasure your family and the gift of their love.
Every day is precious and your family's the best!!
I'm praying that all of your lives will be Blessed!!
Thank you, Linda, for blessing our day with your gift. I will send this message right off to the children, so that they, too, may be blessed by your words.
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