We turned in our application to America World this week!!! Even though this is the very first step in a LONG process, we were so excited to even get to start this journey that God has called us to. Paul's birthday was Thursday, so we sent our application on Wednesday since by the time they got it he would be 25, and we would be allowed to start the process of bringing our child or children home!! YAYYY!! God has been preparing my heart for a long road with many ups and downs. I know that this is often one of the most trying times in couples' lives who adopt, but at the end when we meet our children for the first time, it will all make sense. For those of who who don't know, Ethiopian adoption is a little shaky right now. There has been a big slow-down of children being referred to families', rumors of families who have accepted referrals of children being taken away from them, etc. With all of this in the news, of course I am terrified. However, God has assured Paul and me that He will carry us through this process, and this is exactly where we are supposed to be right now. Am I positive that Ethiopia won't close down adoption completely? Unfortunately, no. I DO know that whatever happens, God is in control of, and He will continue to lead us where He will get the most glory. Friends, that might sound like I have it all together, but believe me I don't, and I will need your encouragement and reminders that He will work this all out for our good and for His glory. That would be much appreciated..especially when we get further along in this process. =) So, we should hear back from the agency in the next week or so to see if we have been accepted into the Ethiopia program. Please be praying for our acceptance! On another note, God has completely blessed our t-shirt fundraiser! We have sold/set aside almost all of the first shipment (all XL's left over for some reason). We are waiting on our second order of t-shirts to come. Hopefully they will be here this week! If you would like a t-shirt, let me know! Paul and I continue to thank God for working in His children's hearts. We have had many people just send checks in the mail to go towards our adoption. This blows me away. I love watching people who have abandoned their heart to the Lord and His will and let Him lead them to places that our world can't understand. It doesn't make sense to send a $500 check when you make close to no money...it doesn't make sense to give money to a couple you hardly know..and it doesn't make sense to send money to someone else when you have your own family to worry about. In God's kingdom however, it makes perfect sense. God is generous. He showed us His generosity by sending His son to take our place and become a sacrifice so that we can have a relationship with the Father. Thank you generous friends for following His lead. We appreciate you so much!
