Angels and My Hairdresser

Okay, do you want to hear about the picture or about the title of this post.
The picture first probably......but

God has been working in my heart over this past week. I thank Him for loving me even when I am unlovable. While I want to go to China NOW and get Ellie, I can trust my loving Heavenly Father that He loves her more than I do, and He will orchestrate His perfect plan for her and for our family in His perfect time. That doesn't mean my heart doesn't hurt, but it means I've made some serious progress.

While I desperately want our LOA, God has sesnt some super angels our way.

First, our friends leave for China tomorrow. I am so happy for them. And, dear grandmother is going with them, and, she just happens to have a time share in Daytona Beach. And, she is such a saint. She is giving her time share to her daughter's friends. We just happen to be one of those so blessed. Next week, we will leave for Daytona for 5 nights, compliments of one angel.

I spent time with my nephew who is recovering from 3rd degree burns over 90% of his body. His life is a miracle and a testimony of God's angels and God's deliverance through the fire. Getting my priorities closer to where they need to be, compliments of angel #2.

While in Augusta, I shared with a friend a desire to take Josie-Tatum to Disney World, just for one day, just Josie-Tatum and Mama. That friend made a phone call. We're getting into the park, free of charge, compliments of angel #3.

Once again, while in Augusta, I talked with my mom. She purchased a book for my niece to read as she sits by her husband's side through his long recovery. She hasn't read it yet. But I started reading it. My mom may have meant it for my neice, but I believe God meant it for me. Climbing out of the pit, complimnets of angel #4--my mom--and angel #5 Beth Moore, author of "Get Out of That Pit."

I've begun reading, and I am making my way out of the pit of despair. Life is too short. God is too good. I may have a bad day, but I don't want to dwell in the pit any longer. Thank you, Beth Moore, for writing what I needed to read, for allowing God to use you.

Then, when I got home from Augusta, an email. Another angel who I'll not name at this time, sent me precious photos and notes about our Ellie. I hope you enjoy the few I've posted today, compliments of angel #6.

And, last, angel #7, my hairdresser Mrs. Donna. She is indeed an angel. God knows how I need encouraging and she called this morning and said, "I want you to know you've been prayed for today." She spoke blessings and encouragement, and I thank God for prompting her, because through her, I was reminded of how much he loves me.

The picture of above was taken at CHI foster home in Beijing. I never knew Ellie was there but learned just yesterday that she was there for several weeks while recovering from surgery.

Enjoy the other picutres, and, while I'm not a pit dweller anymore, could you keep praying for our LOA?
Robbie

Early 2006

June of 2006

Celebrating Children's Day in China

September of 2006

This is the last picture we will have of Ellie until we get to China. Look! She's holding the photo album we sent to her. That's our family. We are told that, when she looks at the photo album, she turns to the pages of the house and the yard and says, "Chun Chun's house. Chun Chun's swing."

Psalms

Josie-Tatum and I are going out of town for the next week. Please pray that the LORD will speak to my heart while we are gone, that I can focus on others, focus on my blessings. And, if you don't mind, pray that our LOA comes soon.

I'm so glad the LORD gave us the Psalms. I read the times when David praised the LORD and the times when he lamented. I'm so glad he was transparent.

I wish I could stand strongly in the face of this giant. I must lament.

I am tired of being strong.

Today and yesterday, LOA's came again. Once again, none for us.

My heart is breaking. I am numb. I wish I could cry, but I can't. I'm just snappy and irritable, and I don't like myself much.

My head knows the LORD's ways are perfect, His timing is perfect. But, tonight, my heart does not feel it. I want to know why, and He doesn't always share with us His reasons. Some may think I shouldn't ask why, but I believe He understands.

I am discouraged and need much prayer to come up out of this valley. It saddens me that I can not rejoice with others who are receiving their LOA's this week. I know that is selfish, but I can't shake it. No today, not right now. I have a friend who miscarried tonight. Her story should have made me cry. It is a tragic story. I am so numb I didn't cry then either. That is so not like me.

I do not want a hardened heart.

Thanks for those who encourage us as we wait.

Praise the LORD!

No, we don't have our LOA yet, but God surely did smile on us today.

We have applied for a grant from Shaohannah's Hope. Today we received a letter in the mail. They are giving us $2,500 toward our adoption of Ellie!

Praise the LORD! I needed to feel smiled upon today.