Raging Storm

It has taken my some time to decide when/how/if I would post this.

The past two weeks have been HARD.

Last November, we stepped out of the boat, as we heard Jesus call. He called us to follow Him on a path to adopt two precious sons from China. Both of them have a lipomeningocele, like our Ellie. And, that medical diagnosis alone brings many unaswered questions.

We had NO money.

But, we were encouraged by others who had walked on the water. There were others who had been able to raise funds and pay for their adoptions. We believed that God funds what He favors.

We have been sooooooooo blessed with nearly $13,000. And, every penny has been available when we needed it. There were moments we waited....not patiently I'm afraid...until God showed up at the last hour, but He has been making the crooked paths straight.

It's difficult to express, though, the storm that has begun to surge. I might call it a storm of doubt, a storm of uncertainty, or a storm of fear. But, standing on the water, Stan and I have felt the winds and the waves, and we have had difficulty keeping our eyes on THE ONE who called us out of the boat.

We've had some unexpected family expenses, and a bit of a mystery illness. We've had some trials within our extended family. Both of us have been under added stress in our jobs. (I love my job and my school and my administrators....it's just THAT time of year for a teacher.)

But, I'm being honest with you.......so you will pray.......and so, when God shows Himself faithful, you will join us in giving Him all the praise and the honor and the glory.

We have shed many tears. So you don't think we're super spiritual super Christians, you should know we've asked the, "What if?" questions.......I won't even share them all here.

We still need $24,000. To the natural man, that sounds astronomical. That's more than $1000 a week we need to raise before the end of the year. Prayerfully, prayerfully, we'll be able to bring our boys home before the end of the year. And, we continue to ask ourselves, "Where will that money come from?"

While I'm asking you to pray, I want to share with you some encouragement I've received.

The girls and I read a daily devotion at breakfast in "Jesus Calling for Kids." I might should suggest the new title, "Jesus Calling for Robbie." Here are a few things Jesus said to me.

Monday: "Morning, noon, nad night I cry out in my distress, and the LORD hears my voice." Paslm 55:17

Tuesday: Take a few moments to center your thoughts on Me. And let me fill you with MY Joy and peace.

Wednesday: Whisper my name....Jesus....I'm only one word away.

Thursday: "Expect the Impossible"

Friday: Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him.

God sent me all of those words, and I would begin my morning strolling over the water. But, before the end of the day, another wave would hit, some smaller and some ferocious.

But, yesterday, He sent the most encouragement of all. I visited Julie's blog, and she has posted this video. And, I beg you! Please watch this video, and read the lyrics to this song. (First, scroll to the bottom of the page and pause the play list)




Bring Our Children Home
Words and Music: Cindy Foote
©2010 Centricity Music Publishing/Billy Foote Songs/ASCAP. (Adm by: Centricity Music Pub.)

Verse 1:
From sun’s rising to its setting
Orphans call upon your name
Crying Abba, Saying Father
We trust you to make a way
For us, for love

Chorus:
Bring our children home
Bring our children home
We sing Abba, Father
You are able to bring our children home

Verse 2:
In the morning through the evening
Families pray and praise your name
Asking Abba, to be Father
Rescuing the one’s He’s claimed
For us to love

Chorus:
Bring our children home
Bring our children home
We sing Abba, Father
You are able to bring our children home

Bridge:
When we cannot see you moving
And it seems the dark has won
May you find us still believing
That you want this more than us
You will finish what you started
And your plans for us are good
Help us cling to what you’ve promised
You are faithful. You are sure…
(back to chorus)


So, please pray with us...that we will be found still believing that Gods wants this more than us...even when we cannot see Him moving. Like the man who said, "LORD, I believe. Help thou my unbelief." Pray with us that we will still be found trusting Him to make a way, to finish what HE has started.

I'm collecting a set of scriptures to cling to in this dark, stormy days. I'd love to hear from some of you words from Heaven that have encouraged you in the difficult days.

And, when Jesus lifts us out of the water, may you join us in giving glory to His name~!

Abba, Father, bring our children home.