The Home Visit

The home visit went really well. She got here early (I wonder if they purposely do that) and I wasn't quite ready. I was brushing Cuddly Boy's teeth, then had to brush my own. So, Little Man kept her occupied. Of course, she likes to ask the kids questions so she had her opportunity there. I guess he was really good, telling her he wants a sister and is going to help her and share his toys. It was really sweet. He was all over that woman like jelly on toast! Maybe because he's known for some time that she was coming! Most of the things she asked were the same things that were asked on the forms we had to fill out. So, Monday it should be sent to the state! Sometimes it seems unreal that this is really happening, yet it is so exciting. I'm in a couple of different yahoo groups about adopting and the people keep getting their referrals. It is so fun to see their children! I love to read the stories of those who have already adopted too. The groups have also been a great help as I have so many questions. There's so much that goes into it all that it can seem overwhelming- yet I'm not at all overwhelmed. God is moving so magnificently in our family that it amazes me. I know I was down for awhile because I was letting people's opinions get to me. No longer. It has disappeared and it feels GOOD!

Cruising Along

Tomorrow is our home visit for our homestudy. Somebody asked if I was nervous. I am not at all nervous. I have nothing to hide or anything like that. I'm excited that its one step closer in this process. Also, in the mail today we got our fingerprinting appointment. It is August 3rd. So, things are cruising right along.

Not a Coincidence

Today I received an email from Samaritans Purse. I'm sure I've gotten emails before but I honestly don't remember. I know we get mailings but I don't remember emails. This email was titled, "Franklin Graham in Liberia". Now, tell me what the chances of that are! To me it is another confirmation of what the Lord has called us to do. I do not believe in luck or coincidence or whatever you like to call it. Interested in seeing what it was all about? Well, click here to find out. Be sure to watch some of the videos. I love the singing in the background!

GREAT ARTICLES

As I was browsing online tonight I came across some great articles. They describe what I feel and the truth I know (that is sometimes so hard to convey). First there is God's Heart for the Orphan and The Little Loaf of Bread. This from The Little Loaf of Bread especially touched me as it is exactly what I've been thinking on lately:

When we think of about giving of our means to support our churches and other Christian ministries, we should remember these words as written by George Muller (The Autobiography of George Muller, Whitaker House, 1985; chapter 22): “May 26, 1851. The Christian should never worry about tomorrow or give sparingly because of a possible future need. Only the present moment is ours to serve the Lord, and tomorrow may never come. Money is really worth no more than as it can be used to accomplish the Lord’s work. Life is as worth as much as it is spent for the Lord’s service….A believer should rest and trust only in God.”

THOUGHTS

I've been mulling a bit today over some things. Why is it that Christians, churches, maybe people in general see the need to give to missions (or the poor) yet don't understand that adoption is a mission. You see, we will be missionaries in our own home. Adoption is a ministry, and outreach to a child(ren) who has no hope or future. Isn't the fact that we are adopting a child, whether it be from a third world country or the U.S., helping one in need? A poor, hungry child in need of a family. Why is it that people have a difficult time seeing this picture? Or maybe they see it with thick lenses. Maybe they think we need to just save our money to buy that new car, new boat or to send our child to college. After all, it costs a lot of money to send a child to college nowadays. And that is much more important than helping an orphaned child, right? Wrong. Not that a college education is wrong or a bad thing, but I think God will find it more beneficial that we help those less fortunate than us. I'm not trying to say I'm better than the man who is saving his money for his children's education or for a new car. I guess maybe I just have a different perspective. Maybe I see more into the heart of God when it comes to those in need. I hate to say that, as I'm trying not to be 'prideful' in any sense. I just don't get why we Americans can live in our comfortable homes and go about giving a minimal amount to the church, missions or whatever other ministry our heart desires yet not seeing that a family adopting is also a mission and ministry. Or maybe we don't even give at all.

We will be bringing a child into our country. Into our home. This child will be a part of our family. A part of our church. A part of our community. She will be our daughter just as Princess is. Princess is a part of our home, family, church and community. She is ministered to at church. I'm sure if there were a need with Princess people would be quick to help in some way. What about the child God has picked just for our family that is all the way in Liberia? Will that child be ministered to? Not only when she gets here, but what about now? Can't people see that she needs help now? As sickness sets in, as the rains fall, as food is scarce can't people see that our daughter needs help?

How it breaks my heart that people can't see our vision! The Bible states clearly that we are to help widows and orphans (James 1:27).

Below is an excerpt of something I wrote in my journal on June 23.

What is your hobby? Golfing? Scrapbooking? Bowling? Fishing? Hunting? Knitting? Eating out? Now think about your hobby. Think about how much money you spend a year on this hobby.

Most of us own a home. Many have two cars. Some people drive around in their new SUV. Some have boats that they enjoy spending time in. Some people may have a cottage.

Whatever it is, lets face it: we are rich. We own a lot. We pay on many things. Many people probably have credit cards, car loans, mortgages and other debt.

Maybe we have money that we squander. We let it sit in the bank and collect interest. We invest. And all of that is ok. But is it eternal?

You see, we need to think of the 'big picture'. We need to remember to live for the Lord, to do what we can to further His kingdom. We can't take any material thing on this earth with us when we die. But we can take people. Maybe an orphan. Please, let me know your thoughts. Am I far off to feel the way I do?

I'm not sure anybody has found this blog yet, but if so- welcome! I'm not sure why I'm unable to put titles for my posts...its very frustrating but I can't click in the Title box! I want this blog to be a source where we can give our adoption story but also to be a help to others who may be adopting, both from Liberia and elsewhere. I have many, many more links I want to add to the sidebar so stay tuned!

Liberia - Sites and Facts

ACCEPTED!!!

We got a call last night that we were accepted by the adoption agency, Acres of Hope!!! Not that we doubted, but it is so nice to get the confirmation! Just wanted to share!

HOME VISIT!!!

We have an appointment for our home visit with the social worker scheduled for the 13th!!!! We cannot wait! It seems so unreal, this road we're traveling! We're so excited! Just had to let y'all know! Time to finish cleaning the house and folding the laundry!