Monday, October 25, 2010

Learning

It is such a joy to watch Juliet and Kenneth learn different things about living here.  It makes me laugh to hear them figuring out things and then interpreting to one another their opinions on a matter.

For example... 

After explaining to Juliet and Kenneth that we needed to "hurry" at the store, so that we wouldn't be late picking up their siblings...

Juliet looks back at Kenneth and says, "Walk like an American, not a Ugandan."

She got that one right!

Sunday, October 24, 2010

In the Quiet

As I was standing at my kitchen sink washing dishes this past week, watching Juliet and Kenneth work on their math lessons, I could only smile and give thanks to God.

It was a two year journey to get them home.  So.Worth.It.

For nearly two years, before we met them, I had been seeking God's direction for my life.  We had finished building our home.  After home schooling for 15 plus years, we had enrolled our youngest four children in a small private school.  All of a sudden, the house was quiet... and still.  I missed being with my children all day and considered bringing them back home numerous times.  But we believed, without a doubt, that they were where they were supposed to be to complete their education.  But, now what was I going to do?

A hunger grew in me to serve God in a new way...  a burning desire that left me standing at my kitchen sink crying out to Him daily for direction. I did NOT want my life to be about a tidy house and clean laundry. I know now... that the house needed to be quiet... so that I could hear Him.

The Lord had planted the seed for Ug*nda and orphans in my heart through different people many years ago.  It was during the quiet years that He spoke to my heart and prepared our family, not only for adoption, but for a bigger project.  His hand guided us down the road to adoption and it is His hand alone that brought these children home.

He is faithful.

Now as I stand at my kitchen sink and watch my children begin their new life, I can only praise Him.  He has brought them here.  He is faithful.  Always.

If you are seeking His direction... be still and listen. It is in the quiet that you will hear Him.  He will answer you.  He will show you the way.  And whatever obstacles lie ahead, He will bring His good plan to completion.  He will.

"...asking God to fill you with the knowledge of His will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding.  And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please Him in every way..." Col. 1:9-10

Saturday, October 16, 2010

First Week

Today marks Juliet and Kenneth's first week HOME!

It has been a beautiful week... with lots of new experiences! 

Kenneth is SO happy about his new bed...

Juliet too.

 These brothers are happy to be together finally!

Learning to ride bikes was a first among achievements!

Drumming on the driveway...

 and meeting Grandma (and Papaw too)...
were just a few of some very special moments this week.

We are praising God for what He has accomplished...

It's all good.  Real. Good.

Saturday, October 9, 2010

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Trusting in His Plan

Many times, during the journey to bring these children home, I have had an idea of how I think things should go.

Not one time have things lined up with my plan.  But God's plan has always been better.  Not easier, but better.

I will not be able to bring Sharon home with me right now.  As difficult as it has been to accept that reality... I trust that His plan is better.

In the midst of a storm it is difficult to see clearly, but when the clouds part and the sun shines... the rainbow appears... reminding us that He ALWAYS keeps His promises.

I know that He will work out Sharon's situation according to His good and perfect will.

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

Monday, October 4, 2010

truth...

my ways are not His ways....

His ways are perfect...

we are not promised we will never suffer...

He is good....

even in the midst of  a breaking heart...

i only need to trust in Him...

He is always faithful...

Friday, October 1, 2010

In Need of a Miracle

Guardianship has been granted for all three children... BUT.

The judge granted us guardianship of our youngest girl, but wrote that he will not allow her to "immigrate" to the US, along with her brother and sister, because she is "too young to be seperated from her mother".

The whole thing is ridiculous.  She has been "seperated from her mother" for nearly two years because her mother can not take care of her. 

No one that I have talked to has ever heard of such a ruling.

We are in need of a miracle...

I know that God will provide a way... if it is His will for this precious girl to come home with me.


We need a miracle...

Only He can accomplish it... only Him.