Because of Your great love...

I opened the mail today...and what did I see?  An envelope from the Department of United States Immigration.  I couldn't believe it!  Eight days ago, Eric and I went to get our fingerprints done...and we were told to make sure and check back in 3-6 months if we hadn't heard anything.  To say that we were discouraged was an understatement.  This threw off our wonderfully planned timeline! 
I am a person who likes consistent encouragement to continue.  I want to know that I'm on the right track...and I like to have a pat on the back once in a while.  Sorry, that's just the way I am.  I know this about myself.
When you are adopting overseas - particularly adopting a child who is not readily available for updated pictures, who cannot be found specifically in the sea of orphans, whom no one seems to have any new information about...the only encouragement that can be discerned is from God. 
And He came through...again.
I was praying this weekend and I was so frustrated.  I found myself reminding my Maker that He did make me with this personality - I need encouragement.  I need to be reminded often that I'm doing the right thing.  I have a hard time persevering gracefully when I feel lost.  I begged for a message this week - and ended flippantly at the end of my prayer that an approval letter would be nice but I would settle for anything. 
Our Abba Father does not call us to settle.  He wants us to overflow.
After this week, I am overflowing with peace - that we are on the right track and that our son is ready for us...here's what happened: 
Sunday: Our church family surprised us with a check to add to our adoption fund.  Our pastor called Eric and I up to the front of the church and said - "we had a budget surplus, here is a gift for you"...Oh my goodness.
Tuesday: We received a second confirmation via a generous donation that came so unexpectedly - an email that said "we want to give" --- that was a low confidence day for me...and when I read the email, I was blessed. 
Wednesday: Two days later, the approval letter...overflowing.
Not just existing or getting by.  Not merely hanging on by a thread - but held securely in a Plan not of my making.
And why am I surprised?  I have seen God work before. 
Specifically in July, 12 years ago my mom was completely paralyzed.  She had a disease that attacks the myelin sheath in your body...and paralyzes you.  God provided amazingly for her in the availability of needed medicine and her amazing recovery.
Our son Isaiah had a life expectancy of three years when we adopted him...you've seen his picture - he's a miracle.  Every system in his body was apparently in jeapordy and now they are all healed.  That's God - there's no other way to explain that.  Isaiah was reported to be deaf, blind, cognitively impaired, would never walk, talk or eat on his own...and would die by the time he was three of kidney failure.  He's a miracle.   
July.
I love July.
I am an unashamed conservative.  I love that I'm an American.  My favorite of all holidays is the Fourth of July.  We will be celebrating with family tomorrow - enjoying getting all dressed in our seasonal clothes (only me and the kids...Eric doesn't much dress in color coordinated, holiday-color clothes...)  I have red, bright blue and sparkly finger nail polish all laid out on our kitchen counter so that I can paint both girls' finger and toenails....that's just the way it is here.  I love it!

Another favorite of mine - and it fits well with the week we are having...Lamentations 3:22

Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail.  They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.  I say to myself, "The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for Him."  The Lord is good to those who seek Him...

Finally - this post is disjointed -
We are preparing for our adoption fundraiser event.  Can I just tell you that we will have 9 desserts for you to choose from and some amazing items in our silent auction?  It's July 21 at 6:30.  We are beginning to send out invitations and we hope we remember everyone but would you please consider yourself invited?  We'd love to have you come!  I will post specifics of the auction items within the next couple of weeks. 

I hope you enjoy the 4th as much as I plan to!