Affliction is not defeat

The level of intensity of this weeks emotions is difficult to describe. This week was the manifestation of the phrase "life can throw you a curve ball." And yet, I fear that it could have been worse. In many ways, I know it was worse for so many others. This week, the DR Congo decided to cease releasing exit papers for adoptions for 12 months. Initially, this crushing blow wracked my very being. But, then, the Lord spoke. He is so mighty, yet so gentle. He is so powerful, yet so meek. He is, despite the millions of questions I flung at Him throughout this week, my whole existence. He is, regardless of this trench I find myself in, the reason that I still sing His praises. I know that He orchestrates all things. I know that, despite affliction along this journey to reach my daughter, I will not be destroyed--because Christ is within me. 

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

Therefore, my heart soars thinking of His mighty works. My prayer is that my life would continually represent a manifestation of His love. I do not want to bow down to insecurities and lies from the world. I will only serve one master. His name is Jesus Christ. 

Please, join me in praying for a speedy remedy for the reissuing of exit papers for adoptions in the DR Congo. Please pray specifically for families who are currently in the middle of turmoil and anguish, as they may have a fully processed adoption, but are not being allowed to exit the country with their children. Pray that government officials and adoption agencies and advocates would make quick work of removing the suspension on exit papers, to benefit suffering children. As always, please pray for Vivie!

The More You Know

Throughout the past two to three weeks, I have had ample opportunity to seek the Lord. It seems as though all sorts of crises erupt all at the same time. I have decided to embrace these moments. I had to complete my online parenting courses, and the one thing that kept reiterating in my mind was, I have to be more Christ-like, for me and for Vivie. What God is showing me is that I cannot be more like Him if I do not truly know Him. "Ask and you shall receive, seek and you shall find, knock and the door shall be opened unto you" has now transformed for me. I used to believe that these words meant that I could ask for "things," and they would appear, because the Lord is good. Now, I believe that these words are a directive to my heart; these words plead with me to earnestly ask the Lord to reveal himself to me. When I ask for Him, I will find Him. When I seek Him, He will open a doorway to his heart, nature, love, etc. One thing is for certain, I want, more than anything, for Vivie to KNOW Christ. The Lord has ordained me to be an example for her. That, alone, stirs me. It gives me the desire to scour the callouses off of my faith. It causes me to desire Him more. And that desire, in spite of all of the chaos that can occur daily, is satisfaction. 

Throughout the online classes, one horror after another is revealed to you of what you can expect from an institutionalized child. Here is my summed up lesson from all of those classes: 

REST IN HIM

Photo Credit for all three photos: April Wareham

Pictured above are precious little ones who are orphaned and living in the DR Congo. They, like Vivie, need your prayers. 

Parenting

Last week, I was blessed to spend time with some amazing women of God. They were freely sharing their parenting experiences with some newer church moms. I was truly touched by all of their spiritual and practical wisdom. I'm hoping that they will always allow me to glean from their experiences. We had an amazing time together; the sweet aroma of the Lord was fragrant and abundant for this shared moment. These profound words were some that I think will stay with me for a long time. "Children are like pieces of wood. There's an arrow inside of each of them. (As parents) It's our job to carve out that arrow so that one day we can release them from the bow (send them out)." That's powerful. I pray that God would strengthen me as a parent so that I can equip Vivie and, one day, send her out to proclaim the gospel in this great big world.Thank you ladies for your love and words of life. 

First Paperwork and Big Payment

Truth be told, Jesus had a choice. And, He chose us. That's significant enough to capture my attention and take my breath away. I undeservedly have been adopted as a child of Jesus Christ, the one true King. I am the daughter of a King. It's every fantasy a girl dreams of, and it's gifted to me through the master of my life. Talk about a feeling of being tiny and insignificant. But, He calls me daughter, and I call Him father. I pray earnestly for my daughter to experience Christ and His true salvation at an early age. I pray that she would be an avid follower after Christ's own heart all of the days of her life. Please, join me in praying that prayer over Vivie's life. The further into this adoption journey I get, the more significant and profound my relationship with Christ becomes. See, I don't want to take one obstacle in the journey for granted. I want to experience it to the fullest, which will be difficult. I don't want to miss any moments of chaos, turmoil, grief, anguish, joy, celebration, etc. because I want to know Christ more. It is through these moments, especially the hard ones, when I will gain so much insight into the being that is Christ, the God of all things. I don't want to miss any moment of that, even though I don't anticipate that it will be easy. So, while it has been a huge obstacle simply raising the money for the mere first big payment, I want to rejoice in the journey. And, while I know that this mountain of paperwork was just the first of many many more, I want to savor the moment. Christ calls me His own. It's about time I truly get to know Him through some rough, but beautiful, quality time. Please pray with me as this first packet is sent off for Vivie!

With Love,

First Fundraiser

My first official fundraiser was at Paradise Catfish Kitchen in Alexandria. I would like to especially thank the Williams family for all of their generosity and love of adoption. Your restaurant played a wonderful host to a fabulous night of food, fun, and fellowship. And, funds were raised in the process. Thank you Paradise Catfish Kitchen owners, managers, and staff for your support.  

A special thanks also to all of you who came out and supported the cause at this fundraising event. I am grateful for each and every one of you. Thank you for already embarking on this journey with me. 

With Love,

Check it out/click on the link: ParadiseCatfishAlexandria

The NEW additions to the menu are amazing! 

Promises from God. So simple. So pure. So easily overlooked! So here I am, caught up in one of the most beautiful moments of obedience. Following desperately after His promises. Difficult and frightening? Sure. But, within the struggle comes His perfect peace and reassurance. I am adopting my daughter from The Democratic Republic of the Congo, and I am following Christ's footsteps the whole way through. Fortunately for me, I have a perfect Savior to rely on. I covet your prayers, love, and support. So, follow along with me on this journey, and watch the Lord do His magnificent work. Please join me in welcoming my new daughter into this life. 

Welcome sweet baby girl,  

With Sincerest Love, 

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