Selling Cattle

We saw a speaker not too long ago who was giving the testimony of their family's adoption story. Like many people, theirs was a story of being led on an adoption journey that might have seemed a bit crazy and for which they lacked finances to complete. As they stepped out in faith, they believed God who "owns the cattle on a thousand hills" could sell a few to help provide for their needs. As they watched the funds come in for their adoption, they would say things like, "God sold a few cows today." Last night, I received an email from a family that returned from China a couple of weeks ago. They are with the same adoption agency and adopted a seven year old with a similar condition to Anna and Joshua. As we spoke with them while they were waiting to go, they had told us a bit of their story and situation. As they were preparing to travel, they were facing loss of employment and a move out of state upon their return from China. In her note last night, she joyfully reported that upon reaching their new home, the first phone call they received was a phone call informing them a donor was giving them $25,000. In her note last night she said, "So, while we'd prayed that the Lord would sell one of His 'cattle on a thousand hills' on our behalf, He sold an entire herd!!!" I replied and told her that my husband had been quoting that verse yesterday too! We were so surprised and blessed a couple of days ago when we received a check in the mail for year-end gifts made through the adoption fund at church. We had known of some of the gifts this year, but there had been a very large anonymous gift as well. We are so happy to report that God has sold some cattle on behalf of Joshua and our family too! We have been trusting Him all along to provide what we will need to complete this adoption. Up until this point, it has often been provided at just the last moment before a fee needed to be paid. However, now with the largest portion of the funds due when we receive the approval from China in the next couple of months, it appears we will be able to complete this adoption without debt. Thank you Lord! There are more details about how all of the finances have worked on the "Help Bring Him Home" link. That link includes details of the expenses of this adoption. (See 2008 entries.) For those considering adoption, the cost can seem overwhelming. It seemed impossible to us with both of our adoptions. For those considering adoption, but hesitant because of the costs, please be encouraged. If your family is called to this journey, God will be faithful to meet your needs. We have seen it happen over and over for many families. James 1:27 says, "Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble and to keep oneself unspotted from the world." There are many ways to meet the needs of orphans even if you aren't called to adopt. We are so thankful to those of you that have prayed for our family, encouraged us and helped provide funds to bring him home. Praise God from whom all blessings flow.

Cute Little Camper

We have been asked to wait to post our referral pictures until we have received our LOA from China - the final approval from China. We are waiting for that now and expect it some time in the next 2-4 months. In the mean time, I received permission to post a picture that appeared in a newsletter reporting on summer camps in Xinjiang last summer. We immediately recognized the sweet little face with the camp volunteer and were so excited. Having this picture appear in the newsletter was another one of those little miracles along the way. We have also learned that this woman is currently a full time volunteer with the Christian organization that ran the camp, has learned Mandarin in order to communicate with the children and is an occupational therapist. We never could have arrange such a qualified visitor to report back to us. Another miracle. Enjoy the picture.