The end is in sight. Lots of things have happened since our last post. Many of you have kept up with the adoption by speaking to us directly-for which we're truly humbled and grateful. The amount of support from each of you, be it in form of words, prayer, finances- has truly been humbling. We're forever indebted to each of you for your role in bringing our precious princess home to her forever family. It seems as though by this time last year, we had begun to realize and accept the fact that our adoption would not be completed in 2012 as we had fervently prayed and hoped for. Now, in God's time it seems as though our trip to Peru is imminent. Surely if there's one thing we've been reminded of throughout this process it is that God is INTIMATELY involved with every INTRICATE detail and He brings about the result He desires in the exact time in which He wishes it to happen. So...what's next?
As you may be aware by now, we've finally been matched with the little girl with whom we've been acquainted (and have been praying for) for several years now. We received word of being matched on September 26th and since then have been working towards getting our clearance to travel. So- when do we travel? That's a great question-- remember the part about God bringing things about in His time-- yeah, that's what we're trying to remind ourselves of. However, as Michelle so aptly stated the other day- we have more days behind us than before us. We truly believe that.
Making a long (and seemingly complicated story short) we received pre-approval to travel with intent to adopt by US Customs way back, and now that we've been matched- we have to notify them and get final approval.This is called the I-800 process. Remember the part about God's timing? Yeah-- (sigh) sense a pattern here? For those who are familiar with the Old Testament story in the Bible of the Children of Israel, you might appreciate this feeling of wandering around in the desert for "40 years". Maybe you're in a similar situation in your life right now, you're waiting on the next step in life in some way...but for now you're just wandering. Thankfully God provides DAILY what we need, whether we're in the proverbial desert or making our way to the next destination. As you've been so gracious to consistently pray for us, we'd be honored to return the favor- please drop us a note by email, or facebook and let us know what we can pray with you about. Anyhow, we are confident (as is our Social worker & our Lawyer in Peru) that Lord willing, we should be able to travel sometime in November/December to finish this process that's been three, yes three years in the making.
Prayer is certainly what we need most. Please pray that the Customs office will process our I-800 paperwork quickly. Pray specifically for Ms. Mariah Wilson, she is the officer assigned to our case. We've been told it could take as many as 6 weeks...but we serve a God that can certainly make our paperwork move to the top of the stack-- our boys have prayed for her nightly since learning of her name- will you join us?
Lastly- as you'll see by way of the thermometer to the right, we're just shy of the final funds necessary for the adoption. Would you consider making a tax deductible donation today? If everyone who reads this would donate $25 or even $30-- our goal would be met quickly. If you can do more, we would be honored. Perhaps you know of a business or corporation that would graciously make a year-end donation as a tax write-off. Please pass our story along to them, we'd be glad to provide any additional info needed.
Most of all- will you take a few minutes right now, and thank God that you-- YOU are not an orphan. This holiday season, you'll (by God's grace) be able to spend time with Family and loved-ones and enjoy that precious time together...while tens of thousands of children around the world will not. They will be together in their respective orphanages, gathered with their roommates, and some awesome workers (who will and do work very hard at making things as meaningful as possible), yet without a FAMILY. We're all truly blessed, aren't we?
Trusting in His timing!
Jonathan, Michelle, Jaiden & levi
