Humbled

This is an incredible time in the adoption process. In many ways it's the hardest. We have done all the paperwork (for the time being) and all we can do is wait. We study three pictures of a little girl, trying to memorize every feature and wondering if she'll look the same in person. Will we know her instantly? And of course, we can pray for her – for safety, health, peace, and assurance that her mommy and daddy are coming.

Another incredible thing about this part of the journey is watching God prove His faithfulness through the generosity of our family, friends, and even complete strangers.

When God began speaking to us about adopting from China, we started saving like crazy. But when we felt it was time to really begin the process, we weren't finished saving all the money we needed.  I was so afraid to take those first steps, not knowing for sure if we would be able to meet all the expenses. But we felt certain He was asking us to step out on faith. Having to rely on God's provision requires letting go of pride.  It's much easier to say "yes" when you know you can handle everything without help. It is very frightening to realize you have come to the "end of yourself" – the end of your capabilities and the end of your resources.

But this is where we need to be to truly understand our deep need for God. Never have I sought Him so diligently as when I really can't go a step further without Him. And though He has NEVER failed me, I am always blown away by His mercy and faithfulness. I am blown away by the people He is using to bless us.

God promised to provide ... and I believed Him. But still, when I open the mail to find a check from a friend, or I get an email that someone has bought a t-shirt to help with our adoption expenses, or my precious Bible study group hands me the offering they've been collecting for weeks, I am brought to tears with gratitude. And I see the simple truth. God is SO MUCH BIGGER than my resources.

It is really hard to ask others for help. I sometimes wish God would handle this between me and Him. That way I wouldn't have to bother anyone else with our needs. But I'm having to learn that it's not all about me. Yes, I am being changed, strengthened, humbled. But He has a bigger purpose than just strengthening my faith. And I believe He even has a bigger purpose than rescuing an orphan. If I were the only one who had a stake in this child's life, then so many others would miss out on the blessing of being used by God. Every person whose heart is pricked to help us in this journey or to lift our daughter in prayer gets to be a part of this miracle story. And God. Is. Glorified.

I hope you'll pray with us as we work on raising the last of our expenses – $8500 for traveling to China to get our sweet girl. We don't know the dates for sure, but we are hoping it will be sometime late this summer. We will be selling Show Hope adoption T-shirts for a few more weeks. They are a lightweight material and really comfortable. You can purchase by clicking on the T-shirt link. We have also set up a donation website. You can donate directly to our "Charlotte Fund" by going here or clicking on the button that says "Donate with WePay" and following the instructions. You will never know how much it means to have your support on this journey. Know that you are storing up treasures in Heaven, though, as you pray for this child and help bring her home!