Monthly Archives: March 2009

Adoption is ON

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After prayerful consideration, we are continuing with the adoption as planned.  We were concerned that the agency might not allow us to proceeed with my job loss.  However, they are very supportive and we appreciate it.  We believe God is asking us to trust Him in a new way and see where He leads.  We know many other people losing their job – none are losing their kids as a result.  We consider the boys as members of our family – not future members of the family.  We still need to bring them home.

Please continue to pray for Randy in his search for a new job.  WRECO is very supportive of him finishing a current project.  Unfortunately, the economy – and especially the housing market – has fallen so far that drastic actions are in order.

Unpleasant News

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Due to the continuing bad news in the economy, and specifically in housing, Randy’s job is being eliminated.  The question we are pondering is, “What is God’s will regarding the adoption?”  That question stems from the fact that we have continually asked God to close the door if He does not want us to adopt.  So… is He closing a door?  Or is He merely offering us an opportunity to trust Him in a new way?  Our goal is obedience and we will seek to determine which path He wants us on.  It’s not about us; it never has been.  But we admit to some confusion right now and seek prayer that we will discern what His will is for us. 

We certainly have other concerns regarding the job loss (date unknown right now), but it all really comes back to that same question – “What does obedience look like in this circumstance?”

Birthday Fun & Food

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On Sunday, we got together with family and friends for food and fun at The Old Spaghetti Factory.  We got some really good pictures (and a few that are marginal, but they’re all here).  Click on the picture to see more.

Home Study

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Our Home Study is approved!  It was completed by our social worker, then submitted to and approved by the agency’s committee.  So we’re on to the next step, which is completing our dossier and preparing for travel.  The travel will not happen for some time – it will be months, but it’s impossible to predict how many months at this time.  This Thursday, we travel to Yakima to submit our I-600A and get fingerprinted by Homeland Security.  This is how we get the forms that allow us to bring the kids back into the US.  Pray that we will have an eye for detail because any details we miss might be caught overseas and cause major delays.

Sary-Jo’s Birthday Reflections

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What’s your perspective?

I don’t know about you, but I am constantly being bombarded with society’s preoccupation with youth and beauty.  I find the amount of grumbling over aging out of balance with honoring God.  Sure, I struggle with the same issues as others my age:  wrinkles, flab, sagging skin, weight gain, fatigue, sore muscles, gray and thinning hair, loss of memory, failing eye sight, desiring comfortable shoes, and so on…  but birthdays don’t bother me!  In fact, I look forward to my birthday every year!  Today is no exception!  It’s a day to thank God for knitting me in my mother’s womb, to reflect on where I’ve been and pray about how He is yet to use me and to admit nothing counts without God.  Dwelling on youth doesn’t change the fact that death is inevitable.  Whether I die today, tomorrow, in a few years or in many, my future is secure in Christ and in Christ alone.  Ultimately, the condition of my heart is what really matters to God.   Am I reflecting His character?  Am I doing things His way?  …for His glory?  While I am still here, He has work for me to do.  With the adoption of our two boys, there will indeed be work!   I believe with all my heart that if God called us to it, He will equip us – even at our age!  I am sometimes overwhelmed with emotion over the tedious process, the thought of having kids again, and the new challenges we will be facing, but I have enough life experience to know God is in control and He will guide us like He has before.  He is faithful.  His promises are trustworthy.  Today I pray that my perspective always be God-centered.  May I set my heart on the things that count for eternity and in all humility glory in the Lord as he continues to renew me day by day in wisdom and understanding!  Praise you, Lord, on this, my 51st birthday!!

March 1 Status

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We are busy compiling all the documents for our dossier.  The exciting news is that we essentially have everything that’s in our control done!!!  Our homestudy should come back next week.  After we receive that we can drive to the Customs & Immigration Service (CIS) office in Yakima to file our request to bring children back into the US.  We have an appointment on March 12.

Last night we noticed an error on Randy’s State Patrol clearance so that will need to be redone.  They used the wrong birthdate on their search and we’re glad we caught the error early.

Continue to pray for the boys’ physical and spiritual health, and that they will adapt to American life quickly.  We have to admit we’re a bit nervous about the trip home as our kids have no life experience to compare to 24 hours of air travel.  So pray for us too, please.