Our last Sunday in church

What a special day it was today. Our new friend, Brian, joined us at church. We were called forward and everyone prayed for us, our trip, our children and the entire process. The support and love we have felt from our church has been tremendous. They told us today they want to have a welcoming reception when we get home for our entire family!

The Pastor spoke today on Pray-Prepare-Pursue, and while he was specifically talking about our upcoming church building project, I couldn't help but think it had also to do with our adoption. Here we are, just a few short days away from flying to Kiev. I have had adoption on my heart for so long, I can't remember when it wasn't there. John and I have been praying about this for 4 years. And, we have been preparing for an entire year. And now, it is time for us to pursue. God has been faithful in every step of the process so far, and we have no doubt He will continue to walk with us, and bless our family as we pursue His plans and purposes.

I have to share an awesome testimony of how God has been at work providing for our adoption. Just 3 short weeks ago, we were very nervous about the financial aspect of our adoption. We were still short $9800. That amount of money seemed overwhelming and we were getting to the point that if it didn't come in, we wouldn't be able to go. The next week, we were blessed with a sizable, anonymous donation. What a blessing that was! It was completely unexpected and we had no idea until we opened our mail one day.

So, last week, our remaining money to be raised was about $4800. John is a realtor. He has been working some friends, who are also adopting, to find them a house. So far, nothing seemed to fit their wishes, or when a house did seem to fit, it was already sold. Late last week, they looked at a house that already had an offer on the table. Our friends loved the house, made an offer, had it accepted, and the sale will close this Wednesday! Sales simply don't close this quickly. They are usually 30 days out, at least. And, the God-part of the whole thing, John's commission, which hadn't been figured into our budget, meets almost to the penny, our remaining needs!

Isn't God awesome? We can all be part of God's adopted family. Adoption is His idea, and what a blessing it has been already to be called to this ministry with our family!

God bless you all!

Kristen

P.S. One more note on answered prayer. Last Thursday we were despairing over finishing our addition before we left. The drywall was hung, but we didn't have anyone to finish it. Late Thursday night we met with some drywallers who agreed to work this weekend on the project. Well, God once again answered prayers! They finished the taping and texturing this morning, and John is upstairs painting right now!