One Thousand Gifts (Continued)

"...but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character, and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out Hs love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us"

(Romans 5:3-5).

#388) new seasons

#389) sharing crackers with toys

#390) puppet shows

#391) actors taking a bow

#392) "Celebration of Hope" dinner with our adoption agency

#393) meeting other adoptive parents (to be) and making new friends

#394) more referrals last week!

#395) prayer support from church family

#396) special GEMS (girls everywhere meeting their Saviour) service

#397) our extra ordinarily gifted pastor

#398) the reminder, "Prayer-No Worries"

#399) Christ as our example in suffering

#400) creation glorifying the King

Final Four! (adoption update)

The NCAA tournament is in full swing! Last weekend we had the privilege of attending two of the games in Buffalo. We had a great time and great seats! The teams we chose in our pool even won!

As it comes down to the final four, Paul's friends made the analogy of us being in the final four too. We are now number four waiting for our referral! There were more referrals this week, and we're getting closer! We keep praying that we'll make it to the finals real soon!

'"Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear,' says the LORD"

(Isaiah 65:24).

Adoption Update

"I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in His word I put my hope" (Psalm 130:5).

As we continue to wait, I pray for patience and renewed hope. God continues to answer my prayers as at least three more referrals were made since yesterday. We're getting closer! Now we're #6 or so! I continue to pray for patience and for me to trust in God's timing. May His will be done.

One Thousand Gifts (Continued)

"Let everything that has breath praise the LORD" (Psalm 150:6).

#368) imaginary houses made from paint

#369) fashion fauxpas


#370) an avid writer

#371) rocks

#372) clean bill of health from the doctor today for our daughter

#373) Nicole packing her Bible for while we wait at the doctor's office

#374) sibling hugs

#375) wearing shorts in March

#376) visiting with old friends over March Break

#377) visiting with new friends over March Break

#378) dinner guests

#379) watching March Madness LIVE with my hubby

#380) lots of sibling play time over the break

#381) sharing and trading amongst siblings

#382) a referral was made today (we're getting closer)!

#383) fellowship

#384) listening and seeing my (favourite) pastor on Sunday

#385) fond childhood memories of my childhood pastor

#386) the Light of the world

#387) renewed hope

Frog Wars

"Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD" (Psalm 31:24).

Aah, Veggie Tales... I just love them. As I was reading this book tonight to our sons, I was inspired by the quote from Psalm 31:24 written in the beginning of the book. The theme of the book, which also inspired me is about perseverance. I was reminded again tonight, to put my hope in the LORD. As another payment is due this month for our adoption agency, it is hard to remain positive with all the negative news lately. However, as Paul said tonight- we need to keep the faith. It is my prayer that I can keep my faith and hope in the Lord, and to remember that His plan and His timing is perfect. I need to persevere and not give up hope. I am encouraged by the words of the psalmist, to "be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD".

One Thousand Gifts (Continued)

"...continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose...I am glad and rejoice with all of you. So you too should be glad and rejoice with me" (Philippians 2:12,13,17,18).

#354) "curling" pucks

#355) Jesse's "curling" game

#356) enjoyable sidewalk chalk and sidewalk paint

#357) March Break

#358) quiet time

#359) tickle time

#360) working at the greenhouse

#361) family games on Sunday afternoons

#362) meeting other adoptive parents (even if it's just online)

#363) whistling

#364) crafts

#365) children playing outside with their rubber boots in the water

#366) Sunday services and communion with fellow believers

#367) hubby helping with dishes

Adoption Update

"We pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please Him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to His glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience" (Colossians 1:10-11).

Ok, well some more roadblocks and complications. A few days ago, a notice was posted at the Federal Court of Ethiopia stating that all adoption agencies would be required to have perspective adoptive parent(s) appear in court for the adoption hearing. However, on the positive side, the notice has been removed at the request of temporary postponement so that there can be further discussion. Therefore, we still don't know if we will need to make two trips to Ethiopia.

It's understandable why they would like to make these rules for protection, but the fact that they need to make these rules because of certain individuals is crazy. Apparently, for reasons beyond my imagination, parents would go to Ethiopia to bring home their child and then change their minds. I can not understand that at all! Those poor, beloved children would not be able to be adopted again because they have already been legally adopted. It's so, so sad. I also can't imagine making two trips to Ethiopia and after our first trip to meet our precious girl, and then say good-bye to her.

As our agency waits to hear more information regarding this notice, they are asking for our patience. that's a huge request! MORE patience! It's running low.

Also, other clients (waiting for the same amount of time as us)have received notice for updating their home study because it is almost expired. More doctor appointments, more finger prints, lawyer appointments, notarizations, etc. etc.

I keep praying and covet the prayers of others for more patience and for us to receive our referral SOON.

One Thousand Gifts (Continued)

"You make me glad by your deeds, O LORD; I sing for joy at the works of your hands"

(Psalm 92:4).

#338) toothless grins

#339) our future accountant


#340) reading buddies

#341) fire fighters

#342) side walk chalk is back on the driveway!

#343) Sunday bike rides

#344) singing birds in the morning

#345) sunny days

#346) chocolate hearts on my pillow

#347) oral math tests at the dinner table among siblings

#348) good-bye hugs jumping off the steps

#349) Cadet counsellor's hospitality

#350) Bible story time on the couch
#351) Curtis' giggles

#352) Nicole's concern for others

#353) Jesse's helpfulness

Adoption Update

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit" (Romans 15:13).

A few staff members from our agency just arrived home from what they called a "busy, but productive week in Ethiopia". We are grateful for the progress that has been made, but we are so disappointed with the lack of referrals lately and with the discouraging news that we recently received. Apparently there may be a few delays again. The agency is "monitoring the situation closely". Agh... how much longer???? Only God knows, and it's my prayer that He will grant us patience and that He will help us to trust in His perfect time.

Lead me, Guide me

"Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, 'This is the way; walk in it'" (Isaiah 30:21).

Our life journey - we think we have it all planned.
Our life journey- unknown.
Our life journey- known to Him.
Our life journey- planned by Him.

The road may look a big foggy right now, but God has a plan for our lives and He will "instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I (He) will counsel you and watch over you" (Psalm 32:8). I had my life planned out (or so I thought) already since grade 7. However, God has had my life planned out before I was even born. He has led me in directions, that I could never have imagined and He has guided me on some very foggy roads. What's important though is that He has GUIDED me and has LED me. He promises to never leave me. I want to take control so many times, therefore, it is my prayer that I will "listen to the voice behind me" and that I will trust fully in my Lord.

One Thousand Gifts (Continued)

GIVE THANKS
"I thank and praise you, O GOD of my fathers..." (Daniel 2:23)

#320) a sporty/outdoorsy husband

#321) sporty/outdoorsy children (sometimes)


#322) the wonder and excitement of trying something new

#323) ski equipment

#324) an uncle who made a great snowman with his nephew

#325) safety when sledding

#326) outdoor fun and adventure with cousins

#327) bright sunshine

#328) inspiring speaker at the ladies' breakfast

#329) ladies morning out

#330) organized ladies' retreat/breakfast

#331) the reminder that "God is enough"!

#332) prayers from friends

#333) Nicole's love for apples

#334) excited girl coming home with a gorgeous hand-made bird house

#335) excited boy coming home after learning how to bake (and enjoying his hard work)!

#336) Jesse squeezing in as much skating time as possible

#337) renewed hope