Another answer to prayer....

Back in May, I think it was May 10th, which was the Monday before Emma's birthday, I was running and praying before dinner. We had applied for numerous grants to help with the adoption expenses, and kept getting "no" answers from some of the foundations. It seemed that because we do not have debt other than our mortgage, we were being denied any financial support, since we are actually living within our means. In the Fall of 2007, we went thru Financial Peace and it really helped us develop a budget, stick to it, and get serious about saving. We've always both been pretty conservative with money, but we did use credit cards and our ATM cards, and that adds up, even though we weren't realizing it.

Anyway, all of that coupled with the fact that we've been obedient in tithing and giving, things just did not seem 'fair'. I told God all of that, pouring out my heart to Him, pleading for some help, because we really needed it. He reminded me that life is not fair, which I learned as a child, and I'm glad. He reminded me to continue to be obedient with our finances and that the peace that accompanies that cannot be compared to having worldly things. Then, I heard something in my spirit, that I know was from Him.....I questioned it, "Did You just say...'....'?" And it was repeated. I felt a great sense of peace. When this journey is over, I hope to share what He said to me....for a long time I didn't even tell Matthew. I would start to, and then it was as if the Spirit said, 'no, not now'...it was almost like it was too private, to sensitive....I know that sounds weird, but in time it will make sense.

The weeks rolled on and few things changed with the grants. Then, things started happening. He was speaking to the hearts of family, friends, and certain agencies. We have been overwhelmed by the things He has poured out on us. I can honestly say that having this very personal, private, pleading for help prayer, answered, in His time, has changed my life, in a sense. I hope to be able to encourage others to embark on journeys of faith that seem impossible...because you know that if He calls you, He will make it happen. It may not happen all at once, but He always comes through. He doesn't leave us 'hanging'...He is faithful.
It is not over, but He seems to be revealing the answers a little at a time...and our faith has been strengthened.

We are so grateful to those who have given....and pray that they know they played a huge part in bringing Emma home. There's a great chance she is not a Christian. Did you know that orphans are the largest unreached people group, for the Gospel, in the world today? So, assuming she's not a believer at this time, when she comes to know Him as Savior, every penny that was given to bring her home, played a part in her salvation. That is HUGE!!!!! So thank you----you know who you are!!