Day 330

A big thank you to my sweet friend, Kari, for suggesting I add a fundraiser link to my sidebar. The thought never really crossed my mind that friends and family might want to help us, financially, bring baby boy home. It's humbling for sure. I hate asking for money. A few weeks ago I asked Ben if we should do a fundraiser (the only thing I could come up with was bowling!), but we both agreed that it would probably be more work than it was worth (by the time you pay the alley) and everyone seems to be stretched to the max right now, in these hard times.

I'm not completely freaking out about the additional $8000 that we need to pay the new agency by June 1st and I think it's because I have a pretty laid back attitude when it comes to money. I mean it is just money after all. I feel that we've been good stewards and are as disciplined as they come...what else can you do? In the end, if we have to put all $8000 on a credit card then that's what we'll do. I'm not going to let anything stand between me and my son.

All that to say....if you would like to help us, there's a link on the sidebar you can use. All money is securely filtered through Paypal. Please don't feel pressured. I expect nothing and know so many of you are in the same shoes we are. I'm simply providing an outlet if you're able/feel led.

We would really covet your prayers in this matter as we try to cover all our expenses. The $8000 is for the adoption only and doesn't cover our travel or my maternity leave (I decided to take a full three months). We did submit an application for the Shaohannah's Hope adoption grant. I asked for $8000, but I know their general contribution amount is about $3000. I also know that they are only able to help 30% of those that apply.

It's all good. I know that God will make a way. I used to sing a song when I was a little girl....

God will make a way,
Where there seems to be no way
He works in ways we cannot see
He will make a way for me
He will be my guide
Hold me closely to his side
With love and strength for each new day
He will make a way...He will make a way.

I'm crying as I type. This process has ripped my faith from me and this sweet song reminds me how passionately I've pursued the Father through my lifetime...It reminds me of just how BIG our God is and the miracles I've experienced in him.

I grew up a pastor's kid and money was never in excess. I can remember numerous occasions when God showed up in a very BIG way for our family. One time we were visiting a church that my dad was guest speaking at. At the close of the service, a love offering was taken, to bless our family. There was a set of keys in the basket with a note attached (something to the effect of "Please see me after service.") As the story unfolds, the Lord spoke to a man in the congregation during my dad's preaching. He was asked to give our family his van. Yes, van as in vehicle. See, our family of five had been driving around in this beater of a car and my mom was pregnant with baby number four. You'll have to bear with my memory because I was only 7 or 8 at the time...I don't know if my parents were praying/hoping for a van or even thinking about it at all. I just remember driving home and thinking, "God knew what we needed and just like that he gave it to us? And we didn't have to do anything?" It forever rooted my faith.

I didn't plan to go this route with this post...but maybe God is reminding me to return to those childhood roots....asking me to trust him. He knew what my family needed then and he knows what my family needs now.

Thank you, Father, for being so good. Thank you for loving me through my faithlessness and continuously reminding me of your provision. I trust you with my life...and Ben's life...Baby Boy's life...and Rebekah's life. I trust you, alone.

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Edit: $165.00 has been raised so far, my ticker won't update for another couple of days because I'm waiting for our bank information to be verified. Once it's all set, the ticker will update automatically.