Updates on the process

Well, I have received a little bit of an update about the waiting list for Carolina Hope Adoption. Lisa Prather emailed all of the Ethiopian families and said there are 17 parents waiting to adopt a female in the age of 12 months or under. This wait is a 6-9 month period once your paperwork is in Ethiopia.

I, on the other hand, am waiting on a boy and they said the wait would be less for a male. There was not a wait list given for the male adoptions. I have heard that it is easier to adopt a male then a female. That did not make a difference for me. I know I am supossed to raise a man of God. I know that it is hard for some to understand, but this is the calling for my life right now.

I am getting ready to enter two important dates in the next few weeks that represent the passing of two important people in my life. One being Bonnie Mill's one year ann. homecoming to Jesus on Friday, Jan. 30 and the other is my dad's two year ann. on Feb. 24th. Spending time thinking about these two wonderful people always makes me cry. Death is so final. Hard to stop missing someone you have spent the majority of your life loving. I am reminded of the eternal hope we have to spend the rest of our life with Jesus and our loved ones. I am thankful for both of their impacts in my life and the lives of others. Thank you for memories with Bonnie and Dad.

What have I done?

Well...that is the question I keep asking myself. I did it. I joined facebook last night due to some pretty severe peer pressure. I have been consumed today with filling in information and pictures. Talk about being connected to people. Wow! It is unbelievable.

So...I have connected my blog to this web page so that others can see what is happening in the adoption process. I am constantly giving an update to my family and friends about the process. I wish I had some information to give out, but nothing at this point. I am in the "waiting for a referral" time. I spent time at Deedee's house this Friday night watching Cannon. Of course he was in bed, so there was actually no babysitting. I did check on him a couple of times when he made some groans.

Deedee has done such a great job with him. I hope that I can do as good of a job. I am so thankful for my friends and the people in my life who love and support me through this process. Thank you for your prayers.

What's Next?

I have this stirring inside of me that tells me something is going to happen soon. I received an email from my agency about new children. The information is all a little scattered in what these pics mean. I saw quite a few infants in these photos that were on Snapfish. I just feel like the time is coming near for a referral.
So what I am asking... is for you to pray. I am not sure for what or how. This is where I have been for the past few weeks. What does God want me to pray for? Today He made it clear that I need to pray for the hands that hold my son and care for him. I am so thankful that someone is taking care of Samuel even as I type.
I am humbled once again at the thought of holding this little man and guiding him through life. God, thank you for the strength and wisdom you are going to bestow on me to go through this process.
Thanks for your prayers everyone!

Looking back to memories and forward to new ones

I am sitting here at my home over Christmas break and reading my journal from 2008. It is amazing how God has walked beside me throughout this year. Sometimes you think you have been doing it all on your own and then glancing back you see it differently.

Streams in the desert, Jan. 1 says: "Today we stand at the threshold of the unknown. Before us lies a new year, and we are going forward to take possession of it. Who knows what we will find? What new experiences or changes will come our way? What new needs will arise? In spite of the uncertainity before us, we have a cheerful and comforting message from our Heavenly Father: 'The Lord your God cares for (it); the eyes of the Lord...are continually on it from the beginning of the year to its end.' Duet. 11:11-12"

God is going to lead the way into 2009 only if we give Him the wheel. I look forward to this new year of opportunity. I know God is going to stretch me in ways I had no idea could be possible. Thank you ahead of time for the grace and mercy you will show me when I mess up and disappoint You.

I didn't make any resolutions last night. Of course I want to stay healthy and challenge myself to try something new in a physical realm, but no precise items. I want to be used this year to impact others for Christ. I know God has great plans for me this year. Thank you for Your calling on my life.

I did spend some time with my family over Christmas break. Here are a few pics of me, mom, my sister, and my nieces. Happy New Year everyone!