Latest Greatest News

I just communicated with my adoption agency via email yesterday. Another person on the list has received a referral. I checked to see if I was next. She said there are two things that are holding up my referral 1) I am single and Ethiopia has banned singles to adopt now, so they are squeezing us in every now and then 2) I am looking for such a young fella. She did say that Grace, from Hope Adoption in St. Louis, thinks my referral will come soon.

I also found out that we will be staying in a guest house while we are there and that travel can be within 2 months once you pass court. It sounded like there are several who did not pass court the other day and it has been rescheduled for March 13th. Many random reasons for this. I am praying for these families to pass and be able to proceed with their travel plans.

I have also been contacting people about daycare for next year when I have to go back to work. I spoke to two very nice ladies this week, but know that I can not afford their services. They sound great, but being single and an educator has its limits on what I can afford. I know God is going to provide the right person for Samuel's care. He is in control. I have to keep reminding myself of that.

It is messy out here today. Raining all day. The forecast for tomorrow night is snow. My friends are going to light the magical Snowman candle tomorrow night. Make sure you wear your pjs inside out and sleep with a spoon. It doesn't hurt to flush two ice cubes down the toilet either. These are all elementary myths that I am trying to pass on to my students. :)

Lucky #11

For those of you who don't know me real well...I have a few numbers that I consider "My numbers". One always changes each year when I get another year older, but a few of them will always be my numbers. I am not sure if this is a math thing or what. :0) They are #11, 32, 44 and now 42. Number 11 is my birth date, but now has so much more meaning. I will explain...

I talked with Lisa the other day and found out that our agency has a waiting list that I was unaware that I was on. I had heard about a list of 17 waiting parents, but I thought that was for girls. Turns out she accidently missed contacting me. I think in my last post I said that #9 received a referral for a little girl a week or so ago. Well...I am on that list and I am #11. For those of you who are wondering what that means, I have one person between me and my son!!!

I know...relax. It could be a week or a month. I just keep thinking that all of this is in God's timing. But, I am pretty excited to think that the email is coming. I have been reading from David Chadwick's devotional book called "Moments of Hope". There have been several devotions on courage and taking risks. Here are a few thoughts from his book...

If I had my child to raise over again, I'd build self-esteem first and the house later.
I'd finger paint more and point the finger less.
I'd take my eyes off the watch and watch with my eyes.
I'd stop playing serious and seriously play.
I'd do more hugging and less tugging.
I would be firm less often and affirm much more.
I'd worry less about the love of power and more about the power of love.

These are such great reminders of things I need to be preparing for in the future. The power of love is such a novel idea. God has given the greatest example to us. Help me to lay my life down for others today and everyday.

II Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us a Spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love and self-discipline.