Exciting New Normal

It's the strangest feeling to share custody of someone you feel strong about.   Last Saturday was our first weekend with our newest member.  It went very well and it seems so natural when he is with us.  We are all looking forward to Christmas break, not because of Christmas day, but for the start of a new us.  December 21st begins our first 90-day journey of overnights and spending as much time with him.

We spoke with him on the phone last night and he is just as excited as we are to get him here.

Our new little guy is not so little. He is 14 and definitely a hand full.  I can't post a picture right now due to the rules and regulations, but if you have seen him with us you would know he just fits.  We are a hand full too, as a family.  Definitely not perfect (who is?)!

We may not be perfect, but that's what makes us special.  Perfection is not attainable without Jesus and He is constantly pruning us as we desire him in our lives.  I desire with all of me for my family to know the Lord and for us to point to Him in all circumstances.  Our job is not to save the world, but it is our job to plant the seeds of salvation wherever we go.

-- Two weeks ago when we were matched, we prayed in our prayer group at church about all of this and shared that there is baggage that comes along.  Our pastor said he felt that the Lord had a word for us, "You say he has baggage, but I say you come with healing." I believe that this is the appointed time for our little Buddy to have a true forever family that will take him as he is, helping him know the Lord, and giving him room for healing that only the Lord can do.  Will this be easy for us, no probably not, but God promises that He will be there every step of the way.  This song speaks mountains for our little Buddy.

I can't wait to share more, stay tuned.

Lord, God thank you for loving the least of these, for caring for us even though sometimes we have moved so far away from you.  Give us unity as a family and wisdom as parents to raise our children that you have shared with us unto You.  We pray without ceasing for our dear son for healing and restoration.  Let me this be his story and testimony of your faithfulness.  Let him use his past as a way to minister to others.  You are our healer, our comforter, our provider, and most importantly our Abba Father.  You are mighty and we give you all the praise, honor, and glory.  Amen.

Need to catch my breath...

It has been a while since the last time I shared the going ons with our family.  It seems that when we think there is a smoothness to the path, then it hits again.  This time, it is us just following our hearts with expanding our family and starting new adventures as well.  

During April and May, Wayne and I completed a series of parenting classes to start our adoption process.  I know that for most this is a lot to take in :) We've thought about this for 9 years, off and on.  It seemed as if we were never in a good place to start or to actually consider it.  

Over the last two months, we have learned a lot about ourselves and our children.  To be honest, they are just as excited to the thought of giving a broken hearted being a place that they will be loved and accepted.  We have talked about the different scenarios that our child will be coming from, the heartache, the shame, and the time it will take to mold into a "normal" for them.  

Adoption is a sometimes long journey, so patience is definitely key.  Our last part to finish before we are approved or denied is our home study which is coming up in 8 days.  I'm not really too nervous, as I know that God has this in His hands and if it is to happen everything will work together.  I have however started to pray for our child(ren); for their safety, courage, and compatibility.  Prayer is another key and the most important at that! 

Along with the big news above, we've (well I) have started a homeschool co-op that will start in the fall (August 12th).  Five other moms have stepped up to fill important roles to relieve much pressure from me as well.  God has worked out so many details already, so I'm excited to see what comes of the group in this year and the years to come.  

The girls have big things going on to add to the above.  

Natalie is working on finishing her junior year of high school.  She is taking a little longer to finish, as she worked a lot last year and this year she has joined the FPAN (Florida Public Archeology Network).  God has opened amazing doors here as well.  Most of you know that she has wanted to be an archeologist since she was 5 years old and to hear and watch her be involved with it at the mere age of 16 is incredible.  Her first day she found a beautifully preserved porcelain doll head, part of an oil lantern, a coin that dated back to 1600s, and much more.  She gets to work on a recently discovered site Thursday and Friday, the Spanish settlement by Tristán de Luna y Arellano from 1559 to 1561, the earliest multi-year European colonial settlement ever archaeologically identified in the United States. Is that not the coolest? God has placed her right where she needs to be and only 25-30 minutes away from the college that she is working with too.  

Anna has been given the opportunity to work.  She just started babysitting for a couple at our church and this will be a more long-term gig.  Its so sweet to see her learning to take care of her earnings and the comments she makes regarding the job.  She is definitely being prepared to me a great mom and how to have patience along the way.  I'm also excited to see how God works in her life and her dreams. 

William is strong willed as ever lol, but doing well in his studies.  He started taking drum lessons and is progressing.  He is the most excited about the adoption, as he can't wait to have a brother to share his room, toys, and life with.  I laugh sometimes thinking about the arguing that may commence with this once it comes into fruition, as we know how the girls are close but like having their space at times.  

Updates are always so positive, aren't they? Well, as you have read in my past blogs that is not always the case :) God has called us to a life of passion and discipleship, to a life that shares His love and mercy.  All we can do is obey and enjoy the peace that comes along with it.  

Hebrews 12:1-3 (NIV)
12 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer, and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him, he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

James 1:9-11 (MSG)
Prosperity is as short-lived as a wildflower, so don’t ever count on it. You know that as soon as the sun rises, pouring down its scorching heat, the flower withers. Its petals wilt and, before you know it, that beautiful face is a barren stem. Well, that’s a picture of the “prosperous life.” At the very moment, everyone is looking on in admiration, it fades away to nothing.

Lord, my God, you have paved the way for me and have continuously led my path.  In you I trust.  It's you who I hold on to, whether the times are trial or jubilee.  Thank you for always encouraging me, giving me direction, leading me with mercy and grace.  Thank you, Lord, for the people you have placed in my life and in my path.  I pray Lord that I will be a light to the darkness that surrounds me daily and that I would be able to encourage everyone.  Lord, I pray that you would continue to mold me and shape me into whom you've called me to be: The wife, The mother, The Friend, The Daughter, The Sister, The Neighbor, and even The Customer that you need me to be to feed your sheep.  Cleanse my mouth, oh God, from any evil.  Give me eyes to see as you do and give me the urgency to be the hands and feet to serve the hurting.  Lord, I pray that my family will be a family that empowers others to follow you and to serve you with all their hearts and souls.  Give my marriage strength, courage, and continuous attraction.  Finally, I pray for your will in our hearts to be strong and for us to obedient to it.  I lay all these things at your feet, Jesus. Amen