Walking in faith

Shouts of joy and praise continually go through my mind as yet another child has been rescued! We are up to 13 children rescued and living in the orphanage. At times, I am speechless, what words can possibly describe the thankfulness for God's hand to provide a way out for these children? Then again, what words describe the grief I feel when I think about this horrific superstition and children who are dying. My prayers are with Lale, who is continuing to search for children. I am so thankful for his perseverance and willingness to continue searching, and his dependence on our God to lead him to where they are. I am thankful for Levi and Jessie for the sacrifices they have made and the love and labor they are putting into changing lives. For the nannies, cook, and guard, do they even realize what a part they are playing in the larger scheme of things for these children? Do they realize that they are loving on and caring for a child, who perhaps in 20 years will return to the village with a message of hope in Christ that will continue the work that Lale has begun there? So many possibilities, so much hope!

The adopting families along with Jessie, met at Keith and Annie's last night. What an awesome group of people that I am so honored to know. I feel like the bond grows tighter and realtionships grow stronger with each get-together. The realization that this is really happening for all of us is becoming clearer and clearer. To see Rich and Melissa so close is beyond excitement! Listening to all the questions and wonderings is so encouraging. What an awesome blessing to walk through this incredible experience with such God-honoring people.

In our own process, God has once again proven His faithfulness. On Christmas eve, we had another pie fundraiser and delivered 40 pies! With Christmas gifts and extra donations, we were able to come up with the funds for our homestudy and the application fee for Wide Horizons (which is the placement agency). We have since received both packets of information in the mail and have started gathering the paperwork and information required. There are classes we have to take, books to read, fingerprinting, and lots of documents to gather. It's a very exciting time and we are very thankful to be in the midst of it. As we continue to push forward through this process we are keeping our eyes and ears open to fundraising ideas for future costs. We get one step out of the way financially, to realize there is yet another one just around the corner. It's all good though and we continue to wait on the LORD to see how HE is going to work it all out. Hebrews 10:23 says, "He who promised is faithful" and we are believing in God for all of this to work out in His timing.

Thank you for your prayers, your support, and your company on this journey,
be blessed,
~Anne