Jehovah Jireh

God has STILL got this!

The song "Somebody's Praying" is running through my head!  I've had myself a good cry and praising God session and I'm ready to share some details.

I posted this on Facebook, but I've gotta put it down here for posterity's sake.   I am sorry if anyone who reads this blog is tired of hearing about the money issue.  Anyone who has been through a private or international adoption knows that the money issue is just huge.  I can honestly say that the only reason we don't have a house full of adopted kids is the money issue.  We started this process with a call from God, knowing that He would have to provide cause we couldn't come up with $30,000 in less than a year.  The money issue is where Satan has attacked.  The routine and unexpected expenses of life didn't slow down.   Washing machines stop working, grocery and gas prices go up, cars slip on the ice and damage wheels, oil pans leak and brakes need replacing.  That's not God being mean, that's just life (thank you, dear hubby for always reminding me of that).

A few days ago, I noticed that our van is leaking oil AND the front brakes started making a grinding noise.  Took it to Danny's Auto Repair (the best around, by the way), and the verdict is $400 and something.  I was really bummed.  We are less than 2 months from needed a huge final payment to travel to China.  I had a moment - you know those moments - "God, what are you doing???"  Then I had a better moment - "God, I know you're not surprised by anything.  I know I can trust you.  Will you take care of all the financial needs, please?"  Still bummed, but knowing.  Posted bummer news on Facebook.  Got some perspective checks from some friends ;)  Left Facebook to look at the online bank account - gotta find $400 in the budget.  See "Pending Transactions."  Click on it.  Matt's annual bonus is there.  Look at the amount - look again - IT IS DOUBLE WHAT WE WERE EXPECTING!  YES, I SAID DOUBLE!!

These funds will be going straight to our adoption account as soon as they officially hit the bank.  This does not complete the money we need, but it gets us WAY closer. 

I know that the expenses of life won't stop and Satan will keep attacking where he knows I am weak.   Today was a reminder to me that God's provision and timing are perfect.  Hmmm...did my last blog ask for those things? 

"Thanks" will never be enough for the prayers of godly people who love us enough to carry us to the Father. 

Keep praying, friends, God is listening.

"Abraham called the name of that place Jehovah-Jireh, the LORD is my provider. As it is said to this day, “In the LORD’s mountain it will be provided.”   Genesis 22:14

Happy Birthday, dear Samuel!  God is going to bring us together.

~Martha

One more step

In the world of adoption paperwork, today is another big day.  The approval from the National Visa Center saying that we can bring Samuel into this fine country has been sent to the US embassy in Guangzhou.  That means in two weeks, Lifeline Children's Services will have our Article 5 (I have no idea what that is, but I know it's a big deal) couriered to the Chinese adoption officials.  THAT will trigger our travel approval within 3 to 4 weeks of that date.  That puts us on track for April travel.

I learned recently that April travel to Guangzhou, China can be complicated.  Guangzhou plays host to a huge international trade show from April 15 to like May 7.  This makes booking hotel and travel very difficult.  We've been told that if you are fortunate enough to get those things booked that they come at a premium price.  Of course, we want to get to our son asap AND taking the girls out of school in May would not be optimal for sure.

I know I always ask, but we believe wholeheartedly in the power of prayer, so will you pray for God's perfect timing in travel arrangements?  As always, please continue to pray for His perfect provision as well.  We have a grant application and zero interest loan application awaiting approval should He choose to use those things to help provide.

Tomorrow is Samuel's fifth birthday.  That gives me a twinge of pain in my gut.  So want to be there.  I pray the gifts we sent to him arrive and he understands that he is loved, wanted, and anticipated. 

The knowledge that it's his last birthday without his family makes me smile big!  

~Martha