Today has been such a blessing. I awoke at 6:00 AM, spent time with the Lord and then got up because I wanted to. That doesn't happen very often, it is usually because a little 2 year old opens the door and says "Hi mommy!" I put a potroast in the crockpot and baked a chocolate cake, hoping to bless my family after church with a nice meal. I was blessed by the friends I spoke to throughout my day so far, and realize just how special you all are to me. I came home to find a new email with more photo's of Krystyna from her past host family who live in North Carolina. We put an idea out, of a way people who want to help might be able to make a huge difference by pledging $10 a month for 5 months, and when we got home, we had our first pledge of $50.00! Our heartfelt thanks just seems like so little, but we are sending it out to all of you who are being touched and responding to help bring this girl home to us. I love this song so I moved it up to the first one on the playlist for the blog. I hope you have time to hear the words and know that our family truly is overwhelmed by the love and support from our circle of friends, the ones we know and the ones we will come to know in heaven someday.
Romans 12:9-10
"Don't just pretend that you love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Stand on the side of the good. Love each other with genuine affection and take delight in honoring each other."
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Saturday, January 30, 2010
IN HIS HANDS . . .
Well, today we had a wonderful visit with our case worker doing our home study update. What a joy to speak with and share all that has happened in our family over the past 2 years. It was great sharing all about how the Lord has put this young lady in our hearts and how it is going to be only through His miraculous works that she will come to be in our home. Now, we continue to lift her up in prayer, do everything we can to be God's instrument here on earth, and pray for His church to join us in welcoming her "home" into His Christian family.
Some people have asked "what next?" We need to raise $1000.00 to send to the Ukraine to officially begin this paper process. We are starting at $55.00 and pray others will help us spread the word, so we can move this as quickly as possible to prevent her from being homeless. We have found out we are the ONLY ones that have a chance to adopt her now, as no one else filed any forms in time. Jon and I are saving and he is working overtime when available to cover the home study and passport fees. Please join us on your knees for God's hand in her life. Thank you in advance to anyone who may be able contribute, and/or spread the word of this need to others.
"I also tell you this: If two of you agree here on earth concerning anything you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you. For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them."
Matthew 18:19-20
Some people have asked "what next?" We need to raise $1000.00 to send to the Ukraine to officially begin this paper process. We are starting at $55.00 and pray others will help us spread the word, so we can move this as quickly as possible to prevent her from being homeless. We have found out we are the ONLY ones that have a chance to adopt her now, as no one else filed any forms in time. Jon and I are saving and he is working overtime when available to cover the home study and passport fees. Please join us on your knees for God's hand in her life. Thank you in advance to anyone who may be able contribute, and/or spread the word of this need to others.
"I also tell you this: If two of you agree here on earth concerning anything you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you. For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them."
Matthew 18:19-20
Friday, January 29, 2010
SHOW ME THE PATH . . . O LORD
Here are photo's of Krystyna bowling in the US I believe.
Well, today is Friday and the end of a very long week. We have had many things to research and consider. The exciting news is . . . we still are going to move forward to bring Krystyna home, God willing. As usual, God has taken a situation that appeared difficult and turned it into a blessing. We now understand that the agency here is the US only helps with preparing you to go to the Ukraine. The actual adoptions are handled over there. The head of the agency we were working with gave me their direct connection and a nice reference for this contact. We have been checking things out and feel satisfied for now that we are going to keep going. We are now directly connected with the Ukraine in trying to bring her home. This will reduce the cost by around $10,000! Praise God. He knows who will help, and how much is available and He can overcome these obstacles. Our home study update is tomorrow, so pray for me to get my house cleaning done. Ha Ha. Just kidding. I am very excited to visit with Nancy and talk about what we have learned in this past week. I put my trust in the Lord, and there I have such PEACE. We don't know all He has planned for us on this journey, but we are beginning to pray for a possible group missions trip to the orphanages over there. We are looking forward to connecting with the Calvary Chapel there, as well as friends here that have lived in the Ukraine. We pray all these connections that have happened are part of His plan. Today's Psalm is one of my favorites and it has repeated itself in perfect timing many times in my life. Again today it brought a sense of peace to a world that just keeps spinning.
Show me the path where I should walk, O LORD;
point out the right road for me to follow.
Lead me by Your truth and teach me,
for you are the God who saves me.
All day long I put my hope in you.
Psalm 25: 4-5
Also, anyone who can usually contact our family on facebook, our computer is not allowing us to use that site, so please just call or write emails for now. Thanks.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
If anyone thirsts, . . .
We have had some really strange days. It is much like when we stepped out in faith in adopting our daughter, things went crazy. The van window decided to stay down in the door . . . thank you Lord for our friends Carl and Nina that came to the rescue. We had our computer crash, sort of . . . thank you Lord for our friends Jason and Patty that came to the rescue. Today's prayer calendar said,
Lord, You have said, "If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink" (John 7:37) I thirst for more of You because I am in a dry place without You. I come to You this day and drink deeply of Your Spirit.
We are still looking into all our options for Krystyna, and post more information when we have it. We are going to keep going on our home study this Saturday, so that will be ready if needed. Please keep her in your prayers, as it might not be God's will for us to be her family and if that is the case, her chances of adoption are almost none.
Lord, You have said, "If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink" (John 7:37) I thirst for more of You because I am in a dry place without You. I come to You this day and drink deeply of Your Spirit.
We are still looking into all our options for Krystyna, and post more information when we have it. We are going to keep going on our home study this Saturday, so that will be ready if needed. Please keep her in your prayers, as it might not be God's will for us to be her family and if that is the case, her chances of adoption are almost none.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Obedience . . .
This morning I could not get back to sleep, so I decided it was time to get up and spend time in the Word. I prayed, and looked up some words in the back of my Bible, but I still felt strange, like God was trying to tell me something. I spent time just sitting in the quiet, listening, and then prayed, and felt I was to just open my Bible. It was Jonah, Chapter 1. The Lord told Jonah to "Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry out against it; for their wickedness has come up before Me." Jonah chose to flee. I spent time meditating on this, and felt encouraged that we believe God told us to arise, and go to the Ukraine. It is in every part of me to flee, just so I don't have to travel to a foreign country, on a LONG airplane journey. To go to a society where trafficking young girls is a big business. But we know that ultimately Jonah suffered for his disobedience, and yet God still allowed him to finish what He asked him to do the first time.
Then when I got to the computer today to type the prayer of the day on this blog, it said:
"God has so much to speak into your life. But if you don't draw apart from the busyness of your day and spend time alone with Him in quietness and solitude, you will not hear it. Jesus Himself spent much time alone with God. If anyone could get away with not doing it, surely it would have been Him. How much more important must it be for us?"
I say AMEN!
Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.
James 4:8
Then when I got to the computer today to type the prayer of the day on this blog, it said:
"God has so much to speak into your life. But if you don't draw apart from the busyness of your day and spend time alone with Him in quietness and solitude, you will not hear it. Jesus Himself spent much time alone with God. If anyone could get away with not doing it, surely it would have been Him. How much more important must it be for us?"
I say AMEN!
Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.
James 4:8
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
KEEP THE CANDLE BURNING . . .
Yesterday and today, I was blessed when I went to our mailbox and found simple envelopes addressed "FOR KRISTINA." They both had encouraging notes, cash and checks. I find myself in awe of our Lord, and trying to wrap my mind around the fact that He can pull this off, and save this young lady, and make her a part of our family if it is His will. I also have been able to learn little bits and pieces about Kristina, and these emails help us feel like we are getting to know her. She wants to learn many languages and be an interpreter when she grows up. I just want to say thank you for all your encouragement and love. Please go to the bottom of this link and become a follower. We want to know who is bringing her home with us. You are all her family!
Our prayer for Kristina, and all those trying to help us bring her home.
You think your alone there in your silent storm,
but I've seen the tears you've cried,
falling down and trying to drown
the flame of hope inside . . .
Let me tell you now, let me tell you now
When you're walking in the dead of night,
when your soul is churning,
When your hope seems out of sight,
keep the candle burning.
All it takes in one steady heart,
In a world that's turning
Shine the light and pierce the dark,
Keep the candle burning.
Keep the candle burning.
When you're down and your discouraged,
when the darkness clouds your view
you've got to gather up your courage
You know the Lord is going to see you through
When you're walking in the dead of night,
when your soul is churning,
When your hope seems out of sight,
keep the candle burning.
All it takes in one steady heart,
In a world that's turning
Shine the light and pierce the dark,
Keep the candle burning.
Keep the candle burning.
One ray of light always breaks through,
follow wherever He takes you, wherever He takes you!
When you're walking in the dead of night,
when your soul is churning,
When your hope seems out of sight,
keep the candle burning.
All it takes in one steady heart,
In a world that's turning
Shine the light and pierce the dark,
Keep the candle burning.
Keep the candle burning.
Our prayer for Kristina, and all those trying to help us bring her home.
You think your alone there in your silent storm,
but I've seen the tears you've cried,
falling down and trying to drown
the flame of hope inside . . .
Let me tell you now, let me tell you now
When you're walking in the dead of night,
when your soul is churning,
When your hope seems out of sight,
keep the candle burning.
All it takes in one steady heart,
In a world that's turning
Shine the light and pierce the dark,
Keep the candle burning.
Keep the candle burning.
When you're down and your discouraged,
when the darkness clouds your view
you've got to gather up your courage
You know the Lord is going to see you through
When you're walking in the dead of night,
when your soul is churning,
When your hope seems out of sight,
keep the candle burning.
All it takes in one steady heart,
In a world that's turning
Shine the light and pierce the dark,
Keep the candle burning.
Keep the candle burning.
One ray of light always breaks through,
follow wherever He takes you, wherever He takes you!
When you're walking in the dead of night,
when your soul is churning,
When your hope seems out of sight,
keep the candle burning.
All it takes in one steady heart,
In a world that's turning
Shine the light and pierce the dark,
Keep the candle burning.
Keep the candle burning.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Day full of Blessings . . .
Today, Sunday, January 24th, started off nice, as Naomi (2.5 year old) climbed into bed with us at 6:00AM. By 6:30 we were up making breakfast, and then lasagna for friends that were joining us for lunch after church. The music and worship at church was wonderful, as many songs spoke directly to my heart. We came home to be blessed by our friend Carl who fixed the window that was stuck down in our van. His wife made a wonderful blueberry pie for dessert and we had some wonderful laughs together. After they had left, Nancy from International Adoption called to see if she could come on Saturday to do our homestudy update. YES . . .I said, as she was apologizing for needing to come on the weekend, and I was celebrating, because it would be difficult for Jon to get the time from work. Then I went to the calendar, and I couldn't believe it, David didn't have basketball on a Saturday! PERFECT! He is so amazing, He works out all the details, and we just need to trust in Him. Thank you Lord for a wonderful, peaceful, joyful day.
Friday, January 22, 2010
PEACE . . .
It is Friday, and this has been a "crazy" week of activity. Through it all, I have a calming peace inside . . . knowing that God is in control. All papers are mailed and faxed. We now wait for Adoption Associates to call with the next step on Monday. Our homestudy is with International Adoption Service Centre, Inc. here in Maine. They blessed us with some exciting news yesterday. Nancy, who did our first homestudy was no longer working with them at one point, but they independantly contract with her when they have enough cases, so WE MIGHT HAVE HER AGAIN!!!!! We are very excited, she is such a great person. We enjoyed working with her before. Our children are really connecting and wanting to help bring her home. I guess today I am joining my younger son in prayer that many will do a little to rescue her from a bad situation very quickly. If we can pass on that giving $1 will make a difference, imagine what God can do with that. We will post an address under the pay pal box just in case. Please keep praying for her. Thanks for following this journey with us.
"In Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."
John 16:33
"In Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."
John 16:33
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Childlike FAITH!
Today, January 21, I was very busy finishing up papers to go to USCIS, homestudy forms, and DHHS background check forms that my day flew by. I had so much to do and so little time. It was great to have them all finished, and now I needed to go in town and get multiple copies of birth records. I planned to stop at a friends house after. They had pledged some funds to help us meet the first goal so while I was there, their precious son, eight years old, wanted to give me his $10.00 to go in the collection. He is anxiously praying for Kristina to make it home to the USA. My heart melted. You see, he is also a child who joined his loving family through adoption. I am still having tears form in my eyes each time I think of him handing me his $10.00 with his big smile and his beautiful brown eyes beaming.
The other awesome thing happening today was again, God met our needs. I had to write a check for background checks for $30.00. I received a phone call from a friend saying someone left a check at her house today for $20.00 and then this precious boy felt called to give his money which met the need for today.
Today I also received an email from a family that hosted her in the US for a few days in October. They shared some great information, and I found out she loves dancing and animals. I hope to see some pictures if they are able to show me some. They said she learns quickly and is very sweet. I can't wait to meet her someday, God willing.
"And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus."
Philippians 4:19
The other awesome thing happening today was again, God met our needs. I had to write a check for background checks for $30.00. I received a phone call from a friend saying someone left a check at her house today for $20.00 and then this precious boy felt called to give his money which met the need for today.
Today I also received an email from a family that hosted her in the US for a few days in October. They shared some great information, and I found out she loves dancing and animals. I hope to see some pictures if they are able to show me some. They said she learns quickly and is very sweet. I can't wait to meet her someday, God willing.
"And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus."
Philippians 4:19
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
"If You (God) Say Go . . . We will Go"
Welcome to our blog. This is the "real time" story of a journey we are taking in faith, to bring Kristina home to our family. We do not know all God has planned for Kristina or our family, but we know we are being called to act.
On Saturday, January 16th, I was reading my email when I came across one titled, URGENT NEED. It simply said, "Would you please share the need Kristina has for a family with the group? I am forwarding you the email I was sent by Adoption Associates. She'll age out NEXT MONTH, and we're praying God will move a heart and bring her to her family and give her hope!" This is something we receive in emails at different times. I usually will read, pray and pass them on. My heart can react to many stories, but I have learned to wait and pray and seek His will for our family. I had a strange feeling reading this email, and as I scrolled down and looked at her face, my heart was attached. I didn't know why, but I knew we would be involved. At that moment, my younger son, David, came upstairs and said, "Mom, I have been thinking. I think we are supposed to adopt again." I asked him if he knew what I was reading, and he said, "no." I asked if the kids at school have been talking about any kids needing families, and he said, "no, why?" Then I stood up and let him sit at the computer and read the email. He just smiled and said, "wow."
I decided to leave it alone over night, but the next morning I asked Jon if he wanted to check the email on Sunday morning, January 17th. He read it and just looked at me with concern and what seemed like dare I say, love in his eyes for her. I just gave him the- I am not sure what to do look- and he said we would have to talk some more. We left for church. After the service, Jon went and spoke with a sister in the Lord that travels to do ministry to woman in the Ukraine. He asked what would happen to this young lady if she ages out of the orphanage in the Ukraine? The options were not good, including the possibility of being sold in the sex trade organizations. I could see his concern and Christ like love he had for Kristina.
The call from God to act was happening, to all of us, but the circumstances were more than we could handle on our own. We didn't believe we would qualify because we do not have any of the money to move forward with this. We just felt like if she could just be picked up and dropped off in our home, there would be no question we wanted her to be our daughter. We have food, clothing, and lots of love, but no way to do an international adoption. It seemed impossible.
At home Sunday evening, my prayer calendar said, "Lord, help me to remember to live not in my own strength, but by the power of Your Spirit living in me. Forgive me for the times I have forgotten to do that. Enable me to grow in the things of Your kingdom so that I can become a whole, properly functioning, contributing, productive child of Yours who moves forward in Your purpose for my life."
God both raised up the Lord and will also raise us up by His power.
1 Corinthians 6:14
On Monday, January 18th Jon said I should call our home study organization from our previous adoption in 2007. He wanted me to tell them what we have had happen since then, and tell them we don't have the funds for this, but if God provided a way, would we still qualify to adopt Kristina? I couldn't believe it when they said, "yes." I was mixed with excitement and doubt at the same time. I knew that this adoption was going to cost a lot, and I was still allowing my own abilities to make things happen get in His way. I called the contact number and found out we only had 2 days to get the document to immigration to be stamped before her birthday, because when she turns 16, she will not be allowed to be adopted in the US. We were told the forms would need to have a check for $750.00 go with them. We didn't have it. Jon was unreachable at work, and I didn't know what to do next, were we going to move forward and see if God was going to provide this miracle? Was that what He wanted us to do?
I went to a basketball game, and a friend of mine said, "Is it true? The rumor I heard?" What rumor I asked, figuring someone might have said we were asking about Kristina or something. "That you are adopting a girl from the Ukraine?" I just smiled. "I don't know, but we think God is telling us to do something," I responded. Many people came to me during that game and showed us that His church wanted to reach out, now we would have to wait on Jon and what God was telling him.
When he came home, everything seemed to need to be done so quickly and again looked overwhelming. He had thought about her all day. He decided that if we put the need out in the morning, and it was met by the end of the day, I should take the first step and mail the form. We went to bed, and read our yearly Bible devotions.
"Do not withhold good from those who deserve it when it's in your power to help them. If you can help your neighbor now, don't say, "Come back tomorrow, and then I'll help you." Proverbs 3:27-28
My Tuesday, January 19th started at 6:00 A.M. The word was out, everyone was waiting to hear if it was a "go" from Jon. I posted the news on facebook, and the Lord flipped a switch. My telephone was ringing, my cell phone was ringing, and for the first time ever, my facebook page chat area was so full it had an arrow showing there were more names that were not showing. Everyone was gone, Jon at work and the boys at school. Our 2 year old Naomi was playing, and I was in this crazy, but exciting whirlwind of activity. Miraculously, by 10:00 A.M. we had $750.00. I posted that the need was met, and God just flipped the switch off. Everything became calm (except my heart) and I just sat or paced in awe! I felt like laughing, dancing, crying, all at the same time. I finally had time to read my prayer calendar. It said,
"He is a God who can be found. A God who can be known. A God who wants to be close to us. That's why He is called Immanuel, which means 'God with us.' But He draws close to us as we draw close to Him."
The boys came home from school and Matt said he asked his class to pray for his future sister. I was able to share what happened at home in the morning and they were blown away and all smiles. Matt said, "I think it is really meant to be."
I phoned our contact person, and she began to help fill out the information needed on the forms. She needed to get more information from the Ukraine, so I waited for her return call. We were blessed to find out that (as usual) God knew all the details others did not. Her birthday was wrong, and instead of needing to get that paper in the next day, we now had a slightly bigger window. Instead of it being Feb. 2, it is Feb. 22. AND A GOOD THING TOO! We also found out that we couldn't drive or overnight the documents to Portland, but would need to send them to Texas now. All forms MUST go to Texas first. Praise our God for getting us moving forward, so we will have time to meet the requirements to bring Kristina home. We also found out that we needed $830.00 instead of $750.oo. God knew that too, because He provide enough to meet this need.
Today I have finished the forms, copied documents, and was blessed by Tonya who got this blog up and running. Be patient with me as I learn how to use this site. Thank you for being interested in Kristina's future. We are praying for lots of God's children to rally around this young lady and lift her out of danger, and bring her to our home. We will be posting regularly as God continues to show us the next step. We believe she could be here fairly quickly if the funds for the process are available, so we are going to trust in God's timing. The total need will be around $30,000, maybe a bit more or less. We know this seems so large to us, I can hardly say the number, but to God, it is nothing. It is 300 people giving $100. Or many other ways. Only He knows, and we are going to have faith that whatever His will be for Kristina and our family, He will lead.
Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.
James 4:8
Grace and Peace to you and your family.
On Saturday, January 16th, I was reading my email when I came across one titled, URGENT NEED. It simply said, "Would you please share the need Kristina has for a family with the group? I am forwarding you the email I was sent by Adoption Associates. She'll age out NEXT MONTH, and we're praying God will move a heart and bring her to her family and give her hope!" This is something we receive in emails at different times. I usually will read, pray and pass them on. My heart can react to many stories, but I have learned to wait and pray and seek His will for our family. I had a strange feeling reading this email, and as I scrolled down and looked at her face, my heart was attached. I didn't know why, but I knew we would be involved. At that moment, my younger son, David, came upstairs and said, "Mom, I have been thinking. I think we are supposed to adopt again." I asked him if he knew what I was reading, and he said, "no." I asked if the kids at school have been talking about any kids needing families, and he said, "no, why?" Then I stood up and let him sit at the computer and read the email. He just smiled and said, "wow."
I decided to leave it alone over night, but the next morning I asked Jon if he wanted to check the email on Sunday morning, January 17th. He read it and just looked at me with concern and what seemed like dare I say, love in his eyes for her. I just gave him the- I am not sure what to do look- and he said we would have to talk some more. We left for church. After the service, Jon went and spoke with a sister in the Lord that travels to do ministry to woman in the Ukraine. He asked what would happen to this young lady if she ages out of the orphanage in the Ukraine? The options were not good, including the possibility of being sold in the sex trade organizations. I could see his concern and Christ like love he had for Kristina.
The call from God to act was happening, to all of us, but the circumstances were more than we could handle on our own. We didn't believe we would qualify because we do not have any of the money to move forward with this. We just felt like if she could just be picked up and dropped off in our home, there would be no question we wanted her to be our daughter. We have food, clothing, and lots of love, but no way to do an international adoption. It seemed impossible.
At home Sunday evening, my prayer calendar said, "Lord, help me to remember to live not in my own strength, but by the power of Your Spirit living in me. Forgive me for the times I have forgotten to do that. Enable me to grow in the things of Your kingdom so that I can become a whole, properly functioning, contributing, productive child of Yours who moves forward in Your purpose for my life."
God both raised up the Lord and will also raise us up by His power.
1 Corinthians 6:14
On Monday, January 18th Jon said I should call our home study organization from our previous adoption in 2007. He wanted me to tell them what we have had happen since then, and tell them we don't have the funds for this, but if God provided a way, would we still qualify to adopt Kristina? I couldn't believe it when they said, "yes." I was mixed with excitement and doubt at the same time. I knew that this adoption was going to cost a lot, and I was still allowing my own abilities to make things happen get in His way. I called the contact number and found out we only had 2 days to get the document to immigration to be stamped before her birthday, because when she turns 16, she will not be allowed to be adopted in the US. We were told the forms would need to have a check for $750.00 go with them. We didn't have it. Jon was unreachable at work, and I didn't know what to do next, were we going to move forward and see if God was going to provide this miracle? Was that what He wanted us to do?
I went to a basketball game, and a friend of mine said, "Is it true? The rumor I heard?" What rumor I asked, figuring someone might have said we were asking about Kristina or something. "That you are adopting a girl from the Ukraine?" I just smiled. "I don't know, but we think God is telling us to do something," I responded. Many people came to me during that game and showed us that His church wanted to reach out, now we would have to wait on Jon and what God was telling him.
When he came home, everything seemed to need to be done so quickly and again looked overwhelming. He had thought about her all day. He decided that if we put the need out in the morning, and it was met by the end of the day, I should take the first step and mail the form. We went to bed, and read our yearly Bible devotions.
"Do not withhold good from those who deserve it when it's in your power to help them. If you can help your neighbor now, don't say, "Come back tomorrow, and then I'll help you." Proverbs 3:27-28
My Tuesday, January 19th started at 6:00 A.M. The word was out, everyone was waiting to hear if it was a "go" from Jon. I posted the news on facebook, and the Lord flipped a switch. My telephone was ringing, my cell phone was ringing, and for the first time ever, my facebook page chat area was so full it had an arrow showing there were more names that were not showing. Everyone was gone, Jon at work and the boys at school. Our 2 year old Naomi was playing, and I was in this crazy, but exciting whirlwind of activity. Miraculously, by 10:00 A.M. we had $750.00. I posted that the need was met, and God just flipped the switch off. Everything became calm (except my heart) and I just sat or paced in awe! I felt like laughing, dancing, crying, all at the same time. I finally had time to read my prayer calendar. It said,
"He is a God who can be found. A God who can be known. A God who wants to be close to us. That's why He is called Immanuel, which means 'God with us.' But He draws close to us as we draw close to Him."
The boys came home from school and Matt said he asked his class to pray for his future sister. I was able to share what happened at home in the morning and they were blown away and all smiles. Matt said, "I think it is really meant to be."
I phoned our contact person, and she began to help fill out the information needed on the forms. She needed to get more information from the Ukraine, so I waited for her return call. We were blessed to find out that (as usual) God knew all the details others did not. Her birthday was wrong, and instead of needing to get that paper in the next day, we now had a slightly bigger window. Instead of it being Feb. 2, it is Feb. 22. AND A GOOD THING TOO! We also found out that we couldn't drive or overnight the documents to Portland, but would need to send them to Texas now. All forms MUST go to Texas first. Praise our God for getting us moving forward, so we will have time to meet the requirements to bring Kristina home. We also found out that we needed $830.00 instead of $750.oo. God knew that too, because He provide enough to meet this need.
Today I have finished the forms, copied documents, and was blessed by Tonya who got this blog up and running. Be patient with me as I learn how to use this site. Thank you for being interested in Kristina's future. We are praying for lots of God's children to rally around this young lady and lift her out of danger, and bring her to our home. We will be posting regularly as God continues to show us the next step. We believe she could be here fairly quickly if the funds for the process are available, so we are going to trust in God's timing. The total need will be around $30,000, maybe a bit more or less. We know this seems so large to us, I can hardly say the number, but to God, it is nothing. It is 300 people giving $100. Or many other ways. Only He knows, and we are going to have faith that whatever His will be for Kristina and our family, He will lead.
Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.
James 4:8
Grace and Peace to you and your family.
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