When I put Avery to bed tonight Cooper came in her room and cuddled up with her and asked if he could say her prayers. His prayer... "Jesus thank you for today, thank you for my sister Avery and everyone you created in this world. Thank you for what you have done for us and thank you for my baby sister Ella. Jesus help her to be safe and bring her home to us quick. Love you Jesus. Amen." Out of the mouth of my six year old! He spoke my heart! With tears in my eyes I tucked them both into bed and couldn't help but think how blessed I am to be their mother.... and how blessed I am to know Ella's sweet face. And one day soon, I will be able to hold her and kiss her and tuck my sweet little precious Ella Hope into bed as well. God is so faithful and I can't even began to paint the picture through words of the journey we've been on over the last few days.
Friday morning I got an email from Karla (Lifeline's amazing China adoption coordinator). It was from the night before and asked if I was up and could talk. Of course in the back of my head I was thinking... this is it, but I tried my best not to get my hopes up. I knew it was morning in China so she must have some kind of news emailing me at 10:30 at night. I sent her an email back and we finally got time to talk Friday around 10:00 am. She told me we had a file to review but it was not for a special need we had originally requested, but it was for a little girl 18 months old. That in and of itself sold me so I asked her to send it to us. Brandon was out of the state working and I was at school but I opened it to find a little-bitty black and white photo and a lot of chinese paper work! That is how it began.
Over the next 36 hours Brandon and I talked and continually prayed for wisdom and guidance. I wished I could say it was a quick and easy decision but it wasn't our decision, it was HIS! At the beginning of our journey we claimed the verse Hebrews 11:1 "Now faith is being sure of what you Hope for, and certain of what you do not see." We truly are living that verse.
Last night we worked with Karla and submitted our letter of intent. We will not be officially matched for about two weeks until we receive our pre-approval status but I feel pretty confident and safe in saying she is ours!
We celebrated this morning at church with family and friends. God is so good. He makes everything beautiful in His time and if you seek Him first He will give you the desires of your heart. Our pastor preached this morning on Hebrews 11:1. See why I know God is in the middle of this. :) Faith makes us Act!!! When we have everything in our lives figured out then it's not faith. Faith is trusting in God and allowing Him to work all things out. Faith frees us from bondage. Hebrew 11:13.
Today our Faith is in Him. We have Hope for the future through Him and Peace that passes all understanding. We worship and praise him for bringing Ji Le Huan ~ Ella Le Hope Greer into our lives and can't wait for the day we can bring her home.
I am physically, mentally, and emotionally exhausted and overjoyed from this weekend. I will post more details about our sweet Ella in the next few days. Please pray specifically that she will get all the care and love she possible can until she can come home to us! Thanks friends!
Sunday, July 29, 2012
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
The Waiting Place
If you have ever read the book "Oh The Places You Will Go" by Dr. Seuss, you will understand when I say we are in "The Waiting Place." Everything is in order for us to receive a referral. In unadoption terms, the file on a child waiting to be adopted and it contains all of their information including medical conditions. Once you receive the file we have 48 hours to accept and then you are "matched." Once that takes place then you go into yet another phase in getting ready to bring your sweet little one home. We are waiting for the email letting us know they have found a child that can be placed in our home.
In the adoption journey everyone's process looks so different. I have yet to hear of any two being the same. With that being said I do not know how long we will be staying in, "The Waiting Place" but hopefully not to long because this part is killing me! Once a month a shared list comes out and we hold our breath to see if they have a referral for us. It is kind of like that morning you wake up to take a pregnancy test and you have to hold your breath to see if it is yes or no and if it's no.... it's another month. We did not get matched in June so hopefully when the list comes out in July it will be a YES! This is all in God's timing but knowing she is somewhere out there on the other side of the world needing her mommy.... it kills me. Pray for her protection and pray someone out their is loving sweet Ella until she is home with us. We have her room painted and waiting. We just need her home! "The Waiting Place" is not much fun so please pray that this part goes quickly.
In the adoption journey everyone's process looks so different. I have yet to hear of any two being the same. With that being said I do not know how long we will be staying in, "The Waiting Place" but hopefully not to long because this part is killing me! Once a month a shared list comes out and we hold our breath to see if they have a referral for us. It is kind of like that morning you wake up to take a pregnancy test and you have to hold your breath to see if it is yes or no and if it's no.... it's another month. We did not get matched in June so hopefully when the list comes out in July it will be a YES! This is all in God's timing but knowing she is somewhere out there on the other side of the world needing her mommy.... it kills me. Pray for her protection and pray someone out their is loving sweet Ella until she is home with us. We have her room painted and waiting. We just need her home! "The Waiting Place" is not much fun so please pray that this part goes quickly.
Blessed Beyond Measure
The post is a long time over due. We have had a summer packed with lots of activities and I simply haven't taken the time to update the blog. We first want to tell you how blessed we are to be part of an awesome Sunday School class at North Glencoe Baptist Church. They hosted the Zumbathon and Silent Auction and it was a successful night. We raised over $700 and had a lot of fun! We are truly blessed to be apart of such a wonderful group. We can't say thank you enough to them for their support and friendship. If you are looking for a Sunday School class, come join us!Also thank you to our NGBC family. You are incredible and we would not be where we are today without your unconditional love and support!
We would also like to thank Chanel Thomas of Bare Your Cross. (You can find her on facebook.) She has generously donated a group of beautiful crosses for us to sale with all the proceeds going to the adoption. She is a special friend and we were truly overwhelmed by her generosity. If you would like to purchase a cross you can find out more information on my facebook page- Meredith Greer.
We received a letter last week about a grant we applied for back in April, Show Hope is giving us $5,000 to help with funds for the adoption. This organization is already dear to my heart because of my sweet friend Rebecca who is serving at Maria's Big House of Hope. They have helped in blessing so many children and adults over the years and I never dreamed that we too would be included in this family of blessings. God has truly used this organization to further His kingdom.
I know that God is truly in control of this journey and His hand is on this entire process. He knows the plans He has for us and He is directing our path. When we first set out on this journey I explained to a friend how I knew this was His plan but did not know financially how we could do it when it cost over $30,000. She simply smiled and said, "you will be amazed and the financial issues will not be the things that keep you up at night." I laughed to myself at that time and thought, yeah right, she doesn't know what's in my bank account. But I can honestly stand here and say she was right and with God ALL things are possible even what seems like isn't possible at all. There will always be people who stand in your way and those casting judgment on any choice you make, but I know from this experience that God will always show up and show you a way out, even if it is through a small window, IF you let him be the center of your life.
"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened." Matthew 7: 7-8
"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. The you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you, declares the Lord." Jeremiah 29: 11-14
We would also like to thank Chanel Thomas of Bare Your Cross. (You can find her on facebook.) She has generously donated a group of beautiful crosses for us to sale with all the proceeds going to the adoption. She is a special friend and we were truly overwhelmed by her generosity. If you would like to purchase a cross you can find out more information on my facebook page- Meredith Greer.
We received a letter last week about a grant we applied for back in April, Show Hope is giving us $5,000 to help with funds for the adoption. This organization is already dear to my heart because of my sweet friend Rebecca who is serving at Maria's Big House of Hope. They have helped in blessing so many children and adults over the years and I never dreamed that we too would be included in this family of blessings. God has truly used this organization to further His kingdom.
I know that God is truly in control of this journey and His hand is on this entire process. He knows the plans He has for us and He is directing our path. When we first set out on this journey I explained to a friend how I knew this was His plan but did not know financially how we could do it when it cost over $30,000. She simply smiled and said, "you will be amazed and the financial issues will not be the things that keep you up at night." I laughed to myself at that time and thought, yeah right, she doesn't know what's in my bank account. But I can honestly stand here and say she was right and with God ALL things are possible even what seems like isn't possible at all. There will always be people who stand in your way and those casting judgment on any choice you make, but I know from this experience that God will always show up and show you a way out, even if it is through a small window, IF you let him be the center of your life.
"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened." Matthew 7: 7-8
"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. The you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you, declares the Lord." Jeremiah 29: 11-14
Here are a few pictures from the Zumbathon and Silent Auction!
Saturday, June 9, 2012
Summer time ~ Log in time
Our dossier information has official been sent to China!!! We could potentially be matched at the end of this month!!! So exciting but we are trying not to get our hopes up. We will have to PRAY, wait, and then see. :)
On another note, summer has started off great. Cooper signed up for the summer reading program at the library. He is doing well and motivating himself... that always helps. Avery learned to swim with her puddle jumpers. She has gotten so big and more independent. I am very proud of them both. We have played with friends, spent time with family, relaxed, and we are enjoying every moment. Tomorrow starts VBS at our church. Let the good times roll!
On another note, summer has started off great. Cooper signed up for the summer reading program at the library. He is doing well and motivating himself... that always helps. Avery learned to swim with her puddle jumpers. She has gotten so big and more independent. I am very proud of them both. We have played with friends, spent time with family, relaxed, and we are enjoying every moment. Tomorrow starts VBS at our church. Let the good times roll!
Zumbathon
Our sweet Sunday School friends are having a fundraiser at our church to help bring Ella Hope home. Come on out and get a little exercise with us on Friday, June 22 from 6-8 at North Glencoe Baptist Church. We have lots of door prizes and some really neat silent auction items. Contact me for more information. Hope to see you there. It should be lots of fun!
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Beautiful Hope
Even though we haven't seen her, she is in our hearts. We have beautiful hope in Christ Jesus knowing she will be in our arms soon. Beautiful Hope knowing he has plans for all of us. Our precious China girls name means "Beautiful Hope" ~ Ella Hope Greer. How could we name her anything else! We will incorporate some of her Chinese name after Hope but for now "China Baby" has a name. He knows her right where she is and we will meet her soon. :)
Monday, April 23, 2012
Exciting News!
God is so good! He is good all the time! A lot has happened over the last month. Cooper lost his first bottom tooth... and then his second bottom tooth. It is amazing to see how much he has grown since the first of the school year. I had to pull two pictures for his 5K graduation and it hurt my heart a little to see that he isn't my baby anymore. However, with that being said, growing up is not always a bad thing. The best news a mother possibly could hear my sweet big boy shared with me Easter Sunday. Cooper excepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior!!! It brings tears to my eyes writing this. The next Sunday he got on stage and shared it with his friends in Kids Zone. This momma is over the moon.
Avery is taking a turn for 4. I think 4 is just terrible two's times two. But it is Avery we are talking about here, the girl doesn't have a mean bone in her body. She just discovered she can have an attitude when she wants.
Brandon's business has expanded. He is now doing work in Tennessee, Georgia, and Alabama. One reason I haven't updated the blog is because he is always on the computer working. Hopefully in the next month or so he will be better adjusted and want have to spend as much time working.... I hope!
Things have been crazy all around. Over the last two weeks I have been working on our dossier papers and a grant for Show Hope. This could patiently be a large financial support grant if we are excepted. Please pray for God's favor during this process.
Ready for the Big News... We have already received our I 800 A Clearance!! Whoop! Whoop! Sorry... I am a little over excited!!! Through this whole experience I can see God's provision and mercy. He has amazed me over and over. We sent our application off and in two weeks we got our fingerprint appointment. That is not normal! We go to our fingerprint appointment and I heard that we needed to be prepared to wait awhile. In and out in less than ten minutes. That was on Monday. On Wednesday, Brandon calls me with the news that our application and fingerprints were in and we are approved to adopt our little girl from China!!! It was the official letter we received by mail. I live in Hokes Bluff people, my mail runs late! I get mail and coupons that have already expired. Wow... It was a God thing. I called the adoption agency because it was just to good to be true and they reassured me that it was the correct letter and "yes we are a miracle family!"
Our agency will start authenticating our dossier. We are waiting on our passports to come in. God is working all of that out as well. A friend gave us a number to actually call and have them expedited. I was able to expedite mine but Brandon's isn't in the system yet so pray that when he calls back on Wednesday they will be able to find it and expedite it.
So what is next? Once our dossier is authenticated we will wire the money to China and send our letter of intent. Once they except that we will receive our log in date!!!! Then we wait for a referral or the match. Then we go and get her. Not that simple but you get the idea. We are getting closer. Getting closer is exciting but we still need about $19,000! That will punch you in the gut. However, we serve a big God and that number is nothing to Him. He is in complete control of the process and I can see His hand all around us. He will provide!
Avery is taking a turn for 4. I think 4 is just terrible two's times two. But it is Avery we are talking about here, the girl doesn't have a mean bone in her body. She just discovered she can have an attitude when she wants.
Brandon's business has expanded. He is now doing work in Tennessee, Georgia, and Alabama. One reason I haven't updated the blog is because he is always on the computer working. Hopefully in the next month or so he will be better adjusted and want have to spend as much time working.... I hope!
Things have been crazy all around. Over the last two weeks I have been working on our dossier papers and a grant for Show Hope. This could patiently be a large financial support grant if we are excepted. Please pray for God's favor during this process.
Ready for the Big News... We have already received our I 800 A Clearance!! Whoop! Whoop! Sorry... I am a little over excited!!! Through this whole experience I can see God's provision and mercy. He has amazed me over and over. We sent our application off and in two weeks we got our fingerprint appointment. That is not normal! We go to our fingerprint appointment and I heard that we needed to be prepared to wait awhile. In and out in less than ten minutes. That was on Monday. On Wednesday, Brandon calls me with the news that our application and fingerprints were in and we are approved to adopt our little girl from China!!! It was the official letter we received by mail. I live in Hokes Bluff people, my mail runs late! I get mail and coupons that have already expired. Wow... It was a God thing. I called the adoption agency because it was just to good to be true and they reassured me that it was the correct letter and "yes we are a miracle family!"
Our agency will start authenticating our dossier. We are waiting on our passports to come in. God is working all of that out as well. A friend gave us a number to actually call and have them expedited. I was able to expedite mine but Brandon's isn't in the system yet so pray that when he calls back on Wednesday they will be able to find it and expedite it.
So what is next? Once our dossier is authenticated we will wire the money to China and send our letter of intent. Once they except that we will receive our log in date!!!! Then we wait for a referral or the match. Then we go and get her. Not that simple but you get the idea. We are getting closer. Getting closer is exciting but we still need about $19,000! That will punch you in the gut. However, we serve a big God and that number is nothing to Him. He is in complete control of the process and I can see His hand all around us. He will provide!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)