Joy wrote about letting go. God makes it easier when he shows us his hand in our quest. It was truly a blessing to be the recipient of so many generous donations at our recent BBQ. More specifically, those gifts given after prayer and God’s gracious leading to give to our quest. This confirms again to us that we are following God’s will and he will provide our needs in his perfect timing!

I was able to speak with our family coordinator yesterday, to see if I could sort through what was needed for dossier updates as well as region specific documents. I think we got all that cleared, and should be working in a forward direction again. It just takes me a while to get my brain wrapped around information. She did make me feel better when she said, it can be really difficult to understand sometimes.
I did happen to ask, of course, about what our timeline looked like. ;o) But, sadly, she mentioned, she’d be surprised if it was before another several months. So, alas…I must resolve to the fact that, a summer “gotcha day” is most unlikely. It looks like we will be waiting for a while. I told Brent I felt kind of sad about it…but it may be good, helping me to let go, and give it all over to the Lord. I suppose when I thought I was letting go, I really was still grasping. In this way, it has been clearly taken out of my reach, after having asked the Lord to help me let go until it was His perfect timing, not my own. He has answered this prayer. I am still praying for it to be “soon”, but understand that that does not automatically mean “now”. I am also praying the Lord will help this time to at least appear to move quickly, and truly He has been answering this one all throughout our process. I can hardly believe we are moving to 1 full year since dossier submission in the next month.
That’s all for now…I’ll update on our paperwork as it comes to pass.
In His Watch Care,
Joy

Just thought I’d let everyone know we are here…still waiting…We know it could be any day…any week…any month…just like waiting on labor to begin…ya never know!!
I’m supposed to talk to my family coordinator on Monday…I am having a hard time keeping my paper work straight. We are finishing up our updates for expiring paper work, and also trying to ready our regional paper work for Krasnoyarsk.
There was good news, in that one of the families over there now, will not have to stay in a hotel for the full 4 weeks. There is now an apartment ready and available for families to rent, which is much cheaper and more spacious. This family is the first to get to stay in it since it’s remodeling.
Keep praying with us to hear soon regarding a referral for our little girl. We know she’s there, waiting on us…
In His Watch Care,
Joy

Well, where does one begin when trying to praise the Lord in all His blessings…Thank you surely does not seem enough…or any other words I could think of to say for that matter. But from hearts so grateful we are saying Thank You Lord for your blessings on us…
Not only has the Lord blessed our humble efforts in raising money through our BBQ…but He has blessed with family and friends who’ve truly shown us today their love and support for our journey…and there again…thank you does not do justice for the love and gratefulness I feel in my heart towards these people…
I am so thankful to those who have come out to purchase plates, giving of their time and money to help support our efforts. You too have shown us your love through these actions.
I complete this BBQ mission with a humble heart and renewed vision of the blessings the Lord has given me from the very beginning in wonderful family and friends like you…Thank you, thank you, thank you…
We love you…
In His Watch Care,
Joy and Brent

On our Yahoo blog for families adopting from Russia we are having a prayer day tomorrow. We have all put in our requests, and signed up for time slots to pray. It would be a blessing if all of you who frequent my blog would join in with us to pray for paper work completion, court dates to arrive, safety in travels, protection of our little ones, and referrals to come soon. I will also be praying specifically for a good turn out on Saturday for our BBQ as well as good weather.
In His Watch Care,
Joy

It has been so exciting to see the Lord working to give us reassurance regarding the BBQ. We have had a few people either order plates already or give a donation, or order a couple of pounds of BBQ for a donation. (Somebody knows a good BBQ cook when they see him! Go Dad!) The Lord is so sweet and gracious to give us that little boost when we need it, without fail. I’ve been told that when you decide to adopt, you don’t just decide one time and go with it, you make the decision over and over throughout the process. I can tell you, that has been true for us. With each new milestone, I stop and tell myself, “Ok, here we go, after this there is no turning back, are we sure this is what our path is?” And unfailingly, God comes right in and shows us in little ways, that, yes, this is the way He has chosen for us. I’m thankful He knows our weak tendencies, and is willing to reassure however many times it is needed throughout the life of His children. It is good to belong to the King…
In His Watch Care,
Joy

We are getting things ready for our BBQ coming up in two weekends. I’m pricing food options and other items, passing out flyers, and praying…pray with us this next week that we will have a great turn-out. A great turn-out would be that all the BBQ is gone by the end of the day. We figure we’ll stay beyond 2:00 if people are still coming, until it is gone.
I’ve been encouraged already by friends and family who want to help in some way, whether by purchasing plates or by helping to serve those who come. I’m thankful the Lord is stirring their hearts…
In His Watch Care,
Joy