A huge burden suddenly weighted me down, and I frantically made phone calls and tried to find a way to leave our educational co-op session while not upsetting our children. Chris left work and began to figure out how we could prove who the deputy was that signed our documents downtown. The PVA office was great to work with, as they made a very nice letter on letterhead and offered a copy of the person's badge to help get our paperwork approved.
We waited...
Then, we heard that the paperwork wasn't acceptable, and the team there tried all they could to help.
We waited...
We prayed...
I stayed awake until my eyes were finally too tired to stay open.
Friday morning, I woke up and still no answer.
The weight was so heavy, and I cried out to God in my desperation. I asked friends and family to cry out to God for us.
We waited some more....yesterday was a long day.
I called my mom to see if she'd want to watch my kids, since I just wasn't the energetic person they are accustomed to. I was weighted.
As I talked to mom, I looked online to see that someone had messaged me, "You there?" They had an answer! An answer! Oh...I was so looking forward to an answer!!! But...what was the answer...
Today our dossier was approved, and such a weight lifted from my frame that I gasped and cried. Have you had one of those deep, deep cries of relief from a weight being lifted from you? The last time I had that deep cry was when we found out about our 2nd born. I'd searched about adoptions, following God's call, but I hadn't thought we could due to the cost. Then, we got an email that led to a phone call in 2007...and an instant relief. I had that same intense relief Friday when I learned that our dossier was accepted, and we will get a travel date in 1-2 weeks, then we would be set to travel approximately 3 weeks later. I'm so glad that we were accepted. I'm so thankful for the Reeces Rainbow team who worked on our behalf. I'm so thankful for everyone who prayed for this situation. I'm so thankful for those who were willing to watch our kids at co-op in the even that I needed to leave. I'm so grateful for those whom God has placed in our lives to fill in our gaps when I get frantic.
Yesterday as I nearly lost it and cried out to God, I told Him that He told us to adopt these 5. I boldly entered His throne room and told Him that we were obeying Him, we needed Him to answer our prayer, and if He would answer that I would give Him all the Glory. So, I'm writing to express my utmost gratitude to the God who reigns above every official, above every situation. To the God, the One and Only, the Great I Am, You Are. You are faithful. You've got this. To You be all Glory and Praise forever.
After learning that our dossier was accepted, we got a call that one of the grants we applied for wanted us to contact them when we were farther along in the process. I was confused since we need to raise $50,000 in total, we have raised $14,100 (which doesn't include the matching grant that we will get if we get enough donations to get the $8000 matching grant), and we will be traveling in approximately 4 weeks. I told him that we are very far along in the process, the only weight now is the lack of funds. He said he meant farther along in our funding progress. In other words, when we get to $45,000, then they would be interested in pushing us up to our $50,000 need. He said he understood that God could give us the $50,000 today, but they working with limited funds and wanted to help when we reach closer to our goal. That was a bit discouraging, but, as I stated, God's got this. I just have to trust in the Lord, leaning not on my own understanding.
Giving is just one way of helping with what looks to be a GREAT need. Sharing this need is a great way as well. Would you pray about asking your church or your youth group or your Bible study group to "adopt" an adopting family - us? Maybe each family could give $5. With 10 families joining in, that's $50. Then, if you have a Bible study who raises $50, You can follow the directions below. Please share this information with anyone who may want to help us get the full matching grant of $8000 and help us get to our children! Here are the ways to can give:
- Give by Check - make checks payable to Lifesong for Orphans. In the memo please note your gift preference with our family account number and name: "#4463 Lusher". Please mail checks to
PO BOX 40
Gridley, IL 61744
- Give Online - Go to www.lifesongfororphans.org/give/donate
When you donate that $50, it turns into $100 with our matching grant. How cool is that! So, one family's $5 has the opportunity to turn into $100 and reduce the number of orphans in the world by FIVE. But, it's actually more than that. Our children will be raised and encouraged to adopt. Who knows the impact that these children will have...the impact you are having.
Thank you for your consideration. Mostly, we need prayers. God will move hearts and make His will happen. Your prayers are the most valuable thing that you could offer us and our children.