You see, I was diagnosed with cancer in 2010, and in that journey, I saw the Body of Christ come together and do for me what my own body wouldn't, couldn't, or was too tired to do. While cancer was something I was afraid of, it is now one of my most treasured journeys with God because through that He taught me Who He intended the Body of Christ to be. Because of all those people who did our laundry, brought us food, cleaned our home, picked our weeds, mowed our lawn, bought us a new stove, prayed for us, did our shopping, fixed my hair, watched our children, and on and on, we saw Jesus in a whole new way. And, those people are the reason we trust God to this degree - to venture on this current journey with Him.
In this same way, each of you on this journey with us have increased our faith in God, have pushed us forward to have this amazing journey with Him. Some of you have helped us stand on the hard days. Some have given us Godly correction as we veered off track. And we are ever grateful for you, each of you! In helping raise this ransom to save our little ones in Easter Europe, you have also helped save us. It's so easy to get selfish. It is so easy to want life to be completely easy. It's so easy to trust our own means above God's, but it isn't the life we are called to live if we call ourselves Christians. Already I have felt that I am growing in this journey. I'm seeing things about me that I don't like, and am just praying God will change in me. I'm clinging to God, His word more, and I'm praying more. I've also noticed that I'm spending more time with my children too. I'm playing more. My children are also growing spiritually, and I'm so thankful for each of you who are making this adoption journey possible because you aren't just taking part in saving 5 orphans, but you are also changing our lives for the better, giving us the opportunity to grow closer to Jesus. And for that, I just cannot say "Thank you" enough.
As I look at the many donations that have come in, as I try to figure out how to thank each person personally, I am reminded again of how the Body of Christ, the Church, comes together to do some amazing things. And, my faith becomes stronger. If you have not heard from me, please know that I will eventually get to you to thank personally (unless I have no idea how to contact you because so many complete strangers have also donated, which just completely amazes me).
Now, to that promised update - we are nearly fully funded and only need $1100. Our need started at $50,000, then we learned some fees were reduced, and now $38,308 has been raised for this adoption of our 5 siblings. Amazing, isn't it? Just amazing!
We were told that we would hear about our court date today. So, I may be updating again a bit later!