I'm Going....

I am going to Uganda to get my girl. It seems crazy, I know. But my faith in the King of Kings is growing by the minute. He has not guaranteed I will come home with her, but I am going to fight for her. I am going to hug her and tell her I love her. I am going to tuck her into bed and cuddle up next to her. When she cries, I am going to wipe her tears. I am going to be her mommy.

I just got off the phone with one of my attorneys, and she believes I should go. So I am planning to fly out on Monday. As in 3 days from now. Just when I was told no more court dates would be issued. And to make it even better, my attorneys informed me that they were given their choice of judges! They are expecting to secure a court date for next Thursday or Friday. Interestingly, Thursday will be exactly 2 years since the Lord prompted my heart to seriously consider adoption. Definitely NOT a coincidence.

This morning my devotional from Streams in the Desert also confirmed that I am to go now:

"As soon as the soles of the feet of the priests...shall rest in the waters...

the waters...shall be cut off." Joshua 3:13

The people were not to wait in their camps until the way was opened, they were to walk by faith. They were to break camp, pack up their goods, form in line to march, and move down to the very banks before the river would be opened.
If they had come down to the edge of the river and then had stopped for the stream to divide before they stepped into it, they would have waited in vain. They must take one step into the water before the river would be cut off.
We must learn to take God at His Word, and go straight on in duty, although we see no way in which we can go forward. The reason we are so often balked by difficulties is that we expect to see them removed before we try to pass through them.
If we would move straight on in faith, the path would be opened for us. We stand still, waiting for the obstacle to be removed, when we ought to go forward as if there were no obstacles.


To top it off, one of my dearest friends today was informed of their court date to adopt the 2 year old boy they've been fostering! We are truly travelling this adoption journey together. What a blessing!

God is moving, and I don't just mean that He is going to do something miraculous for me. He might (I hope He does!), but there are eternal things He is doing, and if we tune in to Him, He invites us to be a part of it. Are you all still watching? Are you noticing Him? Are you accepting His invitation to be part of His great works?

Showers of Blessing!

Saturday my family and friends gathered to bless Little D and me!

It was such a special day! With all that is going on in Uganda, it was a breath of fresh air and a sweet time of encouragement.

There is nothing like being in a room full of women who believe God can part the Red Sea.

My sisters, mom, and a couple of friends made up the most scrumptious appetizers and desserts. Everyone was raving on the food...and on a rainy day, yummy foods to fill your belly are just the

thing!

Everything was beautiful! There is a picture of their little trees with hanging hearts (to match the design on my adoption shirts...how darling is that???) that were on the hearth, food tables, and as centerpieces.

The generosity of everyone was incredibly humbling.

Little D is one loved girl, let me tell you!

Before I opened gifts I updated everyone on the situation in Uganda and asked for prayer. I reminded them all of the One we serve...the King of Kings is not bound by any earthly government. He has given me confidence that He is about to do something spectacular.
So when my attorney contacted me this morning and asked if I want her to move forward with "fixing" the court date, I told her yes. The fierce wind is blowing, but I will move forward in faith that God is parting the Red Sea. I hope you are all watching...

Hard Lessons

If the Israelites had not been faced with the insurmountable Red Sea, God would not have parted it. If the impossible had not been facing them, they would have missed the miraculous.

So it is with things in Uganda right now. They seem insurmountable and impossible. But that is when my Great God is able to demonstrate His great power.

It doesn't make sense to me, but I trust Him. He is working. He has a plan. He has proven Himself to me so many times. I just have to be still and wait on Him.

"Moses answered the people, 'Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring for you today...the Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.'"
Exodus 14:14

Happy Birthday, Sweet Baby Girl!

My little D turned six today. Under most circumstances, this would have been a hard day for me. But God is so faithful! Today, on her birthday, my attorneys received all my paperwork and will be filing for a court date tomorrow! My attorneys are expecting a mid-February date. I would welcome any prayers for God's favor on which judge I will be assigned to, as some judges look more favorably on international adoption than others.

Then, my dear friend Lynne was able to send me new photos of little D. These were taken this morning...just hours before I had them in my inbox! She looks so happy, so healthy! Lynne brought her a cake and then delivered my gifts to her. She's wearing the dress I sent (a little big, so I guess I need to go shopping for a few smaller items!), and holding the bunny I bought for her. Talk about making my day!!

My sweet baby girl's birthday was the best day in this whole process so far! Isn't God so wonderful!

FedEx and Fasting

My documents are at the FedEx office!!! I was so surprised at the overwhelming emotions I felt once I walked away from that box. The lady behind the counter thought I was a little strange...staggered breathing, shaky hands, and nervous chatter. Not to mention that I'm sure she could see my heart pounding out of my chest, too! The package is scheduled to arrive at my attorney's office in Uganda on Tuesday. Tuesday! As in 5 days from now. And that is when the magic happens....they can apply for my court date! Wow...makes me a little woozy.

Meanwhile, my new friend Keltie is in Canada waiting for visas for her Ugandan children. We're going to pray and fast (breakfast and lunch) tomorrow for all of the Canadian families who are waiting. You can read more on Keltie's blog, Mercy Moi (the link is in the right hand column). Anyone want to join in and see what God wants to do? It's such a blessing to be part of God's work!

Good News and Bad News

Let's start with the bad, because it was really bad, but it's getting better. I was informed on Monday morning that Little D was in the hospital with malaria. Needless to say, I was pretty emotional...still am, actually. She was on an I.V. and stayed overnight in the hospital, but was discharged and seems to be doing better. Godfrey emailed to say she was playing when he got to her house last night! The important thing now is to make sure D gets lots of rest and enough fluids and nutrition to keep her strong. Her living situation is not very conducive to that, so please continue to pray for her! I am thankful to serve a God Who cares for the sparrows...so how much more does He care for this innocent little one?

Now the good news is that I just got off the phone with the Los Angeles U.S. Immigration office, and they told me that they approved my I-600a application! I should receive the long-awaited I-171H in 4-5 days! Yahoo!

I'm going to be mailing all my documents to Uganda, bathed in prayer. I would love, love, love to be in Uganda the same time as my sweet friend Keltie, when she goes to pick up her kids! Her wait makes mine look like a walk in the park.

My attorneys emailed today to tell me that Little D has her passport! They are completely paperwork-ready on the Ugandan side. Wow.

Puts a few butterflies in my tummy!

And yes, I know those are dragonflies...but you get the point!