Dreaming

"Life is a journey, not a destination."
Ralph Waldo Emerson

This waiting stuff is for the birds. But at least we're on the journey.
Adoption has been a dream of mine for so long that I can hardly believe we are waiting to be matched with a child. A real life person that will join our family forever!
I believe dreams and goals are incredibly important. They say a lot about our personality, priorities, and beliefs. What is your dream? Are you just thinking about the destination or are you already on the journey? I'd love to hear how you are pursuing your dreams!

"Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a dream fulfilled is a tree of life."
Proverbs 13:12

If we had not started this adoption journey, I believe it would always tug at my heart and be on my mind. It is difficult, but it is meant to happen. It is a part of who I am. Instead of being sick over a missed opportunity, this mom will forever be grateful for a dream fulfilled. And our child will have a much better life.
Take heart in knowing that God wants your dreams to be fulfilled. Sometimes our dreams seem intimidating or impossible, but we can accomplish anything with God. Have faith in His promises and believe in yourself. You have the power to make dreams come true!

"You're the one who conquers giants
You're the one who calls out kings
You shut the mouths of lions
You tell the dead to breathe
You're the one who walks through fire
You take the orphan's hand
You are the one Messiah
You are I Am

The veil is torn
And now I live with the Spirit inside
The same one, the very same one
Who brought the Son back to life"

You Are I Am, Mercy Me

Panda-monium

No news of a match yet, but we're still thinking about and praying for this little one. Not long ago, Phillip and Ethan were shopping when Ethan spotted something he wanted. It was an adorable beanie Panda with a red ribbon around its neck. Coincidence? Pandas are native to China and are proudly called the national treasure. The color red represents luck, joy, and happiness in Chinese culture. I think he's looking forward to a sibling. ;)

On Sunday, my friend Nikki visited with us. She lived in China for three years while teaching English, building relationships, and showing the Father's love. Oh the stories she can tell! Nikki traveled quite a bit while in China and was able to give us some tips. We talked about the language and culture of China, as well as the smog. I was concerned that the Chinese would look down on us for taking a child out of the country. But Nikki said that the people are excited when children are adopted and the new parents are treated like celebrities in China. I can't wait to discuss China with Nikki again! Nikki gave our little lovebug his/her first present. It is a beautiful piece of artwork from a shop in Beijing. I cannot think of a better start for this little one's journey. We're getting more excited by the day!

"This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice abd be glad in it." Psalm 118:24

Legacy

Have you ever thought about leaving a legacy? What will it be?
At Daystar Church we’ve been talking a lot lately about legacy. Not just acquiring earthly things and leaving an inheritance after we’re gone, but having a vision and creating a legacy while we’re still here. In order to create a legacy, one needs a vision or a plan. You’ll know it is a legacy-worthy vision for your life when you realize there is no way you can accomplish it without Him.
My vision has always been adoption. People ask “Why China?” All I can say is that God put it on my heart a long time ago and I’ve never let it go. Adoption is a long, frustrating, expensive, amazing journey. I know that if God brought us to it, He’ll bring us through it. I believe our vision of adoption is leading us to our Legacy.
Chinese orphans that are never adopted eventually age out of the system, becoming outcasts of society. They don’t have a family name or belong to anyone. These children never know the love, security, and closeness of a family. My God rescued and adopted me into His family and gave me a new name, prompting me to do the same for a child.
I am finding it very difficult to come up with a name for the child we are waiting to meet. This child will already have a given name that was lost at abandonment. This child will likely have a generic orphanage name. But I want this child to know that we chose this name specifically for him. That this name comes with the new identity of a child that is loved in a forever home. One day this child may struggle with origin, abandonment issues, or lack of biological ancestors. Yet this child’s name should remind him that he is forever part of our family and our legacy. And that just like our first born, we wanted this child before we ever met.
May our name be remembered for loving His children. May our legacy live on well after we are gone.

A good name is more desirable than great riches.” Proverbs 22:1

"So let my life be the proof,
The proof of Your love
Let my love look like You and what You're made of
How You lived, how You died
Love is sacrifice
When it's all said and done
When we sing our final song
Only love remains"

The Proof of Your Love, For King & Country