One Year Anniversary

It's been one year. A full 365 days. One year ago today we stepped away from what felt comfortable, what seemed reasonable, and what common-sense told us to do. We mailed in our application to adopt to begin the process. I can't believe it's been that long.

Lately, I've been wondering why it's taking so long for us to return to Ghana to bring Overcomer home. Amazingly though, I've been at peace overall throughout the long wait. Earlier this week,
I was shifting pictures around on the blog and I re-read the original prayer requests we asked people to pray throughout this adoption. It was a gentle reminder from God telling me to SEE His goodness.

These were our requests -

For God's GLORY - first and foremost

For protection - over this child we've yet to meet. Specifically, please pray for healing of his health. Also, please pray those caring for him will know how to help him. (As of today - Overcomer's health has been great since our 2 scares with Malaria early in the adoption. He is being loved on by M at the home where he lives.)

For discernment - clearly following God's leading - boy or girl, boys or girls, or boy and girl??? ANSWERED! God led us to a 2 1/2 year old boy.

For provision - may we trust completely (As of today, Each step has been another step of faith, but God has continued to GROW our TRUST in HIM ALONE! Astounded by His outpouring of love on us, God has miraculously provided for need after need. We praise Him!)

For clarity of purpose - staying in HIS will (As of today, the Lord seems to be expanding what HIS will looks like for our family. Our vision and purpose has become clear...to bring glory to God in all things!)

For courage - to say YES to anything the Lord asks of us (A few days in country were frightening. We knew the the Lord was fighting for us. We needed courage and the Lord provided it.)

For mercy in the adoption process - to be granted an adoption decree instead of a two year placement - ANSWERED - Full Adoption Decree Granted

For patience - in God's perfect timing - READ BELOW

For the hope of Christ to be continually believed without wavering doubt (As of today, I'm clinging closer to Christ than ever before. When doubts come, I'm learning to continually take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.)

For trust - even in the midst of concerning news about our child, may we trust in God's providence and sovereignty (As of today, my understanding of God's sovereignty continues grow. The goodness of God partnered with His sovereignty teaches me that even circumstances that seem undesirable are for HIS purposes. How exciting to be a part of what HE is doing!)

As I read over the prayer requests, I saw that my precious Lord has answered every one. He has heard the cry of my heart. The prayers of others have fallen upon His ears that care. He listens and He answers. WOW! What an amazing God we serve!

God also seems to be answering my prayer request For patience - in God's perfect timing. I was wondering why we were waiting so long, but it is now looking like travel will take place in a few weeks. Really!

The possible dates mean two very, very special celebrations may possibly be happening while we are in Ghana. One is the possibility of celebrating Overcomer's third birthday with him! How wonderful! This has been my prayer for quite some time.

The second celebration is the possibility of being on Ghanaian soil for the anniversary of the death of my precious friend, Ansley. Her passion was missions. Her favorite place was Ghana! Actually, this blog was started soon after her death. And, if we are there when I believe we will be - then we will be in Ghana on the anniversary of her Homecoming to be with Jesus! Would you please pray with me for this possible reality?

The Lord is great and greatly to be praised! One year...365 Days. We are still apart, but closer to being together as a family. He is bringing beauty from the ashes...

The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me,

because the LORD has anointed me

to proclaim good news to the poor.

He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,

to proclaim freedom for the captives

and release from darkness for the prisoners,

to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor

and the day of vengeance of our God,

to comfort all who mourn,

and provide for those who grieve in Zion—

to bestow on them a crown of beauty

instead of ashes, the oil of joy

instead of mourning,

and a garment of praise

instead of a spirit of despair.

They will be called oaks of righteousness,

a planting of the LORD

for the display of his splendor.

Isaiah 61:1-4