California Again!

A lot of things have changed since my last official blog update. We are currently in the middle of our home study, but it has slowed down considerably due to... well, life. We realized early this Summer that Brandon was going to be traveling a considerable amount of time. After about 12 weeks of straight travel, Brandon was asked to be the program manager for a project in Pasadena! This was a little bit of a shock to us because it would require a temporary (8-12mos) move to California, but it was a great opportunity for Brandon. So we packed up our little family, moved some good friends into our Timnath house, jumped on a plane and "moved" back to California.

We have been able to complete most of our paper work while here in Cali, but it has been very tricky trying to figure out a time when we can complete our home interviews. We are hoping to complete the HS by the end of October, and submit our dossier by the end of the year.

This new situation is constantly reminding us that God is sovereign over this situation. My heart is ready to have another baby in my home now, but the Lord knows the child that He has chosen to add to our family and exactly when we will bring him home. We are trusting that He will continue to direct our steps as we continue to move forward. His timing is always perfect!

God Answers a Prayer

My heart is so filled with joy because of the good work of our faithful God! My sister Johanna and her husband Matt have been praying that the Lord would see fit to bless them with a child for the past couple of years. For God's glory and for the good of Matt and Johanna, He chose not to answer that prayer. They began to consider the possibility of adoption (with perhaps a little bit of encouragement from me).

Here's the story...

On Monday Matt and Johanna met with an attorney to discuss the possibility of a private, local adoption. They were both excited about the opportunity and warming up to the idea of adopting, but were choosing to wait and pray just a little bit longer. On Friday of the same week, the attorney called and informed them that while she did not want to pressure them into making a decision, she might have a possible match. She asked them to write a letter to the birth mom, as well as put together a picture collage of their life and family. In most cases. this would be no big deal, but Matt was in Florida and Johanna was in Colorado in the midst of the busiest wedding weekend in history. Separated by a two hour time difference, they completed their "homework" at 12:30 AM (2:30 AM Florida time!) on Monday. The attorney then presented four families letters and pictures to a young lady who was to choose the family she would like to raise the baby she is carrying. And by God's overwhelming grace, Matt and Johanna were chosen! So in the course on one week, the Lord confirmed their decision and answered their prayer... All before a contract was even signed! How awesome is that?