It all started three weeks ago, when my husband came home from work with the news that he had lost his job. The following day, my Mimi, the matriarch of our family, passed away. It was not a surprise; she had been on hospice for about a week. But still, it was a very, very sad day for our entire family. A sad weekend, I suppose.
The next week was a little bit of a blur. It was spent making funeral arrangements, sorting through unemployment procedures, and figuring out a plan to continue receiving insurance for our kids. All along, I was dreading the discussion that would inevitably have to take place with our case worker regarding Charles' recent status to unemployed. What would it mean for our adoption?? Surely, it couldn't be good. :(
As expected, losing our sole income will have an impact on our pending adoption. What kind of an impact? That we do not know yet. As of right now, we need to fill out a financial statement that is to be evaluated next week by a team of social workers at our agency. Depending on their findings, it will determine whether we will be allowed to continue, or not, in the Ethiopia program.
Through it all, I must say, God has been so faithful to us. He has rallied friends and family around us, and has given both Charles and I a peace that passes all understanding. As we look back over the past few years, we see how our experiences, both good and bad, have been preparing us for this current trial we find ourselves in. A few things I know, that I know, that I know about God....
1. God is good. All the time. In every circumstance, good and bad. He is good.
2. God is sovereign and in control of ALL things. Not a single hair on our heads can be touched without Him allowing it.
3. God is all-powerful and certainly ABLE to change situations.
4. Prayer WORKS!!
5. Often God allows everything to be stripped away before showing up BIG, thus bringing Him the most glory (example, Anna).
We do not know what the future holds, but we are confident in the One who holds the future. 2,000 years ago, on an unassuming Friday afternoon, a stone was rolled in front of a tomb, and the Roman soldiers and chief priests who stood by watching declared it finished. But God had other plans, as He so often does.
"As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than
your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."
your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."
~Isaiah 55:9
Three days later, as the disciples were hiding away in a room, confused and saddened by the weekend's events, God's plan was unfolding. A plan to redeem the world. A plan to bring beauty from the ashes.
And so it was on that day, that Jesus rose and conquered death and sin forevermore. God's plan, perhaps not making sense at the time to the mere minds of humans, was the only thing that could rescue the world.
Although, this is not the way WE would have ever chosen to write OUR life story, we trust that God's ways are better. That He sees the whole picture, and works accordingly. We know that the call to adopt that was placed on our hearts two years ago, is still very real to this day and cannot be thwarted by human hands. We ask you to join us in praying that God would make a way, where man says it is impossible. Here are some specific, tangible ways in which you can pray for us this upcoming week:
1. Charles would find a new job quickly (and smoothly!!).
2. The financial statement that we are busy preparing would favorably describe our family.
3. When the case workers gather next week to review our case, that we would find favor in their eyes and would be allowed to continue with our adoption.
4. Continued peace and endurance for Charles and I during this trial.
5. Grace to accept plans that may be different than what we had envisioned.
Thank you so much for your prayers!! We have already begun to feel them. We are blessed beyond measure to call you friends.
Much love,
Kirsten
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