Since I updated on Friday I feel like my heart has been on overdrive with such a range of emotions coming in and out. Friday afternoon my sister’s sweet 15 month old niece, Sophia, graduated from earth to Heaven after a six month battle with leukemia. We do not mourn without hope but it does not lessen the pain of losing a precious child. My hearts aches for her parents. I cannot imagine their hurt. I love what a friend said a few weeks back when his uncle passed away and it is my heart regarding this great loss of Sophia. And that is this, “Death, you didn’t win. You just became the footstool for Sophia to step into Heaven. Jesus Wins Again!”

In the midst of this great loss we have also experienced tremendous blessing. This week we received a donation that was the remaining amount of money we needed for our adoption. When we started this process just a few short weeks ago we had no money saved for an adoption but the Lord said GO and the money would be there. I believed He said that we would have ALL the money before we were even “officially matched” with Eliana. Less than two weeks in to the process we received a very generous (and miraculous) donation and we had 75% of the money we needed. Through t-shirt sales and many other generous donations we were almost there and knew that God would provide the rest. The donation we received this week gives us 100% of the funds to cover this adoption in full. We received 100% just hours before receiving an email saying that we had received “Pre-Approval” to be matched with Eliana. Pre-Approval is what means you are “officially matched.” THAT IS A MIRACLE!!! But that is just what He does! PRAISE GOD!!!

For those who are wondering, we are going to continue to sell t-shirts on our website for two reasons. The first is simply so that you will continue to raise awareness and give voice to the fatherless. Every time you wear your shirt you create an opportunity to share about what God is doing in the lives of these precious children and how others can be involved. The second reason is to continue to support others who are adopting. We have several close friends who are also adopting right now and we would love to be able to take this t-shirt money and use it to bring more children home. So for those who want to know where the money is going now you know.

Over the weekend we have also been able to connect with several people that are very important for our adoption. Several of these people are helping us connect with other people that have the ability to request some of the U.S. side of paperwork be expedited so that we have an even greater chance to get this adoption finalized before Eliana’s birthday. I don’t want to go in to too much detail on that but we are overwhelmed at the favor of God for our daughter that He would connect us in such a way.

The most recent thing that happened was just last night and it makes my heart do cartwheels. Many of you that read the advocate’s blog knew that all of Eliana’s friends were adopted last year. The Mother of one of those friends contacted me last night! How exciting is that?! Her daughter talks with Eliana every week!!!!! This Mom is super sweet and glad to answer any questions we have and I’m so looking forward to talking with her more and learning even more information about our daughter. This is just huge for Eliana too. This sweet friend is like family to her. Really, they’ve lived together like sisters. How sweet of God to let us be able to reconnect these sweet girls here in their new homes. I could keep writing about how much that means to my heart but I don’t have time right now. My heart is overflowing…

Let my cry come right into your presence, God;
provide me with the insight that comes only from your Word.
Give my request your personal attention,
rescue me on the terms of your promise.
Let praise cascade off my lips;
after all, you’ve taught me the truth about life!
And let your promises ring from my tongue;
every order you’ve given is right.
Put your hand out and steady me
since I’ve chosen to live by your counsel.
I’m homesick, God, for your salvation;
I love it when you show yourself!
Invigorate my soul so I can praise you well ,
use your decrees to put iron in my soul.
And should I wander off like a lost sheep—seek me!
I’ll recognize the sound of your voice.

Psalm 119:171 (The Message)

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