And God has not disappointed. Since I last shared we have found a new agency to help us finish our adoption journey. This is huge. Some of you might remember that switching agencies wasn't simple, because there weren't any other agencies working in Guinea. We were back to the you have to do this, but there isn't anyone who does that place. (We've been here before, right Christine?) But, God in his amazing grace quickly used another family who is adopting from Guinea who is actually behind un in the process to connect with a lawyer who runs an agency in Tacoma, Washington called Faith International Adoptions. That very Monday after I sobbed my heart out to God I was able to talk with John Meske from Faith International and I had an incredible feeling of peace. I knew in my heart this was God's provision. Their agency has worked in countries without an established program, they are very familiar with the Hague, and they were willing to help! Did I mention they were willing to help us for FREE and John spoke French? Which was like the perfect icing on the cake. WOW, God! After networking with the other adoptive families who were in the same boat as us we all agreed that this was where God was heading.
Faith International has been amazing to work with and have been working hard to get everything that had been done incorrectly sorted out. And so we have finally filed the paperwork we thought we would be sending off in mid-July. In the end we see SO many benefits that have come from this major unforeseen upheaval. All the families from A New Arrival switched together to the new agency and we once again are working together to learn the process. This agency is much more suited for our needs and has a lot more experience. Our dream of seeing a program started is on much more solid ground. The Facebook group that was started with families who have adopted from Guinea and are in the process has been a huge encouragement! We've found out we aren't as alone as we thought. While we were pretty aware of the US couples in the process we've met couples from Canada and some expatriate families who are serving in other parts of Africa who are also in the process.
Our church has been worshipping around the different names of God. Earlier this summer we spent a week worshipping Jehovah Jireh, which means The Lord Will Provide. I had heard this name of God before. Mostly people praising God for his financial provision. But, it was fascinating to connect this name of God with the Old Testament story of Abraham and Isaac. Abraham was about ready to sacrifice his son Isaac. He took everything he needed for the sacrifice. Just before they reached the place Isaac said, "Behold the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?? And Abraham said, "God will provide for Himself the lamb for the burnt offering my son." We all know that just as Abraham was about to kill his son the Lord stepped in and provided a ram for the sacrifice. After the sacrifice Abraham named the place "The Lord WIll Provide" which in Hebrew is YHWH-jireh. "Jireh" translates into "Provide."Pro means "before" and video mean "to see." So it means to see in advance or before the need is known. God is preparing to answer before we even know there is a need.
We have seen the truth of this passage in our own lives this summer.
I was concerned about finding another agency. Jehovah Jireh has provided with an amazing agency.
I was concerned about what it would cost. Jehovah Jireh has provided for every step.
I was concerned about if I could keep going. Jehovah Jireh has provided encouragement from those who know this journey.
I was concerned about how long it would take.
This is the one area that hasn't changed. Its still going to take longer. Our sweet boy is still going to inch closer and closer to his third birthday in the orphanage. It's put us in a new season I hadn't anticipated. I am now at home with just Titus as both the girls are in school. And part of me feels like to be loyal to David I need to pout about that. I always thought that when this fall came it would be the "girls" at school and the "boys" at home. I still think its God's will that David be in a family as soon as possible. But, I am going to CHOOSE to trust in the fact that God loves and cares for both of my sons. I'm going to trust this good gift of extra mommy time that Titus is enjoying. And I'm going to pray like crazy for the son that I still cannot pour into with my presence.
Jehovah Jireh has provided peace and the willingness to continue to wait.
On the home front God specifically showed me this week that he can provide things that I couldn't even dream to pray for and its a pretty interesting story. But more on that soon.
Keep praying God's favor over that paperwork. We are praying by God's grace it will move quickly and not have any "red flags" that will prolong the process. We love you all for journeying with us!
