My mind is spinning right now with details of how to get to Ghana next week, what to do with the kids, etc. Last minute tickets are coming in around $2,000 plus in-country expenses. I overnighted my application for an expedited visa tonight.
It's not that I don't want to go and see Mercy. I do. We have been saving for a while now hoping and praying we will have enough money for the pick up trip. We do not have credit cards to fall back on. Our choices are basically to go or walk away. Walking away is not an option so we pretty much need a miracle.
This is not what we were expecting, but thankfully it is not a surprise to God. We are putting our trust in Him to make our path straight. Please pray...
For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.
Jeremiah 29:11-13
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.
James 1:2-8
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19 comments:
I'm praying for you guys!!
You have your heart in the right spot, as it has got to be HARD!!I am impressed with your faith and will be praying along side of you-so sorry for what happened, but the upside is that you get to see Mercy even sooner!
I know I've not been very interactive but I always read and stay updated! I'm praying for you and doing my best to help get the word out for you. I'm trusting God with you that He WILL provide!
I'm so sorry. I will be praying for that miracle. And I will spread the word. Believe me, my readers will hear about this and storm the heavens for you!
How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.
THAT is adoption.
So, now that you've shared this news, just know that automatically my prayer just became "please, Lord, let this trip be THE ONE and only trip she needs. Let Mercy come home with her on THIS trip."
God can do amazing things. I'm praying.
Praying Stephanie! On the bright side, whenever a judge has asked that the parent come to court, the adoption as always been granted (that we know of)!!! Your in country person should be able to get your adoption decree super-quickly so that you can file the I-600 the same week as the adoption is granted.
If you need a basic and inexpensive place to stay please let me know. There's a decent guest house in Teshie that our families stay at for $18 a night. Eban House also has guest quarters for $20 a day (including food).
Praying for you to find reasonable tickets and for the Lord to provide the way. So thankful you got word, even if it wasn't exactly what you were hoping for. Praying the judge gives you favor and your time with Mercy will be precious. Blessings, Tami
It will be pure joy.
I believe it.
And that IS the way of international adoption...weird stuff all the time. It is not really different than the weird stuff that happens right here in the US among the "helping professional" and foster care and so forth...but it SEEMS stranger, and more highly colored just BECAUSE it is far away and "foreign" and therefore less understood.
It will be OK and a few years from now even the money will not be a blip....but you'll have the memories, and I do believe they will be blessed.
Praying!
I know that you don't know us from a hole in the wall, but my husband frequents Ghana often and will actually be there *soon*. If you have any questions about what to expect while there or what to expect upon arrival, he may be able to help in that way (assuming you'll be staying in Accra). Just let us know if there's anyway we can help.
Oh Stephanie, what a saga! Praying for you.
praying!!! wishing I could give you a big hug!!
Crazy! Praying earnestly for you! But I do know that He works ALL THINGS together for Good for those who love Him...Believe it and trust Him! Hang in there, God is in it with you...Terry
Praying for you and your family (here and there). Thanks for posting the passages. It's what I needed to hear too!
Praying
Praying!!!
Oh my so many hurdles - but the good news is that you are very very close now. Congratulations.
Praying and praying and praying for you my friend. It will happen.....He will walk with you all the way!
We, too, did our adoption "without credit cards to fall back on". We, too, had expenses MUCH higher than expected (like $10,000 higher). We, too, understand the frustrations and "surprises" that Ghanaian adoptions can bring.
God wants us to rely on Him ... not credit cards.
God is not surprised by the extra expenses, and He can provide for every need.
God is not surprised by the delays or changes in plans.
God IS in control and He has you in the palm of His hand.
Praying for you as you step out in faith on this unexpected detour ... the final destination is the same, you just didn't know about the roundabout that would get in your way. But ... God knew and He will continue to guide you each step of the way.
many blessings,!
Laurel :)
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