Duck Duck Goose

Mr. B and I went to the park today to feed the ducks and the migrating Canadian geese. It was a great distraction from the ongoing waiting. We haven't had a very nice fall so it was good to enjoy a day outside with warmer temps and a bit of sunshine. The geese were a bit aggressive this year and would literally walk right up to us to grab some bread. Brezlan got a big kick out of it as you can see by his expression. I can't wait for the day when Mercy can join us in these fun, everyday activities.

The Care Package Take 4

I think this is the fourth care package we have sent to Mercy. Knowing she has new things sent by us makes us feel just a wee bit closer to her. Her favorites are the pictures and chewing gum. That girl LOVES chewing gum. And of course she wouldn't be a good Ghanaian if she didn't carry some of her items on her head. Love that! Love her!

Remembering Patience

I met MANY amazing people during my time in Ghana. One of them happened to be a wonderful young lady from Germany named Steffi. She e-mailed me some pictures she took the other day and many memories came flooding back.

Some of my time there was spent with a precious little one named Patience. This sweet girl had a deep sadness that I will never forget. When I saw the picture of me looking down at her I was taken right back to that moment and all of the feelings that went along with it.

I am thankful that my heart has been broken for "the least of these". It's good to be changed.

14,984...

...is the number of Delta miles I need to get a free ticket to Ghana. Today I received a wonderful gift of Delta SkyMiles! Combined with the miles I had from my first trip I am only 14,984 short to get a reward.

The best part of this gift, however, was the message that came with it. You see, this person was gifted with a ticket to visit her son last year. She, in turn, felt the Lord's prompting to return the favor to me.

It made me think a lot about how life would be if we purposefully sought out ways to bless others with both our time & treasures. I feel personally challenged to do better in this area. I think it would make this crazy world a much nicer place.

A generous man will prosper;

he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.

Proverbs 11:25

Six!

Happy Birthday sweet Mercy! Today you are six years old. I pray that someone is making you feel special on your big day. We thank God for your life and pray His blessings will be poured out on you.

I talked with Mercy on Monday afternoon by telephone. She seemed very sad which I have not experienced in previous conversations. She asked many times when I was coming for her. The person with the phone said she is expressing a lot of concern about wanting to come home. I have been told her adoption decree will be ready for pick up today and I pray it is true. This precious one (and all who are waiting) needs the love and security only a family can bring. Lord, let it be!

The Gift of Encouragement

Adoption is HARD on many levels. It is hard financially. It is hard emotionally. It's hard spiritually as you struggle day to day between trusting in God's timing and my own selfish "I want it now" attitude.

I believe that people need encouraging words to press on ~ especially since most faith journeys have their share of struggles. There have been many times recently when I have felt weak and it is the encouragement and prayers of friends and loved ones that have kept me going.

When we came home from church yesterday we found the gift of encouragement tucked in our doorway. The note said:

Salzwedel Family ~

We love that you're living out God's command to care for the orphans and making Mercy a part of your family. What a blessing for her to have an earthly mom and dad as well as the opportunity to be brought up in the Lord - her heavenly father!

We pray this gift would be helpful to your family as you bring Mercy home! We're praying for you all and look forward to the day we'll meet her.

Stay strong in the Lord as you wait on His timing! Blessings.

Inside the card was a very generous gift to our adoption fund. Praise God for this encouragement. Praise God for these anonymous givers who did more than just help financially, but ministered to our spirit to keep pressing on in faith. We are feeling grateful, humbled and encouraged.

And let us consider how we may spur one another on

toward love and good deeds.

Hebrews 10:24

2 Outta 4 Ain't Bad...

...but it isn't that good either! Remaining needed paperwork:

Birth certificate...check! In hand.

Relinquishment...check! In hand.

Dad's death certificate...check. In hand. Oops...there's an error with the name. Uncheck.

Adoption Decree...nope. We were told it would be ready today, but no dice.

It's been five full weeks since we passed court in Ghana so we are really at a loss as to why we don't have the decree. The weeks drag by waiting for this silly paperwork that is separating us from our daughter. I wonder what Mercy is thinking and if she worries I'm never coming back for her. I pray her little heart is protected during this season of continued waiting.

I love the Lord because he hears my voice
and my prayer for mercy.
Because he bends down to listen,
I will pray as long as I have breath!
Psalm 116:1-2

Miracles Happen!

Give justice to the poor and the orphan;
uphold the rights of the oppressed and the destitute.
Rescue the poor and helpless;
deliver them from the grasp of evil people.
Psalm 82:3-4

Denial Is Not Just a River in Egypt

I've been putting it off and putting it off, but I officially need to get my butt in gear and send in a request to be fingerprinted again. Sigh.

I'm already regretting informing USCIS of their error on our new I-171H, but I didn't want it to cause problems in the long run. So tomorrow I will begrudgingly draft a letter requesting a new appointment. I will mutter under my breath about my husband having to take an unpaid day from work, arranging for childcare x3 and possibly an overnight stay to drive 4 hours each way to have this done.

Most of all I will remember the words spoken to me a few months ago...

"If she is not home by the time your fingerprints expire, then I'm not doing my job".

C'est la vie...

We Are Made For Family