It's God, nothing more

Philippians 1:6 --He who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it.



When Chris and I began this journey of adopting a child, we knew that to others, it was strange. We already have 3 children. They were becoming independent --well, we were out of the diaper bag/stroller stage. "Your family is perfect the way it is. Why take the chance of ruining it?" The simple answer, because God said so.



I'll never forget the Sunday Colleen from Metro Women's Clinic visited our church in May of 2003. I felt the Holy Spirit moving throughout the sanctuary, in me. I cried (no, balled) through the entire service --yeah, one of those. I'll never forget Mark Douglas closing the service with this prayer, "if there is any family here today who feels called to adopt, give them the courage to talk to Colleen". I'll never forget waiting in the lobby 'til almost everyone had left, to speak with Colleen. I'll never forget my quiet words, "I think God's calling our family to adopt. What do we do now?"



And so our journey of faith began. It was crazy! Trying to find an agency, totaling the outrageous costs of adopting a child, trying to figure out how we, a one-income family, could possibly do this, choosing a country, sharing our plans with our families, garage sales, chili feeds, fundraisers... the list goes on.



Then there was the Sunday we found our Nicholas. We knew nothing about him other than his name, age and that he was from Colombia. Let the roller coaster ride begin!!!!



We've hit a few bumps in the road, but through it all, Chris and I were certain that the God who called us to adopt a nameless, faceless child with no hope or future, would bring us through to the end.



A week ago Sunday, we were still about $3000 short. We had one more bank to hear from, but pretty much knew the answer was "No". By Thursday afternoon, we knew for sure. We had exhausted EVERY possibility. I'll be honest, I pouted and acted like your typical 2 year old. But that evening, as I drove to my party, I prayed. I released the dream of adopting Nicholas. I love that little boy, but I began praying for the family who was supposed to adopt him. I knew that God had a different plan, was telling us to wait and hard as it was to admit, knew that His plan was best.



That afternoon we had been asked by Chris' mom, "How will you know that adopting Nicholas is God's will?" My hubby answered simply, "God will provide the rest of the money."



Fast Forward to Friday evening.... 6:00 to be exact, the phone rings. "You have recieved a grant set up for the adoption of a special needs child. Your $3000 stay in Bogota is paid." WHAT?!?!?!?!?!? We didn't apply for a grant like this --didn't know there was one!!!! We're going?!?!?!?!?!?!? Here comes the ugly cry!!!!!



I woke up Saturday singing Philippians 1:6 --He who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it.



Our God is so good!!!!! He is faithful!!!!! And when we, his children, follow His call, He WILL follow thru. And yes, Lukas, His plan is ALWAYS better.



We don't have an actual date of travel yet. If everything falls together, we could leave June 6. Yup, next Wednesday. But as I've learned this week, God has a plan and we'll go when He tells us.



Thank you again for all of your prayers and support. We could not have come this far without them. Keep checking back for any updates. I'm new to the blogging thing, but I'm getting it figured out...



Have a God focused day!

Chris, Nikkie, Sam, Alex, Nate and Nick