Lesson of the Week...We Can't Do This Alone

This is what I am learning this week. I hate hate asking people for money. Even growing up when I was expected to sell candy bars, restaurant coupons, etc., I cringed at the thought of asking people for their money in exchange for overpriced candy/coupons/etc. But here we are...

Originally we had thought we would be traveling this October/November but found out the Korean government reached their passport quota early and that it would be 2012 before we would travel. We were awarded an interest-free loan from Lifesong (an orphan ministry that helps fund adoptions) that does not have to be paid until May 2012; however, we are no longer receiving the tax credit we would have received (because we are not traveling this year) that was going to be used to pay back the loan. In addition, we have not been able to raise/save enough to cover the remaining expenses needed for travel and program fees. The task for us now is to raise about $14,000 so that we can afford to travel to South Korea around April of next year to bring home our little boy. For us, this means we have a lot of working and praying to do. In addition, we have put our home on the market and decided to sell our car. We are also selling random things around the house to make some extra cash and prepare us for downsizing to apt living (i.e. tools, exercise equipment, movies, picture frames, entertainment center, etc.). Basically, ebay and craigslist are our new friends ;) We are going nuts with filling out adoption grants from agencies/ministries who lovingly give to adoptive parents for financial support to make adoption possible. This is the scripture that keeps replaying in my mind...

 

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones. Proverbs 3:5-8

 

So this is where we request your help. I am opening a donation feature on the right-hand side of this blog for those who would like to give whatever amount they are able or feel led to give. We are so grateful for whatever you offer on ours’ and Taylor’s behalf so that he can be in our arms next spring/summer and promise to keep you updated along the way with lots of pictures during the journey ;)

 

More than financial support, we would greatly covet your prayers for Taylor and for us as we go through the next several months and are all being prepared for a HUGE transition us being parents and Tay having a new “omma and appa.” I am praying for his little heart to be at peace when we meet and during the times of attachment and bonding that will follow as we bring him home.

 

God has called us to adopt this sweet little boy from halfway around the world, and we have tried in vain to raise all of the funds on our own. We know that where God calls, He will provide, and we trust Him in this. But God has shown us that He is not calling us to do this alone. All throughout scripture, God clearly emphasizes the importance of community with brothers/sisters in Christ and how He has uniquely gifted us to support and encourage one another and to “carry each other’s burdens.”  I am starting to get it, like this week. And we are very humbled knowing we cannot do this on our own and grateful for our friends and family who love us and have a heart for the orphan.

 

Another opportunity to support our adoption will be coming up next week in the form of a t-shirt sale. Yay! I love t-shirts. We are having them specially designed for our little guy and are super excited about the idea of having people all over wearing a symbol of their love for our family. We are so blessed. Details to follow (probably next week)….

 

And here are a couple of pictures of the cutest little guy in all of Korea (sorry to any other adoptive moms reading this...This just happens to be my totally unbiased opinion ;)

Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common. And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold and laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need. Acts 4:32-37