Lilypie Waiting to adopt Ticker
Lilypie Waiting to adopt Ticker

Monday, November 30, 2009

Majestic Whispers

I have always believed that God speaks to His people. He does not want us to wander in darkness, floundering through life, stumbling along without guidance. He is our Guide, our Compass, the Script-Writer of our lives. And He wants us to know where to go and how to get there.

Over the last few days, I've been reminded even more of these facts. Something deep within me has been longing once again for some assurance that we are doing the right thing in continuing to wait for Geovany to come home. Some little gift from God that we are still walking the right path, that He will bring our son home. Sunday morning I was begging God to speak to me. In the midst of getting family out the door to the airport and getting kids ready for Church, I needed to hear from Him. From the balcony, I heard Samantha yelling..."Mommy, Mommy, come here, come here." Her 2-year-old enthusiasm caught my attention. Stopping what I was doing, I climbed the stairs to find her playing with a rainbow. A beautiful, vibrant, gorgeous rainbow. "Look Mommy, it's on my hand. Look Mommy, it's on my dress. Look Mommy....Look Mommy!" I smiled at her and played with the rainbow and went back to doing what I had been doing before.

At Church yesterday morning, we sang "Wonderful Maker" by Chris Tomlin. The chorus says "What a wonderful Maker, What a wonderful Savior, How majestic your whispers..." As I sang that, God brought to my mind the rainbow dancing in my hallway. A majestic whisper. A reminder that God keeps His promises. He is faithful. When the storms rage and the doubts arise, a rainbow reminds me that I do not need to be overcome or washed away.

Sitting in my living room later that day, I picked up a devotional book laying next to the couch. The devotional for the day was on Noah...a man of faith who built a boat and continued to trust God when other people laughed at him and mocked him and wondered why he would persevere in such a ludicrous task. Many have questioned our decision to hang in there. Some have told us that God isn't big enough to finish this or that they will be surprised if our adoption ever finishes. I have a choice to make, to listen to God, or to listen to those other voices.

This morning, my devotional was on hope. Romans 15:13 "So I pray that God, who gives you hope, will keep you happy and full of peace as you believe in him. May you overflow with hope through the power of the Holy Spirit." Hope. Not from me, but from God. Not something I can conjure up, but something that comes through the power of the Holy Spirit. Hope as I believe in Him. Hope and peace.

So, once again, God has heard my pathetic cries and, in His grace, has given me just what I need to keep moving through this day and this adoption. Are we done? It doesn't look like it. I have to believe that God isn't finished just yet.

On that note, the Guatemalan 900 is issuing a call to action. An opportunity for people to voice their concern over the lack of movement in Guatemalan adoptions. If you would like to participate, it's very simple. You can learn how by clicking here.

Thank you for continuing to stand with us and pray for us and for Geovany.

Blessings,

Monday, October 19, 2009

Friday

I have been begging God to let me know if our attorney is still actively pursuing our case. Being one of the few cases left in Guatemala, our agency has all but given up on us. What I needed to know was if our attorney had also given up. I desperately needed an answer. In His amazing faithfulness and graciousness, knowing how much I could take, God provided an answer. On Friday, we received an email that our attorney had gone to the MP, the reviewer our case was assigned to is still out of the office. Her boss is also out of the office. So, our attorney spoke with the "boss of them all" to see what could be done. Our attorney was told to come back on the 23rd. It seems like the same old thing, but in reality it is an answer to the desperate prayer of a mother's heart. Yes, people are still working, but more importantly, God is still working.

He has been doing a lot in my heart this week. I will share more about that later. Still some things to process, but good things! So, again, we covet your prayers for this week. That someone will look at our case and do something positive with it.

Trusting in His time, in His way, as He writes our story and Geovany's story. To God be the glory.

Blessings,

Monday, September 21, 2009

An Opportunity to Pray

Heard from our agency today. It seems that the new case reviewer for Geovany's case was pregnant and has had a miscarriage. She is out of the office on rest and nothing further will be done on our case until she returns. While I'm frustrated about yet another delay, my heart breaks for this woman who has lost her child. I know many of you have been praying for us and for Geovany. Today, would you take a moment to pray for this woman? I know nothing about her, not even her name, but God knows. He sees her where she is. May He provide comfort for her grieving heart and peace in the midst of this trial.

Blessings,

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Challenging Questions

"When through Jesus Christ we are rightly related to God, we learn to watch and wait, and wait wonderingly. I wonder how God will answer this prayer. I wonder how God will answer the prayer the Holy Spirit is praying in me. I wonder what glory God will bring to Himself out of the strange perplexities I am in. I wonder what new turn His providence will take in manifesting Himself in my ways."

I read through these questions from my devotional book several times this morning and am still pondering them as I type this. Spoke with our attorney yesterday. He went to the MP on Monday, having missed the appointment Friday because he was sick. They told him to come back this Friday. He also said, that because someone was concerned that there was a possibility of bribery or corruption leading to the potential positive release of our case, our case has been reassigned to a new MP official. So, we're kind of back to where we were this time last year. What's old is new again! So, I wonder what glory God will bring to Himself out of this strange new perplexity. I wonder what new turn His providence will take in this.

"God always keeps the minds of His children open with wonder, with open-eyed expectancy for Him to come in where He likes. I wonder how many of us have been getting our ideas and convictions and notions twisted. Thank God for the confusion if it is going to drive us straight to the watchtower with God,...watching, waiting, wondering and witnessing."

Today, I am taking my worries and concerns straight to the tower. I'm going to sit and watch and wait with expectancy that God is going to come, in His time, when He's ready. When He does, I want to see it! I don't want to miss it. I want to see Him coming across the landscape, marching forward, deliverance in hand. I want to be staggered with wonder at the amazing way God works this out.

Blessings,

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Struggles

My head knew that there was a good chance last Friday would come and go and we would hear nothing. But my heart refused to accept it. I cried more Friday afternoon than I have in a long time. It's safe to guess that since we didn't hear anything, either the meeting didn't take place or there was nothing good to report.

I'm beginning to really wonder where this road goes. We can't just spend the rest of forever waiting. We need to continue to find purpose in each day. We want these days and months and years to count for something. To make a difference in His Kingdom. The question is "What next?" and how to you move forward when there is something so uncertain that holds your heart?

I still believe that we were called to start this journey. God clearly directed us to Geovany. He is still God. But He also created us with a free will. An ability to choose and those choices affect not just us, but so many others. There are many people in Guatemala who don't want these remaining cases to finish. Will they win? I don't know the answer to that question, but tonight, it looks like their choices are affecting my family. My son sits in an orphanage, because someone else is choosing to exercise the free will they've been given. I'm not angry, but I am sad and my heart aches.

Samantha needed extra snuggles Friday night. She wanted Mommy to lay next to her in bed while she fell asleep. As I did so, I wondered, does anyone take the time to lay next to Geovany when he's feeling scared or unsure? And the tears fall and there are no clear answers. But still there is hope, because of Who God is. Maybe one day, Geovany will know what it's like to be part of a family. To matter so much to someone that they're willing to set aside their plans and just snuggle or read a book or look at a rainbow together. But, more than this, I'm praying, that should he never know the love of a father here on earth, he will know the love of his Heavenly Father for eternity.

Being challenged as I read a book by Oswald Chambers on prayer. On waiting and watching, waiting expectantly with the faith and anticipation of a child. Watching, not giving up, not growing weary or lazy, watching from the post I've been given for God's hand to move. How much easier it would be to give up. To walk down from the tower and say "God is done." To close the door and never look back. But God hasn't called us to a life of ease, a life that requires nothing but playing. In His darkest hour, Christ asked His closest friends to do one thing...watch with me. And they slept. May God not find me sleeping in this dark hour, but watching.

Blessings,

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Friday

Another email today confirming that our attorney will be meeting with the public ministry (who was supposed to release our case two weeks ago) this coming Friday. I want to hope for the best, but we've been here so many times, only to face more disappointment. In my devotional reading this morning, this quote jumped off the pages...

"Faith is unbreakable confidence in the personality of God, not in His power. We must have confidence in God over and above everything He may do, and stand in confidence that His character is unsullied." -- Oswald Chambers.

I've been mulling over that all day. I know it's true. My faith is in HIM, not in what He does or does not do. How thankful I am for little pieces of truth that God slips into my day.

We appreciate your prayers for those involved in this meeting, that God's will would be done.

Blessings,

Monday, August 24, 2009

Seriously...

So, maybe instead of praying for compassion, we should be praying for integrity. That people who say they're going to do something actually follow through and DO IT! Truly, I knew that there was a chance that the nice gentleman in the MP office was being just that...NICE. However, after grilling our translator and our attorney, I had hope that maybe he was being honest. Now, it would seem, our case is stuck again. Waiting the clarification on some things, but it appears our attorney has been told to come back and check again on Sept. 4th. Sometimes is feels like you mark those dates on your calendar only to watch them pass by and have nothing happen.

One of my friends remarked that it seems like your case only moves when you are there to push it along. Another family is currently doing just that. They have 6 weeks to get their case done, or their children age out of the system. Once a child reaches a certain age, they are no longer adoptable. Crazy, but true. They are currently in Guatemala, daily appealing to people who have their case, trying desperately to accomplish what some people think is impossible. I am praying that they are successful, that the children they have come to love as their own will be able to join them. We are also praying for wisdom. Should this family be successful, it may change how we approach Geovany's adoption process.

So much to think about and pray about. How thankful I am to know that God has not forgotten us. He is still in control. He does hear us. He does guide us. He does love us.

Blessings,

I cried out, "I'm slipping!" and your unfailing love, O LORD, supported me. When doubts filled my mind, your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer. --Psalm 94:18-19

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Our Visit

It was a beautiful way to end our trip. I'm still processing much of what we learned and experienced this time. Still not sure of all the reasons why we went. Don't know that I need to know. Maybe someday God will reveal it to me, but for now, my heart is truly at peace.

We arrived at the orphanage just before lunch time. We went upstairs to the room where all the little kids were. As we walked in, Adrian - who is Geovany's sweet friend - looked up and began to yell "Papa de Geovany! Papa de Geovany!" He ran over, grabbed Rob's hand and pulled him to the sofa where Geovany was sitting. He kept repeating over and over "Papa de Geovany." It brought tears to my eyes, as it was obvious Adrian knew exactly who Rob was and who he belonged to. Adrian is the sweetest little boy, as outgoing as Geovany is shy, and a perfect companion for our son. Upon seeing us, Geovany began to cry. I held him in my lap, read him books, nothing worked. He just sobbed. Lunch time was announced, so we took him downstairs with the rest of the kids. I tried feeding him, but he wouldn't have anything to do with that! Through our friend Tommy, we asked the house mother if we should go outside in hopes that Geovany would calm down and eat. She thought that would be best. Not ten minutes after we left, Geovany came out, smiling a little bit. He had eaten all his lunch. We were allowed to take him into a private room where he opened right up. We colored and read books. We built block towers and knocked them down. We counted and laughed for about an hour. It was a wonderful way to end our week.

There are still many hurdles that must be overcome before we get to bring Geovany home, but this visit gave me the renewed courage to keep fighting. It's an uphill battle, but we aren't fighting alone or in our own strength. The week didn't end the way I wanted it to, we weren't allowed to bring our son home, or meet with all the people we wanted to met with, but I can rest in knowing it's all in God's hands. Just because He didn't work the way I wanted Him to, doesn't mean He wasn't at work.

I've updated the prayer requests on the sidebar. There are some specific people you can be praying for and we hope that you will join us in doing so. Thanks again for sticking with us and for carrying our requests to the Father. The love of so many for our little boy continues to amaze and humble and overwhelm.

Many Blessings,




Thursday, August 13, 2009

Today

We met with our attorney this morning. He is cautiously optimistic about what we've seen this week. It sounds like, if the criminal judge who is getting our case will approve it, then it's just a matter of time. With her signature on it, MP will release it and sign off. With their signature on it, PGN will feel safer and release it and sign off. With the criminal judge's signature, MP's signature and PGN's signature, family court will feel safer and sign off and we'll be bringing him home. We've asked for the name of our criminal judge so we can let you know and we can all be praying specifically for her by name. In some ways, it reminds me of one of my favorite Dr. Seuss books, "All Because a Little Bug went KACHOO!"

On another note, we had a wonderful time with our friends last night. Throughout this entire week, as I've read your comments and been reminded in so many ways of the people who are praying for us and for Geovany and for his case, I've been brought to tears. It's truly humbling and amazing to me that so many of you continue to care about the fate of one little child. Last night, as we shared about Geovany's case with our friends, Evelyn said that she believes in miracles. Her church believes in fasting and praying and she will be asking them to do so for Geovany. I completely lost it. Across language barriers and cultural differences and 1,000 of miles, people are coming together to intercede on behalf of our precious son. And maybe that it what this week was all about.

Thanks for being part of our journey. Looking forward to tomorrow!


Blessings,



Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Today's Update

Well, not much good news today. The judge who will be receiving the case has refused to meet with us. She says she'll deal with our attorney, but not us. Don't want to make her angry, so we'll let that go.

PGN doesn't want to meet with us because they don't have our file. Which, I suppose, makes sense. Until the file is actually released from the MP and is back in their hands, what can they really tell us? They were "kind" enough to give us an appointment though, for next Weds. Guess we'll be canceling that one since we go home on Saturday, a fact they knew when they gave us the appointment.

Tomorrow, we'll meet again with our attorney. We need to sign some paperwork, as our previous power of attorney was missing a page. Then, we'll discuss what's next and go from there. It would appear, that for now, the meetings are over. If nothing else, we got some good news yesterday, so will hold on to that for now. We have lots more questions for the attorney, so hopefully, he'll have more answers.

Still plan to go to REMAR on Friday. Looking forward to seeing our boy and playing with all the kids there. Will try to get pictures of as many of our friends' children as we can. We know how important those little things are!

Thanks for praying. I still believe that we witnessed a miracle this week.

Blessings,

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Our Meeting with the Ministerio Publico (MP)

The gentleman overseeing our case was very gracious and kind. He met with us right away and discussed the case in detail with our translator. He told her that they are finished with the case and plan to release it next week to a judge. They find nothing wrong with it and are willing to sign it off! Our attorney was not present for the meeting, but was pleased to hear this and will meet with MP this afternoon to confirm what we've been told. After leaving the meeting, I asked our translator, if he was just being nice and saying he would release it, or if he REALLY planned to release the case. Her response was that she believed he was sincere. That he said he was preparing the paperwork to release it and she had no reason to believe that he wasn't.

Once the judge receives it, she will decide if it goes through PGN - the old system - or through CNA - the new system. Our translator is continuing to pursue a meeting with PGN, as of right now, they are very hesitant to receive us. However, with the new news that MP is signing off, maybe they will be more open. She is also working with our attorney to get a meeting with the judge who will be receiving the case. Rob commented that he was pleased it was a female judge. Maybe she will have greater compassion and a "Mother's heart".

Our translator was very encouraged by the meeting today. It would seem that God is beginning to open the floodgates and allow our case to move forward.

Blessings,

Monday, August 10, 2009

Ministerio Publico

Tomorrow we head to the Ministerio Publico at 9:30AM. They don't make appointments, so we will hope and pray that they will see us. Currently, this is one of the places where our case is "frozen". They are currently reinvestigating the abandonment decree for Geovany. If we find a compassionate heart here, it could go a long way in moving our case forward. We have pictures of us with Geovany and a DVD comparing our time with him and footage from the orphanage. There's a pretty noticeable difference. So, we're praying that someone will take the time to talk with us, look at what we have to share and hear our hearts as we discuss what can be done to get our son home.

The meeting with our attorney went well. We have a better understanding of what is holding up our case. It's not hopeless, but may take a long time. While we don't mind waiting, we hate that Geovany must wait.

We'll let you know how the day goes.

Blessings,

Sunday, August 9, 2009

Moments

We had a great day in Antigua, reminiscing and wandering through the town. It's full of memories for us. It's strange though, we can tell that we're not quite "here". Rob didn't bring a map or our Guatemala guide book. I think he only took three or four pictures the whole time we were there. We forgot where the shuttle dropped us off and had them looking for us because we were in the wrong place to go home! Things that just aren't typical for us.

There have been moments today that have been challenging...going in the elevator and not worrying about whose turn it is to push the button; breakfast buffet with no kids and no high chairs. Little things that bring back lots of wonderful memories. All in all, a good, relaxing day. Something we needed before beginning a very busy, emotional week. Looking forward to talking to the kids tonight via Skype. It's amazing that we can be so far away and still be able to see their little faces via the computer.

Thanks for the continued prayers. Emotionally, we're pretty wrung out already and the week hasn't even begun. I usually feel this way toward the end of a trip, but not usually at the beginning. I told Rob I'll be a puddle of mush by the time the week's over! =)

Blessings,

Happy 3rd Birthday, Sweet Boy

Well, we didn't get to celebrate together, but we're in the same country. Happy Birthday, sweet boy. May you always know how much we love you and how much we long to celebrate life's milestones with you. Mommy and Daddy are working as hard as we can to bring you home and praying that maybe next year, we'll all celebrate your birthday together, as a family, in your new home. We love you and hope to see you later this week!

All our love,
Daddy y Mommy

Saturday, August 8, 2009

Here

We made it safely. No delayed flights, no lost luggage. Enjoyed catching up with a friend over dinner. Hoping to head to Antigua tomorrow. We'll be speaking with our translator tomorrow evening to go over the schedule for the week. As of right now, we only know of one meeting, set for Monday morning with our attorney. It's good to be back in Guatemala. We really do love it.

Reports from Grandparents are good. Samantha did well this morning. Kayla made monster cinnamon rolls and cinnamon bread for breakfast. Looking forward to seeing pictures of those! All in all, we're witnessing God's grace in action not only in our lives, but in the lives of our kids. His grace is sufficient for each of us as we follow in faith.

Blessings,

Thursday, August 6, 2009

Grace Alone

Tuesday, Mantha decided to empty all the music out of the piano bench and the organ bench. It was spread everywhere. After stepping over it for a day, I finally got around to picking it up and putting it away. As I did so, I came across a little half sheet of paper entitled "Grace Alone" by Scott Wesley Brown. My Grandmother used to own the organ and would copy little songs like this and hold on to them. She must have done that with this song. Reading the words, I was overcome with tears. This journey has been so much more challenging than I ever would have imagined. Yet, in everything, God has been there. As Saturday approaches, I find myself struggling more and more with what we've been asked to do. I wonder how I'll ever be able to hold that sweet boy in my lap and then let him go one more time. I beg God to deliver our son and let us bring him home. I cry and I hope and I pack, knowing that we go forth in grace alone. Isn't it wonderful how God uses even the "messes" in our lives to speak to our hearts?

Blessings,


Sunday, August 2, 2009

Traveling Again

It's been too long since I've posted. A lot has happened and yet nothing has happened. We've been told that there's a very slim chance of our case finishing and that if it does, it will be at least another year. After much prayer, we have scheduled a trip to Guatemala to meet with officials and see what can be done to resurrect our case. We leave this coming Saturday, and will be in-country for a week. Your prayers are greatly appreciated as we take yet another step of faith and follow God's leading, out of our comfort zone once again. I promise to do a better job of blogging while we're there.

We won't be taking Geovany out of the orphanage this time. Returning him to REMAR was too hard on him last time, and we're blessed to be given permission to even visit, as the judge says he doesn't want to raise our hopes or Geovany's. We hope to get to REMAR at least one day, maybe Sunday, to just spend some time with our son and the other kids. I've purchased some of our favorite children's books in Spanish and have been working on learning to read them. Geovany turns 3 the day we fly to Guatemala, so we'll leave the books as his birthday present. Not exactly how I expected to spend his 3rd birthday, but at least we get to be together.

As we've prayed, both Rob and I believe that God is asking us to take this trip. In so many ways, He continues to confirm that this is part of His plan for our family. We don't know what to expect, but we know that God is going with us. In many ways, it's reminiscent of a trip we made almost 2 years ago that started this entire journey. We don't think God is done yet. We have no peace in quitting now. Some may say we're foolish, some may say we're naive, some may think we're just throwing away money. I guess we're past caring what "some" may say and walking in faith, trusting what God is saying. Crazy? Maybe. Comfortable? Not at all. Exciting? Definitely!

Specific prayer requests include:

  • Successfully scheduled appointments
  • Hearts softened towards our case - PGN officials, minor's court officials and the judge over our case
  • Safety for our kids who are staying home with grandparents and strength for Grandma and Grandpa and they care for their four wonderful, energetic grandkids
  • Good visit with Geovany, I'm not even sure what that would entail!
  • Peace while we're there and as we come home, trusting that we've done what we've been asked to do

Blessings,

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

My Wish

I've been thinking about this post all day. I know it's been some time since I posted...too long, really. There hasn't been much news to share on Geovany's case. We're no further along than we were before and maybe further away, but that's not what I wanted to write about tonight.

While nothing may be happening with Geovany, God is doing much in my life. I continue to learn more each day about trust and failure and growth that follows when we admit our weakness and curl up in the lap of our merciful Heavenly Father.

Over the last few weeks, we've watched good friends make big decisions regarding their adoption cases. Decisions involving big changes, stepping out in faith, taking risks and trusting. And we've begun to wonder what God is asking of us. Are we once again being pushed out of our comfort zone? Being challenged to take some risk? To experience God in places we never dreamed we'd have to go? I've prayed and cried, hoped and despaired. Wondered if we were done, only to be encouraged, through God's Word. Encouraged to keep going, to not give up, to cling to the hope I have in Him.

This brings me to my wish. I met with God this morning. And what appeared at first to be a regular, everyday morning, was quickly transformed to a mountaintop, awash in God's presence experience. I wasn't searching the scriptures for answers, I wasn't crying out in agony or despair, I wasn't begging God to hear me. I just walked humbly into His presence, coffee in hand and sat down to listen. Opening my Bible study, I read these verses...

Isaiah 42:10-16 -- Sing to the Lord a new song, his praise from the end of the earth, you who go down to the sea, and all that fills it, the coastlands and their inhabitants. Let the desert and its cities lift up their voice, the villages that Kedar inhabits; let the habitants of Sela sing for joy, let them shout from the top of the mountains. Let them give glory to the Lord , and declare his praise in the coastlands. The Lord goes out like a mighty man, like a man of war he stirs up his zeal; he cries out, he shouts aloud, he shows himself mighty against his foes. For a long time I have held my peace; I have kept still and restrained myself; now I will cry out like a woman in labor; I will gasp and pant. I will lay waste mountains and hills, and dry up all their vegetation; I will turn the rivers into islands, and dry up the pools. And I will lead the blind in a way that they do not know, in paths that they have not known I will guide them. I will turn the darkness before them into light, the rough places into level ground. These are the things I do, and I do not forsake them."

As I read that last verse, it was as if God spoke directly to me. A promise, written thousands of years ago by a prophet of God became a promise for me. I do believe that God is asking us to walk down paths we have not known. To trust that He will bring light to the darkness and level the rough ground. All day long, I've thought about this and thanked God that I didn't miss meeting with Him this morning. Because there have been mornings where I have missed Him. Where I slept in, or talked but didn't listen. Mornings where He had something to say and I didn't stay long enough to hear it.

So, what is my wish? My wish is that each of my friends, would experience this same amazing God-experience. So often, it's easy to skip a quiet time, to find an excuse not to meet with God. To become lazy and complacent, to feast from God's Word only on Sundays and miss meeting with Him during the week. Whether it's rising early or staying up late or turning off the TV during nap time, please, take the opportunity this week to curl up in the lap of God and listen to what He wants to say to you.

Praying for you this week...

Thursday, May 28, 2009

They Meet Again

So, the news for today is that our attorney will be meeting with the head of Minor's Court on Tuesday of next week. PGN continues to be uncooperative, so nobody knows where this will end. Our attorney asked when our immigration docs expired, hoping that if they expired soon he could use that to push the case. Being the good adoptive parents we are, we renewed those documents, so they don't expire until July 2010. Guess that won't help us!

We continue to wonder and wait. It's a frustrating place to be somedays. This last week has been one of the hardest yet. We will never give up on Geovany. As long as there's even the slimest chance of bringing him home, we will persevere. Yet the dream of having him here grows dim sometimes.

We're not really expecting any great or exciting news to result from the upcoming meeting. Our agency director leaves for Ethiopia tomorrow. She will be out of the country until July 1st. We understand why she's going and will be praying that her trip is successful; however, with her out of the country, contact with our attorney pretty much comes to a standstill. Yet another opportunity to trust and wait.

I'm trying to apply some things I've been learning lately. Trying to ask the "right" questions... not, "When will this be over" but "What can I learn while we wait?" Not "How do you expect me to continue waiting?" but "How can I glorify you in this?" Not easy questions to ask or answer. If I didn't believe that God was in this, I'd really be a mess! How thankful I am for His presence.

As always, we thank you for your prayers and your continued support of our family.

Blessings,


I've been reading and praying Psalm 37 over the last week or so. It brings some peace to my heart in light of all we're going through. I've included just a few verses, but if you have the time, read the whole Psalm. It's a beautiful prayer and declaration of Who God is and what He can do.

Psalm 37:4-9 and 34

Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you your heart's desires.

Commit everything you do to the LORD. Trust him, and he will help you.

He will make your innocence as clear as the dawn, and the justice of your cause will shine like the noonday sun.

Be still in the presence of the LORD, and wait patiently for him to act. Don't worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes.

Stop your anger! Turn from your rage! Do not envy others-- it only leads to harm.
For the wicked will be destroyed, but those who trust in the LORD will possess the land.

Don't be impatient for the LORD to act! Travel steadily along his path. He will honor you, giving you the land. You will see the wicked destroyed.

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

No Change

Just wanted to let you know that there is no change in Geovany's case. PGN continues to be uncooperative, but our attorney is confident that he will finish this case and that Geovany will come home.

Reminded this week that patience is one of God's attributes...He is patient with me when I question, stumble, fall flat on my face, lose my temper, or miss an opportunity to share His grace. The God of patience does supply all my needs. He gives me patience and comfort and grace and strength. There is such peace and joy in trusting and resting. As I've prayed these last few days, I've felt more at peace than ever. Deep in my heart, God has confirmed to me that someday soon Geovany will come home. In the meantime, there are great lessons to be learned in the waiting.

Blessings,



Rom 15:5
Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus,

Isa 9:6
For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. And the government will rest on his shoulders. These will be his royal titles: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Rom 15:13
So I pray that God, who gives you hope, will keep you happy and full of peace as you believe in him. May you overflow with hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Hbr 13:20
And now, may the God of peace, who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, equip you with all you need for doing his will. May he produce in you, through the power of Jesus Christ, all that is pleasing to him. Jesus is the great Shepherd of the sheep by an everlasting covenant, signed with his blood. To him be glory forever and ever. Amen.

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