To God be the Glory

I woke up early with my mind racing and felt compelled to share this.  Sometimes we have to ground ourselves and I think the tug on my heart last night was a calling to do so for me.

First, we are writing this blog for several reasons:

a.       An efficient way for us to communicate to our family (first and foremost our kids) on what we are doing

b.      To keep a written record of this journey for us to reflect upon and Mariia to read someday

c.       As an encouragement and resource for other families who are going through or contemplating a similar journey.

Second, we are experiencing many cool things on this trip and meeting great people along the way.  This process to adopt Mariia is a time that we will never forget and will leave lasting impressions on many different levels.  However, this has not been with out struggles, challenges or stress.  We are not on vacation and I don’t want to leave the impression in our posts that this is about traveling the world.  Left up to my selfish nature, my travels would include the words Ritz, Carlton, Beach, Pool and Spa!  This is about a journey to share the love of our family as God instructs.

The MOST important thing I need help remembering is that this is NOT about what Jamie and Kelly are doing.  This is ALL about what God is doing through us.  He deserves all the Glory in this.  He has shown up numerous times to remind us and I want to make sure He gets the credit for all.  We are not special in anyway and want to make sure this is not about us.  The Bible is full of people who fall short that God uses for his glory – I know I definitely fall short!  We could NEVER do this on our own – and really would not even have started if left up to our decision.  Two friends said to me recently that all God wants of us as Christians is to “make ourselves available” and “just say yes when He asks”.  We just simply did that.

I admittedly read over Kelly’s shoulder sometimes when she is on Facebook – my way of keeping in touch without having to post!  Over the last few days, one of the groups she is part of has been having a debate about adopting an orphaned child being a rescue mission or not.  I didn’t read much more than that so I have no idea on what anyone wrote or based their opinion.  However, it obviously did make me think given our situation.  The Bible says that Christians are called to be in this world and not of this world.  This has always meant to me that we are on a mission no matter what we are doing or where we are doing it.  It is all God’s mission of which we play our own part.

For Christians, please be encouraged to make yourself available and say yes to whatever God has placed on your heart.  We are proof that He will guide you through it and He won’t give you anything you can’t handle!  You will fall, but He will find a way to carry you.

If by chance you have read this and it is very weird, foolish or just makes you uncomfortable…lets talk.  I would have felt, and did feel, the same exact way until 11 years ago when God made me someone else’s mission!  Don’t miss out.

We will spend the next two days at the orphanage with Mariia and her friends…looking forward to sharing pictures…

To God be the Glory!