Funk Free!
November 4, 2007

Yes, the rumors are true. We have officially reveived a date. And due to public pressure :-), we are blogging, yet again. Although with a renewed sense of peace and anxiety simultaneously. Is that possible? We just had an incredible conversation with a close friend that we haven't talked to in a while - a spiritual giant and mentor of ours - and I was reminded over the course of the conversation that I have not updated the blog. Once logged in, I saw that some people actually do read this stuff. Some of which know what has happend over the past few weeks and are looking for posts. My apologies to you all. I didn't know you were watching.....

So here is the deal: We received word about three weeks ago that we were to appear before the adoption authority on January 29. While this wasn't quite as soon as we had hoped, it was a definitive point for which we could plan. Our agency had advised us to file a petition asking for an earlier date - early November was ideal - and so we did. To our surprise and amazement, last Monday we were granted a date of November 29! Whereas this is good news from the stand point that we'll start sooner, we'll be missing some friends which we were really looking forward to getting to know better during February. Our original date was close to theirs. We look forward to telling you about how everything is shut down during the holidays and how we are making no progress in our legal proceedings, but how we are growing together as a family. Please pray that our court can happen and be finalized before the government offices close for the end of the year. Seriously now, ya'll pray!

We have booked our flights and are making final preparations. I catch myself breathing heavily at times thinking about all that is about to happen. We've not been able to work out all of the details just yet on school for our bio kids, but we're working on that, also. As it stands now it looks like we'll be leaving AG with grandparents for a few weeks and then once we're close enough to the Christmas holidays, he'll join us there for a fun filled "vacation" (I say that in jest, due to comments made by some when we made our request for a leave from school). Seriously, if God were not in it, I'd be scared to death. Where we are headed is not known to be a tourist destination for westerners.

This has been an incredible week. We know about thirty people in county this week. Most are flying back as I type. They have been doing ministry in other cities this week. God has been so kind to surround us with such Godly people that have a heart for this mission. I'm amazed to be counted worthy of this calling.

Pray as we continue to approach our travel date:
1. That God will be with all of the families that are on this same adoption journey.
2. That God will give us clear minds to be able to prepare thoroughly
3. That God will go before us and hand select the individuals with which we will be dealing in the government
4. That these individuals will be believers and have a heart for the plight of these children and be motivated not by profit, but by compassion
5. That we will be protected as we travel
6. That God will continue to work in our new daughter's heart to prepare her for the cultural adjustments that come from being adopted and being integrated into an existing family.
7. That our children will be similarly prepared for the adjustments that they will be making as we walk in obedience to our calling.
8. That we as a family will continue to develop a heart for this country and these people
9. That God will be strategically positioning the people (... not mere mortals.... ~C.S. Lewis) that He would have us to encounter while away from home.
10. For God's providence during and after the trip.


So, we'll do our best to give you an update about once per week leading up to our departure and no promises once we arrive in country - due to limited internet access.

Now for the photo. The kids are really growing....