Can you get us one?

Yesterday at dinner, Nate prayed and mentioned his usual "God, thank you for this food, thank you for our house, thank you for our family, thank you for the orphans..."  At bedtime, I reminded him that mommy will be leaving soon for China and I asked him to keep praying for the orphans, worldwide and there at Maria's Big House.  He knows that mommy is going to love on some babies that don't have a mommy or daddy.  His next words were  "Can you get us one?"  I asked him "one what?" to make sure I understood what he meant.  Nate confirmed what I was assuming he meant and asked, "Can you get us an orphan?"  Cue the tears!!!  The only answer I could give was "No buddy, not this time, but let's pray about that (and I think you better go ask your daddy)"  Oh, Lord, please continue to break my heart for the fatherless and give me the faith of a child!  Thank you that your grace has redeemed us and not left us as orphans, but instead given us a HOPE and a future!

Covered in Prayer

It has been amazing to me how many people I have seen lately that have told me that they are praying for me and this upcoming trip....9 days away, to be exact!!!!  Yesterday, my dad asked me specificially how he could pray for me over the next few days and while I am gone.  Earlier this evening, all of the husbands from our small group "secretly" got together and visited everyone's house to pray for each of us wives as we start another year of homeschooling.  As we formed a small circle in our basement, each one also took the time to pray for my journey to China.  I have been praying this week that the Lord would prepare me for this trip "from the inside out".  What better way to prepare, than to pray?  So, as I pray, would you care to join me?

Here are some specific ways you can pray for me...

1. Pray (as David did, in Psalms) that "the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart" would be pleasing to the Lord.  I know that this trip is not about me at all.  It's about our amazing God and I want my thoughts, words and actions to be reflection of His glory.

2. Pray for the safety and health of everyone on our team.  There will be 16 of us traveling, 14 Show Hope sponsors and 2 staff members.  I am a little anxious about the long flight.  Pray for a calm spirit and peace.

3. Pray for the children and staff at Maria's Big House of Hope.  Pray that our team will be a blessing to them and shower them with the love and encouragement that they need.  Pray for the nannies as they love on the babies entrusted to their care. 

4. Pray that my eyes would be wide open and ready to SEE all that the Lord wants to teach me through this great adventure.

5. Pray for me as I still have many, many things to attend to before I leave next week.  Pray that I will not let these details be overwhelming.

Thank you, friends.  God is so good and faithful. 

Paid in Full

This morning I sent off the final payment to cover the cost of my trip!  Everything has now been paid in full!!!  Praise God!  God perfects in accomplishing what seems impossible.  I certainly did not have $3700 tucked away to pay for this trip.  However, through fund-raising and the generous gifts of so many precious friends and family members, every penny was provided!  I am humbled and so grateful to each one of you for your support of me and the cause to care for orphans.  I was told by a friend recently that "God funds what He favors" and I am finding that to be very true.  To Him be the glory, forever and ever!