GOD doing only what GOD can do.....

About a month ago we were in a position were we knew we would need to do more fundraising. We tossed ideas around then started planning a trivia night/silent auction. In the beginning we thought we would be lucky to have five tables show up.  Seemed like everyone interested had other plans. For those that know me well, I was freaking out!! I was and am finding it challenging to keep up with my family and extra shifts at work. Again, I found myself trying to do this on my own. The Holy Spirit was working on my heart. I had to surrender the whole event over to the Lord. I prayed asking for him to guide me and to strategically piece it all together only the way he could. Matthew 7:7 states, 
"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you."  

One door after another door was opened and God provided the people to help and to attend the event. The night turned out better than we could of expected. We had a total of 15 tables attend, which was about 140 people. All of which, had extremely generous and giving hearts. God stepped in and SHOWED OFF in a BIG WAY! We raised $5,700 that night!!! Besides bringing tears of joy and gratitude to my eyes, that money means that we are nearly fully funded for this adoption. We have about $2,000 left. God's faithfulness has been through this entire journey. On paper there was no way that we could of pulled all this off to adopt two children. We have had front row seats to watch only what God can do. This opportunity has grown our faith tremendously and realize what it means to fully trust in God's plan. When God calls us to do something and we step out in obedience and faith, He provides every need. 

But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weakness, so that Christ's power may rest on me." 2 Corinthians 12:9

"And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him" Hebrews 11:6

We now wait on the Lord to put the pieces together to bring those precious children home to us. 

The Journey Continues

After saying yes to the referral we found ourselves realizing we needed more funds. We have decided to do a trivia night/silent auction. The event will be on July 18, 2015, next weekend. Details below. We were told that we shouldn't schedule any fundraisers in August in case our travel dates get bumped up. We know summer is a crazy time for everyone, but will you consider joining us? There is still time to sign up or donate an item for the silent auction. We also plan on having more of our fundraising shirts there in case you missed out on previous orders.

In the past weeks we have been showered with God's faithfulness. We applied for seven adoption grants total. We were denied on six of them because sufficient funds were not available to give us a grant. I did my best not to get discouraged by being told six times "no". Hours and hours have been spent filling out forms and essays all in effort to help close the gap. I kept telling God, you must have other plans.  Last Saturday we received our last grant letter. And guess what??? We were awarded a $1,500 grant. WOW!! Took our breath away. God continues to soften people's hearts for our story. Over the past couple days we were given several "anonymous" donations. We cannot say thank you enough for joining with us in helping bring our son and daughter home. Every contribution helps whether big or small. We have loved hearing about our new children from the Tanzanian mission trip (a group of youth and adults from our church went to the same orphanage our children are from a couple weeks ago). We have been told they are being well taken care of in the orphanage and their basic needs are being meet. They tell us that Innocent's big eyes will melt your heart and Helen's smile will light up the room. Kendra, Mason, and Brady are so excited. We have been prepping the bedrooms which adds to the excitement. 

The lawyer in Tanzania is preparing our paperwork for the adoption. After that's complete he will mail it to us to sign and then we will  send it back. For the next couple weeks, there won't be much movement other than the paperwork trail. 

We ask that you partner with us in prayer over the next days, weeks, and months. 

In particular asking:

 ~The process of getting Helen and Innocent will continue to move forward. 

 ~Continued safety and health for Helen and Innocent

 ~God to continue to provide the financial means to help bring them home

 ~Our family as we adjust to adding two more children.