This is the night before the crazy hectic Monday to come. But before we talk about tomorrow, we want to reach out to our small group Bible study back home. They are meeting as I type this note lifting up all our final needs before the throne of God. We so much appreciate their faithfullness to pray for us over the last weeks. It has encouraged us immeasurably knowing we have you as our prayer warriors back home- thanks to the Keeleys, Fords, Moldrups and Dugans. We also thank all of the rest who have encouraged us, prayed with us and loved us. Thanks also to our new friends we have met in this journey, we have been particularly enouraged by the Hagertys and Woods. Thanks to our church family back home. We covet your prayers especially tonight and tomorrow. They have a very busy and ambitious day planned for us:
Jim leaves with our lawyer, Oscar at 7 am to go get the new birth cirtificates for the kids. We then link up with Betty and the 3 new kids to get passports around noon. Once that is complete we will all wisk away to get the kids medical exams. If this is all accomplished we will apply for the US entry visa on Tuesday and pick them up on Wednesday. Please pray this is all accomplished in such a way that God is glorified.
God Bless,
Jim and Betty
Why "Eight Is Not Enough"?
When we were younger, there was a television sitcom that was called "Eight is Enough". The television watching world was entertained with the thought of a family with eight children. Most of us were shocked at the prospect of such a large family- myself included! Then ever so slowly, God began to work on our hearts, until we surrendered to Him all of our lives- yes even gave Him sovereign control over the size of our family and He has blessed us immeasurably, with eight biological children. Each of these children have been an amazing gift to us and we cherish each of them. And we praised God for them and felt to ourselves "eight is enough" - at least for a time.
Then God began to stir our hearts. It was as if He spoke to say to us "these 8 precious children I have given to you, but what have you given to my orphans in return?" A burden began to build on our hearts to adopt. We knew that for us God still had other plans for us as parents if we would be faithful to His calling- that eight is not enough. And so, we followed this call to adopted and He has continued to blessed us through adoption. First a sibling group of three from Soacha, Colombia. They joined our family in November, 2008. In May 2010, we adopted twin infants from Texas. In September of 2012 we were privileged to return to Colombia and adopt a sibling group of two from Cali. At this time, we anxiously wait for our travel date to depart for China where a very special girl and boy wait for their forever family. By the time they all reach adulthood, we will have had the amazing privilege to be parents of children in our home for a half century. Our life is full beyond measure, beyond our wildest expectations, yes even beyond anything we could have ever hoped. Truly, eight is not enough. As of late we have wondered if God's plan for us as parents all along was not for eight children, but rather eight plus eight. Our heavenly Father knows and His word assures us "I know the plans I have made for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you." We trust He knows the number of His children He wants us to love and to nurture on His behalf, and whether that is eight or eighty times eight we stand ready and say speak Lord, your servants are listening and are prepared to be father and mother to your fatherless on earth.
Then God began to stir our hearts. It was as if He spoke to say to us "these 8 precious children I have given to you, but what have you given to my orphans in return?" A burden began to build on our hearts to adopt. We knew that for us God still had other plans for us as parents if we would be faithful to His calling- that eight is not enough. And so, we followed this call to adopted and He has continued to blessed us through adoption. First a sibling group of three from Soacha, Colombia. They joined our family in November, 2008. In May 2010, we adopted twin infants from Texas. In September of 2012 we were privileged to return to Colombia and adopt a sibling group of two from Cali. At this time, we anxiously wait for our travel date to depart for China where a very special girl and boy wait for their forever family. By the time they all reach adulthood, we will have had the amazing privilege to be parents of children in our home for a half century. Our life is full beyond measure, beyond our wildest expectations, yes even beyond anything we could have ever hoped. Truly, eight is not enough. As of late we have wondered if God's plan for us as parents all along was not for eight children, but rather eight plus eight. Our heavenly Father knows and His word assures us "I know the plans I have made for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you." We trust He knows the number of His children He wants us to love and to nurture on His behalf, and whether that is eight or eighty times eight we stand ready and say speak Lord, your servants are listening and are prepared to be father and mother to your fatherless on earth.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
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2 comments:
Hallelujah! Praise the Lord! Woohoo!
What a hectic and exciting few days you have before you!
Father, I pray in the name of Jesus, you go before them, give them favor with men... open doors to them where the waiting is minimal, the children are contained, and things just move quickly. Father, in the chaos, let there be a calm... whisper "peace" into their ears... let it be done.
A declaration is being made as these children are united with this family and they are given new names, just as you've given us, God. You sing songs of joy over this family... for they are being obedient to your command. Thank you for their hearts and their desires to please you. Continue, Father, to show them your provision and mercies every day, and bless them God! Bless them!
One other note, did you know Hallelujah was the same in all languages? When we would try to quiet things down and couldn't communicate with the children about bedtime or whatever, we would try this and worked best at bedtime, but sang the word "hallelujah" over and over again....just something you guys may want to give a try at some point if it gets too hectic. hallelujah means "praise god" that can't hurt can it?
Last question-- will you get to leave before Friday? I've been praying before the end of the week!!! I hope so!
Jim and Betty,
By now you are half way through your big day. Believe it or not it will not be too bad as you have lots of down time between things. We loved the new pictures. We are so excited to see you come home!
Jan and Barry
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