AW Tozer

"God is looking for people through whom He can do the impossible.

What a pity we plan only the things we can do by ourselves."

***

Do you do this? Just plan things you can only do by yourself. I sure do. I think that is one thing our adoption has made me realize. How often to I really depend on God to provide, act, etc. on my behalf because I can't? Not often.

God's Faithfulness

I don't think I really understand how to be faithful. I can succeed to the best of my human abilities to be faithful, but I don't think I really 'get' true faithfulness. This I know.

God gets faithfulness. He's perfectly faithful, 100% of the time. He always has been and always will be and is right this moment, faithful...to ME.

That verse up there, in a lovely shade of azure, "He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it" is true. It is a sure thing. There are no maybe's or if's or then's...it just IS.

Today, I had another example of God's faithfulness regarding the adoption of two wee boys HE has CALLED us to. Wanna hear it?

The husband of a friend (who is also pursuing adoption but has not made it public just yet) called our social worker and somehow had the price of the homestudy lowered by $200. $200!!! That is the Lord at work people! :o) Isn't that the coolest?! I sure think so.

I've decided to keep record of all the cool things God does for us through this adoption. I think I'll make it a sidebar item. K? So it can be found quickly. There are already two others and a few in the works. The rules I am following, thought, are "Cool Things He Has Done"...not about to do. Just so I can keep track easily. K? We good? Good.

Jeremiah and Daniel,

Someday you'll read this journal and I hope you will know beyond a shadow of a doubt that GOD placed YOU right here in the middle of our hearts and home so that you would have a family. A family that loves you very much. God chose it and made it happen because He loves you both that much.

Love,
Mommy

4+2=6

While making our gingerbread house this year, I added two more gingerbreadmen. :o)

Support Letter

Dear Family and Friends,

The Dodson Family (Jeff, Laura, Joshua and Caleb) greets you! We are pleased to announce a new turn of events in our family. The Lord has laid on our hearts the desire to adopt two little boys from Africa. Surprise! :o)

Their names are Jeremiah (4) and Daniel (3).


Jeremiah was abandoned about 2 years ago in a local hospital. He has lived at the orphanage for 2 years. When he came to the home as a baby, he was very sullen and withdrawn. You can see by the photo above that his smile has traveled to his eyes. God has placed him in a loving environment where he is taught about Jesus everyday and cared for by a “Mama” (a local woman from the village) during the day at the home. He is close to aging out (age 6) of the orphanage. Once that happens, his country will consider him a permanent orphan and become ineligible for adoption.

Daniel was also abandoned about 2 years ago on a roadside near a school. The school children were dismissed at the end of the day, and Daniel was found. He has lived at the orphanage ever since. He has the same “Mama” as Jeremiah. They are considered brothers and will be adopted together. Daniel has moderate hearing impairment. His left ear has little hearing and his right has about 50% hearing. He will need a hearing aid once he gets to the states. I’ve not seen one photo of him smiling. I am assuming it is partially due to his hearing loss. It has been suggested that he should learn sign language while he can still hear just in case he loses the rest of his hearing. Lord willing, he won’t lose any more! Thankfully, I know some ASL, and what I don’t know, I can learn.

These boys need a forever family, loving home, a couple of brothers and some cats! :o) That’s US! The Lord has been faithful to give us encouragement through good friends and His Word.

“In love He predestined us for adoption through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of His glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved.” Ephesians 1:5-6

“He who calls you is faithful who also will do it.” 1 Thessalonians 4:24

I (Laura) have first hand experience. At the age of 24, I was adopted. Even though my circumstances were vastly different than those of Jeremiah and Daniel, I can say with all confidence there is a distinct feeling deep inside to know beyond a shadow of a doubt, I am wanted. I consider my adoption day as one of the most special days of my life.

Taking care of children doesn’t have to be costly, however, the adoption process is. Some of the expenses include documentation, classes, medical, legal and travel expenses. We will need to travel to Africa for an extended stay of 5 weeks for court dates, transitioning the children to our care, and finally, bringing them home. :o)

Would you please keep our family in your prayers? We serve a very BIG GOD who provides for all our needs in ways we cannot begin to imagine. We are confident He will.


In His Service,
The Dodson Family

*****

Jeremiah and Daniel,

This is the letter Mommy and Daddy sent out to all our friends and family asking for their prayer support. You have no idea that you have a family right now. :o) We are praying for the Lord to move mightily on your behalf and for His name! Our hope is that through our adoption, many will see the goodness of our God. He cares for you both! He is working right this very moment to bring you into a forever family who loves you very much. I cannot imagine how our very big God is going to work, but I trust that He will. We hope to meet you very soon.

Love,
Mommy and Daddy

Adoption Is Greater Than The Universe - John Piper

A contact on facebook sent this video clip to me. I knew of this girl, now woman, back at Howard Payne. Our paths at school never really crossed, but I knew who she was.

She and her husband adopted a boy from Korea. She is part Korean.

We got to 'talking' today and she gave me some wonderful encouragement and some warnings. It was great! And, this video. She sent it this a.m. but for whatever reason ;o) I didn't get it until tonight. Tonight is when I needed to watch it. I've been wondering "How" and "When" + all the etceteras of God's provision. I was having a pity party moment. Then I watched this. I laughed. I cried. :o)

welcome

In talking with Melissa at church last night, she gave me an idea.

Since I am not allowed to blog publicly about the adoption, but still feel a deep desire to post and have friends/family keep up with the process, why not make my private blog invitation only?

I will probably not keep this blog updated as much as my other, Offerings.

Welcome Friends to Dodson, Party of Six. Enjoy your stay!

nice day}at ease

What a nice afternoon. We met up with some friends at the park for some playtime. One of the families there adopted two children from the same African country and orphanage that we're using. God is so good. He gives me what I need in order to move forward. Watching their family work, puts me at ease. I know they love one another, the kids are adjusting, everyone is happy. :o) Just what I needed to witness.

odd

The other night, well, morning, I was dreaming. I have no clue what the dream was about. During the dream, there was a Voice that spoke clearly. The Voice overrided (overrid?) what was happening in the dream. The Voice was one of authority. It said, "It's all paid for." I woke with a start, and asked, "Lord? What was that? Was that You?" ??? I knew the Voice was talking about the adoption. And just so you know, that has NEVER happened to me before. Ever. Ever. So, I'm just one big question mark right now. I'm not sure what it was, if it was just part of a crazy dream, or more significant than that. I just don't know. But I figured I better record it just in case it was significant.

1 Thessalonians 5:24

"He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it."

***

I was reminded of this verse today. It was a verse that the Lord brought to mind last year while I was working fulltime outside the home. It brought much comfort and peace during my day. I am so thankful the Lord allowed me to see this verse today, and remember the impact it had on my response to His faithfulness. He is the one who is faithful. Far more than I ever hope to be!

{the house files}

Pics taken and uploaded to the store for processing. :o) I love this feature. I don't have to make two trips to the big box. Just one! And do you know how happy that makes me??? Verrrry. Now I can cross another item off my list...and the rest of the list is really up to Mr. Hub except the pet vaccination records. :o) Smiiiiiiling.

Conformity

**Update** I jumped off.

I jumped on the 'decorate-your-blog-bandwagon' through Cutest Blog on the Block. Talk about easy peasy. Lots of the designs are cutsie...I'm not so much. I think this one is a bit more classy than cute...

Of course, this has absolutely nothing to do with adoption. :o)

Jeff and I had a good talk last night before bed. It really helped me put things in perspective. I have such a godly man for a husband. God has been so good to me.

Jeff asked how he could help me and I shared a few things with him. He has been learning to lead and I've been learning to follow. :o) It's making all the difference in our marriage, especially now when there's so much to do and so little we can control...what am I saying?!?! When are we ever in control? God in His Sovereignty knows what is happening and I need to trust Him fully and not rely on myself.

Now, I must go finish picking up around the house so I can take some pics for our files. :o)

{only 7 left}

Only 7 documents left to complete our Home Study file. Most have to be done by Jeff. Then we move on to WH, our agency, documents. Also, the i600a for the both of us, fingerprinting...and gobs of money to dispense to all these wonderful folks who are helping us move along the winding path of adoption.

Jeff and I went up to the front of church today to pray with friends. I've been stressing about accumulating all this paperwork for the files and yesterday pretty well topped the chart. Today has been much better. I think it helped to check some boxes off the main list after church this a.m.

In order to take that curve, we'll need money and lots of it. About $13,ooo. Most goes to WH, and then some to immigration, passports, and other stuff... Lord?

Quietly Waiting...not so much

"Remember my affliction and my wanderings, the wormwood and the gall! My soul continually remembers it and is bowed down within me. But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: the steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. "The Lord is my portion," says my soul, "therefore I will hope in Him."

The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him. It is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord."

.

Lamenatations 3:21-26

***

So. I had a big hairy freak out while making blueberry muffins this a.m. ??? Jeff was telling me about an idea he had, and I flipped.

.

"I can only think about one thing at a time right now. Please let me just think about one thing!"

.

"What is it that you want to think about?"

.

"Blueberry Muffins!!!! Ok?!?!"

.

"Oooohkaaaay."

.

:o) or maybe ;o(

Aye. I'm better now. God is teaching me to rely on Him 24/7...I'm a slow learner.

Follow the Leader

About two+ weeks ago, our family embarked on a journey. An adoption journey. This is all still very new to me. The paper work is overwhelming...which I was told it would be, however, I had no idea. I am so busy trying to get all the documentation together + educate my boys + get them to their afterschool practices that I am a bit overwhelmed.

However, God is so good. He has given me a husband who is so strong and confident. He keeps me going when I feel like I'm going under.

We have already spoken with our social worker and the director of the orphanage. I really like both these women so much. They have allayed my fears, speak God's truth, and have the best interest of the children at heart.

The scoop.

We have committed to two boys from Africa. Jeremiah (4) and Daniel (3). They're a sibling group which means they're not biological brothers but have been trained to be brothers. They were both abandoned around the same time about two years ago. The little guys paired up and have been buddies ever since. Now, Lord willing, they'll be forever brothers and have a forever Daddy, Mummy, and 2 more brothers.

Daniel is hearing impaired. The hearing on his left side is minimal and his right has about 50% hearing. He will need a hearing aide once he arrives. Not only are we trusting the Lord for His provision for all the financial fees an adoption incurs but also for their medical expenses. We have insurance for them, but I know that Daniel will need some extensive care once he reaches US soil. We've been told to go on and teach him sign language while he can still hear (really, in case his hearing gets worse or lost altogether). Thankfully, I know it. :o) Rusty, but able. I'll have to brush up...actually, we'll learn together.

Jeremiah is a cutie. His smile is infectious. The director said his smile has finally travelled up to his eyes. :o)

Is this really going to happen?

Is the Lord really going to provide?

Will we really have children by June?

Will we be a happy family...all 6 of us?

Will I be a good adoptive mom?

Will the boys be ok while we're in Africa?

Questions, upon questions roll around in my head all day...despite these, I've begun the process of purchasing tiny goodies for the boys. Time will tell. You'll be my witness.