Monday, June 23, 2008
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Did someone say Skydiving?
Yup - someone sure did! Kimmy and I went skydiving on Saturday - we've both wanted to do it for a long time and since she left for S. Africa today, we had to fit it in before she left :) It was an absolutely gorgeous day and we had a ball (and can't wait to do it again!). Check out the pic's - although you wouldn't think it - falling from 10,000 feet is really hard work!
Me w/ the SkyDiveInc sign :)
That would be me and my man Bill practicing how we are going to get out of the plane (10,000 feet in the air, going 80 MPH, on a platform the size of a shoe box, hooked together in 4 spots).
Bill again - hilarious guy but super professional and made us feel really safe! (a definite must for novice skydivers!)
Picture of Bill, Kimmy and her tandem guy Harley - we crammed 5 of us in this teeny-tiny plane!
Me - (will Bill looking very focused over my shoulder) just as I'm about to get out of the plane. You can probably guess what I'm thinking at this very moment - "I'm about to do WHAT???"
Anyway, it was an amazing experience and the place we went to was great (SkyDiveInc in Hastings, MI). We free fell for 6,000 feet (during which it's really cold and hard to breathe - sounds fun, huh?!), and then played in the parachute for another 4,000. The whole thing took probably like 7 minutes - but was totally worth it! If anyone wants to come next time - just let me know :)
P.S. On the adoption front I really feel like God is giving me clarity day by day - I've talked w/ several very Godly people who I know, trust, respect, and admire, but most importantly have just been seeking the face and wisdom of my Lord. I'll keep you all posted once I know "for sure" about what direction I'm taking :) Thank you again for your continued prayers - they mean the world to me!
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Fasting and Prayer
As I prepare to send my dossier to Ethiopia and officially begin the waiting process, I am asking for your prayers. I'm spending the next 3 days in prayer and fasting - asking God what child He would have me request (yes, you do have to be specific about what kind of child you desire - boy/girl, infant/toddler/school-age, HIV+, etc). When I initially started this process several months ago, I was interested in pursuing an HIV+ child - since that time, fears and "practicalities" have moved me away from this - but recently, God laid this burden on my heart again. My prayer during this process has been, "not my will, but Yours" - I've seen many times in my life how God does indeed know what's best for me and has a wonderful plan laid out for my life (when I say "wonderful" - that doesn't necessarily translate into "easy" - but I've also learned through the many amazing experiences God has given me, that "easy" doesn't build character, doesn't give us an opportunity to show our faith to others, and doesn't make an eternal or lasting impact on the world). With that said, I am asking God for clarity, wisdom, and discernment in regards to the child that He has for me. I'm also praying for courage to be obedient in whatever He asks. If that is an HIV+ child (which has little to no chance of ever being adopted, and millions will languish and die in orphanages overwhelmed by all these children) - I will certainly need courage to face the potential negative or confused reactions of friends, family, neighbors, communities that may (or may not) have a difficult time understanding this decision.
This "decision" is truly agonizing - as I know that when God's reveals what child He desires for me, another will be left behind.
Thank you in advance for your prayers in this decision. I am grateful to know that many have been praying and will continue to pray as I walk through this process....by faith.
