Growing By Grace: September 2011

Welcome

We have been forever changed by experiencing a faith-filled journey that first brought us our sweet Caitlin, then an adoption that ended in disappointment, and now one that placed us in the NICU with a sweet little baby boy. Never would we have chosen the disappointment and grief of losing children we had come to love and now worrying about the health of our new little addition, but God's plan has been to forever leave His mark of grace, brokenness, and freedom to obey even when we don’t understand. To Him be the glory for what He has done, and is doing, and will do!

With love and gratefulness to our Heavenly Father who has adopted us into His forever family, and to you, our family and friends,

Robert, Carlene and Caitlin Belue

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Divine Interruption and Growing by Grace

We got back Friday from Colombia, and on Sunday I realized that the fall Bible studies were starting up this week. I quickly determined that I would attend, as I have since we moved to Mississippi, and have always found God to speak to me exactly what was needed for the season of life I found myself in. First question of the Bible study today: " How has your life been interrupted lately?" Hmmm...must have been written specifically for me. :) "The interrupted life, Divine intervention, is the privileged and significant life, where eternally significant events become the story that God uses for His kingdom purposes and to bless others for generations to come." That's the kind of life I want! Not that I would have ever chosen to go through the pain and disappointments we just experienced, but knowing that God most certainly guided us and directed us that far, and gave us the grace and peace to accept His divine intervention, helps me be that much more confident in His plans for the future (even though we don't know them yet). We do know we can trust Him, and His interruptions are always for a purpose, for good! We are still growing by grace, just in ways we didn't know we would have to.

Friday, September 2, 2011

Only God Knows

God has lead us to Colombia, and after a difficult 8 days with Laura, Oscar and Daniela, we have had to make the difficult decision to not continue in the process due to significant concerns about the safety and well-being of each individual child, including Caitlin, living together in a family setting. Our hearts are breaking, but we have the peace only God could give at a time like this. It's difficult to understand the "why" but we trust God's heart for our family and the kids. We are praying about remaining in the Colombia program so as not to lose too much ground with fees already paid, as many of you have so generously given toward expenses. We humbly ask that you let us know if you would like your donation returned. Thank you for continuing to pray for us as we grieve this loss.