This little light of mine

Cannon's sweet nurse this morning said she read him his verses we have posted on his crib, and sang "Great is Thy Faithfulness" to him after his bottle. So touched by God's care, a nurse's sweet spirit, and the light we can be here at the MED during our extended stay. God's love shines in all places! Cannon, God is using you to spread His light!

God's Protection

"When something in your life makes you anxious, come to Me and talk about it...though the lessons of trust that I send you come wrapped in difficulties, the benefits far outweigh the cost." (Sarah Young) We are experiencing God's peace and strength, and He is answering our prayers for healing for Cannon. The blood clot has decreased significantly with no further bleeding. The neurologists expect a positive long-term outcome for him. We are so grateful and praise Him for His perfect plan for Cannon. Thank you for continuing in prayer with us!

God the Great Physician

Psalm 18:1-3 "I will love you, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength, in Whom I will trust...I will call upon the Lord who is worthy to be praised." We have had a long, rough week with Cannon. It seemed like he was really making progress in the first few days, but two days ago he began having some small seizures and they found a blood clot and some bleeding in the nerves of his brain. The neurological team does not know the cause but is working to try to decrease the size of the clot with blood thinners and treat the seizures that are still occurring. He gets a daily CAT scan or ultrasound and is closely monitored.
We are grateful for a powerful God who has a wonderful plan for Cannon, competent and caring nurses, a doctor who loves the Lord, for the help from friends and family with Caitlin, and the knowedge of many people praying all over the world for our family.
Thank you!

Joy. Uncertainty and Trust

Cannon was born about 8:30 am, Sunday, Feb. 12th via emergency c-section, and weighed in at 7 lbs 11 oz.! Our attorney didn't find out until a day later, and was uncertain about some comments made by the birthparents that perhaps they were re-thinking adoption. So, we waited and trusted God to work out the details. We were given clearance to see Cannon two days after he was born. He is in the NICU for a variety of issues, and could be for some time. However, he is making good progress on a daily basis and we are able to spend time with him and help with feedings and hold him while he naps. He has a great team of doctors and the Great Physician who loves Him and created Him. We are grateful for this blessing! "Some of the greatest works in My kingdom have been done from sick beds..." (Young) We are trusting God to do a great work in his little life. We will post pictures when we are able; he is a blonde-headed cutie!

Celebrating Adoption

‎7 years ago today, we met our sweet, tiny, 17-day old Caitlin (a gift from God) and brought her home! What a joy she is, and how many things I've learned about Jesus along the journey leading up to her adoption day, and still to this day! I'm so grateful to have been chosen by God for adoption, and for Him having chosen Caitlin for us. 
 "Come and see the works of God; He is awesome in His doing toward the sons of men...we went through fire and water but You brought us out to rich fulfillment (abundance)...come and hear, all you who fear God, and I will declare what He has done for my soul." (Ps. 66) Happy Adoption Day, Caitlin!

No Short-cuts

It’s been a long road of obedience filled with lots of waiting, lots of paperwork,  some fear, discouragement,  and grief, mixed with hope and miracles. I would have chosen the short cut, but it would not have accomplished Christ’s purposes for me and my family. Walking with Jesus on the long road, letting Him carry us and lift our burdens along  the way, has produced different results than my short-cut would have. The long road has made all the difference!

Nearing the end of this long adoption road, and awaiting the birth of a new life that will join our family feels almost surreal; could this really be happening? Then a gentle whisper in my soul reminds me of God’s faithful love, His pleasure in giving us the desires of our heart, and His way of changing us for His purposes. I’m grateful that on the long road, I have had to lean more on my Savior, trust without seeing the end, and see that God’s ways won’t always make sense here on earth. He doesn’t deal randomly or unkindly, but is quick to offer comfort, peace and grace that covers any need in the midst of seeming disaster.  I’m so looking forward to the sounds of a little baby once again in our home, and thankful for what God has chosen for us. He is my Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father and Prince of Peace!

God's story for us continues!

We are grateful for a mighty God Who we cannot explain or contain, but we know loves us, protects us, and has specific plans for each of us in His kingdom. God’s grace has been sufficient, His healing deep, His peace like a blanket over our family, His joy complete even in sadness, and His mercies new every single day.

We have been forever changed by experiencing a faith-filled journey that ended in a disrupted adoption. Never would we have chosen the disappointment and grief of losing children we had come to love, but God had a different plan; one that has forever left His mark of grace, brokenness, and freedom to obey even when we don’t understand. We have entrusted Him with Laura, Oscar and Daniela and are praying that they will be taught about Jesus, and we will one day see them heaven.

We are grateful for the chance to love again as we were recently called about adopting a baby boy in the Memphis area due on Feb. 2, 2012. We had prepared ourselves for another long wait in the adoption process, but God has again chosen differently than what we expected , and in so doing, Caitlin’s prayer of the “littlest baby possible” has been answered!