Time to catch up...

As the paperwork process for Maggie goes "painfully" slow, there are many memories being made.

Our Little Miss Haddie (Happy) was a featured artist at a benefit to raise funds for Easter Seals. Haddie has received services at Easter Seals for speech since she came home. This organization has been key in helping both of our girls reach their full potential. As the auction on her artwork began and the microphone was handed her way she told the audience to..."Show me the money!" This girl can truly light up the room!

(The painting is called "My Backyard"...it was done with her feet)

At one point the auctioneer pleading with the audience to push the bidding higher, said, "Come on folks, this she's been through a lot." If he and those who sat in that room only took a moment to really think about the truth in that statement. Only God fully knows all that Haddie Hope has been through. I think we would all be amazed at the happy girl that has been birthed out of such sadness, and the HOPE out of hopelessness!

The same weekend my precious grandma turned 90! This lady is quite an amazing gal. She has influenced my life in significant ways, and I was so blessed at the opportunity to celebrate her and my love for her!

(No...Libi did not lose the fight!)

I awoke to this...

and I am reminded of this...

^{Proverbs 31}

⁸ Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves,
for the rights of all who are destitute.
⁹ Speak up and judge fairly;
defend the rights of the poor and needy.

(Sweet little Paige spent her last days with the loving staff at New Day Foster Home.)

Wish you were here...

I wish she was here to celebrate her 8th birthday with us! The good news is, next year we will hold her in our arms for her special day! We pray Maggie is safe and happy in China, surrounded by those who love her there. We celebrate her today, and we celebrate Jacob. Jacob and Maggie share the same birthday and we think that is very cool!

Jacob, you have grown into a young man of integrity and solid conviction. I am so blessed to be your mom!

Libi drew the winner of our iPad raffle tonight....our dear friends Greg and Christine won!

It has been overwhelming to receive the blessing of so many generous hearts.

Honestly, every adoption journey has brought its unique "fear hurdles". With Libi, we were terrified to parent a severely handicapped child. Haddie, we were fearful about her age. When the Lord set Maggie in front of us we were in NO place financially to consider another adoption. In each situation He has called, we answered, and stepped with fear and trembling. Each time God has graciously grown our faith, and the fear is less paralyzing, but it is still there. In the last 2 months God has proven once again, that all we must do is step, and He will make sure we have footing!

Romans 5:1-5

¹ Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, ² through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. ³Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; ⁴ perseverance, character; and character, hope. ⁵ And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.

Last Chance to enter the iPad raffle...

Hey everyone...just a reminder that the raffle for the iPad ends on Tuesday, September 6th, Maggie's 8th birthday!

We are blessed by all who have joined in our efforts!

Please help us spread the word as we continue on in our journey to our sweet daughter. Bless you!

Here are a few snapshots from our Garage Sale this weekend. We were blessed by many things along the way...

*the many donations dropped at our door by so many generous hearts!

*the extra $'s given by way of dear friends who journey through the deep waters with us, and by strangers who don't even know our name

*the people moved by God's heart for the orphan

*the many hands who helped us to organize, prepare, and sell

It was an overwhelming weekend, and we were reminded once again that trusting God to provide for every need brings great blessing!