I'm gonna be a grandma!!!

I just found out this morning that my oldest is going to be a new daddy! I am so excited! They will both be amazing parents!

I am sad that they live so far away. I wish they were here. Matt is in the marines and is in North Carolina right now.

I know this is not really adoption related, but Lima and Xenia are gonna be aunts not long after they come home!!

fundraising

Yesterday the girls and I set out with post cards and letters to work on some fund raising to help the girls get home. We went into 4 stores and were met with "no's" and annoyance. I came back to the car and cried. I then sat there and prayed and asked God for guidance and wisdom and to hold my heart for me.

I had placed a notice on craigslist and got a very hateful email about how if I cannot afford to adopt, then I shouldn't and that they believed it was a scam. It really hurt.

If you do not know me, there is nothing in the world I hate more than needing something from someone and then asking. I don't know if it is my pride or my fierce independence or my feeling not worthy of what they have to offer. I do know that the girls are worthy and God is and He has called us to this. I am sure that God is trying to teach me dependence on Him. After that, instead of going to every store I could find. I let God lead me.

I talked with the manager of Mardels (who was actually surprisingly curt with me. Not at all what I expected) and after we receive a letter from LifeSong for Orphans proving they are a non-profit, we may be able to set up a booth with them. Lloyd talked with his manager and Sam's and we might be able to go there as well. I am excited about it, but at the same time nervous about how I will be able to ask passers by for donations and how I will handle the "no's". I am hoping to get some help. (Brandon, our 15 yr old, is great at asking for money lol.)

What I need is someone to come on board and help me know how to do this. I have never been good at raising money. I am willing to work, I will work hard. I just seem to not be good at it.

God has provided everything we have needed so far, I know he will provide all. I just need to learn to accept it.

You have not, because ye ask not......... Teach me oh Lord, how to ask!

Double blessings

When God chooses to bless, He always does it in His timing, because He knows what we need and when we need it. A few weeks ago, we were presented with another little girl. She is 9 and probably also has Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. I have always felt there was room for two, Lloyd took some convincing from the Lord. After much prayer and several doors opening, which made this possible, we have decided to try and make her a part of our family as well.

We need lots of prayers for the hurdles that this will add, but so far God has already opened the door and cleared the path. We are hoping to be able to host her this summer in Tulsa. She will come to Missouri and we will be able to pick her up and bring her here. Then when we go to pick up Lima, we can pick her up as well.

I am happy that God has added another blessing to our lives. I think this will help Lima as well. Maybe she will be able to keep her Russia language. The kids are excited. Brandon was hesitant at first, but then gave his "blessing".

Thank you all for all of you support.