We are in His hands

Romans 8:28
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Why is it so hard to remember that we are always in His hands, no matter the circumstances? With Christmas fast approaching, having truly hoped to have the children home this month, so many dreams have been put on hold. We did not decorate the house at all...in fact, we haven't since beginning this adoption journey. I remember putting the Christmas things away in 2008 hoping to decorate the next time for our own children. And we wait...

God is working for our good in all of our circumstances. He always loves, always protects, always guides and always provides. He is always faithful and we can trust His master plan, but the Bible also says, in Romans 8:26 & 27...
In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will.

This song is my Christmas gift to you...He has His hands on YOU!
(Not sure if the link is working...song is on You Tube ...Marvin Sapp He has His Hands on You)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RIIwO53wsfw&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Packing the Box

Today was Honduras box packing day....and, let me tell you...We know how to pack!!! The problem is, there is never enough room in one box to meet the need. Sometimes we send two boxes, but not this time. It costs $265.00 to send each box. The weight....about 500 lbs!!! This time, I spent weeks organizing what I had, just in case we ran out of space. Every shoe was filled...with toys, socks, underwear, toothbrushes, pens, pencils, crayons! Microwave popcorn bags fit nicely on the sides of the box. Little boy's t shirts make good filler between shoes. Most everything gets removed from it's packaging...so I cut the pictures off the boxes and slide those down the sides of the box, too! Doesn't every parent know that the box is the best part of the toy!!! We sent a Spanish speaking Buzz Lightyear!!! I kept begging mi corazon, Reyes to pack him, knowing that he had a awkward shape, not at all conducive to our box! Buzz got top of the box billing!!!

The worst part is seeing that big pile of left overs...lots of shoes, sandals and flip flops; Bibles, books and toys; shampoo, soap and vitamins; canned food, peanut butter and Nutella; towels, blankets and sheets; socks, underwear and bras; soccer balls, flashlights and batteries! Were we fair? Did we put the most needed things in the box? Does everyone have a new pair of shoes? Did we get the sizes right? Should we send another box?

Reyes proceeded to pack the leftovers in our suitcases, so we are ready for our call!!! And, if we don't get a call...well, we are planning our Spring Break 2012 trip regardless...woohoo! Thank you to our many friends, colleagues, neighbors, church and bio family members who so graciously provide donations for our boxes!!!

Gracias y Dios te bendiga siempre!!!

Kristin and Reyes and our friends and family in Honduras!!!

Be still...

Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him...Psalms 37:7

"Any news on the adoption?" This is a question I hear several times a day and one for which I don't always have a quick and easy answer. How do you explain IHNFA? How do you explain an indefinite strike? Do I even have an answer? Do I really know anything? (The adoption is on hold...the kids are safe and in God's hands) How do you answer without bursting into tears? I never feel prepared! Many of my Honduran friends often say, "Si Dios quiere!" (If it's God's will) about everything and it is a phrase I have had to embrace, but I admit I have had resistance when I hear it.

Does that phrase, "Si Dios quiere" mean the timing isn't right at this moment....well, it is easier for me to understand a strike or a coup or an earthquake or even holiday shutdowns vs. mundane delays like being out of ink or someone not showing up for a document signing day after day after day, like happened with two families in October. What happens now? We wait....just like the coup...just like the earthquake...and the other delays. I am supposed to be learning something through this...and patience is a great reward, to be sure! And the fruit of the Spirit is...love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control!

My new short and sweet response, "Please pray for us!"