The Little Things

As my 14year old woke up and walked down the stairs this morning the first thing he said was... "Dz said to tell everyone hi, and he misses us." 

Joy. :)  "When did you talk to him?"

"He sent me a message at 2am, so we were chatting on Facebook."

Mom mode... What were you doing awake at 2am Nick? And shouldn't you be in school at that time Dz?

But I let those thoughts go unspoken, because knowing that they are connecting makes my heart smile. And isn't connection more important really?!

Thanking Jesus today for so many little things he's sent my way to help carry us along... A nice lunch at a friend's house filled with good conversation, a light at the approaching end of this "paper chase", bloggy friends who sent words of encouragement my way (thank you!!), boys who made us pancakes for breakfast this morning, and a relaxing day to spend in God's Word. He is so good to me!

In the Waiting...

Yesterday was a beautiful Mother's Day. Church, lunch with my family, a drive to the river, and a walk, browsing the gift shops with my boys, ice cream cones, home for dinner that I didn't have to cook, a family game of cards, and ending with a show with my teens after the littles and their dad went to bed. A beautiful, full day.

Only one thing was missing... Dz.



You all may ... or may not  ;) ... have noticed that I haven't updated the blog in awhile. 2 months actually. I haven't been able to get on this blog and write encouraging words lately because, quite honestly, I've been discouraged. Our adoption of Dz has had many delays and uncertainties. Our spiritual lives have been tested. And I have struggled with weariness. Who wants to read that!? In fact, I think I just lost a few of you. ;)

Well faithful friends,
When Dz was here for Christmas and we sent him back on the plane to Latvia, I thought we would only have to endure the separation until May. But May is here. We are still waiting. We don't have approval for travel dates and likely won't travel this summer after all. :(

The Lord has been walking with me through a season of learning greater sacrifice and surrender. And though the battle may weary me, I still know that Jesus is faithful and true. His ways are perfect. His plans are always for good. And the battle is ultimately His.

Because of the wait, we are hoping to host Dz again through New Horizons For Children. If you've been around here awhile you may remember this post. He has been so faithful to provide for us, through YOU his faithful ones, with each step of the process. We thank you! We are trusting The Lord for financial provision, now for the hosting fees in addition to the adoption expenses.

Admittedly I am not a salesperson, nor am I gifted with fundraising. In fact you might call me the queen of "no pressure".  But I'm going out on a limb with slightly more pressure than I'm comfortable with, to tell you all that...

We. Need. Help.

We will need to raise approximately $3000. for the hosting fees. And because we were hoping to travel to Latvia, ...so we didn't sign up for hosting until the very. last. minute. ... the fees are all due... now. Although New Horizons has been gracious to give us a deadline of ASAP!!! No pressure. ;)

So many of you have already been generous with us... donating close to $5000. to Dz's adoption so far. And amazingly, that has been exactly the provision we have needed at exactly the moments we have needed it. God is good!! And we are grateful!!

If you feel led to help us with Dz's hosting fees, tax deductible donations can be made directly to New Horizons For Children here. PLEASE make sure that you make a note ... "Donation for L97 Dzintars' hosting fees", otherwise it will be added to the general donation fund. Checks can also be sent, with the same notation of "Donation for L97 Dzintars' hosting fees" in the memo, written to "New Horizons For Children", and mailed to 3950 Cobb Pkwy, Suite 708, Acworth, GA 30101. Thank you!!!

Donations can also still be made toward our adoption expenses by clicking the donation button at the top right of our blog. And if any of you are gifted at selling t-shirts... we could surely use your help there too. ;)

God bless you friends! And praying for great encouragement to fill the pages of Daily Surrender to Jesus again in the very near future! Because really, God is good ALL the time, even in these moments of discouragement. Trusting Him!



Will you help us bring Dz home?
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This is Why

Sunshine peeking through the blinds this morning offering a hint of hope to this cold season.

"Mom, how do you spell believe?"

I look down at his journal and my heart melts with joy, because right there on his paper is hope found in his words, and the answer to "why?".
Why we desire to keep walking the bumpy road, enduring the spiritual battles, sacrificing worldly gain, and pouring love out for God's little ones. This...