Compassion

Hi, Martha,

Thank you so much for your comment! I'm so glad you contacted me. It is my utmost desire to share this story with others in hopes that they might be encouraged and strengthened. Others have done the same for me along the way, some friends and some complete strangers. There are so many women who need to know that they are not alone in this struggle and that there is hope. I would LOVE to talk with you about your own journey. I got your e-mail and left a comment on your blog. Your sister in Christ, Emily

Beauty for Ashes; The Oil of Joy for Mourning

"You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; You have put off my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness, to the end that my glory may sing praise to You and not be silent.

O Lord my God, I will give thanks to You forever!"

I woke up early Saturday morning with the sunshine streaming in the room and joy in my heart. As I readied myself and put Ava's party dress on, I was in awe that I was getting ready to attend a baby shower being held for me! A neighbor stopped me on the way out of the neighborhood and asked me why I was so dressed up. I said, "I'm on my way to a baby shower... for me!" How long I've dreamed of that moment, not of all the presents, but of all the friends gathered around me to rejoice with me. These same friends have gone down into the trenches of sorrow and despair with me countless times throughout the last eight years. They were there when I screamed "Why, oh Lord" and cried and shook my fists. They were there when I was silent with my tears. They've seen me at my absolute worst and listened to my pleas for understanding with patient ears. I wish I could explain what each one has said and done to shore up my spirits, sharpen me and encourage me to keep going. They stood beside me throughout this journey and did not lose sight of hope for me.

My dear friends, those who were able and not able to attend the shower, may you be richly rewarded for your faithfulness to me. This was one of the happiest days of my life, and one I'll tuck away in my heart to reflect on many years from now.

Thank you for celebrating His faithfulness!

Ok, on with the pictures! If you're tuning in right when I post, it will take me a minute to get the photos organized and labeled on the post.

I attended another beautiful shower thrown on Sunday by my closest friends at the Intermediate School where I taught sixth grade on the Stingray team! I'll post those pictures hopefully later this week to allow time for friends and families to enjoy these first pictures and post.

Also, Sunday night, I paid a visit to the ER AND I got an interesting call from Senator Lamar Alexander's office about our China adoption on Monday. I'll be posting a lot in the next few days! Here we go with the first shower!

ps- I have been told and know that there are some of you out there that have been following my journey that need encouragment because of your own struggles. If you are waiting on the Lord, don't you dare give up! He has something planned for you and will NEVER forsake you! Your faith is being tested, and you are being refined as silver.

If any of you are reading this that are struggling with infertility, I would love to talk with you. Leave me a comment with your e-mail, and I promise I'll get back with you. You are not alone.
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This is the invitation picked out for me at Dandelions. It's so beautiful and so me! You guys know me well!



Shannon Walls made the cake to look like my invitation! She is very talented, and it was absolutely gorgeous. The cake was so huge that I still have a fourth of it left in my refrigerator!



Kriste Arendale and Candice Gardner greeted me at the front door, and I saw this little table set up with my invitation, party favors for the guests and a black and white photo Tamyra Parks took of me and Ava weeks ago. Jamey Blair surprised me with that gift. I was blown away by everything you all did to make my shower special.



Being the Southern girl that I am, my friends decided to have a Southern brunch for everyone, complete with homemade biscuits with ham, deviled eggs, fruit salad, Kristie's famous pimiento cheese sandwiches, shrimp and James Milhollin's famous jalapeno cheese grits, hashbrown casserole, Jama's famous sausage cream cheese wheels, orange juice, coffee punch, and of course... sweet tea! Everything was scrumptious!



Jamey Blair and Beth Milhollin had "secret meetings" to discuss party planning. I always seemed to call one of them when they were in the act! Secrets... secrets...



Kristie Arendale and Jama Anderson (foreground) helped to plan my shower as well! I love you both so much. Also, seated in the back, are Kelly Tate and Jane Russell - true encouragers along this journey. Thank you, all!



Candice Gardner was also in on the planning and is holding Miss Ava in her new hat given to her at the shower. She looked so cute in it! There's a matching brown dress with shoes to go with it. We'll be playing dress up soon!




These two precious women, Dena and Kate, worked with me at the bakery where I learned about Miss Ava! Kate, on the right, came up to me at the movie theater where I was watching 27 Dresses and asked me if I'd be interested in working part-time at the bakery. We both know that it was a divine appointment so that I could find out about Ava. Thank you, Kate! We've both seen God's hand in this as the events of the summer unfolded, and we'll never be the same.



My dear friends, Lisa and Madeleine, were also a part of the team planning for my shower! I love you, both! Lisa (left) has an incredible heart for missions and is headed to the National Championship for tennis in Orlando soon! Good luck, Lisa! Madeleine (right) can bring sunshine and joy into any room that she's in! She would tell me, Felicidados! Congratulations! Thank you for all those times you've been on your knees for me...




My friends gathered around us to celebrate! Thank you all! I love you!




Ava and my Mom just having a moment together during the shower. Ava was SO good! She was all smiles.



I had to show you this piggy bank with a tutu on! Alette Chase, a dear friend of mine who owns Artistic Dance Unlimited, gave this to Ava along with some ballet shoes!



My sweet friend, Karen Nolan gave Ava her first Christmas outfit. The leggings are so adorable!

A Long- Awaited Celebration!

Stay tuned, everyone! We are being showered this weekend, and we'll post and share some celebratory pictures soon!

Father, you have turned our "mourning into dancing!" Hallelujah! Glory to God in the Highest!

Peace in your hearts to everyone and faith to keep journeying even when you can't see!

Thai Tea Posting!

Miss Ava Faith is dressed and ready to go to church Sunday morning! Thank you, God, for this miracle that's in our home...



Brynnan Webb, one of my former discipleship girls, came with her Mom to visit Ava! I must add that she had a date afterwards... :) I love you, Brynnan. Thank you for rejoicing with me. You know how special that moment was after all our talks...Always remember that our stories are a part of His plan...



Cindy Goodson, another one of my former discipleship girls came to visit Ava! The blanket Ava is wrapped in was made by Cindy. She also made a cute onesie that I'll have to show you. Cindy, I always enjoy visiting with you, and you are precious to me. God is with you always wherever you are and wherever you go. His perfection is always yours... :) I love you.



Oh, no. It's vaccination day! Poor little thing. I wish I could take her to get ice cream afterwards.



At least we got cool Snoopy bandaids. The vaccinations went very well. She only screamed bloody murder for about six seconds, and yes, I did cry!



It's 2:42 A.M.!! Forgive me if this post is a little crazy... Ava is having her first sleepover with Mimi and Papa tonight, and Ben and I went on a date to our favorite Thai/sushi restaurant, Lemon Grass. Ah, how I was looking forward to laying my head on my pillow and drifting off to sleep tonight.... Well, I drank Thai tea (you have to try this if you haven't already), and, well,I'm wide awake! I honestly think that I could run in a marathon right now and maybe take the SAT again. My brain is wired!

I came downstairs to drink some milk. I heard that helps. Do we have a gallon?? Anyway, here I am, and I thought I'd post! This week has been VERY eventful thus far!

We've had some sweet time with special friends that visited, went back to church for the second time since Ava has been home, went to get vaccinations, and had our 2 month pictures of Ava made! Oh, and did I mention I drank Thai tea tonight? I think I'm pulling up the quadratic equation in my mind right now. Where did that come from?! Ok, focus. The week so far and pictures!

Here you go! I hope you're enjoying a nice peaceful sleep! Now, where's my milk??!?!

Guess Who is 8 Weeks Old?

Yesterday, Ava turned 8 weeks old! It feels like yesterday when we were in Atlanta putting her in the car to come HOME! I saw a Madame Alexander doll yesterday that said "Thursday's Child," and I thought about getting that for her for her 1st Christmas. I'm so excited about the holidays this year.

We're gearing up for her first Halloween this year. I'll let her costume be a surprise. Let's just say I DID NOT make it like my Mom made all of mine! She would be unidentifiable if I did it!

Today has been an exciting day. I pulled out my old 33 1/2 and 45 records to play for her. I spent 10 minutes giving her her bottle and crying over the Fox and the Hound! Listening to these records from the 70s and 80s make me VERY nostalgic. I feel like going outside and building a fort and collecting leaves for my leaf project in elementary school. I collect old lunchboxes- you know, those metal kind that have been outlawed. I don't guess it would be a good idea for Ava to walk into Kindergarten with a Fat Albert Metal lunchbox. Ah, the good ole days!

Also, she was having tummy time today and pushed up on her hands and raised her head for the first time!

I hope everyone is having a blessed day!

Shower Time!

These are my Wednesday morning sisters!



Judy Briley hosted my shower by having an English tea. Thank you, Judy! It was beautiful...



Thank you all so much for the wonderful gifts for Ava and for me!



Oh, happy day! I have been looking forward to this special shower for a very long time! These are the women in my Wednesday morning Bible Study group that I've shared joys and triumphs and sorrow and disappointments with in the last two years. We've grown very close together as we've listened to each other's stories and testimonies over the past few years. We've invited each other into those places in our lives that have been touched by grief or pain, and we've witnessed more of the power of God's grace and love for us as we've studied together. We've all been on separate journeys to realize how much God loves us and that it's not about how good and perfect WE are. It's about how good and perfect He is! I absolutely love these women. They have prayed over me many times and encouraged me, and they've laughed with me and cried with me. Mostly, they have spoken truth to me when I most needed to hear it.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you, Kathy, BeBe, Judy, Susan and Susan, Mary, Sonya, Libby and Jenny! My life is forever changed because you spoke into it and allowed me to share my heart and invited me into yours.

"As iron sharpens iron, so one woman sharpens another."

I love you guys!

Emily

PRAISE THE LORD!

WE GOT TERRIFIC NEWS TODAY! I AM ON MY KNEES IN THANKSGIVING FOR GOD'S HAND IN THIS! THIS RULING MEANS THAT MAIA HAS A BETTER CHANCE AT COMING HOME! WE'RE STILL TRYING TO FIGURE OUT DETAILS... I'll post again soon when I know more!

"Joint Council Update

Program Advocacy

Date October 14, 2008

Regarding I-600A Process


Dear Families & Friends,

After advocating on behalf of adoptive families for the past 6 months, Joint Council is very pleased to confirm that USCIS has announced a very positive ruling concerning the I-600A process.

In summary, it is our understanding that, effective immediately, families who filed Form I-600A, Application for Advance Processing of Orphan Petition, prior to April 1, 2008 and whose USCIS approval of that petition (aka the I-171H) has not expired, will be able to proceed with their adoption under the I-600A process if they take certain steps while their approval remain valid. This means that families with valid Form I-600A approvals will not be required to transition to The Hague process via Form I-800A. In order to maintain their status as ‘grandfathered’ cases, families with non-expired Form I-600A approvals must request a one-time free extension. Then, prior to the expiration of the one-time free extension, families must file a new Form I-600A and pay the appropriate fee.

As we noted in our Position Statement, this ruling will save adoptive families thousands of dollars, eliminate countless sleepless nights and ensures that their adoption can proceed to completion."

REJOICE>>>REJOICE>>>REJOICE!!!!!!!!!!

Do Not Fret

Hi, everyone!

Here are a few pictures that were taken on Sunday. Ava has started smiling a lot this week! We spent some quiet time as a family watching neighbors drive by and leaves fall from the poplar trees across the driveway. Normally, I'm looking for a bit more adventure, but honestly, just watching the wind blow was enough adventure for me that day! It was a great chance for Ben, Ava and I to just hang out and be unhurried as we anticipated a hurried week. Our cats even enjoyed just hanging out- well, that's actually their favorite thing to do. They don't need any nudging to be "unhurried." Notice that Saki looks like a seal! We're having weight management issues with her!

This week is well-underway, and it's one day at a time. Yesterday, my goal was to write more thank you notes, spend quality time with Ava, go to the Pumpkin Patch at our church and write a rough draft to our attorneys in GA and TN to seek their help with bringing Maia home from China. This was to be done after our home study at 12:00- The purpose of this home study was to complete the first post-placement report for Ava and begin the ammended home study for Maia.

I'm very aware that my time can be completely consumed by worrying about China and Maia and USCIS and attorneys and our agency....and on and on. I'm trying my best to fix my eyes on Jesus and His power, but honestly, I get teary every time I think about all of this. We just learned that under the new I-800A regulation that because Ben and I were adults when we were in college in SC, that we have to do a Child Abuse clearance. Again, not a big deal, but the time and the dollar signs are adding up... again. We also found out that we have to redo our criminal background checks and our medicals. I think my physician is going to be exasperated because this is the FOURTH time he has had to fill out the SAME paperwork for us for an international adoption. We have to do what we have to do...

My goals today are a little different in that I'm petitioning help from outside sources. On this list for today are Gloria Stevens at McCain's Tucson office who I read about in Adoption Today magazine. She has a heart for adoption and can maybe help us. Next are Senators Alexander, Duncan - both in TN and Senator Brownback in Kansas. This particular Senator has three daughters from China and also has a heart for adoption.

Before I write/call these offices though, I'm going to give Miss Ava a bath! She's loves water!

Tomorrow, I get to celebrate with a shower being thrown by the amazing women in my bible study who have prayed me through many ups and downs with Maia and Ava in the last two years. I'll post some pictures of our gathering. We're having an English Tea! Right up my alley!

So, I'm just taking one day at a time. I'm sure there will be serendipitous moments along the way, and God is ever going before me and telling me not to fret. Why is that so hard for me - the not fretting part? Working on that today, too... :) Oh, AND the grumbling and complaining...

Ava is 7 Weeks Old!

This week, Ava turned seven weeks old! I hope you're having a great weekend!

Outdoor Adventures and Hope

Ben and I love to go for walks with Ava and especially be outdoors. Ava loves the snuggly carrier! It takes about 5 minutes before she's completely asleep!

She is almost ready to sleep through the night, and I'm starting to feel more refreshed. Of course, I think if anyone let me, I could probably sleep for two days straight! :)

On another note, I did speak with the International Director yesterday, and we have some hope for Maia to come home. It's going to take a lot to update our paperwork an home study and the timing has got to be perfect when it goes to China and to USCIS. The way I see it has always been this. Ben and I will do all we can do paperwork wise and follow the counsel given to us, and when the upated paperwork gets to China and to USCIS, the rest is up to God.

Either I trust Him or I don't. This situation is no different. His will not mine. His timing not mine. His plan for my life, not mine.

One of my favorite quotes is "Fear knocked at the door. Faith answered. No one was there."

I'll outline the plan we have to follow soon. I'm still trying to get my head around it.

I hope everyone is having a beautiful day! It's just gorgeous!

Wading Through Deep Water

Today, the International Director of our International agency will be calling me around 3:00 to discuss their agency's views of the difficulty in bringing Maia home from China.

Our resolve to bring her home is unchanged, and Ben and I are prepared to go to great lengths to accomplish that. However, we're dealing with very powerful federal agencies. I still believe that our paperwork will go through guided by hands unseen. He knows Maia's name.

My prayer today is for key individuals to be put in our path as we wade through the deep waters of regulations and rules and federal agency decisions - State Senators who can speak on our behalf if that's needed.

Please pray for:

*My conversation with the director today that I'll have wisdom and no fear.

*Legislation that will allow families to go back and file an I-600A instead of an I-800A, thereby removing a lot of the obstacles in our and other adoptive families' way.

*Our State Senators Alexander and Duncan who can advocate for our family's situation.

Thank you!!!

Good Ole Rainy Day

Hi, everyone! Here is Miss Ava at one month old! Time has flown by as many people said it would. Today, I'm choosing to take advantage of this rainy day and just enjoy being with Ava. She's napping, so I thought I'd catch up on some posting and pictures and update you on our situation with Maia.



Last Saturday, Ben and I needed to have some "get away from the international adoption paperwork mess" time, so we drove up to the Great Smoky Mountains and explored an off the beaten path trail by the river. It was very refreshing, and Ava enjoyed being outdoors all bundled up with Daddy.




These are two of my very dear friends from teaching at the Intermediate School who came by for a visit last week. I can not tell you how many times they have encouraged my heart. Thank you, Eva and Shelly!



My girlfriends, Lisa and Madeleine, popped in for a surprise visit last week, too. We had lunch together and got to have some fun girl time.



Finally, here is Ava posing amidst my fall decorations on the front porch. We're hoping to go to the pumpkin patch sometime next week to pick out some pumpkins! Oh, and the socks Ava is wearing are Mary Jane socks! Thank you, Karen!!! I love them!



*** I updated this blog tonight at 5:00.

As I said, I'm really trying to just relax today and enjoy Ava. This international adoption stress is weighing on me, but I'm choosing to not worry and just move through the obstacles one at a time.

The latest is that there really is a great debate going on between the Joint Coucil for international children and USCIS. They can't agree on which form to file to adopt internationally.

Ben and I are literally caught in the middle of this. This morning, we signed a Joint Council for international children petition and are preparing to write to our state legislators along with seven-thousand (yes, I said, seven-thousand) other adoptive families in the United States trying to bring home children from abroad.

The plea is for families to be able to continue to file the I-600A Advanced Orphan Petition form for extensions. These extensions last for only 18 months, so in the long wait for China referrals, families like us, are having to file three times. Continuing to file the I-600A would mean less financial hardship on families and less risk for us to also adopt a child domestically while at the same time adopting child internationally.

This is the situation we're suddenly finding ourselves in right now. We're basically waiting for legislation to be approved to continue filing the I-600A. We have no idea when that will happen. On our case, USCIS told us in July to file the I-800A which is a new from that meets Hague requirements for those countries who are Hague regulated. Our I-800A is sitting in the Missouri office waiting for us to be fingerprinted and for our updated homestudy with Ava included to join it. However, we may be able to go back and file an I-600A. I can not stress the importance of this government decision that will likely be made soon.

Luckily, our I-600A doesn't expire until January, so we have some time while the government tries to work this out. God-speed for all families involved and caught up in this mess.

This is a government issue that is MUCH bigger than us, and we're having to trust that action will be taken soon to help families. As it turns out, this is not a China issue so much as it is a US issue. That's right. The Department of State, who are quoted as having a "strong arm" in this process are the ones ultimately deciding if we can bring home our daughter from China.

To answer this "strong arm."

"The heavens are Yours , the earth also is Yours; The world and all it's fullness, You have founded them. The north and the south, You have created them.... You have a mighty arm; Strong is Your hand, and high is Your right hand. Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne; Mercy and truth go before Your face. Blessed are the people who know the joyful sound! They walk, Oh Lord, in the light of Your countenance. In Your name they rejoice all the day long and in Your righteousness they are exalted. For You are the glory of their strength, and in Your favor our horn is exalted. For our shield belongs to the Lord and our king to the Holy One of Israel." Psalm 89:11-18

We're sitting tight and just waiting to hear how to proceed from here. I'm expecting a call from the International Director of our ageny tomorrow. PLEASE pray for our conversation.

In the meantime, I'm going to enjoy life with Ava and continue to seek God's guidance in this. It is out of my control. I repeat. It is out of my control. sigh...

I hope everyone is enjoying this beautiful fall! I love this time of year. I might break out the hot chocolate today.

Cliffs of Insanity!

Anyone remember that scene from the Princess Bride? Well, that is where I am today!

In a few hours, I got three e-mails. They read as follows:

1) You did the wrong thing by filing an I-800A to adopt internationally and should have filed the I-600A again.

2) You absolutely did the correct thing by filing the I-800A. There's nothing else you could have done because you are adopting from a Hague country.

3) The correct form to file is up for debate because CIS (Citizenship and Immigration) is saying one thing and the State Department is saying another.

In light of these e-mails, I am officially disengaging from this insanity this afternoon!

I am taking Ava to the Greenbelt to go for a walk, and I might just have a Starbucks iced coffee in my hand, AND I might just have flames shooting out of my ears. Just kidding - no, seriously!

We're officially waiting to hear from our agency on how to proceed with our international adoption. What was I said all those posts back about Ava? Oh, yeah, NO FEAR!

"Do not be fearful or dismayed for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." Joshua 1

Atlanta, China, the moon! He's there!

Ok, I'm off to the park! I'll try to post again later tonight with any update.

Divine Intervention and Prayers of Saints

Good morning!

I hope to post some more pics and a video of Ava at the river later today! She's getting ready for a bath this morning... :)

Long story short if you're just now tuning in... We're having extreme unexpected difficulty in bringing Maia Grace home from China because of government forms and regulations and because of our domestic adoption, which we KNOW was from the Lord!

I wanted to give a quick update on what we need specific prayer for today if you're reading this.

I am in contact today with USCIS (Citizenship and Immigration) in Missouri which just happens to be where our family government document is. This is the document we filed in order to receive US clearance to bring a foreign child into the US and ultimately that will be our ticket to bring Maia out of China. I just happened to land on that number yesterday after getting no where with an automated telphone system at USCIS in Memphis.

Anyway, I spoke with the kindest woman in that office yesterday which was a God-send in this whole saga. She was more than willing to help us and figure things out, which in the world of international adoption, is like a jigsaw puzzle!

Her name is Meredith.

Ben and I filed a document in July called an I-800A. This document is a key component in what is preventing us from moving forward with our China adoption. As it turns out, we are learning that we received possibly false information earlier this summer from the another CIS office telling us that the I-800A was the form we needed to file.

Our agency is telling us that we could have filed an I-600A Advanced Orphan Petition, which is what we have already filed twice before. (They expire and you have to renew.)If we had done this, we would not be encountering so many difficulties with our international process right now.

I just wrote an e-mail to Meredith requesting, ok, pleading that we could go back and file an I-600A instead of the I-800A if that is allowed and in fact, we received faulty information.

If this were to be granted, it would open the door much wider for us to continue in our efforts to bring Maia home in the midst of doing a domestic adoption at the same time.

I believe God put Meredith in my path yesterday, and I just "happened" to call the exact office where our paperwork is in hand! Missouri of all places! It could have still been in Memphis or in Chicago where all I-800As are going right now.

I should hear something back today hopefully. Please pray that this goes through. Ben and I are seriously trying to be honest and do whatever is necessary to bring Maia home and navigate through a boatload of red tape that's a tangled mess right now.

This is where I wait on the Lord. Praise be to God. I know He's with me and He won't forsake me.

Emily

Blessings and Battles

Good morning, everyone,

Here are some fun pics of Ava and us for you to see! :) Tamyra Parks took these for us last week. Thanks, Tamyra!

On a different note, this is a difficult blog for me to write, but I'm asking for your prayers and petitions on behalf of our newly formed family.

Throughout our journey this side of Heaven, blessings and battles often go hand and hand. Sometimes, we are equipped by the Lord to stand our ground and fight for what is right or we're instructed to be still and silent and wait. The two adoption journeys we're pursuing are unfolding to be examples of these two truths. One is domestic; one is international; both are a part of our living and breathing and hoping and trusting as we've prayed countless times for God to expand our family. Both children, though one is now known and one is not, are deep within our hearts. One is named Ava Faith, and the other, across the ocean, is Maia Grace.

My heart is full of wonder still at this little life that is in our home, and I am so grateful for God's surprise gift to us in the midst of our over two-year waiting for Maia Grace. We were content to only wait for Maia, and as we waited, God met me at a bakery and instructed me and Ben to GO to Atlanta and adopt a baby. We honestly walked through doors as they opened to bring Ava Faith into our home this summer. It was shaky and unsure, and at times, difficult, but I felt and witnessed God's guiding hand as every part of the journey unfolded and was ultimately out of our control- A blessing as unexpected as snowfall in April.

However, a new battle is beginning to bring Maia Grace home, one in which we believe that we're called to stand up and fight for. I want to let you know that we still need heavy prayer cover for Maia. As recently as yesterday, we ran into some very unexpected obstacles and opposition from our international agency because of our domestic adoption that I can't elaborate on here and that seem insurmountable and honestly scary. I know that those who wait on the Lord will not be ashamed, and that He remains faithful to the promise He gave me years ago of bringing her home. He has confirmed Maia's coming to my heart over and over again, and I know that what the Lord has purposed, He will do. It is the Lord who brings families together.

On the heels of this great and unexpected blessing of Ava, a battle is ensuing to bring Maia home. Am I surprised? Yes and No. Yes, in that I didn't think we would face some of what we're facing, especially from our agency, but no, in that I know the enemy is still out there seeking to steal and destroy. It is him and the powers of darkness that we're truly fighting.

Ben and I are about to engage in a difficult and very unexpected trial to try to bring Maia home. I know God will equip us and help us in our time of need. I also know that it is the Lord who fights for us and for Maia. I know with absolute certainty that Maia was meant to be part of our family.

Again, please pray for us as we move forward this year to bring our other daughter home- a little girl who has been growing in our hearts for 29 months, a little girl who maybe hasn't been born yet across the ocean, but one that I would go to the ends of the Earth to find and bring home.

God holds this child and is watching this new conflict unfold. He's not surprised. God is so many things - tender and compassionate but also a warrior and a mighty King. We also have a Helper in the Holy Spirit, who intercedes for us when we don't know how to pray. I know He is interceding for us to my King about the very recent difficulty that we're running into. I believe it is still the enemy's (Satan) desire to thwart plans to bring Maia home. I also believe that it is not flesh and blood that we're fighting against but principalities and princes of darkness that are seeking to upset plans to bring her into our family. He has already lost the battle, though, because "the Lord will contend with those who contend with you." Isaiah 49: 25 Thanks, Kathy! Perfect timing...

My specific prayer today is that Ben and I would be equipped by the Lord to move forward wisely as we fight a very beaurocratic red-tape process. Very high emotions are involved. We will fight for Maia, but it's not going to be easy. Honestly, me feeling like a momma warrior is mixed with me shaking in my boots right now. This is a very scary time. She's our daughter, and, again, I will fight for her to the end, and I know Ben and I won't fight alone. The Lord's hand is mighty to save, and He loves the orphan and knows Maia's name.

We need the Lord's strength to do this. We're joyfully tired right now because we have a new baby, and in human terms, I feel that I lack the strength to fight, so I'm praying for supernatural help and strength to enter into this.

I'm putting on my armor today. "Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace. Above all, taking the shield of FAITH with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying always will all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints." Ephesians 6 :14-20

My Deliverer is coming... My Deliverer is standing by... That's the second song on my playlist now. I'm reminded of it's truth from Rich Mullins.

Psalm 40:17 "But I am poor and needy; Yet the Lord thinks upon me. You are my help and my deliverer; Do not delay, O my God."

Father, please help us. I stand on Your promises to bring our little girl, Maia Grace, home. I remember and recount all that you've shown me on this journey to her. We are your humble servants and the advocates for a little girl yet unknown to us but so known to You.

Love and peace to everyone. I'll keep posting new pictures and fun times with Miss Ava and keep everyone updated on the status of Maia. Our story to her can be found at www.journeytomaia.com.

A Glimpse of Miss Ava Faith...

Please pause the playlist music...



This video is for those of you who haven't had a chance to meet Ava in person yet! We'd love to try to upload videos for you as she's growing and changing.

It's foggy this morning, Saki's here with me at the computer, and I'm thinking about that coffee. These late night feedings are making me have crazy dreams I think. Last night, Ben scalped an Indian for some reason and then the whole tribe was coming into town to find him. But have no fear, we found an escape route out of the city riding in a shopping cart, AND we just happened to pick up Michael Douglas along the way. What??

I'm going to try to have my quiet time with the Lord this morning to focus on some truth! I think I need some coffee, first, though!

So glad we were able to help Michael Douglas out...

I'll post Ava's one month photos and some from the photo shoot Tamyra Parks did the other night soon! Have a great day! Cindy, I hope you're doing well! I miss you!! Ava loves her snuggly blanket, and Mommmy loves it, too...