He Really Does

Can I tell you about my day yesterday? It's a great lead-in to writing about things God has been stirring in my heart recently...

I spent a few hours with the Nelsons, and was able to receive some much needed wisdom from Holly and Eric. I also got my daily dose of love from Maggie, Mollie, and Sam- whose prayers over the last few days have been my utmost delight. There is something about the prayers that are uttered from these specific lips (the ones making the constant noises and always needing more Aquafor)...

I babysat for the Fergusons, and had a paritcularly great afternoon with these 4 brown beauties. My favorite part was when I went to go check on Laney (who was having quite time in her room) and found her curled up, asleep on the floor in the corner. I scooped her up and snuggled with her in the rocking chair, and got to pray for her that God would continue to pour out blessings on this precious one.

I left their house to meet up with the Hagerty's, as we were all going on a little road trip to Dulles Airport. This is the first time I have gotten to hang out with the Hagerty family as a whole, and I must say that Eden and Caleb are even cuter in personality than they are in pictures (didn't seem possible). Eden is so sure of herself and Caleb is so tender- they are quite a pair. Kate and I sat behind them and tossed Llama and Brown Bear back and forth the whole way.

We got to the airport just in time to see Kateryna Joy Finley and her mother arrive home from their long journey. It was such a joy to be there for the reuniting of such a beautiful family- one that had been waiting a long time for that moment. I felt so blessed to be there and be a small part of it!

As I went to bed that night, and thought through my day, I praised God for the way He really does set the lonely in families (Ps 68:6). This is string of connection through my busy day- Maggie, Mollie, Sam, Alex, Hannah, Awbrey, Laney, Eden, Caleb,and Kateryna are living, breathing, loving testimonies that this is true of my God. The Lord not only loves orphans, but He loves giving them parents and siblings. He loves giving hope where there was once none, and restoring what was once so desolate (Is 61:4).

As I laid in bed, and praised God for these rescued ones, my heart was stirred for the ones still waiting. For as many as I was able to list above, I know there are countless more who have yet to be adopted. And I know that while they still sit in the lonely places, my God still loves them. He has not forgotten or left the alone (Deut 31:6)- He thinks of them constantly, obsessively, passionately. Not only that- He demands that we care for them as He does...

"Learn to do good. Seek justice. Rebuke the oppressor. Defend the fatherless. Plead for the widow." Isaiah 1:17

What is the Lord asking me to do when He asks me to surrender my life? More on this to come...