Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose trust is the LORD.
He is like a tree planted by water,that sends out its roots by the stream,
and does not fear when heat comes,for its leaves remain green,and is not anxious in the year of drought,for it does not cease to bear fruit.
Jeremiah 17:7-8

So, you might look at our decision to adopt and think a couple of different things. One could be, "That family is crazy!" or "Wow, how cool that they are adopting, I wish we could, it's just so expensive." If you find yourself thinking the latter, know that I thought the same thing. This journey of adoption has taught us so many faith lessons. The most important being TRUST. From the moment we made our decision to adopt we agreed to trust God to work out all the details. The money, the home study, the agency issues, and now of course the Ethiopian court stuff. Through and through, God has worked it out. He never ceases to amaze us, even in the smallest of things.

Not only have we learned through our own personal experiences with this adoption, but from others as well. Others like the Chapman family. Steven Curtis Chapman is a Christian musician who has made it his mission to put feet to the Gospel. He and his wife have three biological children and three adopted daughters from China. They created Shoahannah's Hope to help families overcome the financial barriers associated with adoption. He shares that experiencing adoption has given him a "deeper understanding of the grace of God." Their story is one of grace, passion and miracles. We were blessed to be connected with Shoahannah's Hope and Steven Curtis Chapman when we received a grant from them back in March. The opportunity to meet SCC and worship to his music live was an experience that we will never forget.

Looking back, that time was a huge turning point in our journey. It was like a domino effect. We stepped out in faith to adopt. We stepped out in faith to apply for a grant. Shoahannah's Hope stepped out in faith to grant us money. Friends and family started to open their hearts and step out in faith to give as well. Every single penny was provided. God took care of all the details. Our TRUST in the Lord brought us to where we are today.

Last month Steven Curtis Chapman's 5 year old daughter was tragically killed in an accident. The news was terrible and my heart aches for the Chapman family. Hearing his music brings thoughts of the family and the pain they must be in. The Chapman's have chosen to stand firm on their faith in knowing that Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life. They are TRUSTING Him through this very difficult time.

The Maria Miracle Fund was created at Shoahannah's Hope in remembrance of their little girl. In 27 days, $500,012.40 has been given.
Did you read that? $500,000! When I read it, I cried. Not about the money, but about God's perfect plan. As the Chapman's mourn and ache for their precious daughter, I hope they know that Maria's short life had a huge purpose. God will be glorified in the lives of so many orphans that will come home to their forever families. Our girls will be two of them.

The Chapman's chose to TRUST God in adoption and in starting Shoahannah's Hope, they are even trusting Him today through probably the hardest time they will ever face. We are choosing to TRUST God continually as we wait to bring our girls home. Stop using money as your excuse. He is calling you too. Trust Him.