He Did It! He Did It!

Do you remember my pleas for the Halloran family? How we shared their need of funds to finalize their adoption???

God Did It!

He Did It!

He provided. Not early. Not late. But right on time.

As always.

The Halloran family listened to God. They stepped out in faith. There were no signs that everything would be provided. But they KNOW Him. They KNOW His Word. So they obeyed.

There was a generous grant from our church.

And some private gifts.

But still, there was much left to raise.

So we pleaded with you all to help. With travel coming soon, we asked you guys to share some of what God's given to you. You were so generous. And your gifts encouraged the Hallorans.

They were so overcome by your love.

They took your gifts as sweet promises that God would provide.

This week, the Halloran family learned they would receive an unexpected settlement payment from a "freak" accident last year. The amount? You guessed it. After they tithe, there will be enough to cover the rest of the adoption. With some left over.

Because that's How God works.

When He calls, He provides. All that we need. And so much more.

And what's the first thing the Hallorans have pledged to do after bringing these sweeties home?




Help the next adopting family in need of financial provision, of course!

Thank you, God! And thanks to all of you who are being used by God to give these girls hope and a future!

This Time Around

Dad/Baba/Randall here.

So, in case you hadn't heard, we're getting mighty close to going to China to adopt our next daughter. We could be in China THIS MONTH. Sure, we've done this before. But this time around is so very, very different.

This time we are much busier. We've got one more more child in the house and it's in the middle of the school year, right between the two busiest seasons in the Church Year (my professional calendar.) Last time, we were heading down the final stretch at the end of summer. Which also means that...

This time it's colder. Both here and in China. We'll be packing differently. Last time I brought only shorts. This time we'll have to have winter coats and heavier clothing.

This time the money is probably tighter, but I'm less worried about it.

This time around I'm far more concerned about how things will go between our new daughter and the kids waiting for her back home. Especially with Miss Mia. How will they get along? How will it work sharing Mama? (and everything else!) I'm also concerned for Mr. Gabe, who truly will be the middle child with two older brothers and two younger sisters. Will he feel left out?

This time around my wife has a diagnosed medical condition. But she also has a treatment plan. Last time it was lurking, and we had no plan.

This time around our daughter is three years older. She presumably knows more Mandarin. She may have more life understanding than our 2.75 year old did. What will it be like meeting an older child? How will it be similar? How will it be different?

This time around I'm more conscious of the trauma of this experience for the one being adopted. Last time I was pretty oblivious. Sure, I saw the "gotcha day" videos. I read the blogs. I read the books. But somehow, I missed the part about how utterly earth-shattering the process must be for the child. How potentially fearful and scary. How jarring. How confusing. How uncertain. This time, I'm thinking a lot more about that.

This time around my daughter's "special need" is visible. More obvious. How will others react to her in China and at home? It's more likely to cause physical challenges (we imagine) just getting around. How far can she really walk?

This time around I've actually been to China before. I've heard the sounds Sounds SOUNDS, and seen and breathed the smog. I've eaten the food. I've had the tea. I've gotten sick. I've seen amazing sights. I've seen beautiful people and ancient culture still alive today. This time I know what that plane ride might feel like. This time around I KNOW I want the massage. This time around I have the knowledge that comes through experience and not just by reading or watching someone else's video. But I suspect much will still feel brand new.

With that said, this time around I feel less prepared for the actual trip. I could be there THIS month and I feel horribly stymied. What do I do? How do I plan? I feel like I've forgotten.

This time around I've been less obsessed with the process. I've not been as hung up on timing and dates and WHEN WHEN WHEN?!? (OK. Except for maybe the last few weeks.)

This time around we have two other church families who may travel anywhere from simultaneously to two months apart.

This time around I want to buy the picture and not hem and haw and regret it later.

This time around I REALLY wish I knew some Mandarin. ugh. Ah. But THIS time around we know about google translator. (and sure hope it actually works and doesn't twist things around to say things like: "I'm a duck. Please take me to the beach.")

Maybe we shouldn't use google translator.

Anyway...

This time around, I've seen a VIDEO of my daughter before hand. WOW.

This time around the entire process has gone super fast because we started knowing this little girl from the beginning.

This time around I'm even more in love with my wife and excited to travel with her.

This time around I've known what it is like to have a daughter and can't wait for another one.

This time around Jesus is still the same yesterday, today and forever.

And that last part. Well, that ensures that this time around will be just fine and probably pretty awesome no. matter. what.

We're getting reeeeeally close!

She's coming! She's coming! I think that reality is finally sinking in. Violet is coming!

On Thursday, we received our last official notification....the next time we hear something official it will be word of travel approval! Sweet Violet will finally have a forever family! And maybe as soon as early February!

So....are we ready?

To love on her? Absolutely.

Everything else? Ummm...well, let's just say we've got some work to do....that is unless she doesn't mind wearing the same shirt every day and sleeping on the floor!