Thankful

First, we cannot put into words the complete gratefulness and thankfulness we feel for every single one of you who have prayed, encouraged, and followed us on this journey so far. 

Thank you.  I am still walking around in awe of the fact that God chose to show us his mercies on Friday.  I woke up Friday morning with a song running through my head.

“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end. They are new every morning, new every morning, great is your faithfulness, Oh Lord, great is your faithfulness.”

I lay in bed awake most of Thursday night, and spent that time thinking of  Desta, our family and what was going on in Ethiopia.  I asked God for many things, some big, some small.  You know the big ones, here are a few of the small things that God also graciously granted me.

- Allow Matt to be home when we heard the news (the phone call came at 6:30 am and I got to wake him up with the good news!)

- Formula:  The food budget is going to get a major hit by the formula Desta needs for the next several months.  To the tune of $60 a week.  God’s answer has been two fold. 1.  After speaking with the pediatrician on Friday, they asked if I needed any formula.  Yep, I am getting a flat of formula to take to Ethiopia with us and more for when we get home.  2.  I found out about some places in our town that sell the formula for a 1/3 off. 

- Diapers.  I got a call from Virginia, a wonderful woman who works in the nursery at our church.  There have been so many Sundays when I’ve gone to church and have been greeted by her sweet encouraging words, bright smile and hug.  She called me and said they had some itty bitty diapers they don’t need.  Would we?  Yes, what Desta can’t use in Ethiopia, we’ll leave for the babies in the TH (Transition Home)  

-Baby clothes and gear:  While we had asked for a young baby, I had never anticipated getting a four month old.  I had given away most of our baby gear and clothes to other families.  When we got our referral I realized that we did not have any baby stuff left in the house.  I have been overwhelmed with the generosity of so many friends as well as people who hardly know me. 

Desta will be the best dressed little girl!  My sister’s baby girl, who is about 2 weeks younger than Desta, has been busy growing.  Desta even gets to wear some of her cousin’s gorgeous clothes.  The money saved from having to buy clothes, baby supplies and carriers is just astounding.  We’ve been able to put the money we would have spent back into our adoption expenses.  WOW!

These things may seem small but they are our daily bread.  I have been learning about sacrificial giving this year. I have been learning and living on a budget and making sure that what God has given us is used in the best way possible.  It’s been a year of change for me.  It hasn’t been easy and I have often forgot about all the simple ways God provides for our basic needs.  This blogger has a “Thankful Thursday” post each week.  I’m a few days late but so thankful nonetheless.

So this day, this Sunday, I am resting in wonder of God’s goodness. I continue to pray for the health of our dear little girl in Ethiopia, waiting for us (I know you don’t know it baby girl, but there are a whole bunch of people here waiting to hold you!) and I am thankful!