God is SO FAITHFUL!!

Well....this week we have heard from our social worker to get things rolling!! We are very excited about that.  She told us that at Lifeline they had been praying for families to step up and adopt little boys...especially in the age range we are looking at 4-7.  Which that is just another blessing and confirmation for us to hear.  She said there were so many little boys that get overlooked because most people want to adopt the girls.  Honestly...I did not realize there were so many boys that were needing adopting there...I thought it was mostly girls.  We learn new things all the time!! :)
We also found out from our social worker we can begin to do our fingerprints and begin the Home Study process with  DHR.  This time around because Mark's parents live on our property...they have to participate in the background checks with DHR and the ABI and FBI fingerprinting.  It makes sense...but we didn't even think how our living situation would make things slightly different this time around!
GOD'S PROVISION
I am most excited to share with you all the awesome things God is doing to provide!  We were SO BLESSED by a lady at church on Sunday.  She came up to us with such joy in her heart and gave us money that she had set aside to go toward bringing our little boy home.  You will NEVER KNOW how much every single dime is cherished and a testimony of God's faithfulness!! It is such a blessing!! Thank you SO MUCH!!
Some more amazing news that we got this last week! My Aunt, who we all call Cha Cha, is SUCH a blessing as well!! She is SO GOOD at coming up with fundraising ideas and stuff.  She has helped us raise a portion of our first $2600 due NOW!! I was So blown away!! God is faithful once again.  When HE sets forth a vision...HE also sets forth the provision.  I just HAD to share that because it is such a testimony of the awesome things God can do!! BTW....my aunt does awesome Easter Baskets...so if you'd like to pre-order some for your kiddos...let me know! She can do them at any price for you!! They're awesome!
DIVINE APPOINTMENTS
For almost 4 years we have been trying to get a story illustrated that was given to Buffi from the Lord.  It is basically Sadie's adoption story and it is a beautiful story that would make a wonderful children's book.  Through the years we have tossed around several ideas of things we could do with the book but it just never surfaced and nothing ever came of it.  (Not even thinking God may use it to help us with our 2nd adoption!!) Anyway...I am honored and SO BLESSED that our friend Stephanie Presley said she feels like illustrating the book is something she would like to do to help with our adoption.  Stephanie and Todd are missionaries in Wales and have an amazing ministry themselves there. 

 It just blessed my heart that she would be open to take the time to illustrate this story.  I KNOW that just like the words of this sweet story are God breathed...these illustrations will be as well!! Pray for her as she starts these pictures that God will inspire her and so that it will be exactly as He wants. And while you're praying for her...pray for their family as they minister in Wales!!   I know they would truly appreciate it!!
We believe once this book is complete...it will be a blessing to ANY family who has adopted, who wants to adopt, or who loves to read to their children or grandchildren precious fairy tales!! We hope to get it finished and ready to sell to help us raise funds for our adoption.  Please be in prayer for this.  We will keep you updated on the progress and would LOVE IT if you would like to purchase one when it's completed!!
We have a few other things planned for fund raisers!! We'll keep you posted on it!! As always...we so appreciate your prayers through this process. Prayer makes it possible!  There is something new everyday for us to work toward and it is exciting to watch God move.  We look forward to the day when He shows us who our little boy is!!! I cannot wait to see his little face!! :) Blessings on you guys!! We will keep you posted!!
Mark & Buffi