God With Us

     It is four days before Christmas, and my heart skipped a little when I opened my email this morning to see pictures of Katie receiving her Christmas gifts from us.  Funny that just as we were going to bed last night I whispered to Dan that I am secretly yearning that the orphanage would share some photos of Katie with us when she gets our care package.  The last time I wrote, I shared some parts of my hurting heart before going to bed one night and asked for prayers that we would hear something from Katie's caregivers.  Some of you prayed, and the very next morning I received updated pictures of our little girl.  I am sure some would say these are coincidences, or say "oh, how lucky".  But I know that my God knows just want I need, and the Holy Spirit intercedes on my behalf and through your heartfelt prayers when I myself can't find the words to pray.  

                                                                                Christmas gifts for Katie!

    So this holiday season, I am thankful and beyond blessed by people like you who have taken time to read, stop and pray, and cover us and dear Katie with your prayers.  It means more than you know!  Thank you to those that reach out and take the time to message us.  Your words of encouragement give us hope that so many are joining us on this journey, supporting us and that we are not alone.  Yesterday I wrote these words to a friend that has her own current struggle she is facing: "Oh how the evil one wants us to stay silent and suffer alone.  There is power in community and sharing this life together...its ups and downs."  I share because maybe there is another who understands or someone else who needs to hear.  I share so you know how you can best join us and pray, and also maybe as I choose to be open and honest, others might do the same.  There is a song by Matthew West that floors me every time I hear it.  He says it better than I can, so take a listen here: 

https://youtu.be/qbaMFZS11Nw

    As for adoption updates, there really isn't much to report.  No one is allowed to visit the orphanage where Katie is because of concern for the virus and the safety of the kids.  So our missionary friends that have made it back to China and are living there have not been able to see Katie or minister to the orphanage as they have in the past.  We have no contact with Katie except through a Chinese woman named Helen that has established a relationship with our adoption agency.  Through Helen's services, I can pay for updates, pictures or videos, and send gifts.  I received some pictures last month and just this morning which allows us to see Katie's smiling face and know that she is well.   Our adoption agency reaches out frequently to let us know they are praying for us and to report if there are any changes or movement happening on the foreign adoption front.  I have asked that they reach out even when there aren't any changes because even hearing there is no news is better than silence. 

    In preparation for Christmas, I have been reading through the book of Isaiah.  Just this morning I came across a verse that has often been a source of comfort during this time of waiting, suffering, and confusion surrounding the adoption and even our world circumstances.  Isaiah 55:8-9 says, '"My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts", says the Lord. "And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine.  For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts."'  In my own human mind, if I try to make sense of any of this, I fail.  But just moments before those verses, God says, "Come to me with your ears wide open.  Listen, and you will find life." (Isaiah 55:3).  Each time I choose to lay my own understanding aside and pick up His word I find hope, comfort, and peace.  For still in this same chapter in verse 11, God says, "It is the same with my word.  I send it out, and it always produces fruit.  It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it."  When I take time to listen (not just hear like my kids hear my voice when I am asking them to clean their room), but truly choose to be still and know the voice of God, He reveals himself and I know He is with me.  

    The truth of God's presence is all around us this time of year if we read the Christmas story, hear the messages of Advent preached, or take in the words of our all too familiar Christmas songs.  Emmanuel, God With Us, is not just a reminder to me that I am not alone in my struggles, but that He is also halfway around the world with Katie too.  I can trust that He sees her and provides for all her needs just as He cares and comforts me.  This year has had its ups and downs for all of us in some way.  We were never meant to try and do any of this on our own.  I thank you for those who have come alongside me on my journey, and I pray that each of you would experience the true Emmanuel, God With Us, this week as we celebrate Christmas.  


                                                                               Crazy haired Katie in a new outfit!



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