So thankful...

We are so thankful for all of God’s rich blessings that He has continued to pour upon us!  We have not written a post lately because of the busyness of the Holidays and other goings on (see below). 

Here are some things we are thankful for:
God has continued to show us His provision and blessing of this adoption journey we are on.  After only 5 months of saving and fundraising we are about 1/3 of the way there!  We are both blown away at the ways God has chosen to provide these.

Michelle’s job at a local store. It has been a real blessing to have this consistent income that we have applied 100% towards the adoption fund.

Sam’s job.  It has remained stable in a turbulent economy and has been able to cover all of our regular expenses.

New horses boarding with us.  Some friends who are living out of state right now needed to move their beloved horses that were being boarded in the area.  We were asked about it and now have 2 new horses at the farm that we are caring for.  Another totally unexpected way that God is providing.

Giving from friends and family.  We are going public with our “Puzzle Fundraiser” that has been quite fun so far.  We have two puzzles and we are ‘selling’ pieces of the puzzles.  For every donation we will put the contributor’s name on a puzzle piece.  When completed we will frame the puzzles in a double sided frame so that our children can see all the names of those who helped bring them home.  We have sold over 40 pieces thus far – get your name on one before they are all gone!  If you have our mailing address just send a contribution there and include the name(s) you would like included.  If you don’t have it send an email to GoTeamSam@gmail.com and we will send you the info.  The 1000 piece puzzle pieces are $5 each and the 500 piece puzzle pieces are $10 each.  If God blesses us with two children through adoption, they will each have a puzzle of their own to remind them how many people loved, prayed and cared about them.

Adoption Tax Credit made permanent.  In all the last minute negotiations over the ‘Fiscal Cliff’ it was unclear if the Adoption Tax Credit would be included.  Thankfully part of what we were all seeking did make it!  The Credit is now permanent, meaning it will not have to be re-authorized in another session of Congress.  Although it is not refundable for special needs, which means those families would get a check upon adoption, it will help families by lowering their tax burden substantially for up to 5 years after the adoption.  We won’t bore you with the ins and outs, but this is a huge blessing for us and the other families who are in the process of adoption.

Concerns
We were shocked and disturbed – as most were – at the news from Russia on their decision to stop international adoptions to the United States.  It is appalling in so many ways.  There are hundreds of thousands of hurting children in Russian orphanages that need forever families who can give them love and proper medical care.  The families that have been part of the Russia program for years are now struggling to negotiate the next steps.  Many have already been matched with children and met them face to face.  It is heart wrenching to think about.  PLEASE be in prayer for these children and families.  Pray that the Russian officials would change their minds and reverse this decision.

Other Prayer Requests

Ability to focus on our paperwork.  We have a milestone that is not far ahead, but a lot more work lies on the other side of it.  We are praying for perseverance. 

Fundraising.  As we said earlier, we are so encouraged by the outpouring of support from our friends and family.  We prayer for continued gifts and opportunities to earn money towards this beautiful journey we are on.

Orphans.  We are following several blogs that show us some of the reality that is the orphan crisis in this world.  The needs are dramatic.  The conditions miserable.  The numbers overwhelming.  BUT the families that are ahead of us on this journey are amazing.  They are beautiful vessels that God is using to make a difference for His Glory to be magnified.  Pray for them as they raise funds, travel, have surgeries, encounter road blocks, and are exhausted. 

Thank you friends for being a part of this journey.  Great are His Wonders.