Prayer

Genesis 21:16-17

¹⁶ Then she went off and sat down nearby, about a bowshot away, for she thought, "I cannot watch the boy die." And as she sat there nearby, she began to sob.

¹⁷ God heard the boy crying, and the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven and said to her, "What is the matter, Hagar? Do not be afraid; God has heard the boy crying as he lies there.

It wasn't too long ago when Lanisa and I were moved to adopt again. This time we wanted to consider a boy with special needs. (Boys in China are usually not given up for adoption. Only when they have something 'wrong' with them are they placed in an orphanage). Lanisa knew early on that this was what we needed to do. I was slightly more hesitant to the things unknown.

We told Holt Adoption Agency that we wanted to start the process again. There is a new program called, "Child of Promise" that is designed to place children who do not have severe disabilities, but things that would be called 'mild disabilities'. And at the time, we had been given the opportunity to meet up with one of the pioneers of cleft lip surgery, so we had a resource to help with a child with a cleft lip/palette.

Very soon after giving Holt our intentions, we received the call that there was a child who needed a home. We ran to our computer to get our email with all of Guan Run Wen's (Jordan's) information on it. We knew that God had placed us together, in HIS special plan. So we knew he was ours, and we were his.

I am deeply moved by Lanisa's faith in this journey. It has been unswerving. Tested: yes. Nonetheless unswerving. I can't imagine the emotions of a mom waiting for her child. I try to, but I know I don't really understand. As a father, I know the weight(and wait) is heavy. But for a mom, that's when I know Lanisa's faith in our Lord is strong. Since getting our first and only pictures of Jordan last October, this has been a growing time.

As we get ready for our trip in a couple of weeks, can you pray for us? Not just to be ready with all our packing/travel needs. But mainly for Jordan, Malia, and the foster family. Jordan will be having a total life change. His language, his environment, his family, his food, etc. Can you pray that the Lord calms his heart and that his transition into his new family is a smooth, anointed one. For Malia, that as she is away from Lanisa and I for 12 days, that her time with auntie/uncle/Drake & Sabrina is a time full of a lot of joy with no separation anxiety. (this is hard not taking Malia with us). And please pray for the foster parents who have been caring for Jordan for the last year, that the Lord will minister to their hearts during this time of loss.

Lanisa and I would also appreciate your prayer as we need traveling protection. It's a long journey in China, and we would covet your prayers. Please also pray for strength, sensitive hearts, and protection.

Thank you for all your support. It's been a huge help!

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