Hi everyone! Wow. What a month it's been. As I sit here, trying to organize my thoughts, I am so joyfully reminded that God has been so, so good. My (Kimberly's) testimony so far through this journey has been seeing that my anxiety-ridden, controlling-sin-nature self has been in (almost) perfect peace throughout this whole process! To God be the glory. You know, I just can't explain it. I know it's our sweet Lord who has chosen to bless me with peace and faith to walk this adoption journey, with all of it's typical twists and turns, in peace. "You will keep him in perfect peace, who's mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You." Isaiah 26:3. I am so very thankful for His grace. I wanted to share this as to bring glory to our Lord!
We have so much to update you on. Where to start?... Well, as you know we originally felt a pull toward South Korea as we took the first steps toward obedience in adoption. Then, as you also know, Korea decided to close their doors and things got a little crazy with them allowing certain amounts of children out of the country per year. Therefore, we realized God was closing the door. Next, we talked with some sweet friends about an orphanage in Taiwan they were adopting from. It was more like a private adoption and it was much, much cheaper. We emailed the missionaries who own the orphanage they were adopting from, only to find out their hearts were for families without any children. We did not meet that criteria. Another closed door. Then, at our yard sale (more to come about how it went!), we were greeted by a sweet friend who began talking to us about adopting from Guatemala. After much praying and waiting, we learned that (as perfect as the situation seemed) the U.S. is not currently processing adoptions from Guatemala. We know we serve a big God who holds the keys of the king(s') hearts in His hand to do with what He chooses (Prov. 21:1); however, we felt that this door was tightly shut for now. Maybe will be re-opened for a future adoption... who knows! This girl loves to dream =).
We are SO thankful for a God who moves the wind (and our hearts) wherever He so chooses. What a big, complex plan He has. Everything that has happened so far has taught us a lot about the process of adoption, as well as bought us time (so-to-speak) to raise enough money to start the process with an adoption agency! We weren't sure that an agency was the way to go (as they are the more expensive route), but now feel very comfortable with it. Although, you never know what God's going to do next- haha!
One cool thing about this journey so far is the way God has shaped our hearts for ALL of the nations. Both Nathan and I are fine wherever God so calls us to adopt. We have just grown so fond of so many different nations and the orphans in them. Thank you, God, for shaping our hearts to look a little more like Yours.
Where are we now? Well, we've decided to go with an adoption agency that is close by: Lifeline. They are located in Birmingham and we've already been in contact with the lady who most likely will be doing our homestudy (as we thought the Guatemala adoption was on a roll and went ahead and contacted her). I feel as if we've talked with many people who have gone through this agency (domestically and internationally) and no one has had anything negative to say! We have a peace about selecting Lifeline and are moving forward with our application! We have enough money raised to cover the application fee ($250) and the first steps which includes part of the homestudy ($2700). All we have to do is choose a country. After looking through the list of countries, there are only two in which we meet the qualifications (age and marriage) and where the orphans are younger than Caitlyn. These are Ethiopia and Uganda.
We are currently praying about which, if either (to be sure), we will choose. Please pray with us!! Pray for wisdom from our Father as to which He would have us choose.
Now, as if this post weren't long enough(!), I want to give you a quick update on the yard sale! WOW! That's all I can say. We were blessed with so much stuff!! Not only that, but we were also blessed with sweet friends and family who helped. We couldn't have done it without you guys! The Lord provided $2700 (including donations)! Thank you all from the bottom of our hearts- all who donated, all who helped, all who prayed, and all who shopped. God is good.
In the near future: Pampered Chef Fundraising Party (October 22nd) and a 5K (in November). More details to come! (No worries, you won't have to wait another full month for an update!)
*ALSO* We have lowered our t-shirt prices! Instead of $17/shirt, we are asking $10 + any extra (if any) you can give! We need to sell them ASAP. Please let your friends and family know if you think they'd be interested. Thank you!!
Thank you for your support- even to read our long posts!! Now on to paperwork and more fundraising! Please keep praying!
Oh and, lastly, here's my favorite adoption story of the week: Take a sec to watch it- you'll love it!!
To Him be the Glory,
The Neelys
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