As I sit here and write this post, my heart is full to overflowing at the goodness of our God.
You know, my son Joel has always felt a special connection to our oldest daughter Abigail. This is because when we were first given the opportunity to adopt her, we had a very serious discussion with Joel. He had always said that we shouldn’t adopt more than 3 more children. He felt very strongly that any more than that would take too much of his parent’s time and attention. However, after much prayer, Joel came to us and said that he felt like God wanted us to add this special girl to our family.
He has faithfully prayed for Abigail throughout the last 6 months. When we arrived in Ethiopia and were told that her adoption would require 6-9 months to complete, that we would have to leave her in Ethiopia, and that we would have to make another trip back here before she could join our family, Joel refused to believe it. He has prayed every night that we could adopt Abigail this trip.
I let him pray, but I told him that this wouldn’t be a possibility.
When he pressured me and asked me just how likely it would be that we could bring her home this time, I told him we had about a 1% chance.
And now I sit here tonight looking at the other side of the mountains that only our God could have moved.
Scott has been in Harar again this week visiting Abigail and working on her paperwork. He just called to tell me that he has the VERY LAST document she needs and that he will be heading back to to Addis tomorrow – with Abigail!
She will be going to an orphanage here while we wait for the courts to finalize her adoption. Usually when you request a court date, it takes a few weeks to find an opening in the court callendar. However, in this situation, the judge is aware of our case and of the fact that her siblings are already living with us. There is every reason to believe that Abigail will become a Putnam before the end of next week.
Did you catch that?
As of this moment, unless something crazy happens, ABIGAIL WILL BECOME A PART OF OUR FAMILY AND MAKE THE TRIP BACK TO AMERICA WITH US!!!!
Oh, to have the faith of a child. How much my son has modeled for me in this situation. Trust in our mighty God when facing seemingly insurmountable mountains. Faithfulness in prayer. Unbelievable joy in the answering of those prayers.
Please continue praying with us that no obstacles delay or prevent this process. Be praying that we can travel home together as a family of 8 very soon!
My pastor shared the following thoughts a few weeks ago.
He is Jehovah Jireh, so he provides your needs.
He is Jehovah Raphe, so he heals your brokenness and disease.
He is Jehovah Rohi, so he stands as guardian and shepherd of your soul.
He is Jehovah Tsidkenu, so he has washed your festered sins away, and lovingly robed you in the righteousness of Christ.
He is Jehovah Shalom, and his peace is your birthright.
He is Jehovah Shammah, and he is there in your darkest hour and your brightest day.
He is Jehovah Tsabaoth, and he girds up his arms to go to war for his child.
He is El Elyon, the God Most High, and there is no power that can stand against him.
He is El Gibbor, the mighty God, and the strengthener of your hands.
You can REST in this God.
You can TRUST this God.
You can ENJOY this God forever.
AMEN & AMEN!!
AND HE will provide all that you need in order to raise these children He has entrusted to you. The ONLY eternal things in this life are our souls. He careth for you!!
ALLELUIA!!
Mom
Every morning, I can’t wait to see if you have posted an update. My heart is so full of joy for you and your family!! As you have faithfully trusted the Lord, He has been faithful to meet your needs and I have been blessed to read them. You have blessed me through your words and I’m thankful for your blog.
Continuing to pray for health and speedy paperwork!
This is a heavenly post to read. Between God, siblings prayers, and Superman Scott, everything has been accomplished. Continuing the prayers.
Such WONDERFUL news!!! Can you feel all of us smiling?? We will continue praying for all of you! 🙂 🙂
How wonderful!!!!!!!!
Jehovah Jireh – He provides a sympathetic judge!
Hallelujah!! I’m picturing that little girl going for an airplane ride with her new daddy. Wow!
Wow! This is amazing! We are so excited for you! Keeping up the prayer from here.
How GREAT is our GOD!!!!
Wow…just wow. Every one of your posts is so filled with the Lord…I am sooo excited and happy for you guys!!!! God never ceases to amaze. Love you soon to be 8 Putnam’s!!
You all bring tears to my eyes each time I read your blog! The heart of Jesus is so beautiful in all of you! God is so AMAZING & FAITHFUL! God bless YOUR GREAT 8!
We just returned from Alaska last night and I have missed your posts. I sat here crying at the goodness of our God and I marveled at the heart of your son Joel. I am so overwhelmed with joy for your family. I love you my friend. Love, Susan