A New Perspective

I'm going to take a break from adoption posts to post a few things I'm passionate about...

Starting January 9th, I've been spending every Monday night attending a class called Perspectives. It's been an opportunity for me to learn about God's heart for all peoples and discover more about the World Christian Movement. I wish I could share all that I've learned in class...articles that are challenging me to grow, statistics that make my heart cry, and some of the mind-blowing stories I've heard, but that would take forever. Instead, I'm going to allow to you click here so you can go directly to the Perspectives site. If you do have a chance to take the course, do it!

Every once in awhile I find myself learning something that makes my heart explode with love for God. One of these things is meditating on the idea that of how global and big our God is. Instead of using words to share what I mean...I thought I would share a few links and videos to help explain:

Operation World 

 Learn how you can better pray for the world

http://prayercast.com/uniquepcast/shine 

I love this video!

http://harvestmediaministry.com/State_Gospel_Full.htm

A presentation that explains the shift of Christianity from the western world to the majority world (60% of Christians today are non-western). Very interesting.

After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, (Rev 7:9)




Lifesong Update


For those of you who have generously given and been involved in Lifesong Ethiopia, I thought I would share a video of Gary and Peggy Ifft. For those of you who don't know, Lifesong is using their leadership in Misgana Ministries to do amazing work in Ethiopia.

http://petermakesthings.com/moving-things/gary-peggy/ 




FAM (Foster, Adoption, Mentoring)


FAM is hosting a "Comedy for a Cause" night at Kingdom Academy on April 22nd from 6:30-8:30. Tickets are $25 and 100% of proceeds will got to FAM. I have lots of tickets to sell, so please let me know if you are interested!


Lastly, I have a prayer request from my cousin Sarah Stoller. They (Jeff and Sarah) received a baby boy referral last Monday. This beautiful little guy needs our prayers regarding his inability to gain weight. Here is the link to her blog to learn more: http://jsstoller04.blogspot.com/

Adoption video #2

Jon was able to surprise his good friend Jon Gerst with our referral news when they met for breakfast last Saturday morning. Jon had hid Josiah's picture in the menu and apparently Jon Gerst thought it was part of the menu at first:~) It's a bit cut off, but I love the surprise factor.

Adoption video

Being able to share this incredible news with family and friends has been an unforgettable experience. From the bottom of our hearts, we thank each and every one of you for the prayers and support you have given us. It means the world to see and hear the excitement as well as the tears of joy from you all as you join us in celebrating this miracle. 

I plan on posting more of our weekend later on, but I want to share a video that makes me tear up every time I watch it.

A little background. It was early Saturday morning and Jon stopped by his grandparent's house to surprise them with the news. In case you are wondering why grandpa is intrigued by the card, you must know that it was a gothic looking biblical scene that was on the front. It was the only card we owned that was long enough to hide the picture. Seeing the look of surprise on both of their faces, followed by grandma's tears, is unforgettable.

REFERRAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

(it's a boy!)

2/18/12 (Early Saturday)

I can't sleep. The excitement of the last 24 hours has been surreal, amazing,... and perfect. Last night as I was praying, I was overwhelmed of how much my prayers had changed overnight. Isn't life such an adventure? I've been up since 3:30 this morning just to look at his picture again. His gorgeous skin, dark eyes, and long lashes. Not to mention his tight, curly hair. I'm giddy about the day...I can't wait to tell more family and friends. Tomorrow I plan on going home to surprise my mom, sister, and some extended family. With all this in mind, my mind is going a mile a minute. Anyway, I was trying to to think of a task that would induce at least a little sleepiness, so I thought of blogging. I plan on making our referral/adoption more than one post, so bear with me.

Backtracking a bit...

2/17/12 (Friday)

Referral Day! (1 day short of waiting 15 months)

It was a typical Friday. I was a bit discouraged heading into work. Holt (our agency) had been telling us for a few weeks now, that it could be anytime that we get our referral. But we still hadn't heard anything, so I expected Friday to be the same.

12:30- Holt calls Jon to tell him she has GOOD news! She tells him that they have a referral for an eight month old boy.

12:40- Jon calls me at work. The conversation goes like this:

(I'm extremely busy at work as this point, and annoyed that I have yet another phone call to answer)

Beth-I answer in my typical nurse intro. I don't hear anything. I try again...HELLO?

Jon-muffled...it's Jon

Beth- Who?

Jon- It's Jon. How's it going today?

Beth- (my heart literally starts pounding...is it really THE CALL?) Busy. What's up?

Jon- Well, your going to be a mother

Beth- (flustered). Umm...hold on. (I run to bathroom)

Inside the employee bathroom I hear the amazing news that Jon and I have a son! It felt like I was in a dream. I remember saying "Tell me everything!" Right at that moment, Jon received the first pictures and was able to describe to me how breathtaking he is. Wow. How do you process all of this? Jon and I both couldn't talk long. A few hours later I was finally able to sneak out to "eat." As I engulfed my food, I opened one picture after another. Over and over. I wish I could accurately describe what that moment felt like. So many emotions and amazement all at once. I didn't want to tell anyone at work, until I had shared it with my manager and supervisor. So I walked around with this amazing secret all day:~) When I got home that night, the energy and and excitement were palpable. As we poured over his pictures and paperwork- we started plotting our "revealing of the referral plan" for the weekend. An unforgettable night!

“My soul magnifies the Lord,

 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior"