Meet Fana

Meet Fana!  It is amazing to see how the Lord can work even though you have no clue until all of the pieces come together and it all makes perfect sense.  Sunday at our church, Northstar (which we love by the way) we had an organiztion introducing us to a ministry called Bethany Christian Services.  Their current push is to unite families in Knoxville, TN with children in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.  At first I was thinking they were looking for people to start seeking adoption and at that point my mind was interested but my heart tells me to continue our steps in starting fertility treatments at this time.  There are lots of people I know that want nothing more than to adopt but my heart was never there and the Lord has never spoke to me about doing that.  The Lord though I think has different plans for the future. 

We heard the presentation and found out that they were looking for sponsorship for these children so they can have basis necessities like food, shelter, clothing, healthcare, education and most importantly be ministered thru this Christian Organization and learn about Jesus and how much he loves them.  The Lord started pricking my selfish heart and said that this is something he wants for our family to contribute to.  Well I never told Terrance I wanted to participate but I prayed and asked the Lord if this is something he wants for us he would move Terrance towards wanting to do this.  Immediately after the service without me saying a word Terrance went to the table and picked up this precious little girl, Fana.  We are so excited to be contributing to her and help her to have a future and for her to get to learn about Jesus as her Savior.  We are so excited to welcome her in our family and we can't wait to start interacting with her.  Even though we haven't met this cutie we can't stop thinking about her wondering what she is like, what she does on a daily basis, and what her life has been like.  We are praying for the Lord's protection on her life and pray that the Lord will use her. 

We will see where the Lord will lead us but all I can say is that he is good, faithful, and knows what is best always.  More updates will come on Fana when we hear from her. 

A couple of funny things Terrance says that her and I look alike because I have big hair too and that he could picture me taking her picture and telling her to show her teeth cause that is the way I am with pictures and I always fuss at him for that.  :)  Also it says on her info about her that she likes math, and wants to be a bank manager pointing out, "that's where all the money is" .  She sounds like Terrance.  :)  This little 8 year old has our heart already. 

To learn more about sponsorship or adoption you can check out bethany at www.bethanyonefamily.org/knoxville

God Bless~Stephanie

Peace

"Your name is a strong and mighty tower,
Your name is a shelter like no other,
Your name, let the nations sing it louder,
Cause nothing has the power to save,
But Your name"

I am here today about 1 1/2 months away from starting fertility treatments and for the most part I have the Lord's peace but the devil is wanting to play his part with my mind.  I would ask that my friends continue to lift us up in your prayers when you think of us because I know the Lord is up to something big and I don't want the devil to have any type of glory in making me question that. 
Today I was catching up on my daily devotionals and it was amazing the theme they all followed.

" I (the Lord) am involved in every moment of your life.  I have carefully mapped out every inch of your journey thru this day, even though much of it may feel haphazard I am in control."
Paraphrased from Psalm 18:30 and Isiah 41:13

"Relax in my healing, holy presence.  Be still, while I transform your heart and mind.  Let go of the cares and worries, so that you can receive my Peace." 
Paraphrased from Psalm 46:10 and 1 John 3:2


I think the Lord is trying to tell me something, ok Lord I will rest in you.

Also I would also ask for your prayers for a good friend of mine that is currently doing invitro, which I believe is for the final time and pray for the Lord's touch.  She desperatly wants children and the Lord knows her and her husband's heart. 

You know I never dreamed back when I first got married that this would be my journey.  I have always wanted children and I thought it would easy since everyone in my family has had no issues so naturally it should be easy for me.  Then when the doctor tells you otherwise I felt desperate because the only way it will happen is if the Lord intervenes and he may chose to use a doctor to assist or he may do it on his own.  You never know how you would feel or what you would do have unless you have experienced this for yourself  .  I have heard some criticize invitro or other methods of assisting in pregnancy but my feelings on this is the Lord allowed the doctors this knowledge and he is the ONLY ONE that can make it happen, a doctor can only do so much but the Lord is the one that breaths life in that child.  I see this as being no different than going to the doctor to help with an illness. 

I am firm believer in the Lord' s perfect plan and I am seeing it unfold and I am very excited but I know one thing this journey has caused me to be a different person.  A more compassionate person for other women and I pray the Lord continues to use me to minister for his glory.

~God Bless,
Stephanie