Man, I need to update!

We seem to be in one of those "hurry up and wait" patterns at the moment. Our dossier was submitted successfully, and our USCIS immigration has been approved. So right now, we're just waiting on approval and invitation from the Ukrainian government. In the meantime, we have been sending letters out to family and friends to let them know about the adoption, as well as to ask for support both in prayer, emotionally, and financially. We have also been preparing our home, and prayerfully considering what the Lord is asking of us. After praying, thinking, and talking with others, we made the decision that once we are in Ukraine we will petition to adopt a little boy. We know some of his background and a little about his personality, and we already feel like he's ours. His name will be Asher Samuel. Most likely we will incorporate his Ukrainian name into his name, but we're not allowed to divulge that at this point. We chose the name Asher because it's meaning is "blessing" or "happy". If you could have seen the pictures of his sweet smile, you would know why this seems so apt. Addie is so ready for him to be here. With money she got for Christmas, she bought him some toys and crayons, and has placed them in his room, which we also completed over the holidays. So right now, we're just waiting for the word that we can come get our boy! Right now, we need prayer for the following:


1) That Dave, the girls, and I will be prepared for the separation we will have to endure for a few weeks while we go over initially to complete the court dates and referral. I have never been away from my kids for longer than a few days, and this is really getting me down. I know we'll have Skype, but still... I will miss being able to hold them, kiss, them and just be near them.


2) That the Lord will provide protection for us, both physically in health and well-being , and spiritually. There is nothing more that our enemy hates than family, and I know he is going to do everything he can to stop us.


3) That the Lord will be preparing our hearts and Asher's heart to bond us together as a family.


4) That God will provide the rest of the money that we need. We're getting closer, but not quite there yet. We had been so worried, but from the least likely source, we got a very generous gift at Christmas.


5)... And anything else the Lord places on your hearts for us. We're trying to follow what He wants from us, and sometimes our own selves get in the way. But the Lord is faithful to give us more than we have asked or imagined, if we can just set ourselves aside.


Thanks so much for your prayers!!!


Here is a picture of Asher's completed room. Of course he has a UK pillow pet and UK jacket we got him already. Gotta raise this boy right!