A time for prayer

 Wow... I just realized it has been really long time since I have written and man so much has changed since March.  I must confess I have been more passionate, frustrated and and dumbfounded over the last few months.  Does anyone else feel like there has been a whole lotta crazy going on?!?!?  Well, first I will update you on our adoption process and then... we'll just see where my words take me.

There have been a couple setbacks in our adoption process as of late, but that is not stopping us!  The Thai government shut down non essential business, just like other countries during quarantine which stopped all adoption processes temporarily. They have recently resumed and are slowly starting to approve adoptions once again.  This made a long process even longer for many adoptive applicants.  Thankfully the pandemic has been fairly well controlled in Thailand and I feel completely at peace for her health.  The most frustrating part of our process is now paperwork and red tape related.  Our agency discovered that she does not have the appropriate paperwork to be considered "adoptable."  This is partially due to the fact that she has a disability and that she does not have Thai citizenship (both of course which we were aware of).  Of the roughly 250 children at her orphanage, about 20 of them do not have this paperwork.  These cases do not usually even make it to the process of being assessed and shared with adoptive families, but I fully believe that we discovered Muaysai for a reason.  We are going to fight for our little girl no matter what.  Feeling somewhat hopeful, I drafted a letter to be translated into Thai which explained that we are the adoptive family waiting for this specific little girl.  I feel that the caseworkers there are likely overwhelmed, busy and just don't have the time to fight the red tape for her case.  I kindly pleaded for them to follow up on her paperwork so we can get this process moving.  You see, for me it isn't just a matter of adopting a child who needs a home, I need to bring our little girl home.  I am a firm believer in God's hand throughout this process.  I will not refute that lately this has seemed like an impossible feat, but she is worth fighting for.  We will continue to fight for her just like I would fight for any of my bio children.  This is where YOU come in.  I definitely believe in the power of prayer.  Will you join me us in specific prayer that this documentation will be filed and approved for little Muaysai?  Instead of a blockade, I am choosing to believe that this is an opportunity for God to show His faithfulness to us.  I confess, I have a little bit of negative self talk happening... like "what if it doesn't happen? what if she just has to live in that orphanage until she's an adult?"  I will not accept that, but I do need your help.  You all have helped us in so many ways before, your encouragement and financial support has been incredible.  So, I say please pray this intercessory prayer with me, 

"O Holy God who transcends all earthly knowledge. We praise you for your faithfulness despite the chaos and hate in our world.  Those things are not of You.  You are peace, love and kindness.  Help us to cling to Your will each day for our lives that we would be able to spread love, peace and kindness.  Lord, we believe that You are able to do great things, please use Your Spirit to flow through HSF orphanage today.  Please nudge the case workers and government officials to approve Muaysai's adoption documentation.  May they feel an overwhelming sense of urgency to help little Muaysai find her way home.  We lift this need up to you as we know You are capable of all things.  May this be a way that You can be glorified, show Yourself to us in this way.  I confess my worry and doubt and lift that to You.  We know you work all things together for good despite our limited understanding.  Please Lord, help her paperwork to be complete by Christmas.  Cover Muaysai with Your protection and love today.  We ask these things in Your name alone, Amen."

Thank you for praying that prayer with me.  I am not so self-absorbed to realize that there are struggles and pain happening in many of your lives as well, so know that I am also lifting you all up in prayer.  May we all be a community that prays more for each other.  I figure if we could all just take time to breathe deeply, pray and adjust our mindset each day in love, we can make this world a better place.  I am so thankful that it is not our final resting place.  May you all have a wonderful day and see the beauty all around.  Much love and peace for all.