- 11/30/2007 12:57:12 PMUnder $5,000While I don't have the exact numbers in front of me, last night my beautiful wife told me that we are somewhere under $5,000 away from having the total amount. That makes me feel better.
We have had a very stressful week. Through this entire process there have always been ups and downs. For nearly each high point, there is at least one associated low point. It's appearance is almost like clock work. I wondered, "do other people have this much trouble?".
The most recent high point would be the large donations we've received since the last fund raising event. That put us under $6,000. It was immediately followed by news that the likelihood of us getting our 10 day stay in Moscow waived is close to "zero". Apparently the Russian prosecutor doesn't like that and is putting a stop to it. Most of the other regions already do not permit the 10 days to be waived, so this makes sense that the region we are adopting from would fall in line with the rest of them. While I don't mind staying so much, it translates into more days away from my other children and about $3,500 in cash.
The second low point is the accreditation of the adoption agency in Russia. While in some respects that is a good thing, it does account for over $2,000 in cash. Had they not gotten their accreditation, we would have proceeded with an "independent adoption" with the very capable team of people from the Russian Orphan Lighthouse Project.
All totaled, both of these 2 items account for nearly $6,000 in expenses. Had they not happened, we'd be at our goal now. Peggy commented, "I guess God has other plans". Indeed... other plans.
In contemplating the reasons why things are unfolding they way they are, I have only come to one solid conclusion: We have attracted the attention of Satan himself. We have asked our church to be involved and many have boldly stepped up to the plate. The Holy Spirit is moving and working in the lives of people all around us. I guess I should feel good about that. If Satan thinks what I'm doing is of no threat, what does that say about what I'm doing? Not much.
Lord, help me to hold on to You tightly with the spiritual grip of Abraham. Help me to not see with my eyes but with my faith. Help me to rest on your promise and the work you are actively doing in my life.
