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Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Why Do We Do What We Do ???

I know some people look at us and wonder ... Why would you put yourselves through the waiting, the fundraising, the pain of all the unknowns, the sacrifice of sharing so much (time, money, material things, energy, sleep, and yourself) and I have two simple answers ... Picture 1 and Picture 2  ... I mean look at those faces that just scream, "I will help you see God clearer,"  "I will bring you joy you never dreamed of," "I will touch lives of people you don't know," and "I will surely bring peace and strength!"  ... I am a thankful woman today that God has chosen these two children for our family and I am thankful the journey will teach us much ... patience, suffering, love, joy, sorrow, hope, and an understanding of more of God's children ... I have never been to Africa, even though I know so much about it and it is deep in my soul ... I can imagine all the things I will see that are very unfamiliar to me and I can try to prepare myself, but I know this journey will not be like anything I have in my head and what a vulnerable place to be ... Funny though because I think GOD wants us to stay vulnerable, so we will stay dependent upon HIM ... The last two days have been hard and spent in prayer for my sweet sister Suzanne and there is another friend in Uganda bringing home her child ... We will cover them all in prayer and we will surround Amani (Staff, volunteers, mamas, and children) with special prayers because they face all that Africa has daily and they do it voluntarily ... They are there serving everyday !!!

Lord make our path straight as we walk blindly forward with you ...

23 kind words.:

Kim said...

LOVE the photos..
I sooo cannot wait to see those two in your arms..
LOVE YA SISTER...

We Are Family said...

I just returned from Africa less than a month ago. (meeting our babies) I am still trying to find the words to descibe my experience. We are no strangers to international adoption. But this part of our journey has me FOREVER changed. God Bless you. I pray your time in Africa changes the landscape of your life. I have a good feeling it will :)

Unknown said...

Lord make our path straight as we walk blindly forward with you ...

AMEN!

Praying that same prayer for myself!

Oh those two precious faces - YUMMY!

Can't wait for them to be home in your arms forever!

Big hugs and much love!
Jill
Soon to be blessed Mom of 9!

KT said...

YES!
glad to hear from you and hear God's working in your heart.
Joseph and Daisy God is with you and mighty to save, he will cover you with his wings,
your mama is coming

Cindy Hannah said...

So true. We haven't been called to an easy life but to a life surrendered to the call of God. It is in that life that we experience who we really are and have been made to be.
You are an inspiration to me and I'm glad we are in this together. Love you.

Renee Click said...

Gwen, they are too cute! I know you can't wait to get there! I hope it is very soon!
Renee Click

Unknown said...

Amen and amen!

"Are These Kids All Yours?" said...

What can I say - those pics make my heart leap with joy! Because they are going to know a family- - God's design for family. They will maybe never really understand all the heart and soul that went into it. The shear worry for them. The waiting that drives everyone insane. They will know- GOD! In the true form. They will see it in a family that answered God's call to come across the ocean to a foreign land to find THEM! A vision only God can give!

Intentional Living Homestead said...

Oh Gwen, what beautiful children..there smile I think will light up the whole world. Loved your post...AMEN!

I've been to Africa and I thought I kind of had an idea of what to expect and what it might be like after my dh being there the year before. But in my wildest dreams I never expected to see, hear and smell what I did. It was unbelievable. I could go on and on, but Africa is now in my soul and it's something that cannot be explained...something one must experience for themselves. You will be moved beyond words, tears will flow, laughter will abound and you will want to bring everyone home with you...the smell also will be hard to get removed from your nostrils once home....I felt like I could smell Africa for months after returning. Oh how I wish I could return....God knows!!!

berrytribe said...

We brought our 2 kiddos home in Feb. 09. Spending time in Uganda, puts Africa into your soul in unexplainable ways. We are planning a return trip for next spring-I can't wait to get there. Enjoy your time there, and relish getting to know the land that gave you your precious children. Somehow, God is way more "present" (in a terrific way) there.

The Ferrill's said...

That IS why we do what we do! YES! Look at those babies....they are worth it...serving God is worth it...being obedient is worth it. Not always easy, rarely so...but WORTH IT!

Jewels of My Heart said...

I remember.... not too long ago when you carried them only in your heart.... when we prayed and prayed for Jesus to open the door so you could begin your journey to find them..... God is able! He has moved mountain upon mountain... now we see their sweet, beautiful, faces and they are so close you can almost reach out and touch them.
God's speed my friend..... we will continue to pray your babies home....
I too love Africa and her peoples... I have carried them in my heart for years and years....
I believe this trip will change you in ways you could not imagine.... God has given us a love and passion for the orphaned.... only on this trip you will be able to hold so many of them in your arms.... you will see them up close and personal not from a distance..... I believe He is preparing you to have your heart overflowing with joy and also broken like never before.....
In this brokenness He will be glorified, He will be served, prayers for the orphans will be answered.... for the Lord has His hand upon you my precious sister in Christ Jesus and He is doing mighty things through you and the best is yet to come.
Love you and will be praying....

Anonymous said...

Hi Gwen

I have been following your blog from England for some time as I too have a heart for adoption, and admire your strength, commitment and seemingly boundless energy to follow your heart and advocate for these precious children. Through your blog I discovered Katie's, it is a joy to know there are people all around the world who live by the same perspective, I read a wonderful book recently 'Orphaned' by Melissa Fay Greene, it reminds us what an impact an indivdual can have in this world. I keep you in my prayers,


Katie in England xx

Wolf family said...

Gwen,
I am wondering if you can give me your email address--I have a question or 2 for you. I know this has been an incredibly heavy week for you--I have been reading and praying. So I understand if there is some "wait time" before that happens. I am interested in talking with you about your 147 venture--which by the way is fabulous!
Thanks so much,
Meanie Wolf
mpwolf6@gmail.com

Blessed Mom of Four AND More said...

Praying for your sweet friends in Uganda...how my heart hurts,
Robbie

Erica said...

Beautiful babies. Praying still.

Terri said...

Oh my goodness look at those precious faces & gorgeous smiles!!! I can't wait to see those smiles after they are in your arms.

God is so good!!!

Charity said...

Gwen, I don't think you could have said that any better! What a blessing. I may have to use some of that ;)
We are praying with you. I know it isn't easy but I have to admit I've had more peace now that I've become more vulnerable & dependent upon Him. Thank you for sharing your heart with us. We are all truly touched.
And those sweet smiles - wow - I could just eat those kids up!!!! How much fun your family is going to have.
-Charity

Moore Family said...

I have never posted but love coming over and reading your blog! My husband and I have recently started an adoption fund to help others and I would love to use your saying about the Proverbs 24:12. I know you are very, very busy but when you have time, could you please email me at achildssoul@gbcselmer.org and I will explain more! Praying for you and your family and Thanks!
Jennifer

Liisa K said...

We are more than happy for you and those beautiful children that soon will get to have their own forever family. You are such an inspiration to so many and feel so blessed to get to follow you on your journey. As a mother of 3 adopted and 3 bio. it truly is an amazing journey.

Would love to see if you ever would speak at an adoption conference here in our city next Spring.

We will continue to cover you in prayer as you live out the homestretch of your adoption to these little lives. What a blessed Day it will be when they are in your arms.

Blessings, Lisa

Rhonda said...

Gwen,

I can't wait to love on those two! How adorable!! They look so full of joy already, but once they hit the O household, look out! What a blessing!

Just stoppin' in to say hi....been praying like crazy for our "U-crew" over there living out the Gospel like warriors!

Love ya sis!
~Rhonda

LaLa said...

Gwen, did you get my email/comment about the Walk thru Africa at Community Church in Hendersonville? It is INCREDIBLE! I chose Emmanuel and as luck would have it he is in Uganda...if you get a chance you must come to it ..runs through Sunday. It is so moving and my hubby and I were in tears by the end.

Anonymous said...

Love this post- just beautifully written. Your children are just beautiful and I'll be praying for them to come home soon! I can't say enough how great your obedience is to what the Lord's called you to do. It's inspiring and convicting at the same time. I look forward to following along!
ps- Just recieved my tshirt- LOVED it! and will have to order more. Doing a post on it today!

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