Yes, we're still waiting on that very important LOA (Letter of Acceptance)! Less than 6 weeks now to our desired dates of travel and still several things that would have to happen after that. So, are we to the impossible stage yet of human thought? Perhaps. But we're not operating on human ideas or planning with adopting this little boy.
Instead, our son was chosen for us by a God who delights in doing the "impossible". Jesus said in Matthew 19:26, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible". Over and over we read in the Bible about God working in miraculous ways, ways that look impossible to man.
Yes, we are still planning on travelling to China sometime in the third week of July. Our suitcases are out. Shopping lists have been started on. The countdown is on!
Remember the story of Lazarus? All about a man, a friend loved by Jesus who died? His sisters, Mary and Martha, had called for Jesus to come help Lazarus when he became very ill. Even after Jesus got the message he still delayed going. When he finally reached the town where Lazarus lived Jesus was told he had already been dead four days. Why is four days significant? Because many Jews believed the soul remained near the body for three days after death in the hope of returning to it. Obviously, this situation was now considered hopeless--even for Jesus.
So, how did the story end? With Lazarus being raised from the dead. Brought back to life. All along the sisters and friends had been hoping and praying that Jesus would come in time to heal Lazarus before he died. That would be simple, right? They'd all seen him do that. But Jesus didn't. Instead, he purposely delayed going to Lazarus. Even staying away long enough for decay to set in.
No, we don't know right now how our story to Jackson will turn out. But we know the One who does. And we're trusting Him, even when it looks "hopeless", that this will go according to a plan He set in motion long before we knew anything about China, orphans, boys, cleft, etc. So hang on to your seats everyone, because the excitement is only just beginning!
Jennifer
