Month: November 2018

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Adoption Update #2

It’s been a crazy couple of months since the last post in July. Let me catch you up…

From July to September we completed what is called the home study process. It’s called a home study, but everything get’s studied. We gave family histories, took medical tests, made a visit to a psychologist, watched videos, read books, and completed paperwork.

The home study had two main purposes. First of all, it is used to assess whether we are fit to bring a special needs child into our home. Secondly, the process is used to educate potential parents on the special considerations of adopting a child internationally.

The process was stressful, exciting and confusing, but we made it, and our home study is complete!

Roughly four weeks ago, our completed home study was uploaded to an organization called CARA. CARA is the          Central Adoption Resource Authority. Essentially, it is the governing body that oversees the adoption process in India. 

So, we are now playing the waiting game. We are praying for approval from CARA, which could take a few weeks, to a few months. Once we receive approval from CARA, our next step is being matched with a child. Let me just say, it’s starting to feel real.

Even after matching with a child, there are several significant steps to take, but  as of now, that’s where we stand.

We covet your prayers as we await approval from CARA. We cannot wait to see what God will do through this process and look forward to sharing with you soon.

Thanks for the love and support!!

Jonathan, Shannon, Cole and Luke

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Now Over Next

I keep a giant 6×3 foot calendar hanging on my office wall. It helps me see an entire year with one glance: birthdays, family trips, camps, mission trips…

I received my 2019 calendar in the mail a few weeks ago and made an immediate and short-sighted decision. In my excitement about the year to come, I replaced my 2018 calendar and begin filling in the dates.

There’s only one problem. We still have 2 months left in 2018.

That’s probably pretty characteristic of my life. I love looking forward to what’s next. I’m probably not alone in this. We all look forward to the next trip, the next vacation, the next party, the next goal.

But, what if in the midst of looking for what’s next, we miss what Jesus is doing now?

There’s a scene in the opening chapters of John, where Jesus is at a wedding and the wine runs out. His mother brings the problem to Jesus, and this is his response…

Woman, why do you involve me?” Jesus replied. “My hour has not yet come—John 2:4

While Jesus does step in and save the family from embarrassment, these words still stand out. My hour has not yet come.

Throughout the Gospel story, people try to push Jesus forward. They try to accelerate their plan. They try to gain a following and pursue power, to which Jesus continually responds: Now is not the time.

Jesus knew what was next. But, He also knew His responsibility for each day. He didn’t rush it.

Instead of getting caught up in everything that must happen down the road, what if we took a moment to stop and consider now? What would Jesus have you do today? This hour? Or maybe even this moment?

When we rush from now to next, we may miss what our Master wants to show us in the moment.