Let me start off with our mountaintop experience.
Yesterday evening, we were honored, humbled and blessed to be able to share the gospel in music with our family and friends at our local church, Heritage Baptist in Johnson City, TN. Someone shared with Kelsie after the event, that he felt like we had shared the "Gardner comedy hour". Well, I don't know if that's a compliment or not, but we were truly blessed to get a little "personal" with our extended family and share some of our struggles, blessings, triumphs, failures, and heart-felt burden. We had some very lighthearted moments, like Randy forgetting his lyrics to the song we have sung for the longest time. Kelsie got so tickled at one point, she couldn't even sing. So, yes, we had our moments. It was a fun evening filled with joy, love, laughter and we felt so loved on it was a true mountain top experience.
We started our song service out last night with one of our newest songs, "Trust and Obey". It's an A Capella arrangement that the Martins did several years ago. The words to that song have played over and over again in my mind today. Truly, it is THE ONLY Way!! Trust....
that's what the Lord calls us to do, is just to trust in Him. His ways are higher than our ways, my head knows this....my heart....well.....
When I went to the mailbox this morning, there it was, the dreaded letter we had prayed against receiving! It was from the state department, official government business....not good news. I felt the envelope, hoping beyond hope that the passport card was in the envelope. Nope, NOT TODAY! Instead, it was a letter stating that we had not provided sufficient evidence to finish his passport application. We hadn't provided proof of CITIZENSHIP for Daniel.
What??? We had sent his birth certificate, his social security number, his "proof of permanent residency" card, everything except a sample of mine and Randy's blood it seemed, but it was NOT enough. TRUST.....
Randy has been on the phone to two attorneys, our adoption agency in Washington State, the State Department, and I don't even know who else. He has sent e-mails to our senators and representative, another agency connected to the government passport office, and a family lawyer. We are praying and TRUSTING in the provision and timing of God, but let me tell you, it's HARD! Saying it, singing it, knowing it, believing it, well, it's all different on the mountaintop. When you're in the valley...that, my friends is a different story. Tonight, my spirit is encouraged, but my heart is heavy. No mom or dad enjoys the type of day we have had today. It's been heart-wrenching and one of my worst nightmares. I've always had a "fear" of the "what-ifs" in regard to adoption. This would not be near as big of an issue for us, however, we have spent a significant amount of money on plane tickets for our mission trip this summer that is only 3 months and 8 days away. The time expectancy on resolving this type of issue....a minimum of 5 months.
TRUST......"With God, all things are possible"...Matthew 19:25-27. Even when things seem impossible to me and in an earthly way look to be too hard , God is still in control. God is still God and is worthy of my trust.
God has been faithful, He is faithful and He will be faithful. I TRUST in Him!
We covet your prayers as we try to resolve this little bump in the road. We are getting so excited about the trip, and Daniel is collecting soccer balls to give out to the village children. He's so excited and has over $35 to buy new soccer balls so far. He is an inspiration to us; he has such a giving heart.
Continue to also pray about these things as well:
- Renting a van or Train transportation
- Opportunities to witness while in Hungary, Romania, and Croatia. Even as we are traveling, I pray that we will be a witness to those around us.
- Safety while in Europe and traveling to and from.
Thank you to everyone who is supporting us and lifting us up to our Great God ! He truly is worthy of our praise!
Kim
Just wanted to add that this is something we do not want Daniel to know about at this time. He doesn't need to worry, so please keep this confidential!
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