I have been working on The Divine Hours/Daily offices prayers and this one was for my noontime prayers today. I found it most appropriate, I wonder why.

Almighty God, who has promised to hear the petitions of those who ask in your Son's name: I beseech you mercifully to incline your ear to me who have made my prayers and supplications to you; and grant that those things which I have faithfully asked according to your will, I may effectually obtain, to the relief of my necessity, and to the setting forth of your glory; through Jesus Christ my Lord. Amen

I have felt such a peace in the past two days and that I attribute to your prayers. I can honestly say, I have never felt the power of prayer so real in my life. I can feel your concern for Steve and I through your prayers carrying us.

In spite of all the wonder and chaos, I am fine. I have a God who has this under control. He knows what needs to happen to get Marcus home. And he will do it according to his will.

On a much lighter note, Marcus was on the Today Show on Wednesday. It was crazy, two good friends called and asked it was him and I told them no. Then I watched the picture closer and sure enough, there he was. Here is the clip, see if you can pick him out. Kind of like a happy I SPY.

www.msnbc.com/id/21134540/vp/34838824#34838342

Grace and Peace to you all, my dear friends

YAHOO!!!!!

We passed Parquet. We have been approved by yet another Haitian government agency. Our paperwork now goes to the court system so our adoption of Marcus can be approved.
Praise God. One dear friend was here when I got the call and she said "It seems like God brings you to the brink of despair every time." And then I get good news and hope is restored.

Church today had a profound impact on my current attitude towards our adoption journey. I have been struggling with apathy vascilating to deep despair. I go weeks without thinking about it then am forced to confront the reality of someone else tucking in my son night after night. Then the sorrow gets to be almost palpable.

I so want to feel God carrying me through this journey but realize it has been too painful to rehash it regularly in prayer with Him.

However three realities struck me during church this morning. It sure would be nice if I could make it through a church service without crying at some point :)

I will list them and allow you to interpret and enjoy them in your own way.

1. This is my fathers world

Why should my heart be sad

The Lord is king, let the heavens ring

God reigns, let the earth be glad

This is my fathers world

The battle is not done

Jesus who died shall be satisfied

And heaven and earth be one.

2. (Song) And all that borrows life from thee is ever in thy care

And everywhere that man can be, thou God art present there.

3. (Prayer) In the struggle and pain that is present in this day

Redeemer, may I feel the peace of your presence.

On a lighter note, Marcus is doing so well according to our updates. He looks so much happier and like he is actually enjoying the pictures. He is so precious. We eagerly anticipate the new pictures every month. I wonder what his voice sounds like, what makes him laugh, what is he thinking about? His facial expressions make we question all of this. Here is a taste.

My prayer shall be "Redeemer, may I feel the peace of your presence."

Our Children- The past week

Playing music with Mom

Holding onto that last piece of graham cracker.

Hanging with Papa.

Happy with food, must be a Deters
Checking it out. . .

The beauty of Haiti

Loving to sleep on laps.
Matea at the Detroit Zoo
Bri at the Tigers game.  A true fan

Wow, what a surreal experience. How do you put into words that past three days? We experienced the entire range of emotions over the past couple days. From surprise, to joy, to concern, to anxiety, to peace, to pride, to unrelenting relief.

Marcus is such a sweet little boy. Such a gentle nature, always preferring to cuddle up on my lap. He was so shy at first, then really warming up to us towards the end. He loves to play with blocks and watches EVERYTHING. He really became a mama's boy over the two days we were there. (That might have something to do with the fact that white men are very rare, thus terrifying to him at this point.)  We did get to meet with the US Embassy, so Marcus' US visa process is started.  Thanks for your many prayers re: this appointment.

While we very much enjoyed the time we had with him, it was a perfect amount. Any more, and it would have been very painful to leave. We know God has his hand on Marcus and will sustain both us and him until we can be together as a complete family of five. We felt his peace through this whole trip, and continue to rely on your prayers to sense His hand and presence.  

We continue pray for miracles and God's will for our lives.

Haiti - Here We Come!!

So in our whirlwind style, Steve and I are flying to Haiti on Tuesday to complete some paperwork and more importantly, to meet Marcus.  I can't believe it is really happening.  As most of you know we have put off this trip for a while because of the uncertainty of the situation.  However, our caseworker told us we really need to make this trip soon, and no time like the present.  While I was really apprehensive about making this trip, now that it is booked, I am really excited.  I can't believe that in less than a week, I will have met Marcus.  Pray for us, it will be a short trip.  We leave on Tuesday and come back on Thursday.  YIKES.

Praise God

It appears we finally have gotten our break. . . We just received word that we are out of IBESR. And without a presidential dispensation. I can't believe it has finally happened, we are moving once again. We have quite a ways to go yet but at least we are making progress. Won't you join us in a prayer of praise?

Now we just have to keep going so Bri and Tea' can put a smile on this little face.