Moving ahead!

So much has been happening around here lately, and while I cannot share every detail, I would love to share some of it. We have received our approved home study and have filed for CIS Immigration approval!! It is finally time to get our dossier together and get is sent to Eastern Europe and we can't believe that we are moving forward. The timing couldn't be more perfect for us as we were hoping to have it all wrapped up by the end of June when Lilie arrives for hosting. God has been answering prayers "on speed-dial" as I like to say. We had a crazy week a few back and I was feeling pretty frustrated. After asking for prayer and calling on His promises myself, He started answering (and quick!)...
Now that things are coming together so well, I feel that I can share some more of the information that I couldn't before. Back in February we found out that Lilie was not yet legally "free" to be adopted! What a difficult thing to hear. We had believed that she was even when she was here with us so this news was rather devastating. We found out that there was a chance for her to be "freed" in March, however the day came and went and she was NOT "freed". More devastation...So, we waited and we waited...Our next opportunity was June 2nd. Praise GOD!! She is now "free"!!!
It has been such an exciting time for us. We are anticipating Lilie's visit from June 30th through August 4th, we are working to get our dossier together, and anticipating a referral to adopt! We have raised and saved so many funds toward our adoption that it is surely only because of God's greatness and love. We have been able to pay every fee and expense as they have arisen and it looks like that's just going to keep on going! It is amazing to watch Him working out every detail, truly amazing! As I sit here, I am preparing to write out another check to pay for upcoming expenses with our agency and I know that our account will be drained, yet I am not fearful of this. I am confident that He will provide the next fee and the next until we bring our girl home.
This journey has been one of many ups and downs, but mostly it has been filled with blessings. Every time that we have felt weak, He has given us strength. Everytime that we have doubted, He has given us peace. Everytime that we needed the finances, He has provided (in so many ways). Journeys are amazing things. They test your endurance, they test your faith and they give you an amazing new perspective on life. While ours is far from over, we are thankful for all that we have learned so far and we are looking forward to what the rest will bring. We are moving ahead!!

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us." Hebrews 12:1