It's A Good Weekend to Adopt A Daughter!

You might remember that I have requested prayer occasionally over the last year for a bloggy friend of mine, Stephanie at Salzwedel Family Adventures.  She was part of the Haiti adoption program, and her adoption of sweet little Anchise fell through when Anchise's birth mother re-appeared and changed her mind at the 11th hour about surrendering her parental rights.  After much grieving and seeking God's plans, their family moved on to the Ghana program. They were subsequently matched to an adorable little girl named Mercy. Even her name seemed a gift from God after the hardships of the previous year or so. 

Although the Ghana program is usually a fairly stable and well-moving process, this poor family has endured yet more setbacks after setbacks in the last nine or ten months. These last three weeks have been especially tumultuous and arduous to endure, as they waited for news of a missing passport (seriously, you can't make this stuff up!), delayed visa appointments, and escalating airfare costs. Several of us have been lifting poor Stephanie in prayer via our F@cebook connections, sending her notes of encouragements and leaving Scriptures on her "Wall."  It's been so inspiring to see this woman not falter in her conviction that sweet little Mercy was coming home. Though her emotions have been all over the place some days, her faith in God's provision and God's protection over their entire family, including Mercy way across the ocean!, has been a privilege to witness.  She has challenged my faith and been a wonderful example of standing strong and tall in the promises God gives.

For a great summary in Stephanie's own words about their whole big long story, go HERE.

It is with GREAT joy and excitement that I get to share with you the incredible news that Stephanie is leaving at 3 p.m. this afternoon and winging her way toward Ghana.  She's due to arrive in Ghana on Saturday evening (our time) to finalize the adoption of Mercy.  They'll be heading home early this coming week.

Please, if you have some time, head over to their blog and leave some bloggy love for them. Let them know you are praying for them. It's a lot of change and adjustment that they will all be facing in the coming months. New family dynamics will emerge. Birth orders and roles will alter, even if only slightly.  It's a lot of sleep cycle changes and culture changes that little Mercy will experience. Everything familiar: sights, sounds, smells, colors, textures, and so much more. It's all going to be new and different. They'll need all the prayer support and coverage they can get. And I know they will appreciate the encouragement.