Living Hope

Such exciting news for our family to learn that on March 11th we were finally submitted to court! We are so thankful!!  But these last 3 weeks have been really tough, as we've not received any court dates yet, and it's becoming more than disheartening.  (Apparently the court house is moving due to construction going on around the court site, so there are now delays.  And of course we would land in this timing too! :/ ) Truly, I am just feeling emotionally exhausted.  Each little step has brought new roadblocks, and my heart is feeling deflated.  It will be close to 1 year post-referral by the time we finally get Eli home. :(

But I'm trying really hard to keep the faith and hang on to that hope that only God can give.  And I'm learning how to have a living hope.  Through all of our roadblocks, anxieties, fears, and times of impatience.

Which brings me to something very special to my heart.  Living Hope Maternity Home is the only maternity home available for single mothers in crisis pregnancies.  God brought me to this ministry in a very special way in January as I was taking a day of fasting and prayer.  (See January post).  Right then I knew that I was to become part of this maternity home, and it would would become a part of me.  So a  little over a week ago I hosted a "Blessing Party" for the women and babies of the maternity home.  Several very special lady friends and family stopped over for some treats, fun conversation, and to share donations for the Maternity Home that we will bring over with us when we finally travel!

My heart is still swollen thinking of the ways in which other moms came together to bless the amazingly brave Ethiopian moms and their babies!  In a way, I feel that this is was a special way for me to honor Eli's first mommy.  I'm really bummed because I only managed to take a few pictures of our first guests… but I feel so good about the turn out that we had throughout the evening!  I can't wait to deliver these gifts!!!

Tenleigh and Mom helping me sort through some donations!

When we're all done situating, I think we will have 3 suitcases to bring!

"We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.  It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf." (Hebrews 6:19-20)