I would like to introduce you to...ripple #1

Remember when I posted this, after someone asked us, "What we hope to accomplish by adopting one when there are 147 Million orphans?" Well, I explained that we prayed this would be a ripple effect. We prayed that others would see the blessing of adoption through Elijah and how beautifully it works and they too, would adopt. After posting that I got three emails from women saying that the ripple effect has already begun. These women shared of their desire to do God's will and that they were either praying about it or were going to begin the adoption process soon. This makes my heart happy beyond words.

I would like to introduce you to the first ripple, my blogging friend, Lauren. Lauren was one of my very first blogging friends. When I started my blog in June, I found her blog. I emailed her and told her how much I enjoyed reading her stories because you could tell they truly came from her heart. She and her husband have experienced big losses at their young age; they have two baby boys in heaven. Yet, she always gives God all of the glory for all things in her life and she lets His light shine in all that she does. We began emailing and commenting back and forth...encouraging one another and praying for one another. I believe God placed Lauren in my life for a reason. She is someone I know I will be friends with for the rest of my life.

When I would think of her throughout my day, I would pray for her. However, I began thinking about her in connection to adoption. So, each time I thought of her, I prayed for her and her husband and God's will for them to adopt. I did not share these prayers with her. Within that same week, she began emailing me about the thoughts of adoption that God was placing before her. I had to share with her that I had been praying for God's will for them and adoption. During that same week, she and her husband applied and were approved by our same adoption agency. They are now proceeding by faith and adopting a baby boy from Ethiopia.

This is a beautiful display of following God's will and His timing. Lauren's husband just started seminary and she is working to support their family. They have complete faith that God will bring them to their child and will provide for their journey. I love their story and their hearts.

Our babies could be in the same room together right now! How beautiful is that thought? We already have plans of meeting for our babies to play together some day. Please go to Lauren's blog and congratulate them and pray for them and their baby. God is so good. Let the ripples continue!!!

Lauren's Blog:

Living By Faith