Please Pray

I know it's been several months since I have posted anything. There's been a lot on my mind and some things my family and I have been in prayer about. First, we are asking you to pray specifically for our adoption process. I have been patient through most of the past 4 years but here lately I am getting frustrated. I don't understand why the China Center of Adoption Affairs is moving extremely slow. I know that there are thousands of orphans in China so why is it taking so long? Just to remind you, our log-in-date is July 14, 2006. The CCAA is finally in April 2006, but they stayed in March 2006 for 6 months! So, do the math, and at that rate it could be another 18+ months for us to wait. At the same time, Karsten is getting older and growing up without a sibling here close in age. He was 4 years old when we started the process and he just turned 8 a couple days ago. Originally, we thought he would be 5 when we traveled to China to get Kylie.

The Christmas season is especially difficult at times. I don't want to sound like I'm complaining because I know I have so much to be thankful for. I have a Savior who knows and loves me and He has blessed me with an incredible family. But I am human and I struggle with things sometimes. My dream of seeing Karsten and Kyler playing together here on earth as brothers is gone. The every day things we do, I think--what would life be like if Kyler was here? Doing laundry, setting the kitchen table, getting Karsten tucked in bed, homeschooling, playing games, and so forth, these are some of the things I miss not getting to do for and with Kyler. Our hearts ache for him and we miss him terribly. Then at the same time, if God had not taken Kyler to heaven then we most likely would not be adopting Kylie. We wish she was here with us as well. In addition, Karsten grieves missing his brother and wanting him here to play with. He, of course, does not understand this long wait to get his sister.

I know that God does things in His own time. I know that. I do trust Him and His timing. I am reminded of so many Bible stories of ones who had to wait on things. Just as God sent Jesus to earth at just the right time, I do believe that He will give us Kylie at just the right time. It's just hard waiting sometimes and we feel like our life has been put on hold.

Please pray for Brad, Karsten and I to:

*be filled with Christ's joy
*to love Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength
*have patience and endurance
*find rest and comfort in God's loving presence
*comfort others with the comfort He has given us
*trust God's timing in getting Kylie, that 2010 would be the year we bring her home

Also, pray that the CCAA would move more quickly. Pray for orphans to get in their forever families. Pray that Kylie and all the orphans will feel loved and accepted and that God would protect them from harm and keep them safe.

The Christmas season is a joyous time of year and it's also a time of sorrow for many people. Whether you've lost a loved one recently or many years ago, it's something you don't "get over." So pray for the millions of hurting people around the world that they would know the HOPE that is found only in Jesus Christ. And for the suffering ones that do know Christ as Savior, pray that their strength would be renewed and that they would continue to grow in the Lord and His Word.

"For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope." (Romans 15:4)

I look forward to the day when Jesus does come back to earth again! I enjoy and find great comfort in Casting Crowns music. From their latest CD is "Glorious Day". I shed tears every time I hear this song. I long to be with my Savior and my son FOREVER!

May you all have a very Merry and Blessed Christmas!

Love,
Jennifer

Don't forget to scroll down and pause the music