Happy New Year from the Sallade family! December was a great month full of many praises and celebrations. All the events surrounding the birth of our Savior were fun and cherished. Time with family and reacquainting with friends are always precious memories. As we anticipated Jesus' birth, it was a season of feeling overwhelmed and humbled to serve such an Almighty King! In less than six weeks, the Provider and Father gathered His resources and has made ready over 2/3 of our adoption expenses. Praise Be To God! There is no other explanation! He is faithful to His promises- He CAN what we CAN'T! (Philippines 4:13) The Father's heart is generous and abundant. Thank you to the many people who listened to the Spirit's prompt. The donations have been mind-blowing, but we also covet your prayers. The provisions God has given are clear confirmations and stir an unspeakable peace that pushes us forward. As God reveals and provides for us today, it gives me even greater confidence He will continue to guide and provide for us eighteen years from now when we are still on this parenting journey.
January 1st brings refreshing newness. It is a new feeling to see our dining room table again as numerous, scattered dossier papers are now gone. In addition, new clothes, new toys, newly rearranged house after we put the Christmas decorations away, a new clean slate as we begin our New Year's resolutions and goals for 2015. I love the feeling of "new" but I ultimately know that "new" means hope. Hope in the One that always keeps His promises. I have been challenged this year by a verse I have heard many times. "If any man be in Christ, he is a new creation: old things are passed away; behold, all things are becoming new." (2 Corinthians 5:17) I normally focus on the new creation and the struggle to keep the old things dead. This year I am thinking differently and focusing on the last part of that verse. "All things are becoming new." Becoming is a journey. I really can relate to a journey. I have planned, packed, prepared, and participated in many road trips as recently as our Christmas travels. However, obviously on this journey, I haven't arrived yet (because I am not dancing in heaven yet), but I must also remember that other things of this world are still becoming too.
Our dossier papers have been submitted to the Haitian department for translation. However, my heart continues to ache for the country of Haiti. January 12th marked the five year anniversary of the 2010 devastating earthquake. The UNICEF estimates there are 430,000 Haitian orphans. In addition, the potential elections scheduled to occur on January 12, 2015 did not take place. The government and country is in significant unrest. I pray that the country is becoming- new, prosperous, and blessed with the gospel. I pray that the orphans are becoming- beautiful, hope-filled missionaries on fire for Jesus. Please join with me in prayer for the people of Haiti as many continue to search and seek this newness that only comes from Christ.
I anxiously await newness. Of course, I often add my own thoughts to this verse. "everything is becoming new, BUT ____ or EXCEPT ____" In my own sin, I doubt and underestimate the power and authority of Jesus to make "everything new." (period.)
So this year, no goals (sorry Dad, sorry Steven Covey). This year I am "becoming." I am becoming a student of the Word. I am becoming a prayer warrior for my family. I am becoming a healthier missionary in spreading the gospel. Last but not least, this year I am becoming a more loving, patient mommy. What are you becoming?
Tuesday, January 13, 2015
Sunday, November 30, 2014
Miracles come in "CANS"
We are excited you are joining us on our journey of adoption!
The bible clearly states, "I CAN do all things through Christ who gives me strength." Philippians 4:13 Joyce Meyers says, "Miracles only come in CANS." I will do what I CAN and allow God to do whatever I can't. I CAN open my home to another child; I CAN fill out paperwork; I CAN humbly accept help... but I must allow God to do what I can't. Adoption expenses are estimated at $34,000. A miracle of $34,000 will only be explained through a work of God.
I have never been good at math, numbers, or equations. Now I understand why. God has equipped or UNequipped me with that logical part of the brain that tries to make sense of the cost involved in adoption. The numbers "just don't add up," but I am kind of used to that. :) However, I do not believe that this is supposed to add up nicely and equal a nice, earthly equation. Then God would be left out of such an equation. The miracle of life is not a simple equation. It can only be explained by a detailed Creator of the Universe. Therefore, the miracle of adoption is not a simple math equation either. It can only be explained by the True Father to the Fatherless. Only He can orchestrate such a complex process over language barriers, cultural differences, spiritual warfare, and financial obstacles.
What is the math equation? Our family is being called to adopt, and it is time to open the miracle CAN. I CAN ask you for donations. We have established an account with 'Adopt Together' a non-profit organization that allows you to give a tax-deductible gift towards our adoption expenses. The button will directly link you to our account. I CAN encourage you to sponsor garage sales, organize pancake breakfasts, set up raffles and auctions, or host home parties on our behalf. You CAN help us by contact other resources to spread the word. Like our blog and share it on Facebook. Then we will pray and watch as God completes HIS equation by doing things we CAN'T possibly think or imagine.
The bible clearly states, "I CAN do all things through Christ who gives me strength." Philippians 4:13 Joyce Meyers says, "Miracles only come in CANS." I will do what I CAN and allow God to do whatever I can't. I CAN open my home to another child; I CAN fill out paperwork; I CAN humbly accept help... but I must allow God to do what I can't. Adoption expenses are estimated at $34,000. A miracle of $34,000 will only be explained through a work of God.
I have never been good at math, numbers, or equations. Now I understand why. God has equipped or UNequipped me with that logical part of the brain that tries to make sense of the cost involved in adoption. The numbers "just don't add up," but I am kind of used to that. :) However, I do not believe that this is supposed to add up nicely and equal a nice, earthly equation. Then God would be left out of such an equation. The miracle of life is not a simple equation. It can only be explained by a detailed Creator of the Universe. Therefore, the miracle of adoption is not a simple math equation either. It can only be explained by the True Father to the Fatherless. Only He can orchestrate such a complex process over language barriers, cultural differences, spiritual warfare, and financial obstacles.
What is the math equation? Our family is being called to adopt, and it is time to open the miracle CAN. I CAN ask you for donations. We have established an account with 'Adopt Together' a non-profit organization that allows you to give a tax-deductible gift towards our adoption expenses. The button will directly link you to our account. I CAN encourage you to sponsor garage sales, organize pancake breakfasts, set up raffles and auctions, or host home parties on our behalf. You CAN help us by contact other resources to spread the word. Like our blog and share it on Facebook. Then we will pray and watch as God completes HIS equation by doing things we CAN'T possibly think or imagine.
Sunday, November 9, 2014
One year anniversary
It is the one year anniversary of being on this exciting journey of adoption. I remember celebrating my 40th birthday while telling family that we were expanding our family. Something I never thought that would mark such a milestone birthday. Well, the excitement has not ended. Now at 41, I want to share the milestone of paperwork completed. :) It seems so simple, yet so significant in this earthly world. And like so many things in life, the more you share it, the more you hear yourself saying it, the more real it becomes. Even with all the paperwork, it doesn't seem real. This mess of papers laid out all over the dining room table can't come close to representing something beautiful that is about to happen.
As I mentioned this past year has been full of paperwork. I am excited to think I have already written my autobiography for my grandchildren to pass down. I have reflected, analyzed, and recorded more about myself than I ever anticipated. As I occassionally grumbled, God often reminded me that my writings were my testimony. (2 Timothy 1:8-9) It was an opportunity to reflect on how God has refined me, delivered me, and equipped me for this new journey. Scott and I were also asked to write an assignment regarding our own race and nationality. I have never cared much about what others think till I realized how much of an indirect and direct impact it has on me and how I view and love others. The educational portion of the home study was also eye-opening as I felt I was given a "manual" on how to care for adopted children. Honestly, I was only given one manual when my biological children were born, and I think I will use the same one for our adopted child. The Bible- true, never changing, full of broken people needing a Savior, and it applies to all generations.
At last I say, our home study is complete. Our educational component is complete. Our application for Immigration has been filed. Our dossier (and collection of documents submitted for permission to adopt) is being reviewed, authenticated, translated, and will hopefully arrive in Haiti by January. It is time to breathe and give God the praise for an amazing year.
Next year will be God refining and teaching me patience. As we wait...waiting for governments, waiting for paperwork, waiting for phone calls, and waiting for answers. But while we wait, we will keep on living! Trusting in His purpose, His plans, His perfect timing, and all for His glory.
As I mentioned this past year has been full of paperwork. I am excited to think I have already written my autobiography for my grandchildren to pass down. I have reflected, analyzed, and recorded more about myself than I ever anticipated. As I occassionally grumbled, God often reminded me that my writings were my testimony. (2 Timothy 1:8-9) It was an opportunity to reflect on how God has refined me, delivered me, and equipped me for this new journey. Scott and I were also asked to write an assignment regarding our own race and nationality. I have never cared much about what others think till I realized how much of an indirect and direct impact it has on me and how I view and love others. The educational portion of the home study was also eye-opening as I felt I was given a "manual" on how to care for adopted children. Honestly, I was only given one manual when my biological children were born, and I think I will use the same one for our adopted child. The Bible- true, never changing, full of broken people needing a Savior, and it applies to all generations.
At last I say, our home study is complete. Our educational component is complete. Our application for Immigration has been filed. Our dossier (and collection of documents submitted for permission to adopt) is being reviewed, authenticated, translated, and will hopefully arrive in Haiti by January. It is time to breathe and give God the praise for an amazing year.
Next year will be God refining and teaching me patience. As we wait...waiting for governments, waiting for paperwork, waiting for phone calls, and waiting for answers. But while we wait, we will keep on living! Trusting in His purpose, His plans, His perfect timing, and all for His glory.
Monday, June 2, 2014
How significant is one?
I know Easter was two months ago, but it still remains significant in my mind. The Easter sermon challenged me to think from a historical perspective. If Easter was erased what would be the implications?- no hospitals, no schools, no dreams, no purpose, no hope, no grace. It was one decision that changed the world.
Could my life have the same implications? I know my decisions don't change the world, but they definitely affect others regardless of what I want or think. Sometimes I wish I could live on an island and my choices would only affect me, but once again, that isn't true. It would still affect someone or something in history. So I embrace that God created me to be in a community of believers. My choices today are important and will affect someone. Now it will be my decision to provide a negative impact or a positive impact.
If we chose not to adopt, what would be the implications?- no paperwork, no fundraising, no interviews, no decisions, no blog. But my decision could change one person's world. One more child may hear and experience the love of Jesus. One more vulnerable child won't be left in the hands of Satan. One more child won't be stuck in a hopeless situation wandering if God forgot them. One more child will use their talents and skills to spread the Good News.
So is a decision important if it only affects one? Absolutely! If I was the only sinner, I am confident my God would died, redeem, and save just this one.
Could my life have the same implications? I know my decisions don't change the world, but they definitely affect others regardless of what I want or think. Sometimes I wish I could live on an island and my choices would only affect me, but once again, that isn't true. It would still affect someone or something in history. So I embrace that God created me to be in a community of believers. My choices today are important and will affect someone. Now it will be my decision to provide a negative impact or a positive impact.
If we chose not to adopt, what would be the implications?- no paperwork, no fundraising, no interviews, no decisions, no blog. But my decision could change one person's world. One more child may hear and experience the love of Jesus. One more vulnerable child won't be left in the hands of Satan. One more child won't be stuck in a hopeless situation wandering if God forgot them. One more child will use their talents and skills to spread the Good News.
So is a decision important if it only affects one? Absolutely! If I was the only sinner, I am confident my God would died, redeem, and save just this one.
Wednesday, April 9, 2014
But for today, I choose.....
Every minute of our lives we make choices. Some choices have immediate effects, some are long-term. Some choices benefits us, some harm us. Some choices come natural, some choices require years of discernment. But for today, I choose "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." Joshua 24:15
We are excited to announce our journey of adoption. God has allowed us to choose to be in our comfort zone for fourteen years. Much of our lives have followed "the plan." It wasn't till a few years ago that I realized it was my plan, and God had only fit nicely into it. Things came to a screeching halt and I begin asking the dangerous question, "What do you want for my life, God?" Those plans were beyond my imagination, beyond my comprehension, and beyond my capabilities.... all confirming that those plans weren't mine. So today, I am choosing to follow God's plans for my life and my family's life and reveal His story of adoption.
I pray that you join us in this journey of stepping out of our comfort zone and really treasuring all that God has done, embracing all that He is doing, and praising Him for what He is going to do. I pray that I may be authentic and transparent in sharing our story. I know that if I am transparent, it will be much easier for you to see God's story and give Him the proper glory.
So, this is God's story. And today I choose... to share it.
We are excited to announce our journey of adoption. God has allowed us to choose to be in our comfort zone for fourteen years. Much of our lives have followed "the plan." It wasn't till a few years ago that I realized it was my plan, and God had only fit nicely into it. Things came to a screeching halt and I begin asking the dangerous question, "What do you want for my life, God?" Those plans were beyond my imagination, beyond my comprehension, and beyond my capabilities.... all confirming that those plans weren't mine. So today, I am choosing to follow God's plans for my life and my family's life and reveal His story of adoption.
I pray that you join us in this journey of stepping out of our comfort zone and really treasuring all that God has done, embracing all that He is doing, and praising Him for what He is going to do. I pray that I may be authentic and transparent in sharing our story. I know that if I am transparent, it will be much easier for you to see God's story and give Him the proper glory.
So, this is God's story. And today I choose... to share it.
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