Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Thankful Thursday and a Giveaway


God showed up yesterday, in a BIG way. Let me back up just a bit. Last month we received out I-800 paperwork, and other paperwork to get filled out and get back to our agency before our LOA arrives. Well, as of today we are on day 66 of waiting for our LOA. I am hoping and praying it gets here soon, but I have this feeling we will not be with Drew in time for his 4th birthday.

Anyway, God's timing is perfect and I just have to trust that He will unite us with Drew when He is ready. So, as most of you know things have been pretty tight around here since Matt was laid off back in August. Although he is back to work now, we are still playing catch up. So in an effort to get us caught up and continue to pay for Drew's adoption Matt has been working as much overtime as possible (not much is offered) and he is also doing electrical jobs on the side.

Along with the I-800 paperwork we received last month was a statement in the amount of $540.00 that was due on or before our LOA arrives. With the side job that Matt has been working on he assured me we would have the money. Matt and I were talking last night and he told me that the job ran into some problems and he is hoping to at least clear $400.00. Well, that is going to leave us about $140.00 short. So, I told him I would go through some of the Christmas gifts and see what I could take back. (We have cut way back this year and are only buying for our kids in an effort to save money)

So, as I was checking my e-mail this afternoon and telling myself that this is just one more mountain we need to climb, He shows up in a BIG way. I am sure you all remember Tracy, I have posted about her a couple of times on here and how she is donating a percentage of her China sales to us to help us bring Drew home. Whenever she has a donation for us she just sends it through Paypal. As I was reading through my e-mails today I noticed one from Tracy sent through Paypal. As soon as I opened it and saw the amount I about fell off my chair. I immediately began to tear up because the amount was $137.50! Can you believe that?

Once again I am in awe of those who are reaching out to help us get our son home. If it weren't for people like Tracy, and those that have helped us in the past, our dream of adding to our family may not have been possible. God opened our hearts to adoption, and He is making sure we know it is His will that we add to our family. God has once again shown me that by believing and trusting in Him, we WILL bring Drew home. He is walking this path with us, He is there to knock down those hurdles, He is there when we are at the bottom of a hill not knowing how we are going to get over it. He. Is. There.

As if donating a percentage of her sales to us isn't enough, Tracy has offered to give away her newest design. This necklace is absolutely beautiful and would make a great gift to someone, or even yourself. There is no money involved with this giveaway. All you have to do is..

1. Comment on this post = 1 entry

2. Blog about this post on your blog = 1 entry

3. Become a follower = 1 entry (if you are already a follower you automatically get one entry)

So, there you have it. It doesn't get any easier than this. You have the opportunity to get 3 entries. So, what are you waiting for, leave a comment, become a follower, and then go post about this on your blog.

You have until December 9th to enter and then I will randomly draw the winner.

25 comments:

Tara Anderson said...

Once again, God is into the SMALLEST of details!!! And the timing of that $137.50 is a PERFECT reminder that God has NOT forgotten us in His timing!!! I can't wait to rejoice with you when Drew comes home...what an awesome story you are going to have to tell him!!!

Denise said...

Yes, God is good and is with us even in the smallest details of our lives...I love that about Him!!

Desiree' said...

Amazing how God knows just what we need!! Praying you get your LOA soon. We are on day 78 and I am perfectly ok with waiting...still trying to sew to raise money.

MJ said...

oh, I SO want to write you a check for 2.50 right now!!!

Mandi, I am praying for your LOA right along with ours!! I am waiting, waiting, waiting to see those precious letters on your blog!!!

God is so wonderful, I just Love love LOVE him! Praising him with you on this reminder of his provisions.

Alright...well, I commented once before how much I loved this necklace so I'll do it again....and make a post about it over on my little corner of cyber space.

Chris and Sarah said...

I love when God shows up like that! I hope your precious son comes home very soon.


I am a follower already.

Sherri said...

Praising God with you! He has just been showing out all day! Go read my post if you haven't already!! I'm praying God speeds things up for you!

In Christ Alone,

Sherri

Mei Mei s and Mayhem said...

I came across your blog and it has touch my heart in so many ways. We too are adopting a 2nd child from China and trying to raise the money to do so.
My hubby and I had a real heart to heart about the money last night and Im scared to death if we will raise the money in time. I know I need to trust in GOD but I still cant help but have this fear over me!!! I pray that our raffle starts to do better because as soon as our dossier is done we have to come up with the big $$$$. {sigh}

Those necklaces are beautiful and Im going to put one on my Christmas list!!

I look forward to following your journey to your little man and pray that GOD continues to bless your family with the money you need!!!!

Wife of the Pres. said...

What an amazing story of God's provision!!!

We don't have LOA either yet. If you look at RQ at all, we are hopingfor08 and nearing the top of the official/unofficial list. *tears*

Hope you are enjoying the season! Oh, and I saw your post about your deals. I was out that Friday too, but not brave enough to visit the T*y store!!! I heard ours was lined up by mid-day Thursday? What? On Thanksgiving?

Oh well, glad you got some deals!!! Me too!!! Here's hoping we hear good news from a distant land very soon so we can bring our sons from afar home!

Unknown said...

Hey, enter me in the giveaway! Fun!

Nightingale said...

I love this! Please enter me, and I have become a follower, as well.

I know it's hard waiting for LOA - we waited 157 days. But trust God - he is faithful! Hang in there!

Jacqueline Link said...

Okay, so you have a waiting adoptive mom in tears because we all know that God never leaves His throne! What an awesome display of His love for you through your friend. Praying you receive all the blessings He is able to pour out on your family!

Kristin said...

Prayers for your LOA! What a neat thing Tracey is doing for your family! Would love to win the great necklace!

Ashley said...

Amazing .I love it when we realize just how in control God is. Why is it so hard to remember?

I would love to be in the drawing for the necklace. It's really pretty!

Mandie said...

God is always faithful, we just have to remember to trust in him for our needs. Keep the faith!

Allison said...

I just found your blog and have spent the last hour reading through your archives. You are such an inspiration and a needed reminder that God is so Good and we need to trust him.
Can't wait to follow the rest of your journey!

BrOwN CiRcUs said...

How sweet of her to help with the donations, Heavenly Father is definately aware of our individual needs, what a blessing!

Mark and Heather said...

Wow. Very touching. Our family would like to send a heartfelt prayer your way. We are all looking for a bit of inspiration and pick me ups while we wait. Drew is very lucky.

Jill and Rick said...

Beautiful story of faith. & beautiful necklace too!

Jill G

Vicki said...

God knows what you need. Love the necklace!

Melanie said...

He does provide indeed! I love your story. It's a great reminder that God indeed has a plan for us.

Hugs,
Melanie

Michele said...

Wow! I really needed to hear that! Thank you so much for sharing His provision always comes through!

Kimberly said...

I wanted you to know that I have seen your blog before and didn't pay much attention until I saw that you were adopting Drew from ND. I am a 23 year old young adult who wishes to have all of her future children be adopted, and hopefuly spend a good amount of time living in China volunteering at ND, after I get my finances straightened out. I have clicked to follow your blog because I can't wait to see Drew come to his forever home. You are going to have one God filled story to tell him when he is older.

Brandi said...

I just found your blog, and would love to enter to win this beautiful necklace.

It's amazing how God works, isn't it?!

I'll be praying that everything falls into place quickly and Drew is able to come home soon.

Brandi said...

I am also now a follower.

TanyaLea said...

Praising God with you and praying that your LOA arrives very SOON!...what a great Christmas blessing that would be!!

Well, a faithful follower I already am!!! (entry 1) and a comment I am leaving (entry 2)!! ;)

Oh how I love her work. I have a couple of favorites, myself!! Fun give-away, Mandi!

Blessings and Hugs!!