The Post I Never Wanted To Write. Ever.

Sometimes things are bittersweet and sometimes things are just plain bitter. At first I thought this was the latter, but I'm realizing it is indeed the former.

Remember this little guy?

This is Nico. Etch his precious face in your memory, because short of a gargantuan miracle, you will never meet him in person. My friend Kara and her husband began the challenging road to adopt him. And then the bitter happened. His country has closed our door to their orphans. Kara isn't the only mama heart breaking. Several families were in the process of adopting from this country and all are mourning. And we mourn with them.

Bitter.

Now here is the sweet #1: Kara didn't allow this to deter her from gospel living. Her family is pursuing another little boy and are so close to bringing him home! Colton is ready to come home and party, McIntee-style! 

Their fundraising has stalled and they need a boost. Ya'll. Seriously. Disney park-hopper passes?!? This is an awesome fundraiser! The rest of the prizes are super cool too. Go buy you some tickets. Follow the directions so that she is certain to add your name to the drawing. These would make fantastic gifts for your kids or grandkids. If you're not a Disney fan, just go donate for crying out loud. Once you've done that, come back to read the sweet #2.


I'll wait.



I know some of you aren't clicking over.



Fine.

Sweet #2 is a call to Nico's country. I know you're reading my blog, because blog stats don't lie. We realize your government made the decision and now the burden is thrust upon you. You are a good people. A strong people. With Christ leading the way, you have all you need to care for your orphans. Please heed His voice and open your hearts to the "least of these" in your country. America is lifting you up in prayer as you begin this new adventure. My prayer is that orphanages will be overrun; Overrun with prospective adoptive parents. My dear brothers and sister, you are the sweet to this bitter. 

So we must not get tired of doing good, for we will reap at the proper time if we don’t give up.
Galatians 6:9

Hanging Onto Hope,
Cynthia

The C.E.O. Has Returned to the Nest!

Mikayla had a wonderful opportunity this past week to go to Disneyland with family. Last week I packed her bag, patted her on the noggin and shoved her out the door.*  Three days later, she's home, and I swear  she had the nerve to grow up a little bit more while she was gone.

I think I grew up a little while she was gone too. Remember when I said I get nervous at the mere thought of my children riding a Ferris wheel? Remember that Disneyland is a collection of death traps we so fondly refer to as "rides"? See where this is headed?

I was politely reminded by God to unclench and focus not on the "What Ifs", but rather "What Is".** I couldn't possibly answered the myriad of "What Ifs", but I can tell you what was: It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to spend a good chunk of time with family, build fantastic memories and get the heck spoiled out of her.

Deeper than that, it was an exercise for me to trust the Lord. It may seem ridiculous, but I caught a glimpse of what life will hold in the next 6-10 years with this girl. Today it's Disneyland. Tomorrow it's driving solo. Next week, it's watching her Daddy walk her down the aisle. I think I just sprouted a grey hair. For the first time, my mama heart was truly anxious about where she was going and what she was doing (despite knowing she was in good hands). It's only the beginning. She is undoubtedly going to make decisions, go places and associate with people that make me anxious. I have to choose to turn my anxious thoughts into sincere prayers. Now. Not when the issues are truly drastic.

Mikayla grew up a little too. For a while now, it's been her goal to ride a Ferris wheel.*** She did it and was utterly terrified. BUT she learned you can survive scary things. She has processed her experience much like she would any other emotion, and that is a valuable lesson we all need to learn. Too often fear rules our choices and actions. The sooner we shed the tyrant, fear, the sooner we can get down to the business of living for Jesus and loving in His name. 

So, to summarize: Jesus has got it all under control.



Living and Learning,
Cynthia





*Don't believe it for a second. I would have bawled like a baby had I been home when they drove off to "The Happiest Place on Earth". Thankfully a previous engagement away from home prevented me from making an awkward scene in my driveway.

**I clearly need to be more careful about my blog topics, seeing as how God is going to use this to smack me upside the head. Prepare for upcoming topics such as the various consistencies of marshmallows and reviews on store brand hair conditioners.

***Apparently the ground isn't good enough for some people.