The Power of Prayer....

We will have our application for our homestudy completed tomorrow, and will be sending it in along with the application fee. As the ball officially gets rolling with our adoption process, we'd like to humbly come before you and ask for your prayers. Please keep us in your thoughts, and lift our requests up to the Lord. We know there is no limit to what can be accomplished through Him, and His presence has been so evident thus far.

Please pray specifically for:

Wisdom and discernment as we navigate the paper trail, our finances, and all requirements, documents, etc.

Perserverance for our family as we embark on this lengthy journey that will test our faith, our patience, our finances, our emotions and so much more.

Safety and protection for Ruslan, that he would be healthy and well until we can get him out of the orphanage and bring him home. That he can continue to learn of our, and most importantly God's, love for him.

For Mason, that he would feel loved, valued and connected, and that his heart would be protected along this journey. That we find the right words to acknowledge the love and compassion he feels for Ruslan, and that we can facilitate well if that love has a chance to manifest itself in a developing sibling relationship one day.

Softened hearts for family and friends who are having a difficult time accepting and/or supporting the notion of international adoption, or the notion that we are adopting at all. That these relationships would not allow bitterness or resentment to settle in our hearts.

Us to get out of the way and allow His will for Ruslan and our family to be evident and clear. For us to obediently walk in the path that He would lay before us, to willingly go through open doors and have understanding and acceptance in the face of closed doors, resting in the knowledge that His plan is always perfect.

For creativity in fundraising, that when payments come due, we are able to fruitully see the Lord's provision through our efforts and fundraising strategies. That the timing of our fundraising efforts is such that the process is allowed to continue without interruption.

For continued moral and emotional support, and a network of family and friends to confide in, lean on and share this journey with.

Most importantly, that we continue to be seeking Him in all that we do, and that we are listening every day for His voice, His path, His direction for our family and this little boy.

Thank you, each and every one, for joining us along this journey. We truly couldn't do it without you, and we are so humbled by the support we have received thus far. We are eternally grateful.