File updates!!!

What an awesome New Year's Eve gift I just received!  My team leader from last summer's trip messaged me to say some of the kiddos we loved on now have files and are "paper ready" (a term in the adoption world that means they can be officially adopted.)  

If you are interested in viewing the files on any of these kiddos, you can view them at http://www.awaa.org/default.aspx.  You will need to register and receive a password to view the waiting children files.  

Our sweet Lovey Girl (http://stepintotheirstory.blogspot.com/2014/07/lovey-girl.html) is Jessa on the AWAA waiting files list.  

Our Sweet Baby Girl (http://stepintotheirstory.blogspot.com/2014/07/let-me-introduce-my-new-friend-sweet.html) has already been matched with her family!!!!  (Typing that brings tears of joy to my face!)

Our adorable and bashful Twins are Chloe and Mia on the AWAA list.  I pray that a family steps up to adopt both of these beautiful little girls.  They have such an amazing bond and it would be so hard for them to be apart.  

Oh....and Beautiful Boy (http://stepintotheirstory.blogspot.com/2014/07/please-meet-beautiful-boy.html and http://stepintotheirstory.blogspot.com/2014/08/caleb.html) is still on the list and waiting.  He is Caleb.  If I could convince my husband, that sweet little boy would be snuggled into our house as a part of our family.  However, he is meant for another lucky family and I hope they find him soon.  

And, the one that steals the heart of every team member who has visited this orphanage, the Mayor is still waiting.  Lara wrote about the Mayor on her blog at http://tochinawithlovemissiontrip2014.blogspot.com/2014/09/there-is-no-crying-in-football.html. He is known as Zack on the waiting children list but he is not listed with AWAA anymore.  You can read more about him at: http://twentyless.com/zack/  Zack is running out of time to find his family.

There are many other of the kiddos listed.  I've listed just a few of the special kiddos who just captured my heart.  

So as we say goodbye to 2014, I know my heart has forever been changed and a part remains with these children still waiting for their families in China.  2015 will bring another trip for and a whole new group of children looking for their family.  While I dread the heartbreak that will come as a result of the trip, I am looking forward to making the children we can love on feel special for the time we are with them.  

Happy 2015 to everyone!

 

2015 Team Member Introduction - Marlena

One more member to introduce!  This is my sweet friend Marlena.  Marlena and I knew each other through church but really got to know each other through running.  Marlena, myself and one other sweet friend where the three muskateers of what we dubbed the "turtle crew."  We got to know each other well, worked out the world's problems and threw in many therapy sessions on those miles we logged as we trained for the Illinois half marathon in 2012.  And when I hit breathing problems on race day, Marlena sacrificed a better time by sticking by my side as I struggled through that run. 

And I was thrilled when we had lunch one day to chat about my trip last summer and she announced that she wanted to join me on the next trip!  I'm so excited to have her on our team and excited to see what the Lord does through her.  And we've already warned her that she will be ROCK STAR in China with her blond hair. :)

Meet Marlena....

The cursor taunts at my blank mind causing anxious thoughts of inadequacy, fears of failing swirls with the idea of "I can't possibly be used for God's purpose," running appears to be the best option, but if I run where and when does the race of life end. You see, the devil and I have an on giving battle. I allow him to speak negative thoughts and in turn I am robbed of the joy God desires for me.

Hi, I am Marlena and I am a warrior for Jesus who fights on the front lines daily with the devil. I am a wife and mother of two wonderfully created, adventurous, trying at times, beautiful children. They keep me on my toes and often in stitches over their antics and most especially, humbled by their lack of fear and steadfast truth and faith.

Isn't funny how our children step out in faith when learning something new, trusting as parents we will not fail them. I felt the Holy Spirit pushing me to take a leap of faith to sign up for this mission trip to China. As the travel date approaches I find my confidence wavering. The "buts" start...But God, are you sure you can use me? You must be mistaken I can't possible have anything to offer? How will I reach the financial obligation set before me? As the hissing of pessimism rages I hear God whisper "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10.

With all my fears, with all my thoughts of inadequacy, with my desire to flee, I am choosing to chase after God and his redeeming love so that I may be a light of hope. I don't fully grasp how God will use me in China or even why China? I do know it is the path that is set before me and with God's help I want others to know of the beautiful children who are without forever families. My prayer is that God will break my heart and open my eyes so that I may see how I can better serve Him.

Blessed to be on this journey,
Marlena