National Adoption Day!

     I've been reading Kisses From Katie, the incredible true story of a young girl from Tennessee who followed God into Uganda and at the age of 19 was the forever mother to 6 children! By the age of 25, she would have started an international ministry, written a New York Times bestseller and have...wait for it...FOURTEEN precious faces to forever love every day. Her story is not specifically about adoption, in fact she only spends three paragraphs on the topic through the whole book. Her story IS though about the beautiful chaos that stepping out in faith can be. She loves because God loved her first. (1John 4:19)  I love what she says in the foreword of the book:

 

"People who really want to make a difference in the world usually do it, in one way or another. And I've noticed something about people who make a difference in the world; They hold the unshakable conviction that individuals are extremely important, that every life matters. They get excited over one smile. They are willing to feed one stomach, educate one mind, and treat one wound. They aren't determined to revolutionize the world all at once; they're satisfied with small changes. Over time, though, the small changes add up. Sometimes they even transform cities and nations, and yes, the world."

 

     Today is National Adoption Day. A day to celebrate the beauty of forever families, of children loved FOREVER, of stepping out in faith, of making a difference in one...or two...or fourteen.  Of little Chinese boys who eat pizza crust first, and hate brushing their teeth. Of God's miraculous plan of relentless love and redemption. Of choosing to love because the Lord chose us with His life.

  

     For those following the Bamboo Project...five children have been matched with their forever families!!  I am so very excited for these sweet hearts to meet their Mommas & Daddys! Please continue to pray over the remaining nine children and their forever families still waiting to come forward. Also for extended favor with the governing bodies as we continue to advocate for these precious children past our 'deadline' at the end of the year. Fundraising continues; there is a fun fundraiser being planned for the Christmas rush and it appears that doors are opening for a 5k in the spring! As we enter the holiday season (and tax prep!), please consider giving directly to Bethany Christian Services for the Bamboo Families or through the YouCaring link on the right side of the blog. Every cent goes directly to the families welcoming a Bamboo child HOME...FOREVER. You can be a part of loving these kids into the family of God!