Our REFERRAL Came!

Our apologies for not posting sooner about our referral coming, but I can attest firsthand how easily things move from a smooth/steady pace instantly to an out of control spin when the actual REFERRAL call comes in. Simply WILD!! At least that's what it seemed to do for us. We now have more of our composure intact and are able to more accurately depict the miraculous transformation God has been (and continues) making in our lives. My, my, my, what surprises Our Father brings! We are so grateful -- truly blessed in ways immeasurable!

Read on and you'll know what I'm referring to...

On Thursday late afternoon we got "the call" we'd been officially matched which brought a sense of elation beyond imagination! To hear those happy words that we'd been assigned a referral left me with joy filling my heart. As I peaked to a level of excitement that was almost scary, and as I hung on every word my case manager was saying, a little pause came followed by her speaking the word BUT which usually warrants a 180 degree turnaround of emotion. As she told of the referral, gave the children's ages and genders, then followed that with saying, " ...BUT, we as an agency don't recommend you take this referral!" I immediately went into tough-mama-bear-protecting-her-cubs mode! Honestly I couldn't believe how negative the agency was being then. Still, as the days pass they haven't swayed from their position still offering negativity and trying to discourage us from taking this referral. Nothing really new to encounter as we've certainly experienced much disappointment handed down from the agency thus far in the entire adoption proces. Our gratitude goes out to God for strengthening us in those troubling times we've endured! The turmoil we endured was painful at times but so necessary for the fight that was to come. We thank you God for stretching us and preparing us for our future!

Okay, back to the referral....sorry for getting off base, but had to give a little shout out for God's protection and guidance for all He's done for us! Our referral is one the agency finds to be extremely rare, from what they keep saying. Rick and I are as happy as happy can be and cannot wait to meet our children.

It's for a sibling group of 3 children (2 boys and one girl) -- the oldest who is a boy, age 9; then a girl, age 7; and then a baby boy, age 8 months. Yes, that's no typo... a baby boy! What awesome gifts from God!

We will receive their information in a few days as it is being translated right now which takes a few days. We will post more information as we learn more. We're excited to learn about their personalities and wondering what they will be like! As you can tell we are very anxious for those materials to get here. We know they were placed for us by God! There are too many instances in this process where God has lifted us up and opened our hearts in order to prepare ourselves for the infant and the other children we are about to receive! It's just amazing! So very humbling!

Thank you for your prayers. We need them!

So now we at least know who is waiting in Cucuta, which is a pure blessing -- 3 little blessings as a matter of fact! Luckily I even still have some baby things from when I was doing child care years back, and some even as far back as when Marissa was little. Rick had been hounding me for the past year even to part with all the baby/toddler toys & stuff we'd accumulated, but I wouldn't stand for it Crazy how that works!

As soon as more info comes in, I'll report it. I've been learning to stand firm with our agency as they continue to strongly advise us against taking these children as a referral, but with our trust firmly placed in the Lord, our Saviour, He will give us all the strength we need to fend off anything the enemy brings forth. Even though our agency doesn't back the decisions made for our family, WE DO, because we know God stands with us and He is the divine matchmaker! He makes NO mistakes! God works the many miracles in our lives -- HALLELUJAH! Your prayers, as always, are greatly appreciated! We thank you for your support!

Love, Genece & Rick