P.S.

I meant to add a few more people to that prayer list before I published it yesterday.

Please pray for the house parents and orphanage directors as they prepare the children to be adopted.
Also they have had such an influential time in the kids lives. I know they will miss the kids very much. Pray for them as the kids leave the orphanage. Thanks

To pray for the children

Hair bows. We don't have hair bows. Football. We have one. A swingset. How much did you say?

It's the little everyday things that you use in life that I think of at night that we need for the kids. I think that we have to have it right now. I have to remind myself that it's okay, we will aquire all of these things - at some point. :)

But then I panic a little when I walk into Hobby Lobby or JCPenny. I think "I just want it all to be perfect." To be everything they like to do, that will match their gifts and hobbies and talents, that they will love to have in their room, to play with, to share with each other and friends. I see items and get excited thinking it will go in his room! It will match her bedspread! Then my heart squeezes and sinks - what if he hates sports? Would he rather have music? Will she play with it? Does she like this? I love music, Brent loves sports. I taught my stuffed animals and played with Barbie as a little girl. Brent played sports and video games when he was little, actually he still does! :)

I know it will take time, maybe a long time, maybe years, maybe months, for the kids to feel at home. It may take awhile to feel like a family. I guess I think if their rooms and our house is just what they wanted, then it help the matter go much more quickly. I posted a question on facebook one day asking for suggestions about what do 10 year old boys like. An old boss wrote "the love their mom and dad."

We are about the ask these kids to leave their home. Their house parents, friends, who have become their family. They will leave a place where the sights and sounds and holiday traditions are familiar and come to a place where nothing is familiar or normal. I know that no amount of decorating or toy supply will heal their grief when they walk through our door. They are in need of so much prayer.

Please pray for them as....
*They have lost much in their life. They will miss their country, their family, friends, etc. They will grieve for all that has gone on in their life. Things we don't even know about, things we do not understand.
*They have to learn a new language.
*They start school in the fall.
*They make new friends
*Adjust to living in America - it is going to be completely overwhelming for them.

*Pray for us to know what to take to Peru and how to pack
*Pray for safety and protection as we travel to Peru and live in Peru for a few weeks
*Pray for the first day of meeting the children and they meet us!
*Pray for our Embassy appointments and medical appointments
*Pray for the plane ride home :)
*Pray for our families

*Pray for us for wisdom as we get into their world and help them walk their pain and grief.
*Pray for us as this is stressful time for us.
*Pray for us as we become parents for these kids and we become a family.

Whatever God the Father lays on your heart, we will need your prayer and Jesus presence and wisdom and healing.

One of my favorite quotes from Russell Moore's book, Adopted for Life, says:

"But then there's Jesus....."


He is Everything.

PRAY FOR AMERICA

Just a quick note:
Please pray without ceasing for the government tonight and tomorrow. They must reach a decision about the budget by tomorrow at midnight! If they do not reach a decision, then I think there is a mandatory shut down. I don't know details, I just know that means no pay check for government workers and their families! It also means delays for us going to Peru!
Our country needs the Lord.

"Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective." James 5:16

I think this song by Casting Crowns might be appropriate

Hear our cry, Lord, we pray
Our faces down, our hands are raised
You called us out, we turned away
We've turned away

With shipwrecked faith the idols rise
We do what is right in our own eyes
Our children now will pay the price
We need Your light, Lord, shine Your light

If we've ever needed You
Lord, it's now, Lord, it's now
We are desperate for Your hand
We're reaching out, we're reaching out

All our hearts, all our strength
With all our minds, we're at Your feet
May Your kingdom come in our hearts and lives
Let Your church arise, let Your church arise

If we've ever needed You
Lord, it's now, Lord, it's now
We are desperate for Your hand
We're reaching out, we're reaching out
We're reaching out

If we've ever needed You
Lord, it's now, Lord, it's now
We are desperate for Your hand
We're reaching out, we're reaching out

If we've ever needed You
Lord, it's now, Lord, it's now
We are desperate for Your hand
We're reaching out, reaching out

We need You now
Revive us now
We need You now