Wowsa...

Hello Friends,

As we finish up October, I am amazed that it could be just as close as 8 months from now that we could have new "Baby Iverson" in our home. There is so much going on as we start our fund raising process, that I am almost stunned-still. I am feeling like I'm not doing enough, and I'm reminded of Psalm 46:10, "Be still and know I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!" and in that, it reminds me, that this is not about me.

I don't feel like I have 'wanted' for a lot of things that I couldn't have. As it turns out, I am so stinking blessed, it's not really funny. I have liked to be the person who tries to help others, so as I sit in this position, relying solely on God and how He uses other people, I am challenged beyond what I have ever been challenged. People always say, "let go and let God" or, "we're just trusting in God for this" and to be honest, I have said that, and then turned around to do what I need to do to get what I want. So, as James says, "It's time to put our money where our mouth is!"

We are at a slight halt in the process, as the homestudy cannot go forward without a check in the mail to the agency. We have some, but not all of what needs to be sent. So, I am marketing my furniture a bit more aggressively online and have made some post cards to: 1. let people know, who don't already, what our mission is in this adoption, and 2. to see if anyone wants to join us to partner in this with our family.

I have never done a missions trip based on fund raising and the only way I have done things similar is to sell a ticket so someone gets to attend an event...which just pays for an experience that is tangible, I guess. So, I will be sending these out shortly and it is absolutely an exercise of dropping to my knees, leveling my pride and asking for help. Even now, as I type, I am mulling over each word, for fear of what others might think and debating each statement. In reality, it doesn't really matter what I say or where I strategically place each coma and period. I really believe that God absolutely has control over this situation and know that we will press on, until we are forced to stop or until our daughter gets to come home.

We will be dedicating Carter and Gracyie at church Sunday and will be able to share a bit more about what God is doing and has done in our hearts and lives. In the mean time, the need, as it is currently, would be to prayerfully anticipate 13 people from our 'One of 200' cards, to feel compelled to move on this with us at this stage.

If you have sent me your address, thank you! If not and you want to, please shoot me an e-mail, fb or text. Thanks for your continued encouragement and love. melanie