Gifts from God

James 1:17 ESV - Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights and whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.

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Let's be very frank - adoption is not cheap or easy.  I am not complaining, just stating a fact.  We knew it was expensive and labor intensive before we started the process.  We knew that we would be spending money we had set aside for other things on adoption.  We knew that our parents would help us (because we have amazing parents).  We also knew that it would be difficult but we could do it.  And, we knew that God would provide because we felt God was leading us to adopt.  I know, in prayer, I felt God saying "Erica, you will be ok and I will provide for you."

In prayer, we spent countless hours asking God if we should pursue adoption.  We prayed and asked if He was closing this infertility door and asking us to select a different route.  We felt confident that having another biological child was not the plan for us.  We clearly felt God telling us to adopt.  Jeff and I took a huge leap of faith knowing that some of our adoption fund would be dependent on the help of others.  

God has provided!  God has filled our hearts with blessings!  He has gifted us with the financial support of so many.  Friends have setup fundraisers for us without hesitation.  My sister-in-law is selling homemade necklaces (Rainbows for Sam) to help with our cause.  Friends have offered clothing and toys for when Sam comes home.  Friends have provided adoption resources and down syndrome resources to help make this transition easier.  Friends and family have wrote recommendation letters for us.  Friends and family have come forth with words of encouragement and prayers.  

Jeff and I sit in awe of what God has done for us.  We are humbled by our friends, family and church community who have loved on us.  This is what Christ is all about!  This is why God created us - to LOVE one another (Matthew 22:36-40).

Thank you our dear friends.  Thank you for loving on the Bodes!