So...I'm guessing you're not expecting this...

...and I honestly was not expecting to write it...

You will likely have some version of one of the different responses below to what you're about to read (I know this, because I've already experienced them from the few I've shared this news with):

1. WOOOHOOO!  I'm so excited for you!  God is obviously up to something HUGE!
2. WHAT?  SERIOUSLY?  For so many reasons that does not make sense?  Are you sure that is  good idea?
3. ___________ (dead silence)

So what is this news?

Meet Callie.  Olivia's soon-to-be little sister and my precious daughter.

She will be 3 in May and currently waits in Southwest China.

Are you still with me?

If you had asked me a month ago (like my Dad did), I would have told you, "I don't have plans to be adopting again any time soon."

"Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails."

Proverbs 19:21

(Of course my plans would have had me married to a wonderful yet-to-be met man at this point, but again, Proverbs 19:21...)

When I first saw her face, the voices started in my head....

"There are lots of reasons why this doesn't make sense...I'm single...working full time.. in ministry...have to fund raise/raise support to live...already have one daughter with special needs...I'm single..."

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord.

Isaiah 55:8

I came up with other excuses like, "how are we ever going to travel with my parents again?" (whenever we go to the lake or out East to visit my sisters', usually it is them in the front and Olivia and I in the back and there isn't room in any of our cars for 2 car seats and an adult in the back)...where will she sleep on the boat...I'll be out numbered...

Logistics for consideration, but deciding factor?

What will people think? 

"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. 

Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—

his good, pleasing and perfect will."

Romans 12:2

Whose opinion matters most?  The world or God?

Really?  This is what you have planned, Lord?  This really isn't what I had visioned...

"'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'"

Jeremiah 29:11

A couple of weeks ago I started a course called Perspectives in World Mission.  One of the things that they talked about in the first session was the tweaking of our perspective.  If we truly believe that God is in control, that He has a plan, and that He wants only the best for us, then we should be seeking in all that we do, all that we think, all that we pray, in all situations, to find how God can be glorified.  If before we make a decision we ask, "Is this glorifying to God?"  would that affirm or change the decision we were making?

Someone asked if  saying "YES!" to welcoming Callie into our family is an emotional choice I am making.  The answer is absolutely "YES!"  but not in the way that I believe the question meant.  Is the answer "YES" because there is something in me that feels the need to be a single mom of two?  The answer is a resounding "NO".  But is the question asking if saying "YES" is because I prayed that God would knock me upside the head with a 2x4 to affirm that this is what He was asking me to do, and He did so - several times - and I'm seeking to be obedient even thought there are soooo many questions and reasons to say no, then the answer would be YES.  Can saying "no" also be glorifying to God?  Yes, but I don't believe so in this case.

In December I saw the following quote (before I ever saw Callie's face).  The words spoke to my heart then, and now have become one of my prayers:

"I am no longer anxious about anything,
as I realize that the Lord is able to carry out His will,
and His will is mine.
It makes no matter where He places me, or how.
That is for Him to consider, not me, for in the easiest positions He must give me grace,
and in the most difficult ones, His grace is sufficient."

Hudson Taylor (who, by the way, was a missionary to China )

I don't believe that God promises to make life easy - and becoming a family of 3 will definitely change things in many ways providing both challenges and opportunities - but I do believe that God promises to provide for those who love Him and are obedient to His call.  

We treasure and covet your prayers.  You'll soon see some opportunities that, if you feel led, will invite you to join Team Cameron in helping to bring Callie home!

Now, more than ever,