2013: Our Eyes Are On God

On Friday morning, we read in the news what we had been fearing for days: Vladimir Putin signed the Russian Adoption Ban into law.

So what does this mean to Ana, to Tim, and to the rest of our family? The short answer is, we simply do not know. We are staying in close contact with our adoption agency and relying on their expertise to work through these issues and guide us as to our next steps. What a caring and professional team they are. 

Already, there's a glimmer of hope for children with special physical needs. One Russian lawmaker has proposed an amendment to the bill that would allow these adoptions to move forward. Our hope, of course, is that the way would be open for any child in a Russian orphanage to find a home, wherever that home may be. 

As we wait for the politicians to work through these issues, I'm comforted by the words that our dear friend Jane Stuart Smith sent to us in a Christmas card:

Things are not as they appear to be, as we see them from our limited point of view. It is easy in our troubled world to lose track of the truth that God is in control. 

Yesterday, we sat in a little country church as the pastor opened these words:

But my eyes are toward you, O God, my Lord; in you I seek refuge; leave me not defenseless! (Psalm 141:8). 

The outcome is in God's hands. In the end, it will not be determined by the politician's pen. We don't claim to know what He is doing or why. But we are trusting in Him. History is filled with stories of miraculous intervention - causes that seemed doomed until God rolled in with a sudden, unexpected deliverance. Please do not give up hope. Continue to pray for the defenseless in Russia.

Savior, He can move the mountains. 

Our God is mighty to save,

He is might to save.

Don't Slow Down Yet

In the meantime, I'm still running and praying. I've got no intention of slowing down. My sights are set on a trail marathon in March. My first race as a member of the RODS Racing Team. If you're able to help donate towards that race, please visit my team page. All of the money raised at this race will go to help orphans through Reece's Rainbow. You can't imagine how kicking in even a few cents per mile will encourage everyone working to help these kids. It's not time to slow down yet.