Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will hope in him.” Lam 3:22-24
INTRODUCING OUR DAUGHTER
It is with grateful hearts that we share with you the arrival of our daughter, Aria Hope. Her life is a testimony of God's faithfulness and an answer to many prayers. Prayers from many of you and many others, all over the world. Thank you for your steadfast prayers for the Lord to grow our family.
Last February, when we first found out we were pregnant, the lyrics of the song "The Lord is Gracious and Compassionate" repeatedly came to Daneen's mind. God has been so gracious to us. Our journey of infertility for four years helped remind us that we are not entitled or guaranteed to be able to have children. We have always desired for adoption to be a part of our family, yet hoped we might also be able to experience having biological children as well. We knew that whatever the Lord had planned for our family, it would be perfect. God has such great compassion toward us. We praise Him for this gift of life in our daughter.
BABY J
This past April a special little baby boy came to us through foster care. Baby "J" arrived to us when he was 2 months old and is now an active and very mobile 9 month old. He brings so much joy into our home and to everyone he meets. Having a 9 month old and a newborn (our "irish twins") certainly makes life very full and challenging, but we know that both of these babies are a gift from God.
As with most children in foster care, his long-term situation is unknown. What we do know is that he is with us for now and a part of our family. We love him as if he were our own and will continue to do so as long as the Lord entrusts us to care for him.
The heart over baby J's face is for his protection and privacy; a
requirement for children in foster care. We wish we could show you his
cute, chubby cheeks and precious smile!
GOD IS FAITHFUL
Last January, we sent an email update to summarize 2017 and it ended with this....
As
we start a new year, we literally have no idea what this year might
look like. We currently do not have any children in our home, yet
anticipate that will change at any moment. We are hopeful that this year
might be the year our "forever" children enter our home, yet we have no
idea and no control over it. Our peace rests in the fact that we know
the Lord has great plans and His timing is always perfect!
Wow! Our prayer and hope was that this year our forever children would enter our home. We had no idea and in many ways had given up on that happening biologically through a pregnancy...
But God!!!
~~~
We wish you a special and purpose-filled Christmas season. We pray that your hope is in Jesus our Lord!
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Much love from Montana,
Joe, Daneen, Baby J, Aria (and Pendo)
May
the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him,
so
that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans
15:13
