An Ephesians 3:20 Decade

C3, the church I attend, held a meeting today of folks called Kingdom Builders.  The meeting was held by Pastors Matt and Martha Fry to provide an update on KB goals/accomplishments and to continue to encourage "builders" to believe beyond what we imagine for C3.  The Director of Ministries of Lakewood Church- Houston, Tx , Craig Johnson,  was there to elevate our vision by giving an overview of the last several years of growth at his church.  Lakewood is the church pastored by Joel  and Victoria Osteen.  All of the praise and glory was given to God by both Pastor Fry and Johnson for the extraordinary commitment of the church (parishioners) in harsh economic times.  Craig Johnson told us we can constrain our ideas and belief in what is possible since we look at our economy and not God's economy.  God's economy is limitless.  He further stated that our ideas are not God's ideas and we can sometimes not see all the possibilities that lie before us.  Johnson said we need to continue the grace revolution- the desire to change lives and love people by taking steps of faith especially when times are tough.

You may wonder what this has to do with Grace.  For the last several months, I have doubted my ability to step up and into the process of adopting Grace. As God revealed the support of so many people when  I "leaked" out the idea of adoption, it became apparent that my doubts were in the minority.  There have been some people who are not sure this is a sound decision on my part, however, the majority see the hand of God in this process and have opened doors that my doubts had locked.  For the people who were skeptical, I appreciate your honesty.  My prayer is that God, through the revelation of His plan, melts your doubt as you continue to follow the blog of our collective journey.

One last thought from today's message by Craig Johnson.  He said we are in a decade of Ephesians 3:20.
" ²⁰ Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us..".    My heart latched on to that phrase.  For surely, if we are in a decade of immeasurable works of God, let us believe His power is in us to do more than we imagine for His kingdom as we nurture and teach His next generation.  The generation of which Grace is a contributor- my prayer continues to be that she will be a mighty witness and will give of self first for others.

Hang in their with us on this journey- love you!

Ugandan Adoption Process

You guys are awesome. So many prayers and well wishes.  Several sweet, precious donations to help with Bringing Grace Home.  Many of you have expressed an interest in knowing the process and the costs associated with the steps. Below is an abbreviated version of the Ugandan adoption process.  The information comes from s friend who recently adopted from Royal School and Orphanage in Mityana, Uganda.

1. Homestudy (2 months)                                            ~$1500
2. Immigration Approval (6 weeks)                             ~$720.00, plus $85 ea fingerprinting
3. Dossier Paperwork (2 months)                             
4. Attorney Prepares file (2 Months)                         ~$3500.00, plus shipping $150
5. Court dates- vary usually Spring/fall
6. Travel to Uganda (3 weeks)                                  ~$3000.00, incs lodging, etc
7. In- country-court twice-present case and ruling- child gets physical
8. Child costs- to do in Uganda                                ~$600.00, passport, physical, visa
9. Travel while in country                                        ~$600.00, 8-10 trips around town
10. Travel to US                                                         ~$1,000.00 (depends)
11. US adoption completion                                      ~$400.00, (US court cost and post home study)

Again, we are so encouraged by your belief this adoption will happen. Please keep us in your prayers and send notes of encouragement when you have time.  Love you.