The Newill's Journey of Joy

"A father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows, is God in his holy habitation."

March 19th

-We received a message from our lawyer this past Friday, saying that we are awaiting medical forms for our children. The facilitator is currently in Vietnam and "will be there for several weeks." We are praying that we might have our official referrals by Easter, but as always we expect delays. Each week that passes threatens to be a discouragement, but we are trying to stay busy. Please continue to keep up in your prayers.

March 8th

-We read this verse last night in our family devotions, it is both an encouragement and conviction! 

"The mind of man plans his way,
         But the LORD directs his steps."   ~Proverbs 16:9        

March 6th

-Still waiting for any new news! We are praying that we would have a referral soon. Praise the Lord we have received another $540 towards the adoption! We are very close to having all of the money that will be due after we receive our referral! Praise God! Then, it will be traveling costs left to raise. We are thankful that our God supplies all our needs! In the meantime, we are living vicariously through our pastor and his wife who are currently in Vietnam, adopting 2 children! We watch their website like hawks, looking for any news and connection to this beautiful country! They are on our links page! Please continue in prayer as we continue to learn patience and contentment at this time!

Feb. 27th

-Still waiting for any word about our referrals. At times this wait feels as though our adoption is none existent. We're trying to be patient, but as each week passes, we realize that our travel dates continue to get pushed back. Every time we call a family member, they ask if we've heard anything. At times, I believe it is hard to tell them, because then we are not alone in our disappointment. Although it is encouraging to known that our families are supportive and anxious to meet our little ones, it almost feels as though the pressure is greater because of it. In the mean time, Troy and I have decided to compile a list of things to do why one waits for a referral, here's just a few of our ideas that we have carried out:

1. Buy a new puppy. What better way to distract yourself, then the constant supervision and frustration a new puppy can bring!

2. Go shopping for children that you have no idea of their age or size. This happens to be Troy's favorite (and has been since we made the decision to adopt 7 months ago!)

3. Debate on who is going to change that first stinky diaper! (I have a feeling I'm going to lose that battle!)

4. Watch the Frank's adoption video. (We give it 5 stars *****)

5. Sit in an empty nursery and wonder what it will be like to fill it with love and laughter.

6. Surf the web for anything pertaining to adoption, Vietnam, or children.

7. Re-read grant denial letters.

8. Pray for character such as  patience and then immediately realize that your prayer has been answered with a prime opportunity.

9. Go shopping again, this time for sale items only!

10. Watch the Frank's video again, living through their experience until we can make one of our own!

We welcome any and all additions to this list! For those of you who know us best, remind us to remember #8! :)

Jan. 25th

-Today we received disappointing new, the twins that we had hoped to adopt were given to another family in Florida. I feel as though we have miscarried our babies at 7 months along. To have their pictures in our hearts for the past few months, only to have to let them go it brutally difficult. I think I've cried more tears for these little one then a body can sustain. As always, Troy is my protector and shield. It's wonderful to have your best friend to comfort you and be strong for you in your greatest time of need. I know that he is hurting too, but he is it hiding for me. This time is so difficult and our hearts are broken, but God is our comforter. He has sustained us thus far and will continue to sustain us until the completion of this journey. We are happy that these twins have a home, but we are hurting because we have loved them ourselves for the past few months. We have prayed for guidance and feel that we are still called to adopt an infant boy and girl. We have talked with Michele (our attorney) and have decided to adopt both a boy and a girl as planned. They will not be twins, but will hopefully be close in age. Michele hopes that we can have our referrals by next week, however, it could still be 2-4 months before we receive them. Please pray that this process will be hurried, for our disappointment will quickly vanish when we can see the pictures of our future children! As always, our families are supportive and fervent in prayer! We have so much to be thankful for. We can see that God has used this opportunity to open our eyes and hearts to 2 children. Please pray that we will remember that during these grueling months ahead!

Jan. 2007

-We continue to play the waiting game with the Veitnamese government! Our Dossier is compelte and has been submitted. We are hoping to travel sometime this Spring, but are aware that delays are always possbile.

Nov. 14th

-Through an unusual turn of events, God has lead us to the adoption of twins! I am continually amazed at how He works and uses people in our lives to guide us toward His will! It all started a few days ago when I was talking with our attorney, Michele, who said to let her know if we ran into a sudden large sum of money for the adoption. She said that she had a referral for a set of twins, one boy one girl, and she was going to have to send it back because she didn't have a couple who could afford them. I shrugged it off, thinking that we could never come up with the money, but that all changed with an unexpected phone call from our pastor's wife, who was updating me on their adoption. I mentioned the comment about the twins and she said, "Dale is always saying that the one area that we can all grow in is our faith. God is providing opportunities if we would only trust Him." These words stuck with me all day. When Troy got home that night, we discussed it and then discussed the possibility with our parents. Everyone was in agreement that this was something to look into. I called Michele the next day and she said that she would talk with her contacts and call us back on Monday or Tuesday. We knew it was a long shot, but we continued to pray for God's Will. We prayed that if this was not meant to be that God would slam shut all windows and doors. Amazingly, He opened each obstacle and now we have pictures of the two most beautiful children in the world! Our God is so good and we are now so very busy!

Nov. 1st

-YAY!!!!! Our homestudy is now complete! The past few weeks of meetings and interview have resulted in a summary of our entire lives which states on the very last page that Troy and I can be parents! We praise the Lord once again for His goodness and grace! We are one step closer to our little girl!

Sept. 15th

-Today was our first interview and home inspectionwith Kristen from the Miriam Project for our homestudy. Both Troy and I were terribly nervous, but Kristen made us feel comfortable and relaxed in our own home! She said that our house looks safe and doesn't see any problems! Troy had his personal interview and he feels it went very well. Funny how easy it is for some people to have a family! Two more interviews to go, but we are 1/3 of the way there!

Aug. 1st

-Today  we contacted Michele about our decision. Through much prayer and discussion, we have decided to adopt a little girl from Vietnam! We are so excited and cannot wait to begin this process!

July 21st

-Today we met with the attorney Michele Jackson. We reviewed all the adoption options and feel a little bit on information overload! She is very knowledgeable about this ministry that she is so passionate about! We were disappointed to find out that China is not an option for us because of our ages. I feel like were back in 2nd grade and can't ride the roller coaster because we're too small. We might only qualify for the countries of Guatemala and Vietnam, disappointing to say the least. The daunting cost of adoptions from those countries was at first very discouraging. On the way home, we decide that this is not for us, but the desire for a family is. We go to the library and look up the website that Michele suggested of a local family that is in Vietnam for the adoption of 2 little girls. As we read the journal and looked at the pictures of all those beautiful children without homes and without the love of God, our hearts began to melt. At one point, Troy and I looked at each other with tears in our eyes and instantly we knew that God was showing us His will. How could we say no to these faces? We went home that night with hearts full of hope and love and mouths full of prayer.

July 13

-I e-mailed the Schuiteman's adoption attorney today for more information regarding adoption. We are leaning toward international adoption, but want to know all of our options. Much prayer and heartache have lead us to this point. Lord be with us in these decisions.

We have spoken with our pastor reagarding their adoption process. He suggests we speak with their attorney. Cami (our pastor's wife) gives us a note with the phone number and e-amil address of the attorney. On the bottom of the noted she writes, "Don't let the cost scare you, we can't afford this either. God provides." Is this a glimpse into our future? We need all the encouragement we can get!

We just discovered that we are unable to have children "Naturally" meaning without fertility treatments and lots of bedrest. God is leading, but are we ready to follow?