Wednesday, December 16, 2009

I Believe

In Mark chapter 9, a man brings his son to the Savior, pleading with Him to cast out an evil spirit. ". .But if thou canst do anything," said the man, "have compassion on us, and help us (Mark 9:22)."

In response, the Savior said," "If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth."

"And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief (Mark 9:24)"

When we began this adoption journey in February, we knew that we would need to complete this adoption without incurring additional debt. (For those unfamiliar with the costs associated with international adoption, or for those interested in pursuing an international adoption, to adopt three children with special needs from Bulgaria, our overall expenses will be approximately $30,000). In the beginning, the task seemed daunting, but we knew that, with the Lord's help, we could accomplish our goal, and so we got down on our knees and asked our Heavenly Father for assistance.

We worked hard to set aside every penny that was not being used for necessities. We held garage sales, bake sales, sold handmade goods and anything that wasn't nailed down, we hosted our ipod giveaway and our silent auction. We were continually humbled by the generosity of friends, family and even strangers. Whenever the money was needed (agency fees, facilitation fees, USCIS fees, paperwork, medicals, fingerprinting, etc.), the money was there.

Several weeks ago (shortly after mailing our dossier), I sat down to calculate the amount still needed to complete our adoption. Although I was amazed at the amount of money we had been able to come up with thus far, I was overwhelmed by the amount still left to be raised, and I wondered if we would truly be able to complete this adoption without incurring additional debt. I once again found myself on my knees, asking my Heavenly Father for the faith to know that the money would be there and that we would meet our goal.

The following day I loaded the kids into the van and made the 10 hour drive to Philadelphia for Evan's doctor's appointment. When we arrived at the Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House that evening, the social worker immediately asked me if I could step into her office. I followed her, puzzled by her request. Once inside her office she handed me a black leather bag. She explained to me that, inside the bag was a Christmas Jar, given to our family by an annonymous donor. Because our family also keeps a Christmas Jar, I knew immediately what I would find in the bag. (For those unfamiliar with this Christmas tradition, a Christmas Jar is a jar where you place your spare change at the end of each day and at Christmastime, donate the contents of the jar, annonymously, to someone in need.)

Fighting back tears, I thanked her and took the bag and my children up to our room. Once inside, I opened the bag and pulled out the jar. Inside that jar was more than just someone's spare change. I couldn't hold back the tears any longer. I was overwhelmed by the generosity of this annonymous donor. What's more, I was reminded, once again, that our Heavenly Father is in all of the details of our lives and will provide all that we need, exactly when we need it.

I felt like the father who came to the Savior seeking healing for his son. "Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief." And, just as He has reminded me time and again throughout this process, He answered and said, "If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth."

We may never know the identity of the person who blessed us with their Christmas Jar, but we are deeply grateful for that gift and most importantly, for the reminder that our Heavenly Father hears and answers our prayers and will bless us with all that we need, if we believe.

I believe.

15 comments:

Barb G said...

Praising our Lord with you!!! \o/ \o/

Thanks for sharing your blessing.

Barb

Mamapierce said...

Wow. I felt the Spirit so strongly when I read this post. You are truly doing the Lord's will. (((HUGS)))

Sarah @ The Pumpkin Patch said...

Every time I read your blog I think to myself that I need to have more faith. I feel the same tonight. Thanks for being my friend Val. I appreciate you in more ways than you know. Let's talk soon...

Tiana said...

Amazing. You are amazing, your family is amazing, your blog is amazing, the Lord is amazing! Thank you for sharing!!

Kelly said...

What a GREAT post! Thanks for sharing! I LOVE seeing Gods hands to specifically in our lives, and esp. in this journey of adoption!

MBusse said...

Hope you don't mind, but I sent a link to Jason Wright, the author of the book Christmas Jars. :-)

I continue to be so impressed and proud of you and Richard. Love ya!

smctiver said...

Hi Valerie,

What a wonderful gesture for your family to receive. I hope 2010 brings your newest family additions home. Enjoy the Christmas season!

Shari

first lady said...

I believe too. Merry christmas. love you guys.

Anonymous said...

they are so meant to be your babies. you and they are in His hand...

Yaya' s Home said...

Thank you for sharing so much about your family. My prayers are with all of you.

Happy New Year!

~ Yaya
Yaya's Home

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Grandma DD said...

Dear Val, I was deeply touched by your blog; the reminder that faith is taking action based on trust in our Heavenly Father, and faith is also a gift from him that we may do so! Thank you so much for sharing.

Lisa said...

That is so cool!