We made a match!!

It has been a very exciting couple of weeks here in Big D! Of course, it's summer and we are loving being out of school. We swim a LOT, play lots of Legos and Lily "teaches" school, we swim some more, go check on our house on Fieldcrest (did I mention that we are renovating our house this summer??) and play some more. We've gotten to go to Houston-  and had an awesome time with our cousins swimming, playing, and touring the Blue Bell Ice Cream Factory in Brenham. But, best of all...we accepted a referral for adoption. We wanted to ask y'all to pray with us as we process our latest adoption news... About a 2 weeks ago, we were given the names/pictures/bios for several Waiting Children from Russia. After looking over the information, we asked our agency to send us details on 3 little girls:  a 10 month old named E, a 21 month old named L, and a 20 month old named K. Finally, we received detailed medical histories and adoption information for both L and K.  We did not receive any information on E, so we are guessing that she has already been placed for adoption...hurrah!! L has been approved for adoption, but K has not been approved for adoption-  evidently, she has a number of unknown potential health issues that our caseworker is concerned about.  Of course, this is heart-breaking, and we are praying for her like crazy. At this point, we have put a "hold" on L...amazing to think that this could be our new daughter!!  We are all excited- the girls talk about her often, and she is never very far from my heart and prayers.  There are still so many steps to take- yesterday we over-nighted several documents to our agency and we will have to go to immigration and submit paperwork & fingerprints for Russia...more forms!! We are THRILLED to be filling out more forms and answering questions!  We are grateful for the opportunity to get to pray for these sweet girls by name, regardless of where they end up-  we pray that their "forever family" will find them soon.   To be honest, one of the hardest aspects of this situation is that we have "options."  When you have a biological child, you "get what you get and you don't throw a fit."  :) Adoption is different.  You have choices:  and it's almost overwhelming.  It feels like every time you make a choice in one direction (we are hoping for a girl), you eliminate other opportunities (what about all of those sweet boys who need a family??).  I have cried many tears as we turn toward one child and turn away from another.  I have realized that I often trust in myself and not the Lord.  I am constantly reminded- often times by y'all!- that God is in control, that He is sovereign, and that I can trust Him.  And, again, that He loves each and every one of these children. Thanks, friends, for your prayers...keep praying.