A Shelter in the Time of Storm.....

Whew! Yesterday was an emotional roller coaster ride.

 There were times when I felt so disappointed because of the changes in the Ethiopia program. Times when I would burst into tears just thinking about it. Times when I felt that the whole world was crashing in on me. Yet there were times of emotional highs as well. Times when God showed me beyond a shadow of a doubt that He is there, that He cares, and that nothing will stop His will from being accomplished. He gave me sign after sign to reassure me yesterday that He is indeed in control, and He truly is a shelter in the time of storm.

Yesterday morning I was sitting in a hotel room in Indianapolis when I first found out that the changes were not just rumored anymore. They were to be put into action on March 10 - today. I immediately felt as if someone had punched me in the gut. I then opened my Bible to the following verse, which by no coincidence was one of the verses that got us started on this journey in the first place, when others told us we were crazy or should reconsider: "This is the purpose that is purposed upon the whole earth: and this is the hand that is stretched out upon all the nations. For the Lord of hosts hath purposed, and who shall disannul it? and his hand is stretched out, and who shall turn it back?" Isaiah 14:26-27. I knew in my heart that God was telling me, "Erica, I called you to this adoption. This is my purpose for you. I am greater than any government;  I am greater than any power on earth. I promised you that I have a child for you - who can stand against Me?"

Later, I was walking through the mall in Indy when I saw a sign that said, "Our calling is still the same." I don't even know what the sign was advertising, but it leaped out at me just the same. I pulled out a notebook and pen, and wrote it down so I would not forget what it said. Once again, I knew God was telling me that this was his plan for us no matter what. I walked a few more steps and saw another sign, read it as I walked by, and then stopped in my tracks, turned around and walked back. The sign showed a picture of 2 women, obviously from Africa because of their dress, holding a small African child. The words across the middle of the sign said, "You are closer to saving a child than you think." There were no other words on the sign. I just stood there staring, and finally dug out my notepad and pen and wrote that down as well. I continued on down the concourse, and just a few steps later, saw the same sign again. I knew it was a God thing. Once again, He was reassuring me that His timing was perfect; His will would be accomplished, no matter how long it took.

Later in the day, I found out that despite all the upheaval in the adoption world, 5 families with our agency still received court dates yesterday! They will be traveling in the middle of May to meet their children for the first time. Also, several referrals went out yesterday as well! In the midst of our troubles, God was giving us something else to celebrate!

This morning I opened the Bible and saw the following verse: "If thou seest the oppression of the poor, and violent perverting of judgement and justice in a province, marvel not at the matter: for he that is higher than the highest regardeth; and there be higher than they." Ecclesiastes 5:8. God is with us, and truly is a shelter in the time of storm.