Spring Mood

Recently I posted that current circumstances had me reconsidering whether to continue my studies at Moody this spring. The primary hurdle was a financial one, and, given our need for adoption funds, I was prepared to postpone my studies until the adoption is complete.

I cannot speak openly of the details, but I've received a substantial provision with respect to tuition and am pleased to say that I am registered for the spring semester. We did not receive complete funding for this but rather exactly what we needed to know that I should continue. Many thanks for your previous comments and prayers.

Raising Purity Review

Gerald Hiestand is the pastor of adult ministries at Harvest Bible Chapel in Rolling Meadows, Illinois. I recently had the opportunity to read the latest version of his book, "Raising Purity." Raising Purity is a biblical look at sexuality and is highlighted by Pastor Gerald's concept of the Neighbor Relationship. Pastor Gerald explains there are three relationships that we have with others: (1) a family relationship, (2) a marriage relationship, and (3) the Neighbor Relationship. Relationships one and two are self-explanatory and the Neighbor Relationship includes everyone else. This third category is especially important as Pastor Gerald examines the areas of dating or courting. He also introduces the term "Dating Friendship" which takes the uncertainty, romance, and non-committal nature of typical dating and creates defined roles aligning with the Neighbor Relationship with less risk and more accountability. Raising Purity touches on several topics related to these concepts, using the Bible to create this model instead of trying to fit our model into the Bible. I'd recommend this book to anyone who has children regardless of their age because teaching of this subject begins early on. This would also be a recommended read for those still searching for a marriage partner. You can learn more about the book on Pastor Gerald's website (including sample chapters) or purchase immediately through Amazon here.

Adoptions From Russia

The U.S. Department of State has released new numbers including the number of adoptions from Russia to the United States (click here). In 2009, 1,586 adoptions were completed, a 73% decrease since the 5,862 adoptions in 2004. Compare this to Ethiopia, where the number of adoptions from Ethiopia to the U.S. increased over 800% during the same time period (284 to 2,277; chart here).

I agree with Jim that the re-accreditation process of all foreign adoption agencies in Russia beginning in 2005 and the increased costs are the main contributors to the decrease in the number of adoptions.

The Arms that Hold the Universe

Music has always been an encouragement and I'd like to continue to share some music that has encouraged us. Fee Band's "Arms that Hold the Universe" is playing right now. (full song here)

I know it seems like this could be the darkest day you've known
But believe you me, the God of strength will never let you go
He will overcome, I know

And the arms that hold the universe are holding you tonight
You can rest inside, it's gonna be alright
And the voice that calmed the raging sea, is calling you His child
So be still and know He's in control, He will never let you go

Through many dangers, toils and snares you have already come
His grace has brought you safe this far and His grace will lead you home

This reminds me of Scott Krippayne's "Sometimes He Calms the Storm." (full song here)

All who sail the sea of faith find out before too long
How quickly blue skies can grow dark and gentle winds grow strong
Suddenly fear is like white water pounding on the soul
Still we sail on knowing that our Lord is in control

[chorus]
Sometimes He calms the storm with a whispered peace be still
He can settle any sea, but it doesn't mean He will
Sometimes He holds us close and lets the wind and waves go wild
Sometimes He calms the storm and other times He calms His child

He has a reason for each trial that we pass through in life
And though we're shaken we cannot be pulled apart from Christ
No matter how the driving rain beats down on those who hold to faith
A heart of trust will always be a quiet peaceful place

Continued Amazement

A few days ago we were listening to a song by Third Day called "Merry Christmas." (full song here)

There's a little girl trembling on a cold December morn crying for momma's arms
At an orphanage just outside a little China [Russian?] town there the forgotten are
But half a world away I hang the stockings by the fire 

And dream about the day when I can finally call you mine

Tears of sadness well up, thinking of what she is feeling and knowing how far we are....

Our first donation came from a family that has known us since N was born. They were the first to help us in this process with an enormous kick-off amount. We were amazed at their gift to us and excited to share this journey with them. Today this family sent another donation, and, when combined with their contribution at the Holiday Marketplace, equals their enormous kick-off amount. I am continually amazed at God's provision through the people in our lives.

Tears of sadness turn to tears of joy as we see God moving us one step closer to bringing her home.

Moody this Spring?

Many of you know that last summer I started taking classes at Moody Bible Institute in Chicago. Although I am officially enrolled in the MDiv program I do not expect to complete the degree anytime soon. At my current pace, it will take ten years! I'm considering postponing classes until we complete the adoption process, primarily because of finances and the unknown departure date.

Do you have any thoughts on this? I've enabled anonymous posting to encourage more feedback. Many thanks.

December 14 Update

No news as far as an update goes. We expect this to be the case until we receive a referral, at which point there will be tons of activity and things to do. Our final documents did arrive in our region last week but there is no confirmation that we are officially registered yet.

I am currently working on a schedule to work while in Russia. Thankfully most of my work can be done remotely via an Internet connection, although if I am required on any conference calls the timing may be tricky. Moscow is 9 hours ahead of Chicago and our region is 13 hours ahead. We intend to purchase a Magic Jack to make phone calls home if needed, but the best option will be email. During our other trip to Europe the Blackberry performed wonderfully.

So we wait. I'm working on Christmas cards this year so that will keep me busy.

Holiday Marketplace Update

Thanks everyone for your help in making the Holiday Marketplace a success! As of today we raised nearly $1,300, with vendor donations still to come! It was a chilly Chicago day which may have kept some shoppers away but we still saw a steady flow and are encouraged by God's provision. We'll post pics up soon but we wanted to give everyone a quick update!

TODAY!! Holiday Gift Marketplace Fundraiser

The details are set for our BIG Holiday Marketplace Fundraiser TODAY from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the Hotel Indigo in Palatine (map) across the street from Harvest Bible Chapel in Rolling Meadows. We have at least 30 vendors, each to donate a portion of sales to our adoption fund.

Please call (224) 725-FONG (3664) if you need directions. Follow us on Twitter for updates!

Holiday Gift Marketplace Fundraiser this Saturday!

The details are set for our BIG Holiday Marketplace Fundraiser on December 5 from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the Indigo Hotel in Palatine (map) across the street from Harvest Bible Chapel in Rolling Meadows. As of today (2 Dec.) we have at least 30 vendors, each to donate a portion of sales to our adoption fund.

These vendors include: Pampered Chef, Usborne Books, Discovery Toys, Jewels by Park Lane, The Purse Ladies, Premier Designs, Stampin' Up, Tastefully Simple, Longaberger Baskets, Thirtytworoses, Party Lite, Mary Kay, Tupperware, Sweet Sara Designs, A Table For Two, Creative Memories, Lia Sophia, 2 Fish Studio, Scenes of Italy Notecards, Scarves From Ecuador, Ceramics by Anneliese, T~Pot Designs, Raising Purity, Party Starters Entertainment and more. Please email us or call us at 224-725-FONG (3664) if you would like to be a vendor or for more information.

Links to our advertisements:
Daily Herald
Craigslist
Harvest Bible Chapel Rolling Meadows
Facebook
K-Love

May We Borrow Your Facebook Status For One Day?

Hi everyone, we're making a final push for our BIG Holiday Gift Marketplace Adoption Fundraiser this Saturday, December 5 from 10 AM to 3PM at the Hotel Indigo in Palatine, Illinois. Could you help us promote this event by sharing a link to our website on your Facebook status? Or simply click the share button above!

We will have over 30 vendors selling their creations, services and products with a portion of each sale benefiting our adoption fund. Click here for more info.

Application to Adopt Revisited

Our family coordinator contacted us last week to advise that Russia now requires two applications to adopt (instead of one for both parents). We signed the new applications, had them notarized, apostilled and sent them to our adoption agency to forward to Russia. Yesterday, our family coordinator asked for permission to send these to another adopting family who will be traveling to Russia this weekend. This family will hand deliver our new applications, quite possibly to the region we are assigned. So, the news is that although our region has not been confirmed (nor are we officially registered in the region), our region is likely to be in Siberia!