In April of 2005 our church celebrated its 25th Anniversary. Our pastor gave us two signs in which to hold up while we sat in our seats. He wanted to know who among us are currently serving in a ministry or have gone on a mission trip and could we say “My life has changed” because of it? I held up the first sign that signified I was serving God either through ministry or missions and that it had in fact changed my life along with thousands of others. He also challenged us with being willing to DO “whatever it takes". I too held up that sign that told everyone I was willing to do whatever it takes—to follow God wherever he leads. Little did I know the impact of publicly displaying my obedience to God would have on my life.

July 2005 my 11 year old daughter Abbey and I had the amazing opportunity to go on a mission trip with our church to Kazakhstan. It seems a bit of an understatement to say that it was LIFE changing, but...it really was. I had no idea what to expect from this trip. We did not even think we would be able to go. Abbey and I were asked and we were very excited. How awesome it was to see God at work. It was a real stretch of faith to go overseas alone with Abbey and leave Mike (my husband) on his own (as it was equally hard for him to let us go). God gave our entire family peace about this trip.

We were hoping to put together a playground that had been shipped ahead of us. My expectations were to maybe help rake some sand and play with some kids and just let God work. Although we faced many challenges with getting the playground constructed before we had to leave (not having the right tools or man power, heat, bugs, darkness etc…) with God’s help, great teamwork, and a few all-nighters, the playground was completed.

After spending so much time with the kids we saw their faces light up after just a few days. It did not take much to make them happy, just love and attention. They were simply amazing. The second day we were there Abbey came running in crying. I thought, “What is the matter? Are you hurt?” No...she just did not want to leave this cute little 2 year old girl “Shyryn” behind. She so wanted to take her home. As I watched her over the next few days I too grew to love this baby girl. As the days went on God continued to speak to me in many ways through this tiny little child. By the time we left I too was crying and did not want to leave her. I clearly heard God telling me to DO something. I have not cried that hard in a long time. Even the director of the orphanage came over to comfort me.

To make a long story short, about a week after we got home we began the process of adopting. We, of course, wanted to adopt little Shyryn. At first it looked as though we could. I was so...excited. Then a month later (August 4th 2005) we got word Shyryn was already spoken for. Although I was crushed and felt like I had lost a child I knew she was going home much sooner and I was happy for her.

Now what? Well after a week or so God made it clear this was the path he had put us on and HE would see us through. And after a year and a half of doing mountains of paperwork we got word that we would be traveling at the end of January to meet our possible new little girl. I am so amazed to look back and see CLEARLY how God has controlled our entire journey. The sweet little curly haired girl we would meet was born August 25, 2005. She was not even born when our journey began.

Today we celebrate in how God has grown our family through Gabby Grace and are so grateful to so...many. First, to God who placed this in our hearts, protected our travels and made this all possible. We are thankful to have known sweet Shyryn and that she was the vessel God used to speak to our hearts. Last, to all the many friends and family (including those at Hadassah’s Hope) that have prayed and supported us throughout our adventure to Gabby. We love you all.

What have I learned in all this? That when we truly step out and follow God even through pain, disappointment and discomfort, He will bless us more then we can ever imagine. So step out and let God use you today.