Trust

I’m new to blogging. I’m new to Lifeline. I’m a bookkeeper. I know what you are thinking…."What is this girl going to write about if she hangs around numbers all day?” I’m glad you asked…

Trust.

What a concept but one that I am learning about.

Lack of trust presents itself in many unfortunate ways. Some of which I’m certain can be seen in my life.

To trust God is to release control. Is that hard for anyone else?

Being that I am a bookkeeper, I am predestined to struggle with control. Ha.

What I feel like God is trying to teach me is that I don’t have to put the pressure on myself. To feel that I have control of things because of my own doing is empty. It is wasteful. It isn’t life-giving.

Transition is hard and it takes time. Why is it hard to give grace to everyone but ourselves sometimes?

How does this relate to adoption?

Great question.

It’s all about perspective.Whatever your situation, the act of trusting God is always necessary and yet one of our biggest struggles.

We want to know His thoughts.

We want to know His plans.

We don’t want to be left out of His mission to bring all peoples to Himself.

We want control of our lives.

We want to tell Him what we think He should do.

Trust.

We always end up here because we will never have all the answers. We’re human.

I feel like God is constantly saying, “Please trust me. Please. I promise I have your back. I promise I know your heart.”

God, thank you for your patience and grace.

Thank you for giving the people around us grace to handle us when we try to seek control.

We love you, God.

Thanks for loving us despite ourselves and our need for control.

Please grant humility and trust.

Lauri Mehaffey
Bookkeeper

Prayers

I am constantly amazed at how God answers prayer, even though He gives us every assurance in His Word that He will answer prayers, according to His will. However, He is gracious enough to place a desire for His will on our hearts, so that we are praying for the very thing that He has planned.

The Lifeline staff witnesses this every day as the Lord brings answers to prayers. Prayers for the sick, the orphans, children in foster care, children experiencing a dissolved adoption, the childless couple.

We just celebrated the Lord’s gift of our new office building. After a long delay from the Lord, He brought us to the right place at the right time. He built into the location things that we could not have anticipated. One example is that the Mayor of the City of Hoover is the former DHR commissioner! He understands the needs of the children we care for and expressed his support of our ministry with his presence at our Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at our Open House! So in retrospect, we thank the Lord for his delay in bringing about our new office building.

Lea Anne Parker
Senior Supervisor of Social Services

Divine Plan

I am new to Lifeline. My name is Maegan Schwindling and I work in the Central Alabama area. I wanted to take a minute and share how I became involved with Lifeline and adoption. Several years ago before I even graduated high school, I was very involved at a church in Decatur, Alabama. I was discipled weekly by my youth minister’s wife, Melissa. One day, Melissa shared with me that she and Gabe would be traveling to the Ukraine to adopt a young boy. Initially, this idea was very foreign to me. Gabe and Melissa traveled several months later and came home with two boys, Steven and Thomas. Over the next several months after they returned home, it was so neat to see how the boys adapted and became apart of a forever family. After Gabe and Melissa adopted, my friend Paige decided to travel to China to adopt. Paige and Brandon adopted a young girl named Grace. Grace quickly became apart of our family. Her grandparents lived several hours away so my parents became like grandparents to her. She can still to this day get anything she wants from my mother . In both of these cases, these children were quiet, timid, withdrawn, and scared when they arrived in America. Yet, over the years God has allowed them to become their own little people and to develop true personalities. It is hard to believe that the little Grace who didn’t speak when we first met is the same person who did not stop talking at our recent dinner. God has divine plans for children all over the world. He knew that Steven, Thomas, and Grace would be exactly where they are…that was His plan from the beginning. God has called me to be apart of the process to help other children come home to the parents God has for them here in America. Recently, I was in church and a soloist sang “Orphans of God” this precious song always brings tears to my eyes as I think about the divine plan he has for each of our lives. The song states several times that “there are no orphans of God”. Nothing surprises Him, He knows when we will have pain, happiness, suffering, and joy. The number of orphans here in America and oversees can be overwhelming to comprehend. I have to think of Jeremiah 29:11 “I know the plans I have for you declared the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.”. This verse is meant for every person that the Lord created, and it does not exclude orphans. God has a supernatural plan that we will never comprehend. We are simply called to have faith! God is using Lifeline in a supernatural way, and I pray that he will continue to allow us to be a catalyst to join orphans with forever families.

Maegan Schwindling
Central Alabama Case Worker

What is on your mind today?

What thoughts fill your mind? If the word anxious comes to mind, you are not alone!
What is it exactly that gives growth to this awful feeling of anxiety? Is it simply our circumstances, or lack of control, or the presence of uncertainties? God tells us that it is because of our “little faith” (Matthew 6:30).
We all face attacks on our faith. David says “When I am afraid, I put my trust in thee” (Psalm 56:3). Notice he does not say “I never struggle with fear”. Even more, 1 Peter says “Cast all your anxieties on Him, for He cares about you”. Notice again that it does not say you will never feel any anxieties, but when you do, cast them on God.
For orphans we know that will soon be brought into a family, do we not desire for them to have steadfast peace and hope of soon being declared a son/daughter? Do we not wish to see these children rest in the fact that they are loved and being sought after? Indeed we do!
How much more does God desire for us to rest in His love and promises? He created us, and He demonstrated His love towards us while we were sinful, hopeless orphans, by giving up His Son for us so that we might be brought into His family! He has made a way for us to become His children and He has promised to come to us once more to finally bring us home.
Today I want to encourage myself and you to fight to rest. Our minds are a place of spiritual warfare and we are called to “fight the good fight of faith”. With the power of God’s Word and His very Spirit, we can defend against the attacks of unbelief.
In the story described in Mark 9:14-29, we see that the fight for faith is not just for the sake of our relationship with our Heavenly Father, but for the sake of others that God wants to make Himself known to. God wants to glorify Himself and expand His kingdom through us (such a wonderful thought!). He does these things through our good works-which are fueled by our faith in Him!
“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” –Matthew 6:33

Lori Hereford
International Social Worker

A calling like his

He knew his calling. He KNEW his Savior. He fought the GOOD fight.

Galatians 2:7-8
"On the contrary, they saw that I had been entrusted with the task of preaching the gospel to the Gentiles, just as Peter had been to the Jews."

Romans 15:20
"It has always been my ambition to preach the gospel where Christ was not known, so that I would not be building on someone else's foundation."

Paul knew his place in the Body of Christ and he walked boldly with great passion and deep humility toward his mission to take the gospel to the Gentiles.I look around me in awe, as I see each part of the Body set apart for a specific purpose. Each one with their own gifts, convictions, and graces, but all united as one Body.

I am increasingly thankful to learn a little more each day of my place in the Body of Christ. To truly see and believe that I am part of one body, one Spirit, called to one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all. (…Ephesians 4:4-7)

Are you part of this glorious Body that is His? If so, are you being obedient to his purpose - walking in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called? (Ephesians 4:1)

Go boldly in the direction He is guiding you and gifting you towards. Be confident in this One Hope and give everything you have. You have the very power of God, the Holy Spirit, dwelling within you. Walk forward, He will make a way to fulfill His purpose, and you get to be part of this Glory. Thank you Jesus, our Savior.

Krisha Yanko
Development and Marketing Coordinator

God is everything that is good...

God is everything that is good, and right, and true.
He is Love, and is all that love is.
He is holy.
He is wholeness.
His heart is deliverance and restoration.
He is committed to the unchangeable character of his purposes.
These attributes stand alone. Even if there were no evidence around us of these things, this is who God is.

And among other things I’m sure, this is what He says to His Beloved, to our achy places, our unknowns, our concerns, and our questions:
I am your Maker-Creator. I set you in motion, and have plans for you that you cannot even begin to ask for or imagine, according to the purposes in my heart.
When it seems in your circumstance that you cannot find the evidence of this reality, let your belief and trust rise up in the face of who I am.
Let my character be what you hold all things up to, “knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope,
And hope does not put you to shame (it does not disappoint),
Because my love has been poured into your heart through the Holy Spirit who has been given to you.”
I have sealed you with a guarantee and a guide into your inheritance!
“You who have fled for refuge have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before you. You have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on your behalf…”
“For I who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ have shone in your hearts to give the light of the knowledge of my glory in the face of Jesus Christ.”

In his face, there is no other reality.
He is the only reality for you.
In his eyes, there is assurance.
There is hope.
In him, there is the tangible promise that I am committed to your good and my glory, and that I will absolutely go to whatever lengths necessary to see this through for you and in you.
In my Son, is your identity. For you have exchanged your life for his. As you surrender to this, I show you who you really are in him.
In Christ, is your new reality. For you have exchanged the false reality for a new one, for riches beyond measure. You are now a part of that reality, that family, that Kingdom.
Seek Me and seek my Kingdom above all, and all else will be added; still yourselves in the midst of your circumstance and give room for yourselves to know me there and to acknowledge my presence… this is where perspective and alignment come and give way to the discovery of what I am doing and will do.
I love you.
I am for you.
Press into me, and believe me for this.
I am here.
And I am intricately involved…

Father, I pray that we would be still. Stir up our belief and trust in you, that our communion with you, would give way to the alignment that You are taking us from grace to grace, glory to glory… that we may know You and walk with You into the good gifts and the promises that You have. And that this assurance, this reality would draw others into You.
May we give thanks in all things. God, we love You back…

Kara Leigh Prichard
Birthmother Counselor

He Knows His Plans…

As an adolescent I was drawn to mission work. I dreamed and prayed for an opportunity to go overseas on a mission trip. My heart always longed for Russia, but God closed that door for me, and gave me something greater. In the summer of 1998 I had one of the most amazing experiences of my life. I traveled to Ukraine, to a little city 50 miles from Chernobyl called Chernihiv. I had the opportunity to live in an orphanage for an entire month. God revealed to me His love and mercy and His desire for us to care for the orphans. These precious children were looking for love and acceptance; they too had dreams. They dreamed to have a family that would take care of them and love them. It seems to us, those who have been loved and cared for by a family, as an unfamiliar dream, but this was their only dream and desire. These children would light up with just the mention of Jesus; they knew that He created them and loved them and has a plan for them. The very mention of His name brought hope to those little faces. This very experience created a passion within me to become involved in an orphan care ministry. As I moved on in life I wondered if and when God would ever give me the desire of my heart. As a staff member with Lifeline I now have been given the desire of my heart. I have the privilege to see God at work through our orphan care ministry all over the world, and see the light of Jesus in these precious children and the families who love and care for them. I know one day I will return to Ukraine and see those precious children again. This verse was given to me while in Ukraine in the summer of 1998. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”(Jeremiah 29:11) This is one of the key verses Lifeline uses. When I heard this I knew God had me exactly where He wanted me. I encourage you to seek God with all your heart for your dreams and desires, so you too can have the desires God wants for you.

Serving Him Gladly,

Joanna L. Turner
Birth Mother Counselor

You Can't Miss Out

I’m so thankful for Dave Wood’s recent entry. I’m thankful for hearing the big picture about our country- though sad- and yet, also hearing about hope because the Lord is working in His people (as He will continue to do until the end) - but especially in the area of loving orphans. He is such a kind, gentle and strong Father.

I have worked over these past 8 years with women, mostly single, as they consider future plans for themselves and their child(ren). I want them to know what I have had to be reminded of way too often:

1) I will not miss out on God’s perfect, good, and pleasing will. At the same time, I have responsibility. I’m commanded to seek the Lord and His kingdom first (Matt. 6:33) and then “all these things” will be given us. I’m commanded to love Him with ALL my heart, mind, soul, and strength (Matt. 22:37-40). I’m told if I draw near to Him, He will draw near to me (James 4:7-8) and to not be double minded (have my mind/heart in the Lord AND….). (We cannot serve two masters -Matthew 6:24) I’m told that if I delight myself in the Lord, He will give me the desires of my heart (because my delight is in Him). I’m told if I don’t conform to the world, but am transformed and renew my mind, I will KNOW His good, pleasing, and perfect will (Rom. 12:2). He is a good Father and knows how to give good gifts to His children- and knows what gifts are best (Matt. 7:11) When I really take the time to do less and sit in His presence, to tell Him what’s on my heart, to read truth and dwell on it, to tell Him how awesome He is (and He is regardless of what’s happening in my life), to express thanks to Him, and to pray for the saints & those who don’t know Him, I am most at peace. I see Him move. I feel content. He fulfills these promises to draw near to me, to give me the desire of my heart. I am called to trust in truth even when it doesn’t look good around me or I’m hurting. Faith does not disappoint. I’d love for the women we work with to know this in the depth of their hearts and (as I need to) sit and walk in it.

2) Been reading through a book Captivating. It’s for women, though all could learn from it. It shares how women reflect a part of the Lord in that He wants to be pursued by us (not that He needs us, mind you), but He is a relational God and delights in relating with us (for some strange but great reason). One of the bottom lines for why women do some of the things they do to seek attention is to know “am I lovely?” Wow. What a question. As those made in His image, I’d say we all reflect the beauty and loveliness of God in some way. However, in Him, through the blood, through how He’s made us- we are lovely. The more we grow in Him, the more we reflect Him and are lovelier. We can’t be prideful about it as He is the ultimate lovely One, and we are just poor reflections of Him. But, the truth is, no one, no thing, no anything besides Him truly makes us lovely. Oh, that our women would know that they can truly be lovely –especially before our perfect Father, Brother, Friend, Lover who delights in His children.

And when we rest in these truths (and get rid of the sin that so easily entangles, keeping our eyes on Him), we are better for ourselves- AND- those around us- spouses, family, friends, children, orphans, saints, unbelievers. We follow His command to love our “neighbor” as ourselves. We can be confident in Him and His perfect plan and then love more completely and wholly because we trust, we sit in truth; we know He’s working it out for our (moral) good. He’s got us.

Gina Linden
Birthmother Counselor

Thoughts from a Mother in Waiting

My wife recently posted on her blog her thoughts about our child who we are anxiously waiting to meet. I believe that these thoughts resonate with many of the parents who are eagerly awaiting the day that they will hold their child in their arms.

I am really thinking about the baby we will adopt tonight....well, all the time and just writing about a sample of my thoughts tonight in our quiet home while my boys breathe deep, slow sleeping breaths. I wonder...

Will it be a boy or a girl?
Will it be more than one?
How old will he/she/they be?
When will we see him for the first time?
What will his given name be?
What will we name him?
What will his story be?
Will he be crying at night in the orphanage?
Does he have siblings?
What is his birth mama thinking and feeling?
Has he been conceived?
Where will he be born?
What will be the day that I hold him for the first time?
Will my eyes ever dry in thinking and praying for this precious child?
What will the 24+ hour flight to and from Uganda be like?
What will we do while we're in Uganda?
What will my boys think about a foreign country?
What will it feel like to have baby home at last?
What will his/her birthday be?
What will we do for their birthday party?
Will I ever stop staring at my children...all of them?
Will this overwhelming sense of gratitude for being on this journey ever cease...I hope not.

I don't have any answers for my questions, hopes, dreams....I imagine many different scenarios, faces, paths. And for those I am deeply thankful. The greatest gift of all right now...


"My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place,
when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.
Your eyes saw my unformed body;
all the days ordained for me were written in your book
before one of them came to be." (Psalm 139:15-16)


And my response...

"How precious to me are your thoughts, God!
How vast is the sum of them!" (Psalm 139:17)


He knows. He cares.

Post by Daniel Taylor
Georgia State Director of Lifeline Children’s Services

Original Blog by: Sarah Taylor
Former Lifeline employee and wife of Daniel

*Daniel, Sarah, and their two sons are currently in process to adopt a child from Uganda.

Where is the HOPE?

One of the things we often communicate in our meetings is the fact that America is NOT the hope for orphaned children around the world. We say this, because unfortunately, so many believe it is. They think if we can somehow get these precious children to the USA their lives will be so much better.. when in fact, this may NOT be the case!

The hard cold fact is that America is suffering from a rapid increase in moral decay and dysfunctional relationships. Can you believe that the US now leads the nations around the world in marital breakup.. with 50% of our marriages ending in divorce? Our national leaders cannot even decide what defines a “family” as we are flooded with more diverse relationships and lifestyles. America has all but turned a blind eye to the termination of pregnancy through abortion with numbers now approaching 50 million innocent babies.

Flipping through the tv channels last night I could not pause on anything for more than a moment without overt invitations appealing to greed, power, and sex. Christianity is viewed as a hypocritical joke and the History channel is doing a full on attack to undermine it.
Violent crime has risen almost 500% since my children were born.. The US is now the leading industrialized nation around the globe in murder and rape. Drugs, alcohol, and violence are common place in our schools, our families, and our communities.

Suicide is now the leading cause of death in the US among those in their teens and 20’s.. is there not something incredibly sad about that? Our schools have to be trained in lock down procedures because violence has become so common place. When I was a kid the big disciple issues at school were talking too loud and chewing gum. Drop out rates in our high schools are now over 60% in major cities and national SAT scores continue a two decade decline.

Two weeks ago I was in China and it stuck out to me how modern and beautiful their cities look.. they are investing our dollars well. The infrastructure in America is in decline.. our roads, rails, and airports look third world by comparison. Our cities are less safe than almost every international country we work in.

No, America is NOT the hope for the orphaned!

So please tell me that there is good news.. There’s Tremendous News!!
..Christ in you is the hope of glory and the hope for the orphaned!! As the world grows darker there has been an exciting and unmistakable paradigm shift among Christians. Never have so many, who claim to be followers of Christ, taken their role as “light” in a dark world so seriously. No where is this more clearly seen than in relationship to orphans. The number of Christians engaged in adoption and orphan care is dramatically on the rise. Churches are taking their role seriously and launching orphan care and adoption ministries at an astounding rate. Mission trips have become less about painting a church building oversees and more about caring for precious orphans in distress.

Something HUGE is happening! Something that just now people are waking up to.. and its taking place in communities all over our nation. Christians are becoming more purposeful with their lives. They aren’t buying the “bigger is better” philosophy any longer. So many Christians are engaging in a passion that is nearest to the heart of God.. caring for the “least of these”, the fatherless, the defenseless, the orphan. I see it everywhere I go. Christians are adopting children into their own families and they are also facilitating for orphan adoptions and foster care for children in their country of origin. The Lord is smiling!

Blessings,

Dave Wood
International Director

Once in a Lifetime

I vividly remember standing on the steps of the Great Wall two summers ago, gazing at God's creation and taking in all the beauty in the hills of China. It was breathtaking and will be forever a memory impressed on my heart. It was my first time to go outside of the United States, and a trip that broadened my perspective and view of the Lord's greatness. To me, that trip seemed like a once in a lifetime opportunity. This past week I was reminded that just as that summer felt like an opportunity and moment that may only happen once in my life, our lives here on earth are exactly the same. The Lord has given us one lifetime to use, and to use for Him. We have on shot to make a lasting impression in this world. At the most, I have about 70 more years to do all that He has intended for me. Will I let that go to waste? As believers, we are called to follow Jesus with everything we have. And the wonderful thing about that is that our God is worthy of our constant praise. He is worthy of living a life that points directly at Him and that strives to make an eternal difference in the lives of others we interact with.

Paul states in Ephesians 1:6 (NIV), "As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received." The Message translation states, "While I'm locked up here, a prisoner for the Master, I want you to get out there and walk—better yet, run!—on the road God called you to travel. I don't want any of you sitting around on your hands. I don't want anyone strolling off, down some path that goes nowhere." What a challenge and charge! To not possess idle hands or be distracted by paths that may seem fulfilling, but lead to an end of emptiness. I want to strive to RUN for Christ throughout this life He has given me.

Briana Gray
Administrative Assistant

fighting

I feel like a prevalent sentiment in any adoption process is the feeling that you are fighting… whether you are an adoptive family or someone working in the field of adoption. Fighting for children, fighting for your family, fighting to complete your family, fighting on behalf of the orphan, fighting against governments, fighting against regulations, fighting against bureaucracy, fighting to lessen time frames, fighting to meet a deadline, and/or fighting for the promise you feel God has in store for you. I feel that one area of fighting that is often overlooked (by me at least) among all the other areas we find ourselves fighting in is fighting to know Him more intimately. Above all of these other things we are fighting for or against, we must remember that is the ultimate goal. Knowing Christ and bringing Him glory. Moment by moment, day by day. When things go well and when they do not. A lot easier said than done. He must be our focus and He must be our finish line. Our eyes must remain on Him as we trust that His eyes will remain on our battles, no matter how big or small. He cares about them even more than we do and He can handle them much better than we can! I hope the following passage encourages you today.

2 Chronicles 20:3-9, 12, 15, 17
Then Jehoshaphat was afraid and set his face to seek the Lord, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. And Judah assembled to seek help from the Lord; from all the cities of Judah they came to seek the Lord. And Jehoshaphat stood in the assembly of Judah and Jerusalem, in the house of the Lord, before the new court, and said, “O Lord, God of our fathers, are you not God in heaven? You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations. In your hand are power and might, so that none is able to withstand you. Did you not, our God, drive out the inhabitants of this land before your people Israel, and give it forever to the descendants of Abraham your friend? And they have lived in it and have built for you in it a sanctuary for your name saying, ‘If disaster comes upon us, the sword, judgment, or pestilence, or famine, we will stand before this house and before you – for your name is in this house – and cry out to you in our affliction, and you will hear and save.’… O our God, will you not execute judgment on them? For we are powerless against this great horde that is coming against us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you… Thus says the Lord to you, ‘Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed at this great horde, for the battle is not yours but God’s… You will not need to fight in this battle. Stand firm, hold your position, and see the salvation of the Lord on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem.’ Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed. Tomorrow go out against them, and the Lord will be with you.”

Allison Fuqua
International Social Worker

Meet Sasha

My name is Sasha. My birthday is June 23, 1998. I am twelve years old and I have lived in an orphanage in Ukraine since I was six months old. I am HIV positive and have been HIV positive since birth. I enjoy school and I love to learn, but have not had a lot of schooling. I can pick up things very quickly. I enjoy drawing, love to play sports, and I am healthy. It is easy for me to talk to others and I have a great personality. I would love to be in a forever family who would love and take care of me.

If you want to learn more about this little boy from Ukraine, please contact Jana Lombardo at jana.lombardo@lifelineadoption.org to see how you can be part of finding him a family or being the family who brings him home. Please pray for Sasha as he waits.

Invited

Christmas Eve is one of my favorite days. My parents host an open house for our family, friends, and neighbors . . . well known as the "taco party". Pounds of meat, crockpots of cheese dip, tons of crispy corn shells and other miscellaneous treats and toppings await our guests. It is a sweet time of catching up with folks, watching kiddos play, and simply being together. It is a little bit of chaos but truly something special.

We do not send formal invitations to the taco party; our guests know they can bring along anyone they wish. Every year, same time, same place. . . and it is always a delight to see who stops by. Pictures are made, stories are told, and love and laughter are all around.

It makes me think of the many invitations God has for us. He invites us to come to Him. To accept forgiveness, To allow Him to make us new and whole. . . He invites us to know Him in the deepest places of our being- hurt, shame, healing, and hope . . . He is always present and all around us, and He is constantly inviting us. . . be with Me. rest in Me. know Me. love Me. tell Me. believe in Me. follow Me.

Feel Him near you this Christmas. Holidays can be bitter sweet- a great time to be together but also a reminder of people or things that may be absent from our lives. Even if God seems so far away. . . follow that distant star to the stable of new life. Come to Him empty so you can be filled. Come to Him broken so you can be healed. Come to Him hurting so you can be comforted. Come to Him grateful so you can celebrate and rejoice together. Know you are His, and you are ALWAYS welcome. . . and that is an invitation for every moment of every day, wherever you are and whoever you are. He is waiting- door open, feast prepared, and arms outstretched. . . ready to hold you.



A big holiday hug to you this Christmas, from your Lifeline family!

Michelle Staab
Birth Mother Counselor

Waiting

At Lifeline, couples seeking to adopt must complete what is called a Desired Child Form (DCF) as part of their application. This form allows the couple to indicate what factors they are seeking in an adoptive child, such as age, race and sex. More than that, though, it helps the couple decide what they are willing to accept, willing to discuss, or will not accept pertaining to the physical and mental health of the child or the birth parent in regard to the social background of the birthparent or extended family. The social workers discuss each of the categories with the applicants and help them to have a realistic understanding of what could be involved. After all, this DCF is used to help us pull profiles for the birth mother to consider. We encourage the couples to educate themselves about different medical conditions and to understand that many of the conditions will not appear in a newborn, but a few may appear later in life. We also remind them that we usually only have half of the health/social history of a child, so there are often unknowns. There are so many differing scenarios to consider that it is a daunting task for couples to work through. The couples always admit that if they were giving birth to the child themselves that they would accept whatever God gave them, but that when faced with unknown situations, they analyze, fret, and pray over what they can realistically accept.

Lifeline has had several “special needs” babies to place domestically in the past two years. And with international adoptions, “special needs children” are always a consideration. The staff at Lifeline is in a unique position, though, to see first hand the miracles and the blessings that God provides our couples as they seek to bring a child home and form a forever family with them. The needs of “special” children vary greatly according to age and circumstances. But one thing is obvious, the love and compassion that the families who adopt them possess are on a level that leaves us in awe and with great admiration. And we celebrate every miracle and milestone with our families as the children thrive in their new homes.

We have also seen the hand of God move mightily this past year in our domestic department as lab results return negative, hearing tests were positive, neurological exams found no problem, and a child with a chromosome abnormality tested normal in mental and developmental growth. When an unborn child was suspected with Downs, but found to be normal, we rejoiced. Over and over and over again, God reminds us that it is HE who is in control, and we must trust Him. When special needs cases arise, it is HE that brings the family that will adopt. We are continually amazed at the attention He gives to every detail and a perfect match is made.

In February, I will be blessed with that addition of a new granddaughter to the Ely family. Through the wonders of ultrasound, we have been alerted that there is a problem with one of her kidneys. We will find out soon if our Father God has decided to heal her in the womb or to wait and heal her at a later time, if at all. I will tell you now that my daughter-in-law is very health conscious. She exercises regularly, (was preparing for a marathon before her pregnancy), checks labels for preservatives and dyes, grows organic vegetables, prepares healthy meals, uses “green” cleaning supplies, etc, etc. But sometimes things like this just happen. Her name has been carefully chosen: Elizabeth Joy. Elizabeth means “Consecrated to God” or dedicated to a sacred purpose. In Hebrew, the word for joy contains the idea for gladness. As a verb, it means to rejoice, especially in the Lord’s goodness. In the womb, Elizabeth Joy has been very actively jumping around and rejoicing!

At Christmas time, we celebrate the birth of our Savior, that most “special baby” of all. John 3:16 states that he is God’s one and only Son, because God so loved the world that whoever believes in him (Jesus) shall not perish but have everlasting life. In Luke 4, Jesus announced the beginning of his ministry with these words: “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me, to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners, and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor”.

I am already crazy in love with Elizabeth Joy! We don’t know the outcome of the physical problem, but we are waiting with trust and confidence that He knows what is best for her life, and His purposes will be accomplished. Whatever happens, He will be glorified by it. Whatever happens, we will rejoice because HE IS GOOD. So I ask our couples to also be mindful of this, taste and see that the Lord is good! He loves us unconditionally, and He is in control. Cast your fears upon Him, abandon your will to Him, seek His desires in your adoption walk and be prepared to be amazed!

“When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit……But why am I so favored that the mother of my Lord should come to me? As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!” Luke 1: 41-45

Karen Ely
Domestic Social Worker

My Adoption Journey

My name is Lisa Kelly and I just wanted to take a moment to introduce myself. I am new to Lifeline Children’s Services but, not new to working in and loving adoption.

My journey in adoption began in 2001 when I was a Kindergarten teacher. I taught a beautiful little girl who was adopted from China and instantly fell hard for her. She was bright, inquisitive, funny, beautiful, and oh, so very smart!!

In 2002, the Lord called her home as she was diagnosed with cancer. The tears that were shed, the loss that we all felt, the longing to have her back was indescribable. Not a day goes by that I don’t think of this precious little girl and pray for her family.

In 2003, my husband and I, along with our 2 boys decided that we wanted to adopt a little girl from China. Oh, how I hoped and prayed she would be just like the little girl that I taught in my classroom. Little did I know my prayers were being answered.

In 2004, our family went to China to bring our little girl home. She was healthy, happy, smart, beautiful, and oh so very funny!! We had an instant love and bond that would never be broken-that amazing red thread connection. Was the journey to adopt our daughter long? Was the journey to adopt our daughter hard? Was the adjustment period when we got home challenging? Yes, yes, and yes!! BUT it was all worth every minute of it. As I look into my daughter’s eyes each and every day, I am reminded that God picked her especially for our family. She is a perfect fit and only God can do that. I truly believe that without God there would not be adoption!

Shortly after we brought our daughter home in 2004, I began working in adoption. I have done everything from administrative work, to typing home studies for social workers, to putting entire dossiers together. I have communicated with countries internationally, helped run offices, helped with Hague accreditation, and the list goes on. It didn’t really seem to matter what I was doing in adoption as long as I was doing it. I wanted other families to know and feel that same love that we have been BLESSED with by the adoption of our daughter.

God has opened many doors throughout this journey of adoption for me and now as I join the Lifeline staff, I am truly blessed all over again by this amazing opportunity to help the Lord bring together His children with their forever families. I feel I am joining the most amazing people who are working so very hard for our Lord – doing it all with prayers and to bring glory to His name.

Currently for Lifeline, I will be helping with the Taiwan, China, and Costa Rica programs. I wanted to take the time to list our newest waiting children from Taiwan and ask all of you to pray with us that the Lord bring to Lifeline committed forever families for His precious children!!

Tsung-Ming
Date of Birth April 16, 2002
8 years old
Tsung –Ming means smart and this precious little guy looks very intelligent in his photos where he is showing his artwork. This precious little guy so desires the love of a mother and father. He is physically healthy.

Chi-Kung
Date of Birth September 23, 2002
8 years old
This precious little boy is healthy and lives with a foster family since his birth family is unable to care for him. He has good reports as far as his psychological emotional status, behavioral performance, and schooling. He would love to have a family that would be all his own.

Sibling Group – Li siblings
Yu
Female DOB April 25, 2005
5 years old
Chia-En
Male DOB May 1, 2006
4 years old
These adorable siblings need deserve a family. The living situation was very erratic during their early years and then they were abandoned by their mother in 2008. They have been placed in foster care as they await their forever family. They have a half sister born in 2009 that has been placed for adoption domestically. They are both developmentally delayed but Yu did begin Kindergarten in August of 2010. These children need to be adopted together.

Yun-Ju
Date of Birth January 11, 1998
Almost 13
This beautiful young girl needs a family to love her. Maybe you are the perfect family for this precious child. She has a diagnosis of mild mental deficiency. Yun-Ju also wears glasses to correct nearsightedness and esotropia. She is a kind and considerate girl and is a good helper in her foster family. She lacks self-confidence and needs to have a family that can love her and teach her.

Yu-Chi
Date of Birth February 11, 2008
Almost 3 years old
This very precious and needy little girl was hospitalized in March of 2008 due to suspected child abuse. She is currently in a nursing type home. She has a diagnosis of cerebral palsy. She takes medication for a seizure disorder. She needs the love of her own family to help her to grow and thrive.

Yi-Chun
DOB December 26, 2000
Female almost 10 years old
This precious little girl was born the day after Christmas. She is in need of a forever family. She is developing normally but has some delays in learning. She is currently with a foster family and is doing well in their home. She likes to look pretty and is patient when helping with the younger children. She is in need of a family so please pray for her family to find her.

Chun-Yu
DOB June 3, 2004
Male 6 years old
This adorable little boy needs a family. He is currently residing in a foster home. He has developmental delay issues and may also have symptoms of autism. He is very precious and is he said to be kindhearted and he does not bully others. More information is being obtained on this little boy.

Yu-Chen
DOB June 29, 2009
Female 18 months old
This precious little girl desperately needs a family to love her. She has a cleft palate and has been diagnosed with AMC – Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita. There are many discharge notes available on this precious little girl and we are waiting on more reports and photos.
Wei-Chuan
Date of Birth – November 27, 2006
Almost 4 years old
This precious little girl is physically healthy. She has a cognitive, speech and motor developmental delay. She has a diagnosis of autism but it appears to be mild and may be a result of her poor environment prior to being in foster care beginning in March of 2010. She was living previously with her birthmother and grandmother. The environments were not good! She needs a family to love her and care for her and to give her stability! Please pray for a family to sense a calling for her adoption. She a very beautiful little girl.
Ya-Wei
Date of Birth – December 24, 2003
Soon to be 7 years
This precious little girl was born on Christmas Eve. She will be a gift to a family and she so desperately needs a family to love her. She is so adorable. This precious little girl lived in a family where the birthmother was abused by the birthfather. It is thought that she has been abused too. She was hospitalized in 2006 due to suspected neglect. She began living in a foster family at this point and since has been transferred to an institution – March 2010. She wears glasses for mild myopia and strabismus. She has moderate intellectual disability. It is suspected that she had some brain injury due to the abuse. She currently takes medication to control epilepsy. Please pray for her family so that she might be loved and cared for as she so desires and needs.
Siblings:
Ching - Female – Date of Birth – August 19, 2003 (10 years old)
Te – Male – Date of Birth – April 23, 2006 (4 years old)
This precious sibling group is looking for a family to love them. Ching is a beautiful little girl with mild cerebral palsy. She is able to walk very well and simply wears a brace on one foot. She has a normal intelligence. From birth until February of 2010 she lived with her birth family but continually moved. Since February she has been living in a foster family. The little brother has mild language developmental delay and was placed with the foster family in July of 2010. These two precious children need to be adopted together. Please pray for a family for these two precious children.
Please contact Lifeline Children’s Services for more information on these PRECIOUS gifts from the Lord!!

I can’t wait to see what the Lord is up to next in this journey with Lifeline. May HE be glorified in all that we do!!

Love and Prayers to all of you!
Lisa Kelly
Adoption Specialist

“Until All the World May Come to Know HIM…”~ Pastor Stephen from Kenya
lisa.kelly@lifelineadoption.org

Come, thou long-expected Jesus

I want to share with you a favorite hymn of mine. This hymn is specifically dear to my heart during this time of year. Many of you probably know it already. Please read the words and allow them to slow you and speak to you. This is the truth of this Christmas season. Let all else fall by the wayside in this moment and focus on our dear Lord and Savior – all He is and all He has done, is doing, and will continue to do.

Come, thou long-expected Jesus,
Born to set thy people free;
From our fears and sins release us,
Let us find our rest in thee.
Israel's strength and consolation,
Hope of all the earth thou art;
Dear desire of every nation,
Joy of every longing heart.

Born thy people to deliver,
Born a child and yet a King,
Born to reign in us forever,
Now thy gracious kingdom bring.
By thine own eternal spirit
Rule in all our hearts alone;
By thine all sufficient merit,
Raise us to thy glorious throne.

My prayer for each of you who read this message is that you will await Jesus’ coming with great longing, excitement, and expectancy. Stop and celebrate His birth; His first coming. Be amazed that the God of heaven lowered Himself to be born as a human, tiny and lowly and helpless and dirty, into poverty and humility, entering the world among “the least of these,” those who are so intrinsically precious to the heart of our God. Yes, He came to those who had nothing; to fulfill them and to be their everything. He was later pursued by those who had all the wealth of the world and more, who had nothing that they desired from a material standpoint, yet they crossed countries and spent years of their lives seeking this Promised One. Why? Because nothing compares to His worth and what He offers. These men had the riches and power and wisdom of the world and yet they were empty – empty until they found Him. Empty until they bowed in His presence and worshipped.

But don’t just celebrate His first coming. It doesn’t stop there. He is coming back. His work is not finished. “Prepare ye the way of the Lord!” My prayer is also that we would desire His second coming each day with all our beings. That we would long for His return as we look at the broken world around us. That we would recognize that we need Him as much now as humanity ever and always has. That rich and poor are lost and empty without Him. That each one of us would yearn for our Emmanuel, “God with us.”

He has come and He will come again. May this truth be your hope and peace this holiday season and always.


Allison Fuqua
International Social Worker

The Birth of a Savior

As Christmas approaches, not only am I reminded of the birth of our Savior, but I must also remember that because of Christ, I am adopted into the family of our Father. The meaning of being a co-heir with Christ is something that none of us can imagine in its full measure. This also means that we I have adopted siblings all over the world; saints who have also been adopted as Sons. We have been transferred from the status of orphan to the status of Sons. Having the full benefit of inheritance and relationship is gifted to us through the birth and death of our Savior. I also reflect on the orphans of the world who cry out to be adopted as sons. This is why we come to work everyday.

Lea Anne Parker
Senior Supervisor of Social Services

What is your Design?

I have the privilege of being the mom of three incredible little boys. I also have the privilege of spending time as an employee of Lifeline working through details which enable orphans to be rescued, families to be built, and God’s glory to be shared. Two passions colliding within me seeing God’s purpose of my design coming to fruition.

God has abundantly blessed Lifeline with amazing stewards of design and calling in the staff He has brought together. And with the dramatic growth that He has entrusted us comes great need for others who are ready to give of themselves in the way that God orchestrated their designs and passions.

What is your design? What are your passions? How does God want to see that design played out in your day?

We are currently looking to fill the following positions:

Bookkeeper—Full-time
International Social Worker—Birmingham office
Social Worker/Case Worker—Huntsville area
Social Worker/Case Worker—Auburn/Opelika area

If you feel God leading you to one of these positions, please let us know! I would be happy to talk with you in more detail. I can be reached at 205-972-8024 (direct line) or the main number at 205-967-0811.


Cathy Johnson
Executive Assistant

Domestic Reunions

What are Lifeline Domestic Reunions?

A lifeline domestic reunion is a meeting between a birth mother and an adult adoptee. We offer services for both the adoptee and the birth mother in working toward a reunion.

What is the process of working toward a reunion?

The process begins with an adult adoptee who is seeking information about their birth mother. We talk through many things to consider, one is that the birth mother may not be able to be located or does not want to open the door to making contact with an adoptee. It is very normal for an adoptee to want to know about his or her genetic background. Each person must be aware that opening the door to seeking information could lead to something disappointing, and that finding out something is it worth the emotional risk versus not seeking anything. This is a personal decision.

We have counseling to talk through this process, to try to prepare each person involved as best as possible before they make a decision to meet. This process goes according to the comfort level of both parties involved. There is no certain time frame that we encourage, only that before taking a next step, the person feels ready for that.
We talk about topics like: motives, possible outcomes, and how to talk to your family. We also talk about common relationship stages between an adult adoptee and birth mother, as well as factors that could impact the relationship.

Working toward a reunion is an exciting but emotional time. Two people meeting who are essentially strangers, but relatives. It is an exciting journey, but there are unknowns and each has its own unique story. We also have services to support and educate adoptive parents as they walk through this journey with their child. If you would like more information about our adoption reunions, or would like to begin the reunion process, please contact Sommer Bradshaw at 205-967-0811.

Sommer Bradshaw
Reunion Counselor

Be All Here

The first time I heard this phrase was several years ago during my final semester of college. In a time full of anticipation, planning, and needing to know what would come next, these were very valuable words of wisdom. I took them to heart and committed to enjoy and invest all the time that I could because soon enough, my college days would be over and I would have moved on. During that time, as I waited expectantly for God alone to direct my next steps, He drew me closer to Himself than I could have imagined. To this day, I consider that season one of the most precious times of my life. No, I did not know what was to come, but how sweet it was to cling to the One who holds my life in His hands- who has promised me a hope and a future. As I spent those months falling more in love with Him, He was faithful to lead me exactly where He intended and I experience such a wonderful time in my relationship with Him.

So what does this mean for my life now? As one of my favorite hymns says, “Here I raise my ebenezer…”. An ebenezer is a stone of remembrance. To raise a stone of remembrance is to remember God’s faithfulness. And so I recall this sweet season of my life to remember God’s faithfulness in the past. In a season of longing to be used by Him and desiring to know what is to come, I claim the truth of His faithfulness- for His glory and for my good. I have an ever-increasing desire to be part of His plan rather than my own… to be spent for His good purpose, not my own… to bring success to His mission, not my agenda. Guess what. He doesn’t need our help! When we submit to Him, we get to be used by Him. But if we think we are helping His plan along, we are wrong. “Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails” (Proverbs 19:21). What a humbling place to be: seeking Him and submitting to His purpose. The truth of the matter is this: I am nothing- and He is everything!! My needs are temporary, and the needs of His kingdom are eternal. “Your will above all else, my purpose remains. The art of losing myself in bringing You praise...” This song is not just about losing oneself in a worship experience, but about putting oneself aside in life for His purpose to reign! Worship is not about me. It is about Him! My life is not about me. It is about Him! The crazy thing about this truth is that it is so familiar. And yet, I seem to be discovering it for the first time.

In Matthew 6, the question is posed “Why do you worry? Don’t you know that your heavenly Father will meet all your needs?” I must confess that I do not live as though I believe that. The command that follows is this: Seek. Him. First. His kingdom. His will. His purpose. His righteousness. And all the things that you need will be provided. Do not worry. Do. Not. Worry. It’s a command. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. AND the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7). The command is to not be anxious but to pray. The promise is peace.

So the truth that is pressing on my heart is this. Be all here. Wait expectantly for His purpose. His direction. His plan. But do not worry about tomorrow. Allow His purpose to prevail in you today. Seek to know Him better today and this will be the case.

Mallory Blackmon
Daphne Social Worker

USCIS Fee Udates

Lifeline Children's Services has been so humbled and amazed by the outreach to our international adoption programs. We offer both traditional adoptions and special needs adoptions. We are so thankful that hundreds of families have chosen our agency to help them in their adoption experience and work to keep our families update on any updates.

USCIS has increased their fees and will take effect starting November 23, 2010.
Some common fees that are included in this category are the following:


-800a/600a applications---$720.00
-biometric fingerprinting---$85.00 for each adult in the home
-supplement 3 (form 824)-$405.00


If you would like to see the link for a full list of the USCIS fee increases, visit the site below.

http://www.sitemason.com/files/gVOx4A/USCIS%20Final%20Rule.pdf

Over the years, so many children from all over the world have found a new home and a new beginning with our domestic families through Lifeline. If you would like any information on any of our international adoptions programs, please contact us at lifeline@lifelineadoption.org or call (205)- 967-0811. Please continue helping us bring hope to orphans all around the world.

"And anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf is welcoming me."
Matthew 18:5

WHEN BEAUTY AND BROKENNESS CONVERGE

Turquoise ocean waters rolling in perfect synchronization up to sunny, pristine looking beaches from 12,000 feet. I’m on final approach to Porta Plata, flying across the Dominican Republic, a majestic tropical island that could easily be mistaken for one belonging in the Hawaiians. I have had opportunities to travel all over the globe, but I am thinking to myself that I have perhaps never taken in so much beauty for such an extended period of time, literally in every direction I am awed by what my eyes are taking in.. WOW!

In twenty minutes we are on the ground at a really cool looking semi-outdoor airport. What an interesting place. Neat and exotic designs, people, and stuff.. yeah, I’m absolutely falling in love with this place! For safety and a good night’s sleep the team is staying at an all inclusive resort just minutes from airport(my first such experience and only $43 a night). Our little piece of heaven for the next three days is down a beautifully landscaped boulevard. As we pull up I am immediately taken by how everything is so open, maximizing the pure delight of perfect temperatures in this Caribbean paradise. The outdoor restaurant is my favorite place on the complex.. continual coastal breezes dancing lightly on me, enjoying delicious tasting foods and juices, perfectly manicured golf course and pool in the background, and like minded teammates conversing at our table.. don’t pinch me I might wake up.. WOW!

The next morning less than two miles from my comfortable all-inclusive resort beauty converged with brokenness. Trash and despair everywhere I looked and moved.. repulsive smells, crying, disease, and hopelessness.. death is viewed as relief. The team tours a village stepping in ankle high trash and open sewage. I bend down and tie a few more knots in my shoestrings to lessen the likelihood they will be exposed to this filth. A few steps latter it doesn’t matter as one of my feet sink six inches into a combination of things not fit to describe here. An entire town of dilapidated dwellings and not one of the homes is the size of my son’s bedroom. We hear the villagers stories, pray over a man dying of cancer and a lady whose 12 month old child has been taken to the hospital (a place where you go to die).. its not the first child she’s had that has taken this sad journey. We meet four girls 13 and 14 years old. All but one of them have been sold into prostitution by their parents. The other girl is parentless.. an orphan prostitute and in her arms is an 18 month old child.. who will no doubt grow up as an orphan as well. I have an ache inside of me that is hard to describe. It’s physical, emotional, and spiritual. How can these things be.. as the days quickly click by this feeling only grows as town after town we are confronted with the same unforgettable reality.. total brokenness! And for almost everyone in these towns over the age of eight or nine hope has already died.. WOW!

The world takes broken things and broken people and discards them. Few even know these people exist. I had not given these creations of God much thought before I pulled up to their towns a couple of weeks ago.. that’s all changed now.. I am aware that these Haitians and Dominicans are on the island of despair right now. It’s not getting better.. the Weather Channel is highlighting a tropical storm is beating hard on the people.. WOW!

I read in the Holy Scriptures a question from the book of Isaiah, “What more could have been done?” It’s a penetrating question isn’t it.. what more could be done? ..To look back on the measure of our life and truly evaluate our contribution for His Kingdom. I am growing convinced that our greatest fear in life shouldn’t be the fear of failure, but rather of fear of succeeding at the wrong things. To invest our entire lives climbing the ladder of success only to realize at the end that our ladder was leaning on the wrong things.. WOW!

You and I are called to a Great Cause.. to love “the least of these”.. to care for orphans in distress. Well friends, the distressed are in the Dominican tonight existing in unimaginable conditions. Hope is coming.. We can do more! We must do more! We will do more! We are going to plant churches and schools in these communities. We are going to be the hands and feet of Jesus! We are going to let these precious souls taste the richness of God’s love and glory! Do you want to partner with us.. we could really use someone like you. Yep, I already know you are the perfect fit because you are still reading and these children of God are still waiting. Give me a call and let’s get to work. Lets make a difference.. lets replace brokenness with beauty!

Dave Wood
International Director
lifelineadoption.org
(205)967.0811

Ukraine Updates

The draft of a moratorium law has been presented to the Ukraine parliament and passed today in Ukraine. The next step will be for a second vote to take place in parliament within the next several months that will effectively pass this draft into law. The Lifeline team in the US and Ukraine as well as our contacts in Kiev believe that ultimately this law will bring positive change to the Ukrainian adoption process.

We expect that the passing of this law will bring Ukraine into compliance with the Hague Convention and therefore require adoptions to be processed through Ukrainian approved Hague Accredited Agencies. At this time the Ukrainian government is working on the best way to implement procedures that will bring the SDA and Ukraine Adoptions into compliance with the Hague Convention with only a short period of disruption while the ratification process occurs.

If this law is passed and ratified, the government will shut down adoptions for approximately two to three months in order to become compliant with the Hague Convention.


Please know that Lifeline fully supports these changes in adoptions in Ukraine and as always are here to answer any questions you may have.


Jana Lombardo
international social worker

Partners of Lifeline

Earlier in the year, I was thrilled to receive a call from Nancy Ryan, Chairperson of The Optimist Club of Birmingham. Nancy learned of Lifeline’s ministry from a former intern, who thought the Optimists would be great partners with us. Since then, Nancy and The Optimist Club have embraced our foster families in a number of ways. Lifeline has been chosen as a recipient of one of their programs called “Kards for Kids”, which benefits foster youth living locally. Through the program, gift cards are given to foster children at Christmas time and awareness and support of foster care and adoption are raised. Donors are needed for the program.

To round out the year, The Optimist Club is also providing a place and volunteers for an evening of respite for our foster families. I thank the Lord for servants like these who are willing to give of their time and energy to support and refresh foster families. Because of partnerships like this one, we are able to offer our foster parents and children the support they need and deserve!

Traci Newell
Education Coordinator

Psalm 27:1

I came across a thought provoking and action taking devotional – The devotional is written by Max Lucado and the title of this particular devotional is The Voice of Adventure. The verse that is chosen is: Psalm 27:1 – “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?”

Jesus says the options are clear. On one side there is the voice of safety. You can build a fire in the hearth, stay inside and stay warm and dry for what you don’t try, right? You can’t fall if you don’t take a stand, right? You can’t lose your balance if you never climb, right? So don’t try it. Take the safe route.

Or you can hear the voice of adventure – God’s adventure. Instead of building a fire in your hearth, build a fire in your heart. Follow God’s impulses. Adopt the child…make a difference.

Max Lucado mentions other things in this devotional that are considered following your heart, but his point is “Is there a fire in your heart? What can you do to step out into God’s adventure for your life?”

Below are some new waiting children from Taiwan – prayerfully consider if you or someone you know might be the perfect parent(s) for one of these precious children that are desperately seeking that someone to make a difference in their life!

Join me in prayer for these children and for a family for each of them!


Taiwan Waiting Children – Please pray for these children to find their forever family!

1.Ting – female – Date of Birth – December 21, 2008
22 months
This sweet little girl has a lot of potential and has already stolen my heart! She has almost the same name as my daughter adopted from Cathwel in August of 2007 and some of the same special needs as well. Ting has been diagnosed with infantile hemiplegia and unspecified developmental delays. Her birth mother was a substance addict but Ting was developing and learning to walk and talk. She suffered severe injury in the spring of 2010 through child abuse by her birth mother. Ting was hospitalized from May 2010 – July 8th 2010. She now resides at the Jonah House (Cathwel Services). She has made great progress since her hospitalization but she really needs a family to love her and to help her to grow and learn. Please contact me at stephanie.carpenter@lifelineadoption.org for more information regarding Ting – There are photos, video and documents available for any family that is interested in her possible adoption process.

2.Ya-Ling – female – Date of Birth – July 26, 2005
5 years
Ya-Ling is an adorable five-year-old who resides with a foster family until her adoptive family finds her. She has good physical health according to an exam dated November 2009. She was diagnosed as mild intellectual ability/developmental delay. She has had an unstable lifestyle until her current placement in foster care in February 2009. She receives speech therapy one a week. This precious little girl is in need of a family to call her own and to love her and care for her. There are photos, one video and many documents available for any family that is interested in her possible adoption. Please contact me at stephanie.carpenter@lifelineadoption.org

3.An-An – male – Date of Birth – September 29, 2005
5 years
This adorable little boy was born prematurely and has already been in three foster homes since his birth. His birth mother is an AIDS carrier and drug abuser. An-An was suspected of being an AIDS baby but after follow-up tests and the final test completed on February 1, 2007 it was with negative result. The Health Department closed his case regarding any AIDS. An-An has a brother that was adopted domestically and also a brother that was adopted by a Swedish family in 2009. An-An received laser treatment and follow-up for retinal detachment and now has normal result. He is wears glasses to correct his vision and receives speech therapy and cognitive therapy. In August of 2009 it was determined through a developmental assessment that he could attend a regular kindergarten and did not need extra training since that point. He needs his family to love him and care for him. If you might be interested in his adoption please contact stephanie.carpenter@lifelineadoption.org There are photos and documents available.

4.Po-Yen – male – Date of Birth – September 14, 2001
9 years
Po-Yen is a very adorable boy that needs to find a forever family. He is listed as a waiting child due to his age of 9-years-old. He has been diagnosed with ADHD and is taking Concerta every day. He has had a very sad life – His parents divorced and then his mother was incapable of raising him. He moved to stay with his birth father. His birth father was then placed in jail and Po-Yen stayed with a foster family. His birth father died and then his uncle became his legal guardian. He began to live with his uncle and family but the uncle has decided that he should be placed for international adoption since his family does not want him living with them. The uncle changed his mind once about the child being adopted but then threatened Po-An with having to move away if he did not behave. In March 2010 the uncle made a firm decision for adoption placement and hopes that he would find a family so he would have a stable and happy life. This young boy is very adorable and does well in school in spite of his dysfunctional life and living arrangements. There are photos and many documents available – please contact stephanie.carpenter@lifelineadoption.org for more information

Other children currently on waiting list for adoption from Taiwan –
Please contact stephanie.carpenter@lifelineadoption.org for more information on any of these children and to view photos and documents!

5.Yen – male – Date of Birth – September 15, 2007
3 years
Diagnosis of cerebral palsy – many photos and documents available! Please contact stephanie.carpenter@lifelineadoption.org

6.Tai – male – Date of Birth – January 13, 2002
8 years
Older child

7.Ling – female – Date of Birth – October 10, 2002
8 years
Older child; slight developmental delay; strabismus8.

8.Will – male – Date of Birth – November 29, 2004
5 years
hearing issues; wears hearing aid; living at Jonah House since 11.28.2005

9.Chih – male – Date of Birth – May 11, 2002
8 years
Older child

10.Jung –male – Date of Birth - March 25, 2003
7 years
Older child; epilepsy

11.Sibling group – Michael – male – Date of Birth – January 1, 2000
10 years
Older child; sibling group; Hep. C

Christopher – male – Date of Birth – May 28, 2005
5 years
Sibling group; Hep C


May the Lord bless you and keep you and may you follow the fire that the Lord lights in your heart for where He has called you to make a difference,

Stephanie Carpenter

International Adoption Specialist and very proud parent of 2 special needs daughters adopted via international adoption and waiting to travel for number 3 (Russia, Taiwan and Philippines)
Stephanie.carpenter@lifelineadoption.org