as for the real dirt i've been avoiding all week

Truth be told, we're in a bit of shock and maybe even denial.

I'm sure you heard the news... about Ru**ia's proposed ban on US adoptions. Even typing that just now gives me chills.

To think of the many thousands of orphans being used- rather, held hostage as a means of retaliation against the US, what a disgusting, shameful way to counterattack - linking the fate of helpless children (already confined to the cribs of understaffed orphanages) to something entirely unrelated!!!  It's so pointless and so corrupt, I am sick!

If their President backs this measure, not only hundreds of these orphans will be ripped from the hands of their future forever families - including our E, but the path to so many future adoptions will be removed completely! Thus, we'd be... defeated. Destroyed, I can't even stand to think...

Oh the depravity of this world! there are days we assume we've gotten to the bottom of it, when in fact new ways are being invented every. single. day.

If ever we needed you to pray, it is NOW.

:: Pray for Ru**ian political leaders- their President specifically.
:: Pray for wisdom for those leaders and for the government officials.
:: Pray that those children will not be victims of political backlash.
:: Pray that whatever God's plan, he will protect those sweet children.
:: Pray that we and families in the process have the courage to press on no matter what.
:: Pray that our hearts will not be hardened by this turmoil.
:: Pray that we will continue to trust God's control.
:: Pray for our precious babies to be surrounded by love.
:: Pray for all of the other families who are just as confused and panicked right now as we are.
:: Pray for all of the children, worldwide, who are hurt by the decisions and actions of the adults around    them.

Through all this heartache, through the unknown, we choose to praise Him. For the JOY of the Lord is, and always will be, our strength because we choose to believe no matter what God is Sovereign and Good.

Joy to the world, the Lord is come. Right?

Even if all hope seems lost, we are pressing on. Why? Because He has overcome! and there is always a bigger story to tell, a bigger picture -even if we can only see but dimly now, we trust.

We rejoice in HOPE!

So... if you wouldn't mind, (and I'm so glad I have so many readers who are so full of participation -wink wink!), would you please please take a few minutes of your time to sign the petition below? 

i know it's Christmas Eve Eve and all of you are ca-raazy busy, but ...for the children. i urge you not to close your eyes, or excuse yourself because realistically you didn't even have the time to read this just now, much less sign a bloody petition, but please. for E? for the thousands who have no voice, surely they have faces. 

The lives and futures of so many precious orphans are at stake here.

The Voice of the Child petition is in "response to legislation in Ru**ia which would end inter-country adoption and take away the chance that many children have to live in a safe family."

CLick here to sign the petition

Thank you, kind friends.

"Defend the weak and the orphans; defend the rights of the poor and suffering." Psalm 82:3

*picture removed*


(this is the prayer magnet we put in our Christmas Card. If you'd like one, simply email me your mailing address.)

*****

It's the GIVEAWAY you've been waiting for:
the limited edition of Downton Abbey season 1&2 on Blu ray!!! catch up before the third season hits PBS in January...

there are 3 things you have to do to enter:

1) Sign the petition - super simple (5 seconds tops)
2) Comment telling me you did - don't lie!
3) Share this post and rally your friends to sign too!


I'll announce the winner on Dec 26th.
GoodLuck!!!
Thank you, we are ever grateful for your support!