A New Year! What's In Store?

Well, it is a new year. I have thought about last year and what happened throughout the year. I can sure tell you that when we started 2008 I would have never guessed that we would have a daughter by the end of it, and I would probably not have guessed that I would have been the one to travel to Liberia and back by myself physically (God was with me all the way). I would have probably not have guessed that we would have went through some of the things that we did and make it with our sanity still in tact:). I hear a lot of people say that "I hope that 2009 is better than 2008". Well, for the most part 2008 was very good for us, we celebrated our first Gottcha Anniversary with Thomas, celebrated another birthday with Steven, gave Thomas his very first birthday party (he turned 8). We also started on another adoption journey and added and new member to our family. We were able, with God's intervention, to travel to get Josie, and I was able to experience what it was like to get to be the one to see her for the first time. I was able to experience Liberia and become more confident in myself and what God wants me to do. I faced a lot of "Goliaths" and won most of them (again, only with God's help). Mike and I learned that no matter what as long as we stick together we can make it through a lot of things. I learned that I have a lot more respect for people who travel away from their families a lot, especially our military, because I didn't like being that far away from my family. I also seen what it was like to see many children live in extreme poverty and beg to come to America and be part of a family. I learned to be very thankful for what I have and know that I can do without because I have never know what it is like to truly have nothing. I have also seen what it like for a parent to say goodbye to their child and hold them one last time and know that it will possibly be the last time they will ever see them.
In 2008, there were 10 orphans who came home to their families that are now part of our church. We all got together today and the kids played (in our church gym). Between 5 families there were a total of about 35 children that have been adopted. It was so amazing to just look and see each of their faces and see them together. There were 35 children that no longer had to wonder if they mattered to someone or if they would ever get a family. 35 kids that go to sleep at night that have been fed and have a warm bed. Each of these kids know that God loves them and so do their parents. Wow, I am excited for 2009, I already know that some families will be adding to that 35:). That is what can happen when you open yourself to do what God asks, whether it is orphans, widows, prison ministries or whatever God truly wants you to do.
So, as you can see I enjoyed 2008 for the most part. Sure there were good and bad times, times my heart was torn and broken and at times we were scared, but we kept on going and learned that tomorrow was a new day. We also learned to enjoy today, but also look forward to tomorrow and anticipate what God had in store for us.
I have no idea what 2009 will hold. In fact I really don't want to know right now, I will leave that to God, but I will leave myself open to letting Him work in my life and my families'. In this time of people talking about having no hope, I am just happy that I have hope because of God and no one can take that away.