Third Time's a Charm, We Hope

I know I left you hangin' - sorry about that. There have been a few bumps in the road, regarding K (Evan's birth mom) signing her Surrender of Parental Rights. We think everything has been worked out, though, and she has an appointment to sign tomorrow morning. This is the third court appointment she has had, so we're hoping third time's a charm. We would appreciate your prayers as this has become pretty nerve racking. And, in case you need extra incentive to pray, I am planning to post the first pictures of Evan when the surrender is signed! There will still be a ten day revocation period, during which time K can return to court and regain custody, but we will feel so much better after the surrender is signed.

The best thing that has come out of this extra waiting period is that we had an opportunity to send a gift for K. (Our social worker will give it to her tomorrow at court.) We bought her a Bible, a copy of Jesus Calling (a daily devotional book) and a card. I was able to write in the card, letting her know that we have been praying for her during this entire adoption journey - for over a year. I let her know that, especially after meeting her, we are sure of her love for Evan and will make sure he knows that too. And, I thanked her - we will always remember what a gift he is and will never forget the sacrifice she made.

I also expressed to K how much we desire her life to be blessed. I have been using Psalm 40 to pray for her this entire time and I highlighted that passage in the Bible we gave her, and stuck the card in that spot as a book mark. Please join us in praying that the Lord would bless her life as she trusts in Him. Just imagine if this could be the testimony of her life!

Excerpt from Psalm 40
My Help and My Deliverer

I waited patiently for the LORD;
he inclined to me and heard my cry.
He drew me up from the pit of destruction,
out of the miry bog,
and set my feet upon a rock,
making my steps secure.
He put a new song in my mouth,
a song of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear,
and put their trust in the LORD.

I have told the glad news of deliverance
in the great congregation;
behold, I have not restrained my lips,
as you know, O LORD.
I have not hidden your deliverance within my heart;
I have spoken of your faithfulness and your salvation;
I have not concealed your steadfast love and your faithfulness
from the great congregation.

As for you, O LORD, you will not restrain
your mercy from me;
your steadfast love and your faithfulness will
ever preserve me!
For evils have encompassed me
beyond number;
my iniquities have overtaken me,
and I cannot see;
they are more than the hairs of my head;
my heart fails me.

Be pleased, O LORD, to deliver me!
O LORD, make haste to help me!
Let those be put to shame and disappointed altogether
who seek to snatch away my life;
let those be turned back and brought to dishonor
who delight in my hurt!

But may all who seek you
rejoice and be glad in you;
may those who love your salvation
say continually, "Great is the LORD!"
As for me, I am poor and needy,
but the Lord takes thought for me.
You are my help and my deliverer;
do not delay, O my God!