An Unexpected Blessing that came at the perfect time

 This last week has not really gone as expected.  Maleah and I have been working 9-12 hour days at a concession stand during the Jeux de Canada(Canada Games).  Although volunteering at the games and meeting people from different provinces has been fun, the rain and small amount of people at the park has made for a bit of a disappointment in the sales.  Fortunately, we have another week to go where the crowds should be larger and we're hoping that the weather decides to cooperate.

But just as I was beginning to feel really discouraged, we received a letter from an organization called Katelyn's Fund.  This organization/foundation advocates for adoption and raises money to give to families in the adoption process to help pay for their adoptions.  We had applied for a grant from Katelyn's Fund back in May, but were not really expecting to receive any funds from them knowing that hundreds of families apply every year.  But after a telephone interview, they decided that they wanted to award our family with a $3,000 grant.  Just as I was about to worry and wonder why in the world I was giving so many hours to a concession stand, God reminded me that He had it all in control and that He will provide in His own way.  I can go back to the concession stand on Monday and just enjoy meeting people and leave the money situation in His hands.

And the wait continues.......

The time continues to pass as we wait for US customs and Immigration to pre-approve us to adopt.  The paperwork was sent to them over 2 months ago, but they seem to have issues that we can't get a background check from Mali, West Africa.  Even after explaining to them that Mali does not keep records on people who have lived in their country, plus the fact that they've been in a war for the last 6 months, USCIS still thinks we should be able to get that document from them(though Mali has no clue what a background check is).  So we need your prayers that someone at USCIS would have the common sense to realize that if we have been cleared in 3 states, 3 countries and by the FBI, then most likely we don't have a criminal record in Mali, West Africa. 

But we have faith that USCIS will come thru and give us pre-approval.  Once that happens, then the orphanage in Burkina Faso will send the paperwork and US approval to the Burkina Faso Government.  Then all that paperwork is sent to several different government offices there for approvals, documents signed, etc.....At that point, we will be able to give you the details of the little guy that we are adopting.  Until then, it is still TOP SECRET.  Well, not really, that just makes it sound more dramatic. HAHA

As for fundraising, I(Sharon) will be working a concession stand for the next 2 weeks during the Canada Games.  The Canada Games are a bit like the Olympics, except on a much smaller scale.  Sherbrooke is hosting the games this year in which each province can send a team to represent their province in around 25 different sports.  The first week, I will be working the concession stand for the softball games and the second week for Sand Volleyball.  Each day will be 10-12 hour days, so it will be long but hopefully productive in raising money.  

Again, thank you for your prayers, support, encouragement, etc.   I look forward to the day when we will be announcing that we are travelling to bring our little "top secret" home.