Needing Affirmation

We recently began praying for affirmation with this new adoption process (like two days ago). We feel confident that we should continue working to bring Eli home, but are realizing that the decision to pursue Zoe may have been a little compulsive and not bathed in prayer. So we now find ourselves moving forward with Eli while seeking the Lord's will for us with Zoe (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Before we started the process with Eli we were going to try to bring home another boy, but that did not work out. That boy and Eli just happened to be best friends. Well...that boy is now in the states. We have always thought that it would be a great thing if we could try to keep Eli and his best friend from China in touch with each other after we get him home. The mother of the other boy contacted Shannon via email yesterday with new pictures of Eli for us. She expressed her desire to keep her son (Luke) and Eli in touch with each other after we get him home. They live in Birmingham, AL just one hour from my folks. How cool will it be for Eli to get to see his best friend from China - especially if he were able to be waiting at the airport in ATL when we fly back in with him. The Lord's plan continues to unfold for Eli.

Although we continue moving forward with Eli we are taking a step back with Zoe to seek the Lord's will. We have grown so fond of this beautiful little girl with such a great smile. Her picture is engraved in our minds and on our heart. The thought of not bringing her home crushes us, but at the same time we want to make sure we don't overload ourselves to the point that we cannot give our children the love and attention they need from their mommy and daddy (and even writing that makes me think, but at least they would all have a mommy and daddy and a family to call their own).

Lord, please speak to our hearts. I know you hear the cries of your children and I believe in my heart that if we don't bring Zoe home you will take care of her. I also believe that if we do you will give us what we need to be the parents we need to be for all our children. Please make your will clear for us. We want to follow. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

PS - Please, as we pray through this process join us in praying. I know many of you may want to express your opinions on either side of this decision, but I prayerfully ask you to just pray for us as we seek the Lord's will. We are so thankful for your prayers and desperately want to hear clearly from the Lord on this.