[Happywife]

This has a religious tone, so I hope I am not offending anyone's personal religious views.

A little background, then I'll let you know what happened today! My dh and I interviewed 2 agencies yesterday and were gung-ho to apply and get the ball rolling. But, the truth is we don't have the money saved yet. We'd rather not get a loan, and aren't really sure if we'd even qualify for a loan with dh's credit score.

We wanted to raise/save/earn $10,000 of the fees before applying to the agency. Then, we'd have about $8000 more to get before placement.

We did a lot of thinking, talking, and praying in the last 2 days. We really want to do what God has planned for us, but didn't know how to know if we were on the right track. I hope that makes sense. We also believe that with faith, God will provide. But we also want to do our part and have a working plan to get the money raised.

I asked for a sign - a sign to tell us one way or the other if we were meant to jump into the adoption process.

We were doing our monthly budget (or as other Dave Ramsey fans would say, our money budget meeting!), and my dh was going through the last 3 months of bank statements. He had thought that we had a little more in our checking account than we thought and wanted to find the exact amount.

WE HAD $4000 more than we thought! We did the math over and over again - and yep, that money was still there. We figured out where $2000 of that money came from - but have no clue where the other money came from.

Because of this money, we will be able to pay off all of my husband's credit card debt by the end of January. We will be able to save up for adoption and not have to incur any debt. (Well, unless we get a placement immediately. Then, we might have a small debt.)

What do you think? Is this extra money a sign? Do you think we're going on the path we are meant to be on? Are we just insane and "looking" for signs? If God did not want us to follow this path, wouldn't He put up roadblocks? I will not be offended by any opinions here (well, I don't think I will! LOL), so please feel free to be honest.

[karla-k]

We did the saving/fundraising/apply for grants thing. We have received over $20,000 in gifts/grants/and fundraising dollars. I believe that we have received 20,000 little confirmations that God is blessing this adoption.

I believe that when God calls us to do something, He provides the means to obey Him, whether that is through gifts, grants, extra money that appears in the checking account, and the ability to earn money over and above your household needs.

I also truly believe that a loan is not usually how God provides for our needs. God's blessings will not lead us into bondage: the borrower is slave to the lender. I know some people take out loans for adoption expenses, and I am not condemning that, but for us we felt convicted that we would not rely on a loan to do this. We felt a loan would rob God of the glory He deserves in this adoption.

[GoddessDanu]

That's fantastic! Congrats!

[Linny]

I definately believe God gives us hints and signs if we're open to them. There's also that 'gut thing' to know if you're doing the right thing in adopting. Only you and your dh can answer that one.
However, giving comment to what you've written about and whether it's a sign? IMO, it would most certainly be a sign. Congratulations! I think you're clearly on your way!!!!! (((HUG)))

Sincerely,

Linny

[chrisandaaron]

Fellow believer here. Absolutely a sign! Congratulations!

I here this over and over again. I will try to post a link to a speaker my husband just heard. ....Talk about signs to adoption...her story is unbelievable!

The Blessings of Walking in Faith (Part 1 of 2)
The Blessings of Walking in Faith (Part 2 of 2)

[devildogwife]

I'd say it is!

[deb035]

Hi,
We adopted our little girl from China 2 yrs ago with no money saved. We too believe that God will provide if it's in HIS will. We were able to get the money in a lot of different ways. We kept praying and believing and keeping the trust and faith to get us through the process. I understand where you are at. I do believe that God will show you the way and provide if you ask and have faith in HIM. I personally would look at this mysterious money as God's will to move forward. Go with your heart and what it first tells you because that is God speaking to you. If it's right it will all work out. God Bless you and your adoption journey.

[ourdreamcametru]

Oh yes, it's a sign! Our adoption was full of signs and we truly are believers that if you should not be where you are there will be a roadblock! Good luck