Lord – What are YOU Doing?

Last night dw and I talked as I was heading to bed. He had been hard at work all day trying to figure out what to do with shipping the papers to me. The Lord had already shown Himself in BIG ways to Dw….yippee Jesus!!

I confess I was so weary as he and I were talking. I stopped to think. I awake in the middle of the night when the mosq*e starts its prayers over the loud speaker. It does prayers starting at 4:45am and then with no apparent rhyme or reason, throughout the day they continue and it is LOUD….then I get out of bed in time to see my babies first wake up and start helping at the orphanage with all the changing, feeding, bathing, pottying, and off I go to work on the paperwork, then back to the orphanage…hike up the hill to the internet at a Guest House and back down in time to go to bed about midnight. Hmmm, maybe that’s why I’m feeling weary… silly me.

Anyway, when we hung up last night Dw wasn’t sure what he would do. Fed Ex had told him that they could (probably) have the papers to me by Wednesday at 6:oo pm. Well the Embassy is closed before 6 then AND my flights left that same night. I could trust the Lord to get them here by tuesday night, but is that what we were supposed to do? I was confused and just so tired. He had a travel agent looking into flights to Uganda. I said I would pray and we prayed together. He was off and I crashed.

So here’s what happened in Colorado as I was sleeping…..how faithful God is! Working on the other side of the world on our behalf….

When I got up this AM I texted Dw and told him to call me. No response. Hmmm. Where was he? Finally about 3 hours after I had gotten up he called. FINALLY!! I said, “I have been wondering where you are.” He said, “I’m in Detroit!’ Detroit?? WHAT? Our Autumn had worked very hard on the flight situation and found flights to Detroit, which Daddy could fly for free because she works for the airlines. From Detroit overseas – we pay – but hey, to that point it was free!! But thank you Autumny for all your hard work….

Abigail had booked Daddy at a hotel in Detroit….thank you Ab – what a blast having grown kids who pitch in to make it all work!!

As it turns out yesterday AM Dw headed downtown to get a Starbucks (LUCKY!!) and while down there he ran into a man from church. I have never seen this man downtown but yesterday Dw did. Dw told him what was going on in Africa and that he was praying about what to do. The man said, “If you are going to have to go to Uganda, i will pay your way, let me give you my credit card.” Dw was blown away. We would not have expected him to say that. And by the way, when we have a need for the adoption, does God provide??? ((((See a couple of posts below entitled “Glad you Asked””)))) Oh yes – he most certainly does!!! Out of the blue – God comes through with the MONEY!!!

Dw then went to the church to start downloading all the immigration papers. He looked at them, and this once-upon-a-time lawyer for 11 years (when we were first married) was pretty overwhelmed by the papers. (Made me feel good actually.) I had looked at them and thought, oh my gracious – what in the world??

Our church offices are closed on Friday, but as he was working on printing the papers he heard the church phone ringing. He said he looked up at the phone and saw it was line #2. He thought, Weird, i probably should answer it. So he picked it up and on the other end he heard a woman say, ‘Dwight? i know you don’t know me but my name is J (I haven’t asked her permission to share her real name, so suffice it to say she is J)…I follow your wife’s blog and i have been following and i am an attorney in Washington Dc.” I am weepy typing all this….do we have a big God or what??

J went on to say that she had read that we are having a problem and she knew her partner was flying to Africa this week-end….(do you have goose bumps yet, cause i am living this and I am having them continually – our mountain-moving, awe-inspiring, gasp-giving God is working behind the scenes through a woman we didn’t even know exists!!)….she went on to say that she had phoned her law partner, named K and asked where K was going…she said, Africa…J said, ‘yes, i know Africa, but where in Africa?” Yup, you guessed it – Uganda!! Are you as amazed as I am?? But it gets even better…..

She said that her partner had said that she was willing to help in anyway she could…..J then went on to say that her own husband just got home from a business trip and J’s husband wants permission to be all over our situation….he has connections VERY high in government…..I will keep this generic, but trust me – VERY VERY VERY high….he wants to see what he can do on this end….J also assured Dw that she and her husband and their kids are interceding for our situation….humbled beyond words!!

So as it sits right now we are wondering what God is up to…the high connections he has are with MANY people and one is someone very influential who has a heart for the orphans of Africa?? What Dw and I are wondering several things? Could the Lord have allowed this mountain to orchestrate events to allow us to work in a way we didn’t expect to free more orphans from Uganda? Could it just be that Almighty God is working behind the scenes to orchestrate these events for “such a time as this.”

We are praying, well actually, I pray he is sleeping and i am praying we have MUCH wisdom…he can fly to DC and give the papers to K, the law partner who can bring them to me here in Kampala. OR he can fly himself and K is more than willing to help in anyway we need her to.

I am inclined to have him fly here and see what else God is going to do….all i know is that Dw and my hearts are so passionate for the orphan that we will do whatever it takes to free up the process to bring babies home to families who will love them….

I am thankful for my new friend, Susanna, in the Philippines who came out of lurking and commented yesterday saying she was praying and is more in our Africa time zone then the States ones…and to our Bill and Lyns over in Ch*na praying….and the baazillion others who are praying…the burden is so much lighter with you guys lifting our arms….we need wisdom…and direction…and safety for the little ones at home without either of us and Dw as he flies….you know the routine..

I have to say, last night, when i crawled into bed i was feeling so, so weary and the thing that kept popping into my head were all the encouraging words and the scriptures you guys posted….you totally rock and I just wish there was some way to have a giant party together…wouldn’t that be rockin’ awesome and i could hug each of you and thank you for your faithful love and prayers – YOU ALL ARE THE BEST!!!

From Uganda, with Love, Linny

23 thoughts on “Lord – What are YOU Doing?

  1. I am sitting here weeping while reading this post. God is so huge we cannot even grasp it! Kevin and I prayed all day yesterday for you guys as we have been doing for many days now. We even decided to fast and pray for you, Gracie, Grady (another child from Philip Hayden in China needing a home and who as I type there is a family working very hard to be his family), and our own decision to follow God into the unknown and begin an adoption again even though there is NO money available right now).

    Our God is up to something big when He puts these intense desires for situations into so many hearts around the world, don’t you think?

    Luke 1:45 For blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished.

    We took the step yesterday to tell our family that we were going to begin the process to adopt again (a huge step for us since some of our family was not receptive the first time; however now they are some of the people who love Philip most), and we told them that even though we are in a different spot this time financially, we believe God is bigger than that. Wow, what God is doing in your lives is living proof of that. Praise God, praise God, praise God!

    In Christ –
    Janet and Kevin

  2. OK, yes I do have goosebumps. So Dw must really understand now how cool this blogger world is. I was a nervous wreck waiting for this post because I knew God would work out something awesome and I couldn’t wait to see what it was. I can’t wait to hear more and I really can’t wait to see your real family picture all together. China will seem like it’s nothing when you go.

  3. Linn and Dwight,

    STILL PRAYING! What a story you are going to have! I am humbled every time I stop by and see my sweet Sydney’s picture! I am honored to pray for you as well!

    Much love and prayers,
    Sandy

  4. What a miracle!! I am in awe over how he has moved these mountains for your family! If it werent for me going to Basic Training in January i would probably get into the adoption game myself, and im only 18!! Lol. I will continue to pray for your expanding family! God Bless!

    Brittne

  5. Oh Linn and Dw, I missed a couple of days on your blog and so much has happened. I hope you KNOW you are in my thoughts and prayers.

    I mentioned you, Linn, on my blog last night as one of the blessings I had met through adoption. I didn’t know all of this was going on, but I invited my friends who hadn’t been there yet to visit your site and say a pray for your “Mission POSSIBLE.” That phrase just came to me, and that’s exactly what this is for you guys, a MISSION POSSIBLE!

    * “The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them; and the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose. It shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice even with joy and singing…they shall see the glory of the LORD, and the excellency of our God. Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees. Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come.” Isaiah 35:1,2a-4a

    With MUCH Love and BIG Prayers,
    Amy

    http://amy-forsuchatimeasthis.blogspot.com/

  6. Oh Linny, your post is the first thing I check every morning. The tears are streaming down my face as I read this morning. Isn’t he an awesome God!!! Amd all those orphans in Uganda are going to benefit because God put you and your family in their lives!!!! I told my husband last night about how DW put out a message asking if anyone is traveling to Uganda. And I told him” you watch some one will answer that they are!”YIPEE!!!!!
    Kathie

  7. Hi Ms. Linn,

    You have knocked my socks off…well, actually God has, but I love the way you tell His stories! HE IS SO AMAZING!! Thank you for letting us see God at work in such a BIG way!

    I can’t wait to see the rest of what He’s up to!

    Hugs!!

  8. I found your blog through a friend, Sally- that girl!, and I am just blown away by your journey so far! I was just crying reading this last post and read back somewhat. I will be praying for you there and for the recent change in things! It is so amazing to read how that unfolded but how God was NOT surprised and how He has a plan in place!!!

  9. Wow…weeping…God works is such mysterious ways sometimes. I have now doubt these babies are coming home, but my goodness, so much will be learned from the journey…
    Sending you BIG hugs.
    In prayer,
    ~Lori Anne

  10. Okay, bawling again as I read this to Curt. I have felt that you are there not only to bring home your sweet babies, but as “pioneers” to get the kinks worked out so others can follow! Wow! You are doing just that…AWESOME! AMAZING! This story is soooo encouraging for me and I am sure anyone who reads it!

    Love you guys,
    Julie

  11. We all new God had big plans. It is truly amazing how this whole thing is working out. I bet DW will have his own blog when this is all done. I can’t wait until the next entry. My family continues to pray daily for yours.

    Lisa from Ohio

  12. Didn’t get enough of a Ugandan news yesterday, couldn’t wait to check this morning to see just what God was orchestrating behind the scenes. And once again, He is proving His awesomeness, His faithfulness and His love for all HIS children!

    I posted yesterday that I think it was in His plan all along to have DW bring his babies home and it is looking like that is a great possibility.

    Loving and praying for you in California!

  13. Dear Linn,

    Steve and I woke up this morning praying and talking about you and Dwight… well, all to say, we are all in Abby's bedroom (Abby, Luke and Kay) and celebrating with prayer and thanksgiving God's work on your behalf…. which is, of course, the orphans behalf!!!!!!! Steve and I tell your story almost daily and it is a source of encouragement and delight to so many!!! GOD IS AN AWESOME GOD!! AND HE LOVES TO BE GLORIFIED AND TO SHOW OFF HIS POWER AND GOODNESS IN THIS BROKEN WORLD. You and your family are on the front of a beautiful wave of provision!

    You and I both turned 50 this year and I was reminded of…
    "The righteous shall flourish like a palm tree,
    She shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon.
    Those who are planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish
    in the courts of our God.
    THEY SHALL STILL BEAR FRUIT IN OLD AGE (smile)
    THEY SHALL BE FRESH AND FLOURISHING
    TO DECLARE THAT THE LORD IS UPRIGHT!

    He is my rock and there is no unrighteousness in Him.
    Oh Lord, you have made me glad throught your work!!!
    I will triumph in the works of your hands…"
    Psalm 92: 4, 12-15

    and from me:
    "Make straight in the desert a highway for our God!" (Isaiah 40:3

    and this is from Steve:
    "Sing to God, sing praises to His name…
    A father to the fatherless and a defender of widows,
    is God in His holy dwelling.
    God sets the lonely in families,
    He leads forth the prisoners with SINGING!!!"
    Psalm 68:4-6

    We wish we were there with all of you. Thank you Jesus!!! You guys raise the bar on faith!!!

    Steve, Celestia & co.

  14. God is showing off!!! I LOVE IT!!! I don’t know what you should do but I know God will give DW clear vision as to which OPTION (can you believe it? OPTIONS?!?) to take. Lord, please close all the doors except one so they know what to do.

    And yes, we have WONDERFUL people working in govt. places. They helped us GREATLY!!! I will never question what our tax dollars are doing in terms of Congress salaries again!!! 😉

    Leslie

  15. I am NOT at all surprised… but still in AWE! I wish I could hop on that plane and come over there with you. 🙂

    Smiling SO BIG here and still praying. I CAN’t WAIT to see what GOD is up to here!

    Lots of LOVE to you all!

    🙂
    Amie

  16. God’s plans are so amazing! I know this is a stressful time, but to see his hand at work speaks to so many around the world. I am looking forward to see what He has in store as your story unfolds. What an incredible Christmas your family is going to have! We spent Christmas of 2004 in China, adopting our first daughter. It makes Christmas an even more special time for our family. May God continue to bless your family.

  17. Amazing, simply amazing!! I haven’t had much time to comment because of Gracie’s little adventure, but am praying…you know that!

    Love to you!
    Gayle

  18. DW and Linny!!!!Wow!!! I have such peace knowing God is taking care of every detail. He does have a bigger plan. I’ve been praying so much lately…a heavy, heavy heart for the orphans and your last post about the questions you are asked, explains it all. God is at work and I’m so excited that he is using you..and we are watching it all unfold. Can’t wait to see the rest of the story…soon!! I’m thanking God for your obedience and love for Him.

  19. I am speechless . . . except for “WOW GOD”!
    So many people are praying ALL OVER THE PLACE, and God is moving mountain after mountain.

    Oh Lord how we praise you. You are MIGHTY, and FAITHFUL, and oh how You love us . . . oh how You love Linny and Dwight, and their babies, and all of the babies . . . You are so very faithful!

    What a miraculous story continues to unfold here . . . It’s a GOD book in the making Linn . . . I’m so thankful that you are sharing it with us . . . and then we all share it with others . . . and HE is magnified over and over agaain! GLORY!

    Praying in Texas, hugs to Uganda~

    Tina

  20. WOW! I literally said out loud as I read your post, “Lord, You are INCREDIBLE!” What an amazingly POWERFUL God we get to serve. I can’t even fathom it! Praise the Lord!! Thank You Jesus!!!

  21. Many, many tears! Oh, my God, how awesome you are!!! You own the cattle on a thousand hills! Nothing is out of your Hand!

    Hold our friends! Give them strength!

    As you open doors, let us bravely enter!

    We rejoice in your grace!!

    Hallelujah, Father!!

  22. I don’t know how I’m doing it, but I’m on the edge of my seat and on bended knee at the same time. God is good…you are faithful…those babies are so stinkin’ lucky!

    Sarah and I agree (with what you wrote today) that it might just be you are paving the way for those that go behind you. Bringing these gorgeous babies home also sets in motion a way bigger plan. His plan! I’m so proud of you!

    I’ll continue to pray for your strength and attitude. That’s what I’d deal with the most.

    Yay God!

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