Staffing Update

The staffing for Beautiful Girl (BG) was today.  You know I was checking email all day, right?  Honestly, I didn't expect to learn anything today, but I did.

I was called this afternoon and told the committee had a few additional questions for us.  They asked questions about home schooling, our plan for future adoptions, and our willingness to help BG maintain connections with important people in her life.  

I called Sean to discuss everything and typed up a statement with our honest answers.  

I wasn't told their recommendation, but I think the signs look good.  We have a few weeks to wait for an official answer.  Please continue to pray for us and BG.  ~In Christ, Talya

Humbled by His Grace

Over a week ago, I got a call from the adoption recruiter (she never calls me, only emails) telling us that the staffing to determine BG's forever family has been scheduled for February 20!!!  That's a month earlier than we had last been told and two weeks from the day of her call.  I was elated.  It got even better when I was told we were the only family left for consideration.  The other two families had dropped from the process.  WHAT!!!!????  With that piece of news, our chances of welcoming BG into our family increased significantly.  Now, it's still not a done deal, as formal recommendations and approvals must be made, but we are super-hopeful!

Once again, the Lord has shown and continues to show us His infinite grace throughout this circumstance, and I have been seriously humbled by it.  As I prayed and thanked the Lord for this news, I had to humble myself and ask for forgiveness for my lack of faith throughout this process.  I am humbled that He continues to bless us with His grace when we are so undeserving.

Believe me, I have gone through waves of anxiety, doubt and impatience as dates were pushed further and further back (see this post).  When we were told in January that the staffing would not take place until late March, we even thought of withdrawing our consideration of BG and looking at other children in the hopes the process would move faster.  We prayed... we sought counsel... we listened to sermons -- Charles Stanley has a great sermon on waiting on the Lord and trusting in His timing, found here.  Our faithfulness ebbed and flowed, but God's faithfulness never wavered.

Ultimately, the Lord pressed upon our hearts a commitment to BG until He closes that door, if it is His will.  I love her without knowing her.  We decided we needed to stay the course.  The Lord's plan and His timing are perfect.

When I trust Him, the Lord gives me a peace that reminds me that He is sovereign.  He's always working behind the scenes in ways I may never know.  There are even those sweet times when He makes the "big reveal"of something awesome that surpasses what we could have imagined.  Is He bringing us to His "big reveal"?  Yes, if we remain faithful.  His "big reveal" may not be what I hope it to be, i.e. BG joining our family, but it will be something that brings Him glory.  In the end, that's what we want.

Friends, please pray for us as we continue on this path:

• The staffing is scheduled to take place at 10:30 AM (central time) on Friday, 2/20.  
• Pray for wisdom for the professionals who are making the decision.
• Pray that we would trust the Lord and walk in obedience no matter the outcome.
• Pray for protection for our family's hearts and BG's heart.

"Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD!"  ~Psalm 27:14

"May grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord."  ~2 Peter 1:2

Thank you!  ~In Christ, Talya

Happy 11th Birthday, Rachel... In Pictures

Today, the Hooker family celebrates another wonderful January event -- Rachel's 11th birthday!  I am grateful to the Lord for my Pooty Tooty and her sensitive, affectionate ways.  I feel truly blessed to be chosen to be her mommy.

At birth

10 1/2 months

4 years

6 years

8 years

11 years TODAY!!

In Christ, Talya

Psalm 127:3a  "Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord..."

Isaiah's Family Day!!!! & Thanks

I can hardly believe it's been a year since we met our son and held him in our arms for the first time.  We tirelessly spent two days driving and hadn't even checked into our hotel when we arrived at Covenant Care for the paperwork and placement ceremony.  I can tell you I was so nervous that I had to keep running to the... well, I'll spare you the details.  It amazes me how the Lord has joined our hearts together in love for this little boy, who brings such joy to each one of us.  Please enjoy our placement video: 

I would like to once again thank our local church family who loved us, cared for us, and prayed for us a year ago and throughout this past year.  The love you have shown our family, and especially Isaiah, has far exceeded anything we could have imagined.

I would like to thank family and friends who prayed for us, sent encouraging messages and gifts, and opened your homes to us in fellowship.

Thanks to all the staff at Christian Family Services and Covenant Care, you too Jill :-) , who had a hand in Isaiah's adoption.  I can't forget to thank our attorney and the judge who signed off on the adoption decree.

A most special and heartfelt gratitude to P, Isaiah's birth mother.  She chose life for him in a world that would encourage her to do otherwise.  I hope one day to get to meet her and give her a hug for choosing us to receive one of our biggest, most precious blessings.

We love you!

To God be the glory!!!!  ~In Christ, Talya

It's Her Birthday... In Pictures!

Happy 14th birthday to our precious, Arielle, who describes herself as our "great, wonderful, sweet, obedient, best first born".  Can you sense the humility?  She's been my "little buddy" from day one, even though she's not so little anymore.  I am grateful that the Lord blessed me to be her mommy.

4 months

16 months

4 years

7 years

10 years

December 2014

In Christ, Talya

15 Years Ago...

I am grateful for 15 years with my love... Yesterday, today, and years to come...

Our Wedding Day -- January 14, 2000

Today...

In Christ, Talya (This was posted a day after our actual anniversary)

Isaiah's First Birthday in Pictures

Yesterday, December 21, we were blessed to celebrate Isaiah's first birthday.  It's amazing to think that a year ago, we had no idea our son was being born one thousand miles away.  God knew His plan for this precious little boy and our family -- what a blessing that we didn't need to know the details.  Three-and-a-half weeks later we would be holding Isaiah in our arms!  To God be the glory!

 He's one and he's on the move.  Gotta catch him when you can!

 I love my littlest boy!

 So does his daddy!
(Can you find Arielle in this picture?)

Not quite as planned, but feel the sibling love --
Isaiah felt it so much he had to close his eyes!

 Opening presents

 "I'm not sure I understand this gift opening thing..."

 Patiently awaiting CAKE!!!

CAKE!!!!!!

It's all 

been so worth it!

~In Christ, Talya

"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above..."  ~James 1:17a