"Blogger Mama"

Well... here we go... after years of reading "mama blogs", the following is my attempt at my first. And although a bit nervous to do so, we have been so inspired by those who have shared their journey with us, and know that there is freedom in transparency and support in the beautiful body of Christ. We are so happy to announce that life has presented a new adventure for our family. God has led us to grow our family through adoption, and we are so grateful that He has chosen us for this journey. We know that our God is able, and we can't wait to share this experience with you! 

Before you know where we are headed in this journey, I want to share with you where we have been. First, just let me say, that our God is always good, faithful, and right on time. Although nothing has gone like "Positive Perky Planning Patty" has planned, this journey has truly been "exceeding abundantly above all that we could ask or think" (Ephesians 3:20). 

"Jared and Morgan sitting in a tree. K-I-S-S-I-N-G. First, comes love. Then, comes marriage. Then come the Coopers with a baby carriage" - that was the plan. But... instead God has taken us on the adventure of a lifetime, and for that, we are grateful. Our journey began as two, young kids that just wanted to obey God. Most days, we still feel like those young kids. And, you know, we have never really made many big/"adult" decisions. Those big decisions have MADE us... CHOSEN us.

So, here we are...chosen and so blessed. We have prayed and prayed and prayed and prayed for a child for many, many, many years; and yet, I sit here in the "Cooper Cottage" so comfy and quiet, our "Peace Place", and it does not feel "empty" or does not even seem like anything is missing really. Don't get me wrong, there have been many days that we have experienced deep grief, but because of that grief, we have been able to experience true joy. As children of God, joy is available to us, but not automatic. Jared and I have fallen in love with the book of Philippians as we have learned to rest and rejoice in the joy of the Lord. I think about all of the "children" God has given us. From hundreds of students in our classrooms to teenagers in youth group who have now become our friends. Twin baby girls in Malaysia that just for a short 24 hours, we thought may be ours, who we named and still pray for today. Then, our two boys in Kenya, Isaack and Maxwell, who call us "Mom and Dad". God has not given us just a desire to be parents, but through this desire has given us a heart for the nations.

After we returned from our most recent mission to Kenya, we began to pray the "whenever, wherever, whatever prayer" for our family. Obviously, Africa being such a huge part of our life, we started there, but were also open to foster care or domestic adoption. Over Christmas, we shared with each of our families that we were "expecting" and were completely overwhelmed by all of their love and support. Then, on Christmas Eve, we received an email from the agency that resulted in us asking God again "wherever, whenever, whatever". After more research, phone calls, and many prayers, God chose Haiti for us. Although we are just in the beginning stages of this process, we are checking things off the list daily, knowing that each day is just one more day closer until we bring our little one home. 

We invite you to join us in this journey. You prayers are most appreciated as we desire nothing more than for God to be glorified through this journey. Please be in prayer for the following:

- Our preparation for parenting

- Our child's spiritual, physical, and emotional health

- For those in Haiti caring for our child

- God's provision. We are taking a huge step of faith, knowing that our God is able. Please prayerfully consider helping support us financially. You can make a donation by going to https://www.gofundme.com/cooperadoptionfund, or stay tuned for our first fundraiser on Valentine's Day.

Ephesians 1:4-7 "According as he hath CHOSEN us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestined us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;" 

As a child of God, you are loved. You are chosen.

Many blessings! 

Worship in Waiting:

"All I Have is Christ" Paul Baloche

"This is Amazing Grace" Bethel