Break the SILENCE

The ceiling fan is buzzing, yep... my oils are diffusing and I lay in bed watching the shadows from the tree outside of our window dance on the ceiling above. I'm not sure what time it is, because I refuse to pick up my phone scared to know how late or early it might be. It is quiet, yet my thoughts are loud and conflicting. I quickly focus my head and heart on what I know... that my God sees, hears, and is in complete control over ALL things. 

Yet... SILENCE.

Finally, 5:30 comes and alarms begin to sound. After a snooze or two, Jared gets up and heads straight to our front window, pulls the curtain to the side to check on his grass seed that he planted. The time and attention he gives always results in a lovely yard outside of the Cooper Cottage. This particular morning, I thought to myself about how a seed taking root in order to sprout and grow required struggle, care, time... all in SILENCE. 

Yes, we live in a culture where we are experts at distraction and distance. We are more connected than ever, yet more disconnected than ever. We schedule every moment of each day even if with just noise. We avoid SILENCE. It makes us uncomfortable. Maybe because it is in the struggle of SILENCE, true growth actually takes place. 

BUT... why does suffering or struggle seem so SILENT?

The tiny baby in an orphanage stops crying and is SILENT after their needs go unmet. The street kid hides in SILENCE waiting to pick food from the trash. The foster kid is SILENCED by the system as they are sent from home to home. The young girl who is trafficked is SILENCED by fear. Addictions are fueled in SILENCE. The anxious and depressed work tirelessly to SILENCE the voices in their head while suffering alone. The diseased and disabled are SILENCED by the difficulties they encounter day to day. After years and years of infertility, she is SILENT about her story and full of shame. Our world is FULL of suffering... from terrorism to tragedy to when you can't even imagine anything more evil or terrifying to suffering that is subtle and yes, SILENT... It's everywhere we look, but do we really SEE it? And why don't we hear it?  

As a child of God, suffering should be expected. BUT, friends, because of the cross and the empty grave, it is NOT eternal. Because God our Father sent His Son to die on a cruel cross, He experienced suffering to the fullest extent that we may know, believe, and trust in Him. Because of His ultimate suffering, we are able to OVERCOME and BREAK the SILENCE with a SONG.

Is God trusting you with SILENCE?
   
Friend, embrace and even celebrate the SILENCE in suffering, because it is there where God grows you and gives you a song - a song that can be used to sing of His goodness and grace. Then, choose to sit in SILENCE with others and together sing the songs that were written in the secret, SILENT places of suffering, sorrow and shame by our God who overcame sin and death. Then three days later, He was resurrected that we may experience ETERNAL life with Him in glory where we will forever be separated from suffering.

These words are not just based on my own "type" of suffering, but instead have resulted from a lifetime of choosing to walk with and see suffering in all shapes and sizes. Over the years, I have found myself drawn to the SILENT, secret and yes, scary places of suffering, and it is there friends, where I have seen God the most clearly and felt Him in my Spirit the most deeply. Yes... scary, terrifying, ugly, unfair, inconvenient, unsafe, BUT isn't that the reality of our world? And that's the reason, friends, the Gospel is such GOOD NEWS! Suffering gives the Gospel a SILENT stage - a place where chains are loosened and true freedom is experienced here as we prepare for and anticipate eternity there!  

"Suffering is a sign that you have come so close to Him that He can kiss you." Mother Teresa 

We may never experience the type of suffering Paul endured, but there is such beauty in the truths found in his letter to Timothy that can be applied to you... to me... today... every day... as we live in this world full of suffering and actively choose to walk with those who are suffering even in SILENCE. Walk through this letter with me allowing the Holy Spirit to speak life into your soul that has experienced, is experiencing or will experience some type of suffering.

2 Timothy 1:8-12 "So never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord. And don’t be ashamed of me, either, even though I’m in prison for him. With the strength God gives you, be ready to suffer with me for the sake of the Good News. For God saved us and called us to live a holy life. He did this, not because we deserved it, but because that was his plan from before the beginning of time—to show us his grace through Christ Jesus. And now he has made all of this plain to us by the appearing of Christ Jesus, our Savior. He broke the power of death and illuminated the way to life and immortality through the Good News. And God chose me to be a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher of this Good News. That is why I am suffering here in prison. But I am not ashamed of it, for I know the one in whom I trust, and I am sure that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until the day of his return."

2 Timothy 2:1-13 "Timothy, my dear son, be strong through the grace that God gives you in Christ Jesus. You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others. Endure suffering along with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. Soldiers don’t get tied up in the affairs of civilian life, for then they cannot please the officer who enlisted them. And athletes cannot win the prize unless they follow the rules. And hardworking farmers should be the first to enjoy the fruit of their labor. Think about what I am saying. The Lord will help you understand all these things. Always remember that Jesus Christ, a descendant of King David, was raised from the dead. This is the Good News I preach. And because I preach this Good News, I am suffering and have been chained like a criminal. But the word of God cannot be chained. So I am willing to endure anything if it will bring salvation and eternal glory in Christ Jesus to those God has chosen. This is a trustworthy saying: If we die with him, we will also live with him. If we endure hardship, we will reign with him. If we deny him, he will deny us. If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful, for he cannot deny who he is."

2 Timothy 3:10-17 "But you, Timothy, certainly know what I teach, and how I live, and what my purpose in life is. You know my faith, my patience, my love, and my endurance. You know how much persecution and suffering I have endured. You know all about how I was persecuted in Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra—but the Lord rescued me from all of it. Yes, and everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. But evil people and impostors will flourish. They will deceive others and will themselves be deceived. But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you. You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work."

2 Timothy 4:1-5 "I solemnly urge you in the presence of God and Christ Jesus, who will someday judge the living and the dead when he comes to set up his Kingdom: Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching. For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. They will reject the truth and chase after myths. But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you."

This week, we celebrate Easter. A time we acknowledge Jesus' suffering. And... because of the cross, and because Jesus gloriously conquered death and the grave, we can not only endure suffering, but can also celebrate it knowing that... "Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and JOYFULLY look forward to sharing God’s glory. We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love." (Romans 5:1-5) He endured our suffering that we may be full of JOY and sing in SILENCE and YES, OUT LOUD of the goodness and grace of our God!

Adoption Update: We have one of two little beds set up here at the Cooper Cottage while piles of paperwork remain on our kitchen table and we anticipate our Colombian home study to be completed any day. After it is received, we will complete our dossier to be sent to Colombia, then anxiously await our travel date. Along with paperwork, phone calls and emails, our days are filled with education on our little guy's special needs and a lot of nesting for this momma. THANK YOU to our village who has walked with us on this broken, yet beautiful path. Your continued prayers are most appreciated as we desire nothing more than for God to be glorified through this journey. Please continue to be in prayer for the following:

- Our preparation for parenting

- Our kiddos' spiritual, physical, and emotional health 

- For those in Haiti and Colombia caring for our babies
- For the Haiti matching process to continue to progress as we wait for a referral

- God's provision and the grant writing process. We are taking a huge step of faith, knowing that our God is able. God has provided $30,000 of the estimated $75,000 needed in order to bring our babies home. Please prayerfully consider helping support us financially. You can make a donation by going to https://www.gofundme.com/cooperadoptionfund or https://www.purecharity.com/cooper-babies-adoption-fund in order for your gift to be tax deductible.  

Worship in Waiting: 
"Look and See" The Village Church
"This I Believe (The Creed)" Hillsong Worship

Mile 20

Years of preparation. Months of training. Hours of chats with my running bud. Miles and miles full of tears, funnies, prayers, worship, lots of H2O and Goo, potty emergencies... a stress fracture, soreness, pain, and too many highs and lows to count. And there we were... completing our first full marathon. At a comfortable pace and without any stopping, we were about 3 and a half hours into our run. I was feeling strong, confident, unstoppable... until... Mile 20. While my body continued it's robotic movement, my mind began to wander from focus. I started thinking about why I was even doing this... how much my feet and legs really hurt... how I wanted to stop... could I really finish without stopping or walking once... BUT at that point, the idea of stopping hurt worse than the idea of continuing the rhythm that my body had been in for over 3 hours. The "battle of the brain" continued, then it happened... complete PANIC. I struggled to catch my breath while my heart beat almost out of my chest. I had hit "the wall".  

Years of preparation. Months of training. Hours of chats with social workers. Days and days full of tears, funnies, prayer, worship... and too many highs and lows to count. And here we are at what feels like... Mile 20. We are completely exhausted emotionally and physically at this point of the process. We knew it would not be easy, but we also didn't know it would be this hard. We still have so many questions and not many answers. Although we have come so far, we still have a ways to go. BUT we cannot and we will not stop. 

It was at Mile 20 where I learned and truly experienced the power of perseverance. While one foot continued in front of the other at pace, I took several long, deep breaths, then told my self out loud multiple times... "one step at a time". Instead of thinking about the distance that remained and the difficulty of each incline and turn, I forced myself to focus on the "present pavement" that lie below each step of my worn out running shoes. It was at this point, I was able to return to easy breathing and a peaceful pace while enjoying the people and places surrounding me at each mile, each moment, each step.

Perseverance... "steadfastness in doing something despite difficulty"  

If you are not presently in a "mile 20 moment" or just recently broke through "the wall" of mile 20, you will eventually find your self there. The "battle of the brain" will cause your mind to wander, lose focus and may even result in complete panic. Don't stop, friends. Take a deep breath and know you are not alone. As you continue to put one foot in front of the other at a peaceful pace, force yourself to focus on the beauty of people and places surrounding you on the journey. See your tribe who has chosen to keep pace with you and let them experience the pain and the joy of the "present pavement". One. Step. At. A. Time.

  
Romans 5:1-5 "Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us."

Peace > Perseverance > Purpose > Confidence > Character > HOPE

So... while we wait to break through "the wall" of Mile 20, please continue to pray. You have chosen to join us on this journey and because of that, we continue to be truly grateful and humbled by the love and support shown for our little family. Your continued prayers are most appreciated as we desire nothing more than for God to be glorified through this journey. Please continue to be in prayer for the following:

- Our preparation for parenting

- Our kiddos' spiritual, physical, and emotional health 

- For those in Haiti and Colombia caring for our little loves

- 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 https://www.purecharity.com/cooper-babies-adoption-fund in order for your gift to be tax deductible.  

James 1:2-4 "Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing."

1 Corinthians 15:58 "Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain." 

Lamentations 3:22-23 "The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning, great is your faithfulness."

Hebrews 12:1-2 "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."

Worship in Waiting:
"Through and Through" United Pursuit/Will Reagan
"Girl On Fire" Alicia Keys (One of my "go to" running song for not just hitting "the wall", BUT crushing it!!!) 

Never. Forget.

As I sit snuggled in my favorite Alabama sweatshirt, a hot cup of creamer with a bit of coffee, my pup curled up beside me, the sunlight bringing the Cooper Cottage to life while also exposing a bit of dust in quite a few places, missing my hubby while he is away at work and counting down the hours until he comes through the door, I am quite distracted by a picture of a beautiful baby boy with big eyes and a sweet, sweet, sweet smile. As I look at his picture while surrounded by “stones of remembrance” throughout our “Peace Place”, I hear the sweet Spirit of my God say to my soul, “Never forget”. 

Never forget.  

Never forget those dark days full of questions, doubts, fear, anxiety, brokenness, loneliness, shame, guilt, jealousy, anger. Never forget how words said to you, though unintentional, still hurt. Never forget the lies that were believed. Never forget the tears and the 2:00 A.M. voices in your head. Never forget. 

But… REMEMBER.

My Heavenly Father was and remains WITH ME. He is sovereign over ALL things. His ways are greater. He works ALL things for my good and for His glory. He sees me and intimately pursues me. He is able and always faithful. He is my peace, the Giver of grace. He is my hope and my ultimate and only answer. He is where I find complete fulfillment and ultimate JOY. 

REMEMBER… Because His Spirit lives within me. Because His love never fails. And because His Word is alive.

REMEMBER… 

“And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers[a] in harmony with God’s own will.” Romans 8:26-27

“She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.” Proverbs 31:25

“The Lord is my strength and my shield.” Psalm 28:7

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

“She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.” Proverbs 31:26

“Don’t worry about anything, instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done.” Philippians 4:6-8

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not onto your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your path.” Proverbs 3:5-6

“You are beautiful for you are fearfully and wonderfully made.” Psalm 139:14

“Be strong. Be Brave. Be fearless. You are never alone.” Joshua 1:9

“Mightier than the waves of the sea is His love for you.” Psalm 93:4

“Perhaps this is the moment for which you have been created.” Esther 4:14

“And in Christ you have been brought to fullness.” Colossians 2:10

“Declare over yourself: ‘God has not given me a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind.’” 2 Timothy 1:7

“For I know the plans I have for you.” Jeremiah 29:11

“The Lord will fight for you, you need only to be still.” Exodus 14:14

“I will never leave you or forsake you.” Joshua 1:5

“You are altogether beautiful, my darling, beautiful in every way.” Song of Solomon 4:7   

As I glance back over to the picture of our "gift of grace", our beautiful baby boy with his big, dark eyes smiling back at me, I am humbled how God has used his little life to already teach me so much about Him and His heart. ONLY. OUR. GOD. can take our sorrow and turn it into a song - a song of gratitude for what He has done as a result of the darkest of days.  

We continue on this incredible, messy, scary, beautiful journey of adoption each day singing our song… OUT. LOUD… along with “our village” - a tribe of over 500 people from 28 different states and 5 countries! THANK YOU to everyone who has had a part in bringing our little loves home. MUCH progress has been made in a very short amount of time, and we are daily checking things off of the list and are looking forward to the countdown to Colombia... then, Haiti! You are SO loved, little Valentines! 

Never. Forget. 

But… Remember.

Respond... in gratitude and worship. 

Then, join with others on their journey and together, sing OUT LOUD the songs that were written in the secret places of sorrow or shame by a God that restores, rescues and redeems.

"...that's what love does. It pursues blindly, unflinchingly and without end." - Love Does

Worship in Waiting:
"We Dance" Bethel
"Priceless" For King and Country

Our "Red Sea Road"

"Sweet Morgan, stop asking God for babies and start thanking Him for your babies. It is done. He has heard your prayers, and He will answer them. "... Words from a beautiful soul, advice given to me from a dear family member right after my PawPaw went to be with Jesus. This was just about three weeks ago now, friends. My PawPaw was one of the hardest working men I have ever known. He was not just a good man, but a Godly man. I thought my daddy said it best when boldly speaking at my PawPaw's funeral. He said, "Man of God" is the description given to a man who follows God in every way, who obeys His commands with joy, who does not live for the things of this life, but for the things of eternity, who willingly serves His God in giving freely of all the resources, yet gladly suffers as a consequence of his faith. Perhaps Micah 6:8 sums up the "Man of God" in one verse, "He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." After days of watching the reality of eternity unfold right before my eyes, feeling the presence of God so intensely and realizing more than ever the importance of loving and serving those around you well, my drive back to Memphis was a sweet time of gratitude and worship that also resulted in a phone call from our social worker right as I pulled into our driveway. 

Her words. Goodness... Every. Single. One. I couldn't believe what she was saying. After praying for babies for almost six years now, honestly, it seems that we have somehow settled into the "weight of the wait". The conversation resulted in a variety of conflicting emotions. Emotions that we thought we had experienced before, but nope, friends, not like this. These emotions from deep, deep, deep within resulted in only two words able to be spoken over and over again: THANK YOU. THANK YOU. THANK YOU. 

Because... ONLY. OUR. GOD.

We are beyond excited and humbled to announce that we are officially in a concurrent international adoption process with HAITI and COLOMBIA! While waiting on an official referral from Haiti, we are also pursuing with MUCH urgency a little guy in Colombia. Because of his special needs, this process has the potential to move very quickly. Much progress has already been made in just the past few weeks, and we are needing our village to come together in order to get this little guy home before eventually heading to Haiti to meet his brother or sister. We are truly humbled and honored to have the privilege of stewarding these sweet souls, that they may experience the glory and unconditional love of our Heavenly Father who knit them together, fearfully and wonderfully. He has always known them and sees them even now. He is sovereign over their little lives as He orchestrates all things for their good and His glory. 

Sweet babies, You were wished for, longed for, prayed for and wanted. And as Paul loved the church of Corinth as his very own children, 2 Corinthians 12:15 says, "I will gladly spend myself and all I have for you." You, our little loves, are our JOY in this journey. 

"Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask of think, according to the power that worketh in us." Ephesians 3:20

You have chosen to join us on this journey and because of that, we continue to be truly grateful and humbled by the love and support shown for our little family. Your continued 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 kiddo's spiritual, physical, and emotional health 

- For those in Haiti and Colombia caring for our kiddos

- 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 https://www.purecharity.com/cooper-babies-adoption-fund in order for your gift to be tax deductible. 

"We will sing to our souls. We won't bury our hope. Where He leads us to go, there's a Red Sea Road. When we can't see the way, He will part the waves. And we'll never walk alone down this Red Sea Road." 

Worship in Waiting:  

"Red Sea Road" Ellie Holcomb
"Wonderfully Made" Ellie Holcomb

The "Not So Much of an Update" Update

Fall has finally arrived in Memphis, friends! Well, I think so anyways… And although it seems to have taken its time, I’m hopeful that the “boot weather” is here to stay. Like so many, fall is my absolute favorite time of year and when asked my favorite color, I simply say… “fall”. Our nest just always seems extra cozy and coordinated this time of year… says the girl with the red kitchen, burnt orange hallway, olive green bathrooms and mocha brown bedrooms full of mustard yellow accents. However, in just a few days all things pumpkin will become all things peppermint in the Cooper Cottage, and although I truly enjoy the “most wonderful time of the year”, I’m sad to see the pumpkins go. But, every day, every month, every season is just one moment closer to bringing our little love home. With November being National Adoption Month and the holidays just around the corner, I wanted to take some time to update our village. 

1 year. 11 months. 500 puzzle pieces. 150 t-shirts. 900 bracelets. 20 blogposts. A tribe of over 500 people from 28 different states and 4 countries. What seems like over a million pieces of paper. And here we are… with “not so much of an update” update. We continue to be so overwhelmed and humbled by the generosity, love and support shown for our little family, and we are beyond grateful that so many have joined us on this incredible, scary, messy, beautiful journey. We are currently waiting on an official referral. In July, we were told that we had been “softly matched”, but it has not been made official since Haiti is now transitioning after becoming a Hague country in 2014. We understand that like us, our village has so many questions, and we always, always, always want you to feel free to ask, and please, keep asking. Although we sometimes struggle with feeling discouraged after giving the same responses… “We are still waiting”, “One day closer”, “Praying it will be soon”, with every question asked, we hear His Spirit say, “You are not forgotten. Your child is known. Your child is loved and prayed for by so many.” We desire to be good stewards of this season by becoming as educated about adoption and the process as possible and by educating others as well. God is also teaching us so much as we trust His Word and His heart as He continues to work ALL things for our good and His glory.

So while we wait, I have the amazing privilege to teach a few days a week at our church’s preschool. A few weeks ago while on my way to school, I noticed something unique. Along the side of the two lane road is a row of pine trees for about half of a mile. They are grand and green… well, except for this one smaller tree that happens to not be an evergreen like the rest. This tree’s leaves are bold and shine bright with all of the favorite colors of fall. You would never know that this tree’s leaves were actually dying, because they are beautiful, but again, this tree is so different than the rest. So, after I passed, it happened. Our Creator did what He does, friends. He showed up in the small and quiet. I know I’m not the only one, because I talk to friends every day who are in a season of waiting, a season of uncertainty, a season of change, a season of hurt. I sometimes, well most days, feel like that tree, wanting my story to look like everyone else’s and yes, sometimes, I feel like I’m dying on the inside. BUT… it has been the past 5 years of infertility and these days of waiting that have resulted in a lush, bold, bright, beautiful relationship with my Creator. I am also learning that there is such freedom and grace in transparency among God’s people. He created us to show our “true colors”, friends. That two lane road is now my favorite part of my drive, my reminder from my Creator to embrace this season, because He is creating something new within me - something that is beautiful and honestly, cannot even be explained other than my Creator was, is and always will be… GOOD. 

Below is a recent update we received from our agency as well as a few other resources that we wanted to share with our tribe.  

From Lifeline Children’s Services: “As many of you know, there has been a lot of transition happening in Haiti since they officially became a Hague country in 2014. We are grateful that IBESR has made clear their desire to serve the best interest of the children of Haiti that are in need of forever families. As IBESR has sought out the best way to insure that adoptions are done in alignment with Hague regulation, there has been a shift in the way that they are choosing to match children with adoptive families. In the past, under the old law, we (Lifeline) were able to propose specific matches for families to IBESR. Now, under the new law, IBESR is the entity with complete control over the matching procedure, and they are not giving US agencies the same leverage in the matching process. In other news, the passport office in Haiti has made the announcement that they are out of passport booklets, which has caused delay for families who are waiting on their child’s passport in order to begin their final file review at the US Embassy in Port-au-Prince. The good news is that the US Embassy made an announcement that they are, at this time, allowing families’ files to be submitted to the US Embassy for their final file review, as long as all the adoption paperwork (with the exception of the child’s passport) is present. This is great news for these families as it allows the US Embassy to be working on something, while we are waiting on the passport booklets. At this point, there has only been hearsay in regards to when the new booklets will arrive, but we are praying that this happens sooner rather than later. We will keep you all in the loop on this as we receive further updates from Haiti.”

*There is a documentary on Netflix called “STUCK” that we highly recommend. It is very informative while also communicating and illustrating the good, the bad, and the ugly of the international adoption process. Check it out and feel free to let us know what you think. 

* "Holiday Tips for Waiting Families" - "As the holidays roll in, you may find yourself in a time of longing and waiting—waiting for your family to be complete; waiting for your child; and waiting on the Lord’s perfect timing. Our eternal perspective and belief in God’s sovereignty can help us journey with these emotions and still have joy. Read some tips that our post adoption team offers to help your waiting have more purpose."

*Also, feel free to visit our agency’s website to learn more about the Haiti program. 

http://lifelinechild.org/country/haiti/

Your continued prayers are most appreciated, friends. Please pray for the following as we desire nothing more than for our God to be glorified through this journey:

• Pray for IBESR as they continue to improve this new matching system. Pray for an urgency to streamline this new system for the sake of the many children in need of forever families.
• Pray for the passport issue to be resolved quickly and for the passport booklets to be replenished soon.
• God's provision
• Our preparation for parenting 
• Our child's spiritual, physical, and emotional health
• For those providing care to our child until he is brought home
• The people of Lifeline as they guide us through the remainder of the process
• Those impacted by Hurricane Matthew

Worship in Waiting: (Songs that the hubby and I have recently been serenading to each other.)

"True Colors" Justin Timberlake & Anna Kendrick

"No Matter Where You Are" Us the Duo

MORE Than Beads and a Birthday

Our Plan = Sell 150 bracelets in 30 days in order to fundraise for our adoption while also giving back to the people of Haiti. HIS Plan = 450 SOLD in 15 DAYS!!! What started out as an idea to fundraise a bit for my birthday month has turned into a part of our journey that will be forever treasured. These paper beads have become like stones set up in Joshua 4 as a memorial to always remember what GOD has done and will do. My planner has been packed with lunches and coffees with our tribe for bead delivery, and the Cooper Cottage has been full of friends stopping by to pick and pay. I have loved being in the space of every single one of you, even if it was a quick, curb-side pick-up. I have also made quite a few friends at the post office! For the past few months, my "late nights" have consisted of lots of tears and fears, BUT the late nights of the past few weeks have been FULL of gratitude and worship as names are written and assigned to each paper bead bracelet. "For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty Savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs." Zephaniah 3:17

As a teacher who loves to learn. I have learned that getting older is really not all that bad. Yes, with each year comes different changes and challenges; BUT, with each year also comes new experiences lived and lessons learned. I mean, I am smarter now than I have ever been, right? So, for year 29, here are 29 things I have learned recently: 

1. Collect moments NOT things. 2. Headbands and hats are a must. 3. My story is written for HIS glory. 4. Who I am in prayer is who I am in ministry. 5. Coffee is good, really good - hot or iced. 6. Kids can teach us so much. 7. Maxi skirts are just as comfortable as pjs. 8. Asking for and extending forgiveness is always worth it. 9. It's not about how I look, but how I feel. 10. My gratitude determines my attitude. 11. Life on mission is meant to be lived every day, everywhere. 12. Sending and receiving "happy mail" is the best. 13. making a difference starts with loving and serving my family. 14. I have an old soul obsessed with the "good 'ole days". 15. Worship is the BEST way to get through a tough day. 16. Perfection is not the standard, but GRACE. 17. Humility is not meant to be glamorous. 18. Anywhere near water is where I want to be. 19. Books are the best "brain break". 20. Walks and talks are meant for giggles and tears. 21. Hot tea with the hubby is a sweet time. 22. Our "Peace Place" is home to all. 23. This "Happy Camper" loves to be outside. 24. Confidence is an issue of identity. 25. There is a difference in knowing God and knowing about God. 26. Peppermint and lavender oil are my kind of perfume. 27. Rest is more than sleeping. 28. See every person as God sees them. 29. Moments should be printed off not just scrolled through.

In a season of learning so much, I am grateful and more confident in my calling than I have ever been. As a student of the Word and the tribe of people surrounding me, my God  continues to sustain while pruning away at my pitiful pursuit of perfection. 

“I am the true grapevine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more. You have already been pruned and purified by the message I have given you. Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me. “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. Anyone who does not remain in me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers. Such branches are gathered into a pile to be burned. But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted! When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father. “I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love. When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow! This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn’t confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me. You didn’t choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name. This is my command: Love each other." John 15:1-17

The month of September has been about MUCH MORE than beads and a birthday, friends. It has been about our faithful GOD who not only hears our prayers, BUT answers. Our GOD who uses the ordinary to do the EXTRAordinary. To our incredible village, THANK YOU! Our kiddos will see your names and hear ALL about how GOD used you in such a miraculous way. "Look around at the nations; look and be amazed! For I am doing something in your own day, something you wouldn't believe even if someone told you about it." Habakkuk 1:5 

These beauties are just $10 each ($3 shipping) and handmade in Haiti! Not only will your purchase help this mommy and daddy bring their little love home from Haiti, but will also empower mommies and daddies in Haiti to care for their children with hope and dignity. We know our God is working in our waiting, and we continue to be humbled and completely overwhelmed by our tribe that continues to love and support us in this journey. Shop the "Birthday Beads" today, friends!!! In fact, 150 MORE bracelets are on their way from Haiti NOW! Comment, message, text, email tmorgancooper@gmail.com or visit https://www.gofundme.com/cooperadoptionfund to order.

If you haven't already, please take a few minutes to watch this video! It's amazing that these beauties are made from cereal boxes and clay. 1 cereal box can make about 50 beads, and they go through 400 boxes per day! The clay beads are hand-rolled and dried in the sun before painted. https://vimeo.com/161863916?ref=fb-share Grateful that HE makes ALL things NEW. Be sure to check out the Apparent Project at http://apparentproject.org!

What are you learning? Who can you learn from? Who can you teach? What is your mission? Who can you serve? Know HIM. Make HIM known. Choose JOY in your journey! 

Worship in Waiting:

"Beautiful Things" Gungor

"Through it All (It is Well)" Bethel

"Demo Day"

It sure has been a while, friends... And even as I begin, I question whether to continue or just keep these thoughts buried deep within. However, the purpose of this blog is yes, to keep our village posted on adoption updates, but also to encourage others to choose JOY in their journey. Although each journey is different, as children of God, our journeys are all designed to ultimately glorify the same God who is working ALL things for our good and His glory. Yes, ALL things - the highs AND the lows. With so many talented writers and bloggers out there, please know that my goal is not to gain "followers" or even be a real "blogger". My motive and reason for writing, sharing, posting is for that one. The one who feels alone. The one who is discouraged. The one who is struggling to find joy in their journey whatever it may be. So... for the one who just might find themselves reading my scattered thoughts, know that you are not alone. You are loved, and you CAN have JOY in your journey.  

The past few months have definitely resulted in many lessons learned and lots of questions with little to no answers as our little family has experienced many highs and lows, emotionally, physically, spiritually, financially... as does everyone, everyday. Our days are filled with the unexpected. Each moment, unknown to us, but perfectly known by our Father. Some days I wake up, ready the day. Then some days, not wanting to leave my bed, fearful of what the day may hold and the harsh realities faced each day in our world. However, it is those days when I am most desperate for the truth spoken from God's Word. As I glance over at my Bible that I have had for the past 15 years, missing its cover, pages held in place by paper clips, the entire book held together in multiple pieces in an old-school Bible cover, I am reminded of just HOW desperate I am for this Book as the Holy Spirit makes it come alive and speak power and peace into my heavy heart. Friends, my worn out Bible does not represent anything other than a hot mess of a girl that simply can not face the day without it. Some days, even just a word or two from its pages will completely silence those little voices fighting for control in my head and heart. Other days, I read and read, before stopping, allowing stillness, welcoming silence, and waiting for the Holy Spirit to speak. Recently, it has been so many of the verses that I memorized as a child that God has allowed me to hear with new ears as if hearing them for the very first time, coming in and what has felt like completely destroying everything I once thought made me who I am. But these "demo days" are now being RESTORED by the Creator and Sustainer of my heart.

From Broadway shows to the "Summer Movie Series", the Orpheum Theatre is my favorite place to visit in downtown Memphis. The Orpheum was originally built in the 1920s and is a trip back in time with every visit. With massive chandeliers, six levels, and over 2,300 seats, the Orpheum still maintains a glamorous, intimate atmosphere with every experience. 

This summer, thanks to some sweet friends, Jared and I were given tickets to "Dinner on Stage" at the Orpheum. After enjoying live music in the lobby, we were led outside and in through the back door of the theatre in order to experience what life is like "behind the scenes". After being backstage, we were escorted center-stage to our table for dinner with the massive, red curtain drawn not allowing for us to see the many levels of empty seats along with the grand and ornate details of the theatre. After being seated, we were told that our "Dinner on Stage" experience would be unlike any other for over the past 15 years, because this summer, the theatre was being RESTORED. The massive curtain was then lifted to reveal what I once knew as one of the most beautiful to a sight of scaffolding, ladders, plastic, dust, overwhelmed by darkness and emptiness. For a moment, I was quite disappointed, then sitting there center-stage, I heard His Spirit say to mine, "This is what I am doing, dear one. I am RESTORING your soul and will bring your spirit back to a place greater, more beautiful, more intimate with Me than before. The completion will be greater than your original condition, my beloved. Just trust. I am here." 

Photos from: https://www.facebook.com/theorpheum/photos/?tab=album&album_id=10153508351015947

Since that night, I have not only learned to embrace and celebrate this season of restoration, but have also asked God to open my eyes to the possible "demo" going on in other's lives as well. Everyone experiences seasons of struggle, grief, loss, hurt, disappointment. And instead, of comparing, competing, and criticizing, why not be a part of the restoration by speaking life and giving hope? Be the answer to their prayer. The words of Psalm 23, verses I memorized as a kid, have not only left me with a new sense of surrender to my God and His purpose for my journey, but also a new mission in how I love and serve. 

"Although David might have written Psalm 23 from an experience of questioning, wanting, or worrying, he recognized the Lord as his shepherd. Just as David would have always had the best interests of his sheep in mind, he trusted God in this same way. Then he expressed his understanding of God's purpose for his waiting period when he wrote, "He makes me lie down in green pastures (REST), he leads me beside quiet waters (REFLECTION), he restores my soul (RESTORATION). He guides me in paths of righteousness (RIGHT CHOICES) for his name's sake (It is all about God, not about David)" Psalm 23:2-3. David chose to resist the temptation of discontentment by seeing the greater good of this waiting period. Rest, Reflection, Restoration, learning to make Right Choices, and remembering it is all about God and not me are all positive ways to spend any nervous energy that might come my way during my own next waiting period." (Lysa Terkeurst from Becoming More Than a Good Bible Study Girl)

Not only did that night at the Orpheum show me the true beauty of restoration, but now... I can not watch anything on HGTV without basically, well... worshipping the One who Restores. Renovates. Reconstructs. Rebuilds. Recovers. Renews. Revives. Rescues. Redeems. Embrace and celebrate your "Demo Day", friend. 

Adoption Update: 1 year and 8 months in. Things are happening, and we are confident that our God is working in our waiting. Your prayers are most appreciated. Please pray for the following as we desire nothing more than for God to be glorified through this journey:
- Matching process would speed up
- God's provision
- Our preparation for parenting
- Our child's spiritual, physical, and emotional health
- Safe travels to and from Haiti and for the welfare of our friends and family back home
  while we are away
- For those providing care to our child until he is brought home
- The people of Lifeline as they guide us through this process

Worship in Waiting:
"I Shall Not Want" Audrey Assad
"Good to Me" Audrey Assad