[null, {"document_url": "http://blacktagdiaries.blogspot.com/2013/06/a-precious-gift-indeed.html", "unformatted_src": "http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--ACowKQtOcg/UbVDun_xXrI/AAAAAAAAOgc/q7kdeMY66WI/s400/gift.jpg", "src": "http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--ACowKQtOcg/UbVDun_xXrI/AAAAAAAAOgc/q7kdeMY66WI/s400/gift.jpg", "formatted_filename": "gift", "rendered_width": 400, "rendered_height": 362}, null, null, null, null, null, null, null, null, null, null, null, null, null, null, null, null, null, null, null, null, null, null, {"document_url": "http://blacktagdiaries.blogspot.com/2013/06/a-precious-gift-indeed.html", "unformatted_src": "http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CjkMU7YFHT8/UcjzhbBYv9I/AAAAAAAAOnE/U4aqIXw30UQ/s220/IMG_5422.JPG", "src": "http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CjkMU7YFHT8/UcjzhbBYv9I/AAAAAAAAOnE/U4aqIXw30UQ/s220/IMG_5422.JPG", "formatted_filename": "IMG", "alt_text": "Shop Black Tag Studio", "rendered_width": 150, "rendered_height": 150}, null, null, null, null, null, {"document_url": "http://blacktagdiaries.blogspot.com/2013/06/a-precious-gift-indeed.html", "unformatted_src": "http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TflqYdO9O84/Ucd1KSuuBqI/AAAAAAAAOk4/a4b7qhYRwAo/s150/black-11_2.jpg", "src": "http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TflqYdO9O84/Ucd1KSuuBqI/AAAAAAAAOk4/a4b7qhYRwAo/s150/black-11_2.jpg", "formatted_filename": "black", "rendered_width": 150, "rendered_height": 150}, null, null, null, null, null, null, null, null, null, null]

a precious Gift indeed. For those of you that have been following along in our adoption journey, you know that we have been pounding away at the massive paperwork process for what feels like forever.  We still have quite a bit to do and lots of loose ends to tie up.  The word "referral" hasn't even been on our radar yet.  But a recent phone call quickly changed all of that...

On Thursday night, around 8:00pm, our adoption agency called us.  Our consultant simply asked us what kind of child we were looking to adopt from Uganda... we went through the stats on the phone... "ages 1-4, boy or girl, open to sibling groups..."  She cut me off mid-sentence, "I have a little girl ready to be adopted ASAP... she is only a year and a half... probably the youngest we have seen coming from the Uganda orphanages... but we need to know right away... like tonight."

Our consultant asked if we wanted her to send us a picture... I said yes without even thinking.  "Now you know that if I send you this picture you won't be able to say no... she is adorable... I need you to understand this."

Of course I wanted to see her... I needed to see her.  I told our consultant to email the photo and we would discuss it and call her back shortly.

This was not a phone call that we were expecting.  We assumed we would be waiting several months for a referral... after we completed our paperwork... but heck, we haven't even finished our paperwork yet.  This was not the timing we had in mind.  All we knew to do was pray.  And the moment I heard Lance's sweet prayer for this beautiful little girl, I knew.  I was reminded (once again) that this is His story, not mine... His timing, not mine.

And so we said yes.

Yes to this beautiful little girl named Gift.  A precious Gift indeed.

There is still so much that needs to happen between now and when we can bring her home... but never-the-less, we are beyond excited and are continuing to pray for His perfect timing.  We greatly appreciate your thoughts and prayers as we embark on this exciting new adventure.
Posted by black tag diaries at 8:00 AM Labels: adoption, uganda 
Congrats! We can testify to His timing not ours. His timing is always perfect. This is the beauty of adoption. Being able to see miracles happen.

June 10, 2013 at 8:13 AM 
Omgoodness. I am jaw dropped. Such an amazing story. Love the name Gift!!! That is bananas! So happy for you!!!! seriously your story gave me chills. be blessed

June 10, 2013 at 8:28 AM 
Congratulations that is just wonderful! Hope it all goes smoothly from here on

June 10, 2013 at 8:32 AM 
Oh my gosh, congratulations! How wonderful that it's all falling into place so perfectly! So happy for you :)

June 10, 2013 at 9:29 AM 
Julia! I just got chills! This is awesome. Praying for y'all.

June 10, 2013 at 10:47 AM 
June 10, 2013 at 10:49 AM Salena said...

This is wonderful! It brings tears to my eyes!

June 10, 2013 at 11:04 AM 
Wow! I mean, WOW!!! So exciting! Praying for a smooth process from here on out! Can't wait to see your precious Gift!

June 10, 2013 at 11:09 AM Janet Petersen said...

Gift. . . Gift. . . Gift. . . Thank you for sharing the journey with us, Julia, as this is a beautiful story unfolding. I, too, have chills. Thank you God. I am so moved today thinking about your life as a young child to where you are now with your wonderful growing family. Yes, Gift, the beautiful baby girl, Gift, will be a Gift to you and Lance, to your family, but also to your extended loved ones and family. I thank you, Julia, for sharing with us, as we will all be moved by the goodness of our God. Gift. . .
 
Aww so glad to see my best friend Jan on here. Yes we all have chills and I know God is all over this! So many have been praying for this dear child! Thank you Lord for sending this precious Gift! Love, MiMi

June 10, 2013 at 11:43 AM Nicole H. said...

Congratulations! I was stunned when Jenna told us you had received a referral so quickly! Isn't it amazing how God works all things out for His good and His purposes? You are right...she is absolutely beautiful! I can't wait to get to meet her in person one day soon! Love hearing about your journey! We will be lifting you all up in prayer as you continue down the path God has planned for your family. Now, go get that sweet baby! Lot of Love, Nicole

June 10, 2013 at 2:12 PM 
Wow...congratulations!!! Truly a precious Gift at His perfect timing. My heart is overjoyed for you. The Lord who started this Journey with you and brought you this amazing testimony will surely bring His work to a perfect completion and grant you even greater testimonies as you continue in the process.

June 10, 2013 at 7:58 PM 
Congratulations! I pray everything continues to work out well.

June 10, 2013 at 8:07 PM Connie @ Sensible-Redesign said...

This was defiantly meant to be. Congratulations to you and Lance. So happy for you both.

June 11, 2013 at 9:08 AM chrystinanoel.com said...

Yayyyy!!!! Congratulations!!!!

June 12, 2013 at 11:31 PM Kate Colvin said...

Congratulations! His timing is always perfect, even when it takes us by surprise.

June 13, 2013 at 1:59 PM 
You have no idea how excited and happy I am to hear this news. What a blessing this little girl has received to be placed in your family. Many prayers for this new adventure for you! :)

June 13, 2013 at 3:02 PM onlinephduk said...

I am so happy for you guys! This is such a precious blessing that you guys have been given. I love that her name is Gift because she truly is the most magnificent gift you could receive.

Please visit My Webblog: Split-Site PhD

June 23, 2013 at 4:01 AM