We are blessed!

I am always so touched by who God uses to bless our family...often those people who we don't expect. I don't mean because these individuals or families aren't generous, quite the opposite! These are amazing people, some of them are in the process of their own adoptions, some don't seem to have a lot of "extra" to spare, some have their own personal struggles, and yet they feel led to bless and encourage us! We are so humbled and touched. This week I have started to send out weekly adoption updates and shared specific prayer requests as well as some needs. I am overwhelmed by the response. We have gotten offers for half of the needs listed (so far we have a toddler bed for Irina, a high chair, and one car seat)and we have also gotten a financial contribution. Wow! Thank you Lord, for the provision of these needs, and for the blessing of these wonderful people in our lives!

Please pray for Mattea!

I am sharing this from meredith's blog. Meredith's daughter Emma had the same heart condition as Mattea and had a miraculous outcome, so let's pray the same for sweet Mattea!
This is Mattea Olena! Isn't she adorable?? Mattea was adopted from Ukraine just a short time ago and today she is undergoing a heart cath procedure. You see, the heart condition that she has is the same that Emma had. Typically this is an 'easy repair' for children under a year old. Once a child's body has dealt with the pressures of the condition for many years it causes damage to the lungs and pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure in the lungs). With Emma after her cath we were told she was inoperable and would likely live about 6 more months. We struggled and pushed to get her surgery and the rest of the story you all know-- Emma's pressures have DECREASED and the pulmonary damage that we were told was irreversible is, in fact, correcting itself.

Emma's heart was the first unrepaired AV Canal defect in a child that old that our WONDERFUL surgeon has seen in 25 years! Mattea is a bit older that Emma already and her family is facing similar things to what we did. This first cath will help evaluate the lungs and the doctor will give their 'recommendation' as far as care/surgery go.

I hope this helps to direct your hearts in prayer :) Please agree with me in prayer for Mattea!

If you would, please click over to Mattea's family's blog and let them know you are praying!