God is GOOD: ALL - THE - TIME

The other night, my hubby and I were chatting about the adoption. I informed him that our adoption fund now held $38. We had a little laugh about this. Until last week it had over $14,000 in it. But now that we have paid for our airfares we are depleted.

I was not concerned. As I told my husband with absolute confidence, "God will provide. We have three weeks to pay for the rest of the trip. The money will be there."

I figured we needed about another $3000 - $4000 to comfortably pay for the balance of everything. We had been researching hotels/bed and breakfasats etc. and had come to the conclusion that the one that our agency often uses is way overpriced. It might be wonderful - as everyone who stays there attest to, but the price is twice what others are charging. I am sure when an establishment realizes that they are getting a steady clientele there might be the tendency to raise the prices.

We realized that with four of us going and then picking up our girls, we would need two rooms. That pushed us up to $170 per night! So I did some research. The hard thing is that we are not there and cannot see what these places are like. That is a concern, and that is also why it is a safe bet to reserve rooms in the regular B&B our agency uses. But still! That would be over $2000 for our 12 night stay! A lot of moolah!

So the research continued. I narrowed it down to a little place called Oziopia. Everything I have seen about this place sounds great. It is run by an Australian family and an Ethiopian mum and her three children. It caters to Australian adoptive families and now some American families. They have a teenage son who will responsibly take our teenage boys places. I think that is a wonderful thing! All the correspondence we have had has been quick, courteous, and very helpful.

We were very pleased with everything and we have booked with them. They have given us three rooms and we will only be paying $90 a night and that includes breakfast! If we wish dinner it will be an additional $5 per adult - the girls are free! Not too shabby!

The location is not central like the other choices, but both Ray and Dane wanted this one as it was NOT central. They liked the idea of being in a residential *real* Ethiopian neighbourhood versus downtown. The family has a bonfire, dancing, and drums two nights a week.

They have also told me that they know of a few small orphanages that need help. This is wonderful, as that is a huge part of our trip!

So now on to my $38 bank account story.

I booked the B&B this morning. Confirmed. Done. I had emailed them yesterday asking how to pay for the room. They had not gotten back to me yet, as they have to go to an internet cafe to do their correspondence and they only do that in the mornings.

I decided to do my internet banking before I went to do my errands this morning. As I was updating my bank book I noticed an unusual entry. There was a deposit from the Government in the amount of $1100.63. Very odd. I wracked my brains trying to think if I was owed any money. Nope. Certain there is nothing coming my way.

I knew this was God providing for the next step of our Faith Walk. This will cover our hotel. Our B&B cost at $90 a night for 12 night adds up to $1080. Our deposit will cover that!

I can only wonder if this might be the beginning of the GST windfall?! I will watch the mailbox to see when I receive some sort of statement from the government telling me what this money is. But in the meantime, God provides when you step out in faith. Go back and read my journey and see how God has paid the way!

1) We began with about $1500. We stepped out in faith and sent this away as our application money.

2) We had a good friend send us $500 towards our adoption expenses.

3) We went to the seminar and needed $650 to cover the seminar. That day we picked up the mail and there was a $650 cheque from the government there. We had no idea what it was from.

4) We won an adoption grant - first we had to qualify, then there was a draw. 1 chance in 50 to win. We won $10,000 cash towards our adoption.

5) My husbands income increased significantly allowing us to pay for the balance of the adoption with no financial strain.

6)We just received $1100 - the day we needed $1080.

God is good - All the time. Step out in faith and see that I am right!

To God be the Glory!!