Our family hung out with some of the bravest people you will ever meet - families who are battling with cancer - some winning, some losing -but all victorious. We walked the route of the event that was lined with pictures of kids who have stayed or are staying at Brent's as they battle illness that could take their lives.
The first picture we came to was Jacobs - first in line and would you believe it? He had the CU band playing behind him...Just like Jake to have a band. I'm just awestruck how Jesus and Jacob probably arranged this - just to see us smile. And smile we did knowing full well Jacob's fine and we're doing well too.
Jacob with the Band
While there we had the great pleasure of meeting the Eleys - who lost Brent and allowed the Almighty to turn something so awful into something so beautiful. In my conversation with Donn, I listened as he told me how and why Brent's Place started. His honesty struck me -he seemed almost surprised that this ministry has become so pivotal in so many families lives.
That's kind of how it works isn't it? We start out well intentioned to do a 'great work' for God and it fizzles. But when we just let the King of the Universe use our brokenness, our loss and our complete inability to deal -that is where the great work happens. And do you know why? Apart from him there is no 'good' thing - He is the 'good thing'.
My favorite part of my conversation with Donn is when I told him about our story that unfolded behind the walls and in the inner rooms of Brent's Place. It was so great to be able to tell him how his loss was shaped for good to make our loss more bearable. Mystery -right? But if you think about how God works - if you really look at things - like our Jacob story - like Brent's story you start to get a real picture of who God is and just a wee bit of a glance at is character. So - here's a shout out to Donn and Linda - You look like Jesus to me.
So adoption update: We're a little closer to bringing Levi, Josiah and Issac home. Pray for us - for provision and a straight road home.
