On January 14, we received the message we had been waiting 13 months to receive: our travel invitation telling us when we will travel to bring our son home!!! In less than a month, we will finally be holding our precious Josiah in our arms. Last Sunday, Ricky preached a sermon from Ephesians 4:7-16 entitled 'The Extravagant Gift Giver.' This passage speaks about the different gifts and talents God gives His children 'for the good of the body and for the glory of God' (as Ricky stated it). Ephesians 4:16-17 reads, "Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into Him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love." The reason I mention this, is to thank you. This passage states that the body builds itself up in love when it is working properly. Over 50 people have given us funds to help bring our little boy home. Countless others have prayed and encouraged us. We simply would not be on the cusp of adopting this beautiful life into our family without you and we are so grateful. I can think of no other example of the body of Christ building itself up in love than giving a child without a family, a loving family. The gospel is God adopting us into His family through faith in Christ and this journey has truly exemplified God's heart for adoption: taking orphans and placing them in families, as He has placed us in His family.
To every person who has sacrificed time, talents, and treasures to bring Josiah home, please know that you will be with us as we hold Josiah for the first time. You will be with us as he officially becomes our son, as he plays with his big brother and sister for the first time, as he gets his visa and takes a long plane ride to his new home, as he enters his blue racecar room that he will share with his big brother, and as he grows up in our family. Thank you does not seem like enough for this extravagant gift, but it is what we give to you.
In His grace,
Ricky, Michelle, Isaac, Emma Grace, and Josiah Simpson:)
"We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you" (Colossians 1:3).
Hi Michelle! I got your comment on our blog & just wanted to pop over & say hello! I am pretty sure that you are the one that Debby B talked to me about. I am so excited to hear that you are traveling in February to get your son! Many adventures await! I am here if you have any questions before you go. You can email me at randbec@aol.com or find me on facebook at Randy Beckie Martin. I am looking forward to following along w/your journey! ~Beckie
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