"Ms. Kim, You Have Some Strong Legs!"

In full speed prep mode for travel, we are finishing up some projects around the house. Today while splitting and stacking a pile of hickory wood, the neighborhood boys showed up to help. They work cheap; chocolate, Gim's blueberry muffins and Gatorade.  Jalen, the oldest of the boys says, "Ms. Kim, you have some strong legs.".  Bryan and I got a giggle out of that as we all just kept working side by side to complete the task.  The result of our hard work is a beautiful row of wood (yep, orderly stacked wood looks pretty to me) that will serve us well in the smoker and at our campsite this coming winter.  Strength, teamwork and perseverance pays off again!

This afternoon I am reflecting on the strength required for this journey.  John and I celebrate 20 years of marriage this week. Our oldest boy entered eternity with Jesus over 2 years again, our middle boy is about to be 15 and we are traveling to China in a few days to meet our 6 year old son.  This journey of marriage and parenting is not for wimps!  We need a strong resolve to put first only that which will bring God glory, and yes, strong legs to stand firm when the forces of opposition push hard against our goals. I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength ~ Philippians 4:13.  We must care for our bodies so we are ready and able to be about God's work.  Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified ~ 1 Corinthians 9:24-27.   If we don't know God's word, we are in ignorant and we won't understand His strength.  Consider Jesus' own words, "You are in error because you don't know the scriptures or the power of God."~ Matthew 22:29.

Once again our family would like to thank all those who prayed, donated and encouraged us in our adoption journey.  I am overwhelmed with gratitude when I think of the eager manner in which our immediate family quickly jumped on board to make Paul a much loved member of the family even before our application was delivered to the agency office.  We appreciate those that bought gifts for Paul, loaned us a suitcase, have agreed to feed our dogs or drive us to the airport.  I know the next few weeks are going to be hectic and we may not always be sociable or even cheerful if we meet you in the grocery store.  Please be patient with us as we all make adjustments to our new family dynamics.  Looking at this picture I am surprised at how Paul has grown since we first watched a video of him in April of 2012.  Last Wednesday he spent his last birthday in an institution.  Birthday # 7 is going to rock!

Jehovah-Jireh, Daddy King

Jehovah-Jireh, God who provides, has done just that; He has provided (Genesis 22:14).  In late March we partnered with Lifesong to raise the final funds necessary to bring Paul home.  God had been so generous up until that point; giving us many opportunities, through the talents and kindness of family and friends, to pay for our home study, necessary documents fees and agency payments.  We were ready to tell our story by letter to those outside of the community that had supported our yard sales, craft shows and various events.  Valley Creek Baptist Church is a body of believers that never stops giving!  With multiple community ministries, a mission team, a missionary family, a new children's building and 5 families adopting to support, we didn't want to tax the church any further. God said to us, "I will provide.  Stop trying to do this on your own.".  One month before the deadline to donate through Lifesong, we had met our goal!  The blessing haven't stopped.  Two weeks ago we received an anonymous donation of cash through the mail with a letter that said, "to God be the glory".  To that we say AMEN!

My Daddy King has called us His.  He will not leave us nor forsake us (Deut 31:8).  He will not leave us as orphans...  HE WILL COME FOR US (Matt 14:18).  He's come for Paul.  He will be the Father to the fatherless and provide help for them in their time of need (Psalm 68:5).  Today our Letter of Acceptance arrived from China. It took exactly one week longer than anticipated.  On average, we have three months before traveling.  It's still my prayer to have Paul home in Alabama to celebrate his 6th birthday in late August.  Those estimated times that the agency provide can drive a momma insane!  Some days I think it's a test and He wants to see if I will still praise Him and when I do, that's when He makes something awesome happen.  God is aware of our situation and I trust Him beyond a shadow of a doubt that Paul will be in our home exactly when He sees best.  If my expectations are out of alignment with His plan; I will adjust my expectations!

At this time, my family asks that you continue in prayer as we wait for travel.  Remember the Williams family as they prepare to travel tomorrow to China to bring Reece home and the Dobsons as they complete their home study to bring Lily home from Haiti.  We have 3 more families at Valley Creek in different stages of their adoption journey.  We all thank you for your support, love and prayers!  To God be all the glory!

Paul is ready to come home!

                                                                                                            March 22, 2013

Dear Family and Friends,

Some of you may know we have felt called and directed by God to adopt a “fatherless” child into our family.  We are adopting a little boy from China named Paul.  Our adoption dossier is in China now and we await final approval and a travel date.  Paul will be 6 years old in August and we hope to travel to bring him home shortly after his birthday.  As a family, we have prayed for Paul with fervent excitement and we now ask you to join us!

Did you know it is estimated less than 10% of all orphan children are adopted into evangelical Christian families?  According to current estimates, if only 10% of the Christians in America would adopt, it would be equivalent to providing homes for all the orphans in Eastern Europe (1.5 million), Latin America (400,000), and the US foster care system (150,000).

You may be wondering what has prompted us to adopt.  Well, primarily, we felt so clearly directed by God to adopt that we wanted to obey Him, and we also desire to give and orphan child a family the he wouldn’t otherwise have.  God desires for orphans of all nations to be loved, cared for and adopted into Christian families; ultimately so they can be saved, and be adopted into His eternal family through Jesus Christ!  There are so many things God has used to prick our hearts and move us to adopt, here are a few:

Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this, to care for orphans and widows in their distress. -James 1:27

Having predestined us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will. -Ephesians 1:5

God has given us a great love for His children of all ages.  We enjoy loving and caring for the children in our community and our church; our door is always open for a friend in need.  Many times, we wanted to do more and asked God for an opportunity to serve Him through the love and desires He placed in us.  Adoption was that opportunity.

Having been reluctant to make the leap toward adoption due to being intimidated by the cost, John was studying for a Sunday school lesson that he was teaching when he came across James 1:27.  God showed him in no uncertain terms that he was called to adopt.  When John surrendered to the call to adopt, God affirmed it by opening doors that John thought were impossible to open.

At the age of thirty-eight, Kim had a strong desire to have more children of her own.  Due to health reasons, she could not.  However, that same year, Paul was born and abandoned outside a public bathroom in Xinzhou City.  God has kept Paul safe for a time such as this, when his family will bring him to America where he will hear the life-saving name of Jesus proclaimed daily and with great passion.

Bryan had a wonderful relationship with his brother, Justin, and is anxious to model that love and discipleship to another.  In our home study, Bryan stated that his brother set a good example and he wishes to do the same.

The biggest challenge for us is not opening our hearts and home to another child, but it is finding the finances to make this happen.  We estimate our total adoption cost to be roughly $35,000.  God has been gracious and has provided for us along the way for our home study, document processing and agency fees.  It is with faith in Him, that we make our needs known to the Body of Christ.  We set our pride aside and rest in the knowledge that it is Biblical for us to ask for your help.  You can assist us in two ways:

1. Prayer-Please pray that God will tenderly care for Paul in China until we are able to bring him home.  There are many special challenges we face in raising a child that has been in an institution for the first 6 years of his life.  Pray that God will prepare us for the upcoming changes to our family and that God will give us wisdom and insight as we raise Paul to know Jesus Christ. 
2. Financial Support- Will you please consider making a tax-deductible donation to help us cover the remaining $15,000 in adoption expenses to bring Paul home

If you would like to be a part of God bringing Paul to Himself through our family, you can send your tax-deductible gift to the address below.  Lifesong is a trusted organization administering the funds on Paul’s behalf, and will pay adoption expenses out of funds received.   Our goal date is June 1^st, but funds will be accepted towards our adoption until the child is in our home and/or our adoption is complete.

1. Please make checks payable to: Lifesong.  You may preference how the donation might be used by writing “Dobbs/3409 adoption” in the memo section of your check.  (*Note: in following IRS guidelines, your donation is to Lifesong which retains full discretion and control over its use).
2. Mail checks to :

Lifesong for Orphans

ATT: Dobbs/3409

PO Box 40

Gridley, IL 61744

Thank you for investing in the Kingdom through prayer and finances.  But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal ~  Matthew 6:20.  Be on the alert for updates and pictures of Paul soon!

May the Grace of the Lord be with you,

John, Kim and Bryan

New Pictures of Paul Dobbs!

It's a good day when we get news that Paul is healthy and wants to be adopted!  In several pictures and in a video Paul is seen with his friend, Pipa.  She has clubbed feet and we see that Paul holds her hand and assists her to stand.  In the video while the kids are singing and dancing, Paul bumps into her and she fusses at him like a sister might.   These recent pictures are from the family who brought Pipa home to America.  While I am excited that she has a home and will get medical attention, it hurts my momma heart to think of Paul without his friend and how lonely he must be.  He expressed to Pipa's family that he wishes to be adopted, too.  John and I spent many hours this weekend in and international adoption clinic at Lifeline called Crossings.  We feel equipped with knowledge and filled with God's Spirit as we prepare our dossier to be sent to China.  Another family from Alabama will be traveling soon and has offered to take Paul some prizes from his family.  We have a special Georgia Bulldog from his Gim all ready to go!  We'll also be sending some pictures of us and our pets.  Maybe some photo exposure to the furry side of his family will lessen the shock upon his arrival home!

Our family wishes to thank you for your continued prayers and support throughout the adoption process.   We have learned  patience and experienced mercy as we struggled through a few "hiccups" with our immigration application.  We rest firmly in God's timing and know that Paul is in His hands, in China and even here in America.  If you feel lead to donate, you can do so through PayPal using my email, jdobbs123@bellsouth.net.  May God bless you as richly as He has the Dobbs family!

Mom, Someone Peed in My Bed!

When Bryan comes into the crowded kitchen to announce that someone has peed in his bed, my first response is confusion and then embarrassment.  He has a room full of friends, 4 of which are boys standing around the bed with "i didn't do it' looks on their faces.  The likely culprit is our aging cat, Joe.  It's a good thing we found the mess before the power went out!  One of those boys screamed like a girl and leaped onto the bed in fright when the house suddenly became pitch dark.  Cell phones lit up the place and the grazers at the snack table never missed a munch or crunch.  The power did not stay out long and the guitar in one room was strummed again, while the sound of pool balls clanking together continued in another. We also had a broke-down car this night, but I was just grateful it wasn't in our ditch or plowing over the neighbors mailbox again.  

Seriously though, Thursdays are my favorite day of the week because the kids come.  They come for fellowship and food.  They come for games and laughter.  More importantly, they come for spiritual knowledge and growth.  The students are eager to learn and serve.  They rinse their dishes, take out the trash and deliver cookies to my neighbor (this goes a long way in apologizing for blocked driveways and squashed mailboxes). The students are an interesting array of young people, not unlike the characters in John Hughes'  The Breakfast Club, but with a redeemed-by-the -blood-of -the-Lamb kind of twist.  As much as I love them, they are not mine. Just like my own children, I dedicate them to the Lord.  Some of them come from sorry homes where parents put their own pursuits, desires and crappy addictions over the needs of their own child.  Here, it is conveyed that they are loved, first by God, and then by us.  This is why they come two hours before the study is to start and remain until  we gently usher them out the door.  Oh, to have more bedrooms and another bath so they might stay.....

God has been good to provide for us though donations of food and money from good people to keep the pantry stocked and the snack table full for Thursday nights.  They are welcome to a good, hot meal before their studies and a snack following.  They roll with the flow and eat whatever is on the table,  though I have found a few foraging through the pantry or refrigerator looking for more.   We are continually reminded of Jehovah-Jireh's (God the provider) capabilities when a crock pot of chili would seemingly have an endless bottom or my pantry floor appears to be a breeding ground for 2 liters.  I am ever thankful that God has allowed us to continue with the student ministries we love, through this adoption. He doesn't ask us to pick one, but instead says I can do all things through Him (Philippians 4:13). I have added a Paypal link to this blog. God has spoken to me and has freed me from the fundraising pressures of adoption.  He has told me many times over the years, "trust me" and I choose to do just that.  If the Spirit leads, you can be a way that the Lord provides.  Regardless of whether you donate,  we covet your prayers and appreciate your support.

As we near the 2nd anniversary of Justin's home-going, I am reminded of God's provision and His mercy.  I urge the parents reading this to do these three things:  hug your children, make Christ-centered parenting decisions and set a good example.  When you are ready to let go, give them to the Lord and send them to my house for discipleship.  There's no telling what will happen!

Pondering and Storing Up Treasures

Pondering and Storing Up Treasures

But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart.  Luke 2:19 

I have spent an entire Christmas season pondering on all that I have stored up in my heart.  A mother never forgets that which concerns her children; great or small.  We remember statements, encounters, happy and sad circumstances throughout our life and theirs.  A mother thinks and rethinks again on all that was said of her children and what they suffered.  

Why revisit the past and rethink all that I wouldn't change?  In studying the commentaries on Luke 2:19, I feel a bond with Mary.  She had to ponder,  or weigh,  all of the amazing events that accompanied the birth of her Son.   When I am reminded of an event in Justin's life, I ponder all that God did or continues to do from that event.  I remember the gentle way that he escorted a handicapped girl as the kindergarten "king and queen" at the homecoming of Cumberland Christian Academy.  When I recall  that day, I think of all the ways that God made Justin sensitive to the needs of others and how he wanted to make them feel welcome and accepted.  When he was diagnosed at age 8 with a growth hormone deficiency and we were discussing treatments, Justin said God didn't make mistakes and the world needed short people, too.  God rewarded our faith and trust by keeping Justin healthy and even allowed him to nearly catch up on the growth charts. We considered our son to be the biggest little man we knew!  The events that truly give me peace and comfort are the times I listened or witnessed him grow in and share his faith.  Whether it was in discussion with elders of the LDS, his Spanish teacher or his friends, Justin was firm in his beliefs.  Those memories are linked with those of him in prayer with our student pastor or  his shared thoughts after a thought-provoking sermon. Storing these treasured memories and pondering on them gives me hope for the future.  

As my middle son becomes a man, I see the impact of Justin's life on him.  Bryan is kind, sensitive and eager to serve.  Just like Justin and just like Jesus.  We are now well into the maze that is called adoption.  I already anxiously ponder all that God has done for us during this season as we prepare for Paul's arrival.  I eagerly store it all in my heart so it is readily available to recall and share to bring God His due glory.  

Christmas is a time to celebrate, yet it can be dismal for the hurt and lonely.  It's our second Christmas without Justin present.  We have little decorations and buy few gifts. Several years back our family began focusing on Jesus and less on the distractions of the holiday.  I am grateful for the conviction and prompting of the Holy Spirit that demanded such change.  If we focus our holidays or any other day on our children or material possessions, then what will we celebrate when we lose those things?  So, I party less, shop less and eat less.  Instead, God and I sit together and I ponder all that surrounded the birth and life of another son, the Son of Man.  I treasure it all in my heart.  

Merry Christmas!  I have started this blog in an attempt to keep everyone posted on the adoption process and upcoming fundraiser events.  Our home study and application are finally on its way to US Immigration  for approval.  Please pray that the review and acceptance is speedy.  Wouldn't that be a wonderful Christmas gift!  Below you will find several fundraisers that will assist us in keeping on top of agency fees.  It is our desire to have Paul with his family by next summer.   We could not do this without YOU!  Several of these fundraisers benefit more than just our son, therefor your blessing is multiplied!  Please contact me at 902-9701 or jdobbs123@bellsouth.net to order shirts, raffle tickets or rsvp for the parent's night out.  Thanks so much for your prayers, encouraging words and support!

With much love and appreciation,

Kim

Romans 8:18

www.thepremostory.com

ADOPTION T-SHIRTS $15

WE HAVE 2 SMALL, 1 MEDIUM AND 2 LARGE

I WILL DELIVER! 

PARENT'S NIGHT OUT!  It was a success so we are doing it again!  This Friday, December 14th, from 6-10pm we will feed and entertain your babies while you shop, enjoy time with the hubby or sleep (or all of those!).  Donations appreciated!


SHOW YOUR TEAM SPIRIT AND HELP US BRING PAUL HOME!  We are raffling tickets for two handmade rag quilts; Alabama and Auburn!  They are queen-sized and were made with much love by several ladies from Valley Creek.  Ticket prices are as follows: $5=1 ticket, $10=3 ticket and $20=10 tickets.  The quilts have been traveling all about and are ready for your viewing.  Please let me know if one of us can bring you a ticket!

HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE AT THE WILLIAMS' HOUSE
SATURDAY, DEC 15TH, 8-4PM
6511 WHITE OAK LANE
HUEYTOWN, AL 35023

Now is your chance to peruse the crafts of Jennifer Dobson and Heather Williams!  They have participated in several craft shows around Hueytown and now want to welcome you for a day of shopping and fellowship.

ON-GOING CHRISTMAS CARD DELIVERY AT VALLEY CREEK
Church members may drop off your Christmas cards in the hall outside the sanctuary and the RA's and GA's will hand deliver! Please consider the cost of a postage stamp when making your donation.  We would like to thank the children's ministry for offering this service for us!