Merry Christmas !

Merry Christmas everyone!
We have been blessed this year and look forward to many more blessings in the New Year.... One of the biggest in our future will be getting Ephraim and Silas home. We had been praying and wishing they would be home by the end of this year in December, but we are at peace, trusting the Lord for His perfect timing.
The Embassy has our case in hand, working on it and looking it over. We look forward to sharing more news with you when we have it.

Jesus is a wonderful King. Happy Birthday Jesus!

Blessings to you and yours.
Dan, Shelly, Madeline, Toby and Mae

Reaching Another Marker

It is close to the end of the race.... I am by no means a runner in reality, but I do remember High School track from long, long ago. :o) Sometimes that last lap can be the longest. 

Glory be, how wonderful when you hit the last curve and the finish line is in viewing.

Another marker has been reached here for this journey to bring home the boys. WE WERE SUBMITTED TO THE AMERICAN EMBASSY this week! This is the last cycle of paperwork analysis before we get to bring them home. Now the American Embassy gets a turn to look through all the documents for approval. Once they are satisfied, we will be invited back to go get them.

How long??? good question. It could be weeks or months. Please keep praying with us for God's best timing and favor on our paperwork. 

I'll keep you posted!

Have you heard anything yet? Good News

From what we understand, one child's paperwork is still needing a little more attention and we will need to wait to be submitted for a few more weeks. We are thankful that our agency is taking the appropriate measures to do the work correctly... and for the nannies that are loving on our boys while we are apart.

Some would say to let go of our expectations, not to expect, and then we won't be disappointed...but I disagree. I want to expect everything... and believe that all things are possible through Christ who strengthens me. He moves mountains, binds up the broken hearted, heals diseases and sets captives free. He made a way for orphans to be adopted, for sinners to be forgiven and for life beyond death in an eternity with God.... I am planning on expecting everything. I want to live my life expecting miracles and joy. AND if you know me well... I have some growing to do in this area...AND not to be offended or too disappointed if it does not turn out or look the way I thought it should or would.  Praise God that I have a Father who sees the whole picture and knows the rest of the story.

So don't be afraid to ask when we will be going to get the boys, I don't know what my answer will be, but for sure, I have Good News, the Gospel is on my side...

Take a look! Almost 1/2 way there.

Every puzzle piece represents $10 towards bringing Ephraim and Silas home to our family. THANK YOU so much to those of you that have sent in donations towards the puzzle project. You have been an answer to prayer. You are being the hands and feet of Jesus to help 2 boys who didn't have a home or a family get a Mom, Dad, sisters and a brother, a home, food, schooling and an incredible future. If you have already donated and designated towards the puzzle, your name is already listed on the back side.

We could still use your help!

For a tax deductable donation write your check out to:

River of God Tabernacle

Send to: 9700 Delta Circle, Bloomington, IL 61704

write 'Snyder Adoption' in the memo.

OR

You may send it directly to us.

Bless You

Santa Hats from Ethiopia

Take Courage

I have been giving myself a talk this morning and need to remember all the wonderful words of my Lord that say... Take courage.  Do not Fret. Trust in the Lord with ALL your heart and lean not on your own understanding.

I had the expectation today that I would wake up to an email that said our case had been submitted to the American Embassy. I now lay that expectation at the cross... as there was no such news.  However I am taking captive my thoughts. I choose to trust the Lord with all my heart because part of it is in Ethiopia, and I am a Momma longing to have all the pieces home under one roof. I am trusting that HE is the author of our story and knows perfectly well how to tell it and make it unfold into our lives.

So... I eagerly wait on the edge of my seat for the page to turn. He knows best and that gives me courage.