Wednesday, May 2, 2012

5,577 Miles to Sam...And You Can Help

Last Friday, after handing my baby over to a stranger in a white coat, as I rode away from the orphanage in the backseat of Mitko's van, I cried and wondered, "How on earth am I supposed to go back to life as usual?" It occurred to me in that moment that I should remain in a state of forward motion. My sinful nature tends toward worry, so I'm very aware that sitting around and waiting may lead to despair. I jokingly thought to myself, "What if, when I get back to the States, I just start walking toward Sam?" I wondered if I started walking right away if, by the time I got to her, it might be time for her to come home. I liked the idea of facing Sam and moving closer and closer toward her until freedom day comes.

The more I thought about this silly idea, the less silly it sounded. Maybe I really could walk toward Sam. No, I don't literally plan on walking over the ocean. But what if I walk all 5,577 of the miles that separate us. What if all 5,577 miles of walking were covered in prayers for her freedom day. So I did the math. If I started today, walking and praying for Sam, I would only have to walk...74.4 miles a day. At that rate, I would walk the whole distance to Sam by July 15th, the day the Bulgarian Court takes its recess. We need to have court no later than this day. And probably, realistically, even sooner. So this day would be my goal.


Ok, so I realize walking 74.4 miles a day is lofty goal. BUT, I figure I might be able to meet it if all of you help. And of course, the more people walking the better, because that means more prayers going up for Sam's freedom!! So I'd like to ask all of you, would you want to walk with me?

My sister, Katie, set up a way for us to keep track of all the miles we walk and pray. All you have to do is track your own miles, and email them to WalkingForSam@hotmail.com. And after you do, the thermometer on the right side of the blog will be updated, and you'll be able to track our progress.

This week, if you walk for Sam, will you please pray for God's favor with USCIS (immigration services)? They are the people who will handle the documents I am working on for the good ole US of A. This paperwork is the part of the 2nd stage adoption proceedings that will take the longest. If Sam's paperwork can breeze through this system, it will likely have no trouble being expedited in Bulgaria and ready before the court recess. Please pray that this paperwork goes through in record time, in such a way that we will HAVE to point to the Lord and give  Him glory. HE CAN DO THIS!! 


Thank you all in advance for your prayers and your miles. God is doing something incredible for my little girl. Let's stand back and watch expectantly for what He'll do next.

As for me, I look to the Lord for help. I wait confidently for God to save me, and my God will certainly hear me. Micah 7:7

Soon and very soon, little song bird. 

16 comments:

  1. Ill walk and pray for that precious little angel Grace!!!! The power of prayer is incredible!! We won't stop til your little song bird is free. And when she's home I still wont rest til the others are free.
    -Lisa S. -

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  2. Count me in. I begin today!
    Cindy Williamson

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  3. Grace...I KNOW USCIS, and I know the snail's pace at which they can move. I also know that they can move quite quickly. I will pray that your paper speeds through the process there, that perhaps your case will fall to the desk of someone who is eager to clear their cases before they go on vacation, or whatever it is that is needed. I will walk and pray with you and pray for Sam and the other children around the world who are waiting to be able to go home with their families. I really hope it is soon.

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  4. LOVE IT GRACE...some miles coming your way today Katie!!!

    LOVE ya,
    steph

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  5. You can count on me!

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  6. That is an awesome idea! We started today. I had a fun idea as I was walking and trying to think of what to pray about: pray through the alphabet for Samantha (and again for Grace!). it worked really well, I'm going to try it again tomorrow.

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  7. Count me in...I will begin praying for Sam as I walk.

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  8. Grace- I've been seeing your blog posts in my news feed on facebook, and I finally was curious enough about it to come check it out. It took almost 2 days, but I got caught up at least skimming through all your posts. What an amazing journey you have been on so far! I will pray for you and Sam each night on our family walks. Last night we went about a mile and a half (which is an accomplishment considering the huge double stroller we have to push!)

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  9. I would love to pray for Sam and speed her home to your arms. Thank you for living your life as an amazing testament to all God is doing in this world.

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  10. Grace, you don't know me, but I am Krista's mom and I will help you. I walked and prayed for you and Sam for 1 1/2 miles today already and walk that much almost every day. Dianne Petersen

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  11. Thank you SOOO much for walking for Sam, everyone!!! Don't forget to send your miles to WalkingForSam@hotmail.com.

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  12. Walking and praying each day for little Sam! To God be the Glory!

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  13. I have been reading your blog since you began this journey and will certainly join you in praying and walking for Sam.
    Jennifer S.

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  14. I have been reading your blog since Sam's birthday and have been praying for the both of you. I was lucky enough to take my two sons to Disney World a few weeks ago. As I watched them run and play around the parks you and Sam would creep into my thoughts. I know some day she will be running wild and very happy because of your love.

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  15. Been walking 4 miles every other day for the last few weeks and praying for Sam during those walks.
    I went to high school with your sister Katie.

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