Over the years I have seen God provide for our needs so many times and in a variety of ways. I KNOW there are so many more ways than what I am about to recount. And the ways that God takes care of those who trust him on the day to day basis are not to be forgotten. Even so, there are events and situations that are highlighted in my heart as reminders of what God has already done in my life. Things I go back to when funds are tight and tensions high and stress overwhelming.
Throughout our adoptions, we watched God provide the needed funds through his people and through hard work.God brought in a grant from the North American Mission Board Pastor's Adoption Fund. He also brought in a $7,000 grant from Show Hope. Friends stepped up to help with fundraisers. People helped cook food for dinners, helped with set up and decorating and others came to eat the ton of pasta and sides that were made. People gave donations for yard sales and auctions. Venue funds were donated. Talented music friends gave of time and traveled to sing in concert fundraisers. Multitudes of people prayed. It has been amazing and breath-taking to watch God provide.
Then God brought us Caleb. When that happened, we needed help because I spent so much time in the NICU with him or on the road to and from the NICU. Friends watched Joshua ALOT. Meals arrived on days when I did not think I could go on, and those leftovers sustained us for days. Gifts of diapers and wipes and clothes filtered in keeping me from having to run to the store. Several gift cards have arrived to help buy formula. Every card or word of encouragement came at the just the right time.
While Caleb's NICU stay was covered by Medicaid since that is what his birth mom was admitted under, the second round of bills were not. The moment he left the hospital on May 28, all future bills became ours like any other family, And the bills added up: Mary Immaculate ER for Caleb, CHKD Pediatric transport for Caleb, CHKD ER, and 3 nights in CHKD hospital.When we were concerned about covering the cost of medical bills, I inquired about adding night hours...and a previously unopened position opened that very day. Then something else really cool happened.
When Caleb was in CHKD, they gave us some information on their Charity Care assistance program. This is a program that offers assistance to those with large medical bills that aren't entirely covered by insurance (or those who have no insurance). I applied hoping that we would be eligible for a nice discount. Then today, a letter from CHKD charity care arrived with some almost unimaginable news - 100% of our bill was covered. 100%!!! I admit that I fell to the floor in tears of gratitude and praised Jesus right here in our house entryway. My heart still rejoices! There will still be some other bills to come in, but the bulk of the ordeal has been taken care of.
Tonight as I prepare to go to sleep and tomorrow as I work an incredibly long shift cleaning houses, I rejoice. My God has done exceedingly abundantly above all I could ask or think. (Eph. 3:20). My God has supplied all our needs according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. (Phil. 4:19) And as I look back on this journey, I can once again join King David and say, "I have been young, and now am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken or his children begging for bread."
