The better news: I have a copy to give away to one lucky winner!
Have you ever stepped out in obedience to God, only to discover this was not at all what you signed up for? That's just what happened to Kim De Blecourt.
Kim did all her homework and followed God's leading to adopt an orphan from the Ukraine, only to find herself in the midst of a harrowing set of circumstances. The trip, expected to last a few weeks, evolved into a journey of nearly a year. Kim found herself in a somber, oppressive atmosphere surrounded by seemingly unfriendly people speaking a language she didn't understand. There was even a warrant issued for her arrest! Yet this is a story of hope and triumph; the story of a mother's heart; the story of God's faithfulness in our darkest hour.
"Until We All Come Home" is a true story that reads like a suspense novel. It's definitely a must-read, so enthralling I could hardly put it down. Many times, I'd read of Kim's experiences and think, "There's no way I could ever do that," but that's the point. The truth is, no one could do it without the power and guidance of the Holy Spirit.
AN EXCERPT FROM "Until We All Come Home"
Fear gripped me as my children and I arrived at the Ukraine-Moldova border crossing. It was busy for a Sunday afternoon. Guards were everywhere, automatic weapons tucked at their sides, snarling dogs at their feet. The guards looked irritable, as though the amount of traffic was bothersome.
I'd passed through this border dozens of times in the past year— a wedge of Moldova encroaches into Ukraine between Odessa and Izmail, directly over the road I had to take back and forth on adoption business. But the passengers jamming the buses I rode had always shielded me. Today, I couldn’t hide among the sea of faces.
Breathe, I told myself. Act normal.
But I was anxious. Had the prosecutor gotten word to the border control that I was leaving with my Ukrainian son? Would they have a copy of the outdated warrant with my young son’s name on it?
I stole a glance at our driver, Sasha. En route to the border, he had tried to reassure me that everything would be fine; he would take care of us and get us into Moldova. I sought reassurance from him now, but found that his easygoing smile was gone. In its place was a stern, intimidating look. His chiseled jaw was clenched and the muscles along his jawline twitched. His tan arms were grasping the steering wheel so tightly that I could see the outline of every muscle there.
God, please take care of us, I prayed. Please get us out of here. You are faithful.
Even though I knew Sasha was a man of faith, how well did I really know him? I had met him barely two hours earlier. Friends who’d introduced us had told me few details about him other than that he was a quick thinker, a skilled kick-boxer, and a competitive knife fighter who refused to flinch in the face of danger. Could I trust that he would be true to his word to help us? I thought so. I hoped so.
As we pulled to a stop I could feel my muscles tensing and quivering uncontrollably.
My eyes scanned the line of silver, black, and white cars ahead of us. A soldier in fatigues interrogated passengers as he stood at the driver’s side window of a car at the front of the line. He shifted his weight and casually slung his machine gun over his shoulder, a constant reminder of who held power.
I took in the other soldiers patrolling the congested checkpoint. A few were clustered together chatting casually. Others were interrogating the drivers and passengers. About a half dozen officers kept a firm grip on German shepherds that tugged at their heavy chain- link collars, sniffing and growling every so often. With every move the guard dogs seemed eager to tear at something . . . or someone.
My fear mixed with resentment. For the past eleven months, I had lived in a constant state of unknowing, dread, and apprehension. But today it was magnified; my life and the lives of my children were on the line...
Bonus Info – All author profits are being donated to Food for Orphans (.org)
Bonus Info – All author profits are being donated to Food for Orphans (.org)
For information on purchasing the book, click here
Disclosure - I was given a book but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
Linking up with: Soli Deo Gloria, Titus 2sdays, Tell Me a Story, On Your Heart Tuesdays, Teach Me Tuesdays, God Bumps & God Incidences, Word-Filled Wednesday , Simply Helping Him, Into the Word Wednesday, Winsome Wednesday, Thriving Thursday, Weekend Whatever, Spiritual Sunday, True Vine Challenge, Write on Edge, Inspire Me Monday, Hear it on Sunday, Use it on Monday
I am so thankful that we don't have the ability to see into the future. There is so much we wouldn't even begin, as I think we would quail at the obstacles and danger on the trail. This book sounds absolutely riveting-thanks for sharing!
Sounds awesome.
Thank you, Lisa. I pray people see our Heavenly Father at work throughout our adoption journey. Now...when do we get to have coffee? Kim
Just reading the excerpt had me sitting on the edge of my seat. I would love to read this book. Thanks...
moma3homeschool(at)gmail(dot)com
Michelle
Seems so interesting to read this book:)
Oh my! This is gripping. I cannot even imagine it ... Thanks for sharing in community with us.
This is so intriguing,you just set us all up, now we all want this book!
I can't wait to get a copy.
Love that family picture. I so admire those that are living this call out right now. Beautiful :)
Sounds like a beautiful and inspirational story! I'll have to check it out!
Beckey @ http://reallyreallyrealhousewives.blogspot.com
This sounds like a fascinating journey! Thanks for sharing the book with us.
One less orphan ! What a great review of an awesome book. So happy she made it home with her children. Thanks for sharing at Tell me a Story.
Hi Lisa, I am always on the look out for a good Christian novel. So glad you linked this post up on Winsome Wednesday and I look forward to seeing you there again next week
God bless
Tracy
In a way we are all orphans. Thank God for adoption into His family! I am so glad He loves us and wants us!
Wow this is a great story. God is there for us no matter what!!
Sherri J
savvystudies@yahoo.com
Would love to read this book. Sometimes we never know what another family goes through. Inspires us all.
Beautiful family!
Sounds so good, Lisa. Would love to read it.
Thanks for sharing a peek at Kim's important story of courage and faith, Lisa. Her book interests me because my husband and I had a not-so-idyllic experience with fostering. You often hear about the stories that are full of joy and "open-doors" and rarely hear of the difficult stories that require nail-biting faith. Thanks so much!
Oh dear, just to adopt a child is already a huge leap of faith! How much more to go into a strange country and confront so many unknowns!!!! Amazing!!! Patsy from
HeARTworks
Sounds like an incredible journey. I so admire people who adopt internationally and locally. Such a blessing they are to all of us.
This sounds like an amazing work of God and great book! Thank you for sharing this review/giveaway at Simply Helping Him! Blessings!