Isn't it wonderful to see God work? I got a call this evening from my Aunt Lea (Mama's sister in Albuquerque). I haven't seen my aunt or spoken to her since Mom's death two years ago. She called to pray with me over the situation with Tara. She is going through a similar situation with her grand daughter. It meant a lot to me for her to call and good to talk to her again.

I was cleaning house today and listening to music (I can't seem to get anything done without music). I had on a variety of worship music. One caught my attention that I don't remember hearing before and it seemed so appropriate for our situation. The name of the song is "God will Make This Trial a Blessing."

"I've just come into a valley one like I've never been before.
I keep searching for a way out, seems like padlocks are on the doors.
Oh, there must be another sunrise, another sunset that I'll see.
God will make this trial a blessing, that's the love he has for me.

CHORUS

God will make this trial a blessing, though it sends me to my knees.
Though my tears flow like a river, yet in Him there's sweet release.
There's no need to get discouraged, there's no need to talk defeat.
God will make this trial a blessing and the whole wide world will see.

I was not the first one to come into this place.
You see every child of God this test he must face.
It is here that God will mold you and make you what you ought to be.
God will make this trial a blessing just be patient, you will see.

Now I'm standing on the mountain, looking back I can see.
When I was in that lowest valley His strong hand was leading me.
Oh, it's good to see the sunshine and to taste sweet victory.
God had made this trial a blessing. Oh, the grace He gives to me.

I know we are not on the mountain top yet, but I firmly believe with all my heart that we will be, all of us including Hannah. God will have this victory.

As a dear blog friend pointed out, it has been a long time since last blog. Much has happened in that time.

We arrived safely back in the states (otherwise I wouldn't be writing this). Maddie became an official American citizen at customs in Chicago. A long wait but very short process. Then a long run to meet out plane to Atlanta. The flight back was longer and more tiring than the one over. Teri and Josh so wanted to "TAKE CARE" of the baby back. At one point, Teri handed Maddie to me and said, "Mom, here, PLEASE make IT hush." Everyone was tired, cramped and Maddie wouldn't sleep. I finally got her to take a 3 hour nap at the back of the plane. The steward was very sweet to let me sit in his seat so as not to disturb her. Since then, our little Maddie has grown and is more beautiful every day. She knows her Mama (said by sticking her tongue out and drawn out - what do you expect, we are from the south!), her DaDa and her Memama. She growls at her Aunt Ta (like a bear) and grunts at her Pawpaw. She gets tickled at herself when she sneezes - absolutely the cutest thing. Teri had her pictures made at the Botanical gardens in Birmingham the other day. She is going to email me some so I will get them up for you. We continue to be amazed by her and it is hard to believe at times that we have only had her 2 months, instead of all her life.

On another front, my eldest is going through a very nasty divorce and custody battle for our little Hannah (she will be 4 August 18th). Her father took her about 7 weeks ago and it has been an uphill battle since. Not only is he addicted to drugs, he is very controlling, vindictive, and manipulative. I didn't really realize how bad things were for Tara until she called me crying one night around 2am. I went the next night and got the girls. Tara came to the house two nights later and hasn't gone back. She and Haley are with Mike and me. Buddy got Hannah and refused to let her come back. He has since filed for divorce (which he says is MY fault because I offered sanctuary to my daughter) and sole custody of Hannah. The courts granted the custody pending a hearing based on lies he has told his lawyer about Tara and me.

As you can imagine, we were ripped to the core when this all began. We have turned it over to God and even though we can't understand why certain things are happening, we continue to believe that God is in control and all will end well. Tara has gotten to see Nan and each time her heart is ripped out because Hannah begs to come home with her.

I ask that you join with us in asking God's continued protection on Hannah and on His continued control of the situation. Also, that He will continue to give us strength and hope to await the end of this. We know He has won because I firmly believe Buddy (Hannah's dad) is being used by Satan and that is who we are in battle with.

Thanks in advance for your support and much love to you all.