Ethiopian Sunrise from the roof of the Hilton

Friday, November 21, 2008

1 Year Later


It's hard to believe that a year ago today we met our daughter in the Kidane orphanage in Ethiopia. Many of you were praying over us in our journey there and our journey here as the physical and emotional healing of Praise began. This has not only been about unraveling medical mysteries and physical healing but also about unraveling the mysterious ways of God in our personal lives and the spiritual healing in our souls. We have witnessed again first hand that God's grace, mercy, and love is far greater than whatever situation or circumstance we find ourselves. Her name, Praise Tinsae, speaks volumes to us in ways that we never would have imagined.

If you have been following our blog you know that because of dealing with her other medical challenges we could not start her HIV meds until about 4 weeks ago. Today, on our one year anniversary, we received a report from the doctor's office that her HIV is at undetectable levels in her body. What great news! Yes, we believe God timed this news to commemorate in our lives that He remembers each and every moment...of every year... in our lives more than we do.

Do we just believe this way about God because of our daughter's amazing health and progress? What if God chose to lead her to greater sickness or even death? Would we still be able to 'Praise' Him? Our praise of God cannot rest in our perspective of the circumstances that surround us. Our praise of God must find its rest in the nature and character of a Holy God that does all things well even if we never see or understand the 'seemingly' dark and hopeless moments of our lives. It is only from God's vantage point or perspective in His grand scheme of things that we can see how all things work together for His praise and glory. It was God's plan to send His son to a brutal death on the cross. Can you imagine how His disciples felt as they watched Jesus die such a horrible death? They did not understand the price that He had to pay to satisfy the debt for our sin. They did not know about the resurrection. They did not understand the depth of His love. Praise's middle name, Tinsae, means resurrection. Her name everyday reminds us of His love and to Praise the Resurrection.

Thank you for standing with us and praying for us.

His love is...more than we can ever begin to imagine,

Bill & Michelle McConomy

Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?" John 11:25-26

13 comments:

Annie said...

Happy Forever Family Day! What wonderful news about Praise's undetectable HIV! And only after 6 weeks of meds!!! WOW! How God is so so good!

Anonymous said...

What an awesome God we serve.

I can't wait to see what God does next.

Shine on for Jesus, McConomys.

In Awe
Big Jim
Matt. 19:14

Chuck L. Betters said...

Bill,
She is just wonderful. Everytime I see her, whether in the halls, or that time at our house, or in the office, she smiles at me and stares at me like she's trying to figure out how tall I am--I think her and I have a little connection, but I bet everyone feels that way. What a great blessing. Thank you for sharing.

Chuck

Farmboy and Buttercup said...

OK, I just read all your old posts and loved your testimony way back last year in your call to adopt.

I started reading this after you posted on the HIV group about Praise's undetectable virus. PRAISE God!!!!!!!!

Thanks so much for being open about the HIV part, we are still unclear of how we are going to handle disclosure in our family, and so appreciate others sharing their experiences.

Eileen and Jerry Mestas said...

Bill and Michelle,

Awesome post, just awesome. We love you guys and are so happy we played a small part in your wonderful journey.

In His Timing and Care,

Jerry & Eileen Mestas

Jill said...

She looks so awesome! Hard to believe a year has gone by. Wonderful news...amazing.

Erin Sager said...

That's incredible news, I am rejoicing with you.....

Bill and Midge said...

Bill, it has been wonderful to read your blog and watch your daughter thrive during the past year. She seems like such a beautiful and happy child. Praise God for his blessing on you and your little Praise.

Willis said...

I copied and saved your quote about praising God regardless of the circumstances and resting in God for Who He is. You don't know me, and I just found your blog. But I'm a Christian woman married to a pastor. Due to infertility (9 years of it) I became very depressed. I am a mom today through adoption. Your blog is an inspiration.

Heather in Georgia

McMary said...

jWhat a beautiful blog entry--your faith is inspiring. Happy one year anniversary--you are the perfect family for Praise--God is so knowledgeable.

Eileen and Jerry Mestas said...

PRAISE THE LORD!! WHAT WONDERFUL NEWS!!! I am overcome with joy and praises to see how you are all doing. What a joy!! We hope to see you in person again some day. What an amazing journey we are on hey brother?? And the journey has just begun!! Please keep in touch and know that you are forever in our hearts and prayers!!

In HIs Timing & Care,
Eileen

Mom to many said...

What a blessing and such a well written and spiritual post. Your faith is inspiring. Praises to God!

Vashti said...

I just found your blog...so happy that I did! Praise is stunning and what an AWESOME God we serve!
I live in South Africa, AIDS and orphan capital of the world and I am always hearing stories of how God is healing His children. So exciting.