Can I Please Iron, Mommy?

Ironing is the job I struggle with the most. I do not like ironing. Therefore, I usually do not do it. This year, the kids played basketball with Upwards. Their awards were iron-on stars; therefore, I had to pull out the ironing board. Raegan was fascinated with the process, and she begged me for several weeks to iron. She finally got her wish! I just hope this keeps up! I could pass on this job.

Inspiring Blog

I found this blog today: http://the30dayjourneyforhope.blogspot.com/. I highly encourage you to read it. It is a reminder that often times, God's plan for us is not the easy way; however, it is best. It is just sweet.

More Stretching--Yikes!

Yesterday, we received news that we will have to add an additional trip to Ethiopia to our plans. The Ethiopian government has been considering this, and they put it into effect yesterday. Basically, all prospective parents will have to travel to Ethiopia for the court date. Then, because Embassy dates are assigned two months later, parents will have to return then to pick up their children.

In our fragile state, we were initially a little bit panicked. Plane tickets to Ethiopia are expensive, so this surprise cost was a little bit overwhelming. Then, God reminded us that this is not a surprise to Him. He has provided above and beyond so far, and we know that He will continue to provide for us. There is really no reason to worry. So, we are trying to see the positives of this additional trip:
1. We get to go to Africa two times in about two months!
2. We will have some time to do some "sight-seeing" and take in the Ethiopian culture without having to juggle a little boy.
3. We will get to trust God even more than expected.

Please continue to pray for our hearts. As time passes by without a referral and new developments threaten to shake us, we want to remain faithful as we wait for God's timing in all of this.

Nine Months and Counting

Today marks nine months of waiting for a referral. Wow. I never thought we would reach this milestone, mostly because I never thought this milestone would exist, but here we are! Thankfully, today, I feel like I am in a place of peace and trusting God. This is good. Who knows what tomorrow will bring, but today I will continue to trust as we wait.

Keep praying for us. Honestly, each day brings with it a new set of emotions for all of us. Trusting is a full-time job at this point. It seems like we are often fighting off weariness. We will let you know asap when we hear some good news.

More Waiting

Well, the announcement didn't happen today. Thanks to all who joined us praying. You can keep it up! Please do, in fact. Our agency is going to the Oromia office in Addis on Monday to inquire. I pray that the meeting proves beneficial.

Again, we are assured that this is all happening in God's timing, and we are thankful to be in this process, even if there are delays.

Keep lifting us/this process in prayer. Thanks!!!

Please Pray

One of the major reasons we have had to wait almost 9 months for a referral is due to a certain situation. Let me try to explain. The Ethiopian government has tried to govern international adoptions by investigating certain regions and their adoption practices. From what I understand, this is similar to audits done in businesses. Usually, when they find things running well, they "sign off", allowing adoptions to continue as usual.

Unfortunately, the investigations in the Oromia Region have dragged on even after finding everything to be in good standing. For some reason, the official who is supposed to "sign off" has not done it. Our agency has been told since November that the announcement would be any day. That is why we got the "You are within striking distance" message way back in November. As far as our agency knew, our referral was just around the corner. This is because our agency partners with three orphanages in this region. (This is almost half of their orphanages.) But, since they have been unable to refer kids from these orphanages for months, the referrals have slowed down drastically.

The saddest part of all of this is that the kids in those orphanages have had to wait so much longer. We have been told that some orphans have even died because the care just isn't as good as in the transition home in Addis. In addition, the orphanages are having to turn kids away because they are so full. Oh, this makes my heart break.

But, we think good news is on the horizon. There is a rumor that the official is set to make an announcement on Friday (which is tonight while we are sleeping). Please pray with us that this official would make the announcement and that adoptions could resume in this region.
Pray, pray, pray!

The Long Way Around

I've been reading Francine Rivers' novella on Aaron (Moses's brother) this week, and I just have to say that I love reading stories that challenge my faith in our Almighty God.

So, I'm reading about when the Israelites just leave Egypt. God has just shown Himself powerful by letting the largest army in the world allow Israel to leave. Amazing. But, the Israelites soon start grumbling because they are taking the long way around to Canaan instead of the short route. They keep questioning why they are going this way and doubting God's ability to lead them. To make matters worse, they eventually find themselves backed up against the Red Sea with the Egyptian army bearing down on them. At this point, they were truly doubting.

O.K. At this point, I am somewhat relating to the Israelites. I have often wondered why God has brought us the "long way around" to a referral. (Side Note: I do feel "silly" complaining because so many of my friends have waited so much longer in their adoption processes, but it is still a struggle.)

Back to the rest of the story. God took the Israelites the long way around, to a place that seemed to be a dead end, in order to reveal His Glory. This group of grumbling Israelites got to be a part of one of the greatest displays of God's power and glory in history! What a privilege! But, they had to go the long way around first.

So, as we continue to wait, I can't help but be excited. I feel like God is getting ready to give us a glimpse of His power and glory. I am thankful he is taking us the long way around because it will allow us to better witness one of the greatest displays of His hand in our family. Ooooh, my heart beats with anticipation. :)