People keep asking 2 things....what next? and how are you REALLY doing?
The first question is simple....we are waiting for a new court date and the needed document to be gathered. We do not know when that will be, which means we do not know when we will travel. We *hope* to travel in December...
How we are doing is a bit more complex I guess...we are most sad for Band Y and their wait, disappointed for ourselves, confused on what to do with our mess of packing now....yet we have a peace....that only comes with trust. People don't believe us...I know...I don't
believe it either...I have lived with
myself over the years when news like this has rocked my world....so I am surprised and thankful for the peace we have been given. It is a gift, and here are a few ways the Lord has given it to us...
1. Experience...we have waited a long time through the adoption process...I think we may hold some unwanted records. We have also had a lot of loss in building our family and lots of waiting and trusting on God's timing over the years. We are not numb to the waiting...it still really hurts and is so very sad. But we
have learned to trust....
2. His Word...while waiting for a referral I made a list of all God has to say on waiting and I read it every day. I don't pretend to be super bible study girl...I am not very academic or disciplined...but I have learned in my old age and in the
experience mentioned above....that God's Word is living and powerful! (Email me if you want the list)
3. Love...we love B and Y...weird to those not in the adoption world...but we do love them without ever meeting them...this love sustains us as we will wait for as long as it takes (Lord please have mercy on that statement)
4. Community...most of you know that we have 3 more
fams from our church that are adopting from Ethiopia, as well as, loads of other friends and awesome family that love B and Y as much as we do....and are all loving us well through this process. As well as an
unbelievable blog community....who would of thought the
internet could be so great? And I got flowers yesterday....a girl always feels better with flowers!
5.
Gladney...our adoption agency...we love them. We know that they want all these children home as much as the families do. They love their job...and are really good at it. They are way more
organized than I ever dream about. I think I could be good friends with these people if life ever allows it! Adoption is not for wimps...on either side of the table....though I am a wimp...but Gladney is not.
6. Perspective...if you are still reading:) go watch
this and
this. Or go check out this
blog &
this one and see God's work today in Ethiopia....amazing stuff! Perspective...I love to see all that God is doing and the things we want/need to be a part of....I love putting things in perspective and trusting in the One who is sovereign over it all!