Monday, March 22, 2010

And in the mean-time, we are #16!!

Oh, and the good news is that we have moved up again in the midst of all this! We are now number 16 on the baby girl list and number 5 on the sibling list!! Yay!!!

Adoption is not as easy as it seemed! But it is worth it all...

A few days ago a buzz started stirring around the Ethiopian adoption community... the buzz grew to outright fear and concern in some sweet families who have been dreaming of adoption for years only to get their hopes dashed again and again.

The rumor was (and now has been confirmed, although details are still foggy) that families will have to travel to Ethiopia twice in order to complete their adoption. To some, like me, this news might not seem like such a big deal. You might be thinking, "FUN! we'll get to meet our baby a little sooner and we'll get to spend time in our child's beautiful country a bit more!! On the down-side, that's a lot of time for Sarah and Nathan to home without us - and just before launching into the huge transition of having a baby sister in the family!"

Or maybe you, like my dear husband. recognize the huge inconvenience and expense that this adds. You're reaction is, "That's a lot of time off of work and a lot of expense for travelling. We did not plan for this!!"

To us, it is an obstacle and an inconvenience... to others, it is a tribulation. I pray for those families who are overwhelmed and fearful at this news. And I am trusting God to to quench any bit of these thoughts as they rise up in me... "This is too much. Will this lead to the closure of Ethiopian adoptions? I don't think I can keep riding this adoption roller-coaster. Can I really keep doing this?"

I really, really believe that we learn and grow the most in life through things that happen outside of our control. So, I guess I should be growing a lot through this adoption process! The longer than expected wait times, the more than anticipated expenses, the paperwork mountain we summitted twice, and now the uncertainty of the system itself. I am so thankful that the Lord has always been so faithful to me. He has been such a trustworthy comforter and provider. Now is no different. I just need to wait and learn and grow...

... and remeber that it is all worth it! Oh, precious baby - this mama has loved you for so long. We are full of anticipation at your arrival. You sister and brother have dreamed and dreamed of what it will be like to have you here! I have asked the Lord enough for you to come soon. He has settled me on waiting for His timing. Now I am just asking for Him to bring you to us.

Thursday, March 4, 2010

SEVENTEEN!!

Yup. Movin' on up! Still holding fast at #6 on the sibling list.