Updates and Prayers

We have our last home study visit on Tuesday this week.  Tonight we have to finish our 10th hour of training and sit down to re-do the medical form - they want us to be really sure of what we say we are open to as far as different medical, mental, emotional, and behavioral issues our children could have.  After Tuesday's visit our case worker will prepare the written home study and submit it.  Then we begin the dossier - a collection of paperwork that will be translated and submitted to Ethiopia. . . . then the waiting begins for real.

Up until now, I have been waiting but working, so I've felt productive. And even though we were told it would probably take 18 months for the whole process, I guess I've told myself quietly, "It won't really be that long since we want siblings and are open to a lot of situations."  I've also been praying that Chann's business would grow to the point that I could stay home next year, and walking in the truth that God can do that without allowing my hope to rest in the situation but rather in Him.  Sometimes that's a hard line to draw. 

So, the past two weeks have brought about new perspectives and new prayers.  With new policies being written in the Southern regions of Ethiopia, referrals have lessened considerably and familes have been waiting a lot longer.  We were notified this week that it will most likely be 18 months from the completion of the dossier until we even get a referral, then there's a half page list of what happens after that with each step being anywhere from 2 weeks to 5 months long!  Since teaching contracts come out in April, we have also been looking at the probabilty that I will be signing my contract next year and teaching again.  Honestly, at first, all of this was disappointing, even frustrating, BUT GOD . .  (I've learned to pay attention to those words in Scripture!)  God, in His infinite wisdom has seen fit this weekend to remind me that He already has all this planned out, and His plans are WAY better than mine!  (Wait, haven't I already posted this at some point? Why is it that I have such a hard time remembering this??)  He is always so good to remind me just when I need it, and in ways that are more powerful than can be explained.  I can confidently and with great peace say that I do completely trust Him to fulfill the desires that He has given me in His perfect time according to His perfect will!

When I started this blog, I talked about "Rhema"  - God's spoken word.  God's rhema came through my six-year old son this time.  At dinner the other night, for no apparent reason, (i.e. we had not been talking about the adoption at all.  God just knew we all needed to hear from Him.) Asher said, "Mom, I know why God is making us wait to adopt. . . . In the Bible, God makes people wait for things that are good, like the Israelites and the Promised Land, and Hannah waiting for Samuel!"  I said, "Wow, you're right Asher!  Why do you think God makes us wait for good things?"  He thought for about half a second and said, "Because then when we get it, we'll really be excited!  . . . and probably He's teaching us stuff while we wait."  Yep, that's it, probably, He's teaching me stuff while we wait;  imporatant stuff like: there's a lot I still need to learn to be able to deal with the loss and grief we will encounter; like, shedding light on the false belief that I can really do this, that I have all these skills that are going to make me such a great adoptive mom - I can't but He can - in my weakness, He is made strong!; like, dealing with my pride - ouch!!!!!!  I have so much to learn, but God is patient and willing to teach me and carry me.  I just have to wait and know that He is always faithful; He never breaks a promise; He will never leave me nor forsake me; He really does love me!  Now, I can look forward to waiting, because in the waiting, God will teach me, and when my wait is over, I can be REALLY excited!!

Praises: God has begun to provide funds!  Chann's parents sold their house! Praise the Lord that He has a plan, that He already knows my children, where they are, who they are, and when they will join us.
Prayers: Continue to pray for protection over our children.  Pray that we are responsive to the Lord teaching us.  Pray that God gives us wisdom and patience throughout the process, and that He continues to speak to us and encourage us that He is in control. Pray that He prepares our hearts and the hearts of ALL of our children as we seek to add to our family.  Pray for Chann's business to grow so that I may stay home one day soon.  Pray that Jesus would be glorified above all in and through this process, and that my pride would have NO place in it.