We officially hit the two year mark last month from when we sent in our initial adoption application. Since then, we have experienced our bumps in the journey (by bumps I mean a change in agency, a move which delayed the process, and just the general delays dealing with that much paperwork). In the midst of all those bumps, there was a lot for me to "do." I was eye deep (LITERALLY, people.) in paperwork. I was running here and there to get this approved, this county certified, that state approved, this document to the government, that document to the agency. You get the picture.
But then the bumps cease. The paperworks is turned in. No more to do lists. No more constant emails. No more feeling like "I" am doing everything I can to bring Matsy Grace home.
And we wait. And wait. And wait. It seems like a never ending wait.
No 9 months and here comes baby. No "do" this and here comes baby.
It's just wait. And wait. And wait. And wait. And wait.
...And then wait some more.
So... we're here. In the midst of the waiting. I had a dream about a week and a half ago. One of those dreams that was too real and has made this wait increasingly difficult. We got the call for a referral and even got to hop on the plane a little before our "dreamed about" court date to spend a little extra time with our daughter. I woke up as we were walking in the foster home in Ethiopia. I immediately e-mailed our agency: "Any updates? I had this dream." Reply? "No, that's an awesome dream. But not reality."
So.. here in our reality of a waiting season, theres a few things I do know:
1) Based on recent trends, we could get a referral anywhere from later this year (2015) to way out into eternity.
2) God is faithful... Know therefore that the Lord your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations. Deuteronomy 7:9
3) But they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31
4) The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you. II Peter 3:9a
5) God wants me to work in my waiting. We will continue loving our boys, serving the Lord, being obedient, loving people, fundraising to bring home our girl and being refined in this season of waiting.
I know that's not much of an update. But there's where we are. I'm living on the words of this song these days. Take a listen....
If you're in a season of waiting, know you aren't alone. We are in the trenches of this together. Let's use it for HIS glory!!
Blessings!
