So, today is the day we celebrate being on the waitlist for 9 months. Yes, I say celebrate because I am not giving in to the notion of defeat. God is blessing me in so many ways with little reminders from His word that He is faithful, that He is loving, that He is so much bigger than me or my speculations! So, I am laying our future at His feet, surrendering this "unknown" to him and so very confident in His resolution to this situation!

As I read other blogs, and yes I read them often, I am repeatedly reminded that this journey is not about me, it is not about filling the empty crib in this room, but it is about providing home and family for a child who has none. I can say with complete confidence that I am so thankful that we chose Ethiopia to adopt from. Even though I don't understand all the ins and outs of the process, I choose to believe that they are doing what they feel best to protect the children of their country. So with that, we wait! We wait for news of the suspension of referrals, we wait for news about court dates, and we patiently, sometimes not so patiently, wait to receive a picture of our baby! And we pray that this week would be the week of miracles!

"And we know that God causes all things to work together for the good for
those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them."
{Romans 8:28}

I really needed to "hear" this verse today! We have gotten some "not-so-great" news recently about the adoption and my mind is reeling! According the the State Department, it is expected that Ethiopia will be reducing their adoptions by 90% starting today! As you can imagine, this is not the news we were anticipating at this time. By now we thought that we would have our referral and be preparing for our trips overseas. Now, we sit with a major unknown in our laps wondering where God is leading.

I am confident in His timing and I know that God will direct us exactly were He wants us to go. I just want to be available to hear his calling. That is why I am so drawn to this verse at this very moment. I feel that Bob and I were truly called to pursue adoption. It is in my blood, my mind, my heart. I know that our family is not complete. I know that out there is a baby that needs a home, our home. I know that God is working in miraculous ways to line things up just so perfectly. So, it is with that knowledge that I cling to the promise that He will work all things out for His good.

Dear Lord, Please give us direction and wisdom to hear You. Help us to be open to your plan and not simply our own. Wherever this baby is, please keep him safe and please bring him home as soon as You see fit!