Twiddling our Thumbs…

We have not posted in a while because things are at a stand-still on the adoption front for us. Our dossier was submitted in Aubrey and Micah’s country on May 23^rd. That means that by now we should have gone through several steps within the adoption system there, and we would either already be traveling to meet them, or we would at least know our travel dates by now (we’ll need to go over twice—once for a week to meet them and then another week  to bring them home). Unfortunately, their country of origin is facing some changes politically, and the official who signs off on this step of our adoption process has not been assigned.
That means that until that happens we will be waiting! Waiting is always hard!

We pray about this with such mixed emotions. On one hand, we just want God to put someone in place so that our process can continue and we can meet our new son and daughter as soon as possible. On the other hand, we recognize that some of the changes happening in their country are things that will bring more stability and freedom there and ultimately may help to bring changes that are needed. People there are beginning to speak out about injustice and corruption. The younger generations are rising up to call for change. We are praying that the ideas born of communism—the ideas that cause kids like Aubrey and Micah to go to orphanages in the first place—might be replaced by the valuing of people no matter what their differences or disabilities. Ultimately, we pray that God would change the hearts of the people so that they would be willing to parent their children born with disabilities without the social stigma that exists and there would not be so many children suffering in orphanages in the first place. If these changes must start with a healthier government, then these changes are good! But, so hard when a mom and dad and brothers and sisters are waiting with open arms!

Despite the delays, we know that God’s timing is perfect so we are resting in the fact that he is doing a work and we are to rely on him to see us through this time of uncertainty. International adoption always has its unknowns and its ups and downs, and we were well aware of that going into this process. This is one of those times!

Until we get to see their faces for ourselves we pray that…

         God would provide protection in every way to these little ones.

         God would speak to their hearts and allow them to be ready for the love of a family.

         God would provide caregivers at the orphanage who truly love them and nurture them until we can.

Thank you all for your continued prayers for our family and for Aubrey and Micah. We are grateful!

Cliff and Erin