Agency Update

Here is the latest information from our agency about the children in Ethiopia waiting and that have already been placed with their forever families.

Children placed in 2007: 141
Families awaiting referral: 103 (We are one of these 103)
Families with referral: 77 families (95 children, 28 of whom are WIC)

SUPPORT

This as you have read is an emotional and tough process that we have gone through. It has also been a very good learning experience and God has used this as a teaching tool to shape us into more of who he desires us to be. This process has also been an expensive one. We have invested $15,000 thus far as many of you have read, and we anticipate more with our travels to bring Ramiah home. We just wanted to say thank you for those of you that have sent us encouraging cards, called to see how we are, those of you who have given money, and all of you who have been praying for us. God is working! We currently have $10,000 more to raise, but God is still providing through many of you.
My sole purpose in this blog is to thank all of you for what you have done for us in our adoption. We are thankful that you see our vision and are willing to help in the areas you are able. For those of you who have given financially....

Uncle Bill, Sue, Marcia, Joe & Joan, Mom & Dad Caroland, Dave & Linda, Mike & Joan, Mike & Adel, Ryan & Darcie, Kathryn, Mike & Jodi, Jo, Larry & Margaret, Jeff & Gloria, Steve & Becky, Erin & Kelly, Delta Christian Church, Matt & Jana, Aunt Julie, Eric & Andrea, Bob & Carolyn, Brad & Marianna, Mom & Dad Cocco, Jim & Anne.
THANKS SO MUCH! WHAT A BLESSING YOU ARE TO OUR FAMILY!

Why is this wait harder than most others?

Our agency sent us a letter about the wait and how difficult it is. I thought for those interested in knowing more of how we are feeling I would share a bit of the letter.....

"Time after time we hear from adoptive parents that the hardest part of the adoption process is the waiting. Doing documents, jumping through hoops, making payments, looking over that medical information and saying "yes" to a child referral, then preparing to travel and actually boarding the plane--none of this compares to the difficulty of waiting. WHY?

Dr. Pauline Boss of the University of Minnesota and the author of books about "ambiguous loss" says it is precisely because of the ambiguity in adoption that the wait is so difficult. With many life events, you feel in control of the situation, therefore, able to accurately predict the outcome. With adoption, the unknowns shift that balance that you feel when you are the primary driver of the event.
Think of the difference between waiting for your wedding, a degree in school, or the closing on a new house. In all of these instances there are some unknowns, some ambiguity. But adoption is different. With your wedding, your house, or your graduation, you have a concrete end date and a clearly understood time frame for completion. You knew what was to happen and when.

With adoption, many of our parents tell us there are way too many ambiguities for comfort. If we are in an international program, what if we are forced to re-assess our hopes and dreams because of restrictions, policies and program changes that limit our options or extend our wait in that hoped-for program. Because there are circumstances that are outside the control of CHSFS and expectant parents, adoption is closest to the trauma of a loved one gone missing. There are simply no certainties, no assurances."

So, this is a glimpse into our longing, our ache in our heart, and into our struggle of waiting for our child to be home on our arms.

God's Time

We recently have been informed that the Ethiopian courts close every year. The closure typically lasts from the end of July or early August, until mid September. During this time the judges have vacation and a new schedule is made for the upcoming year. Due to the closure referrals will not be given after June 15th. Anyone who receives a referral before June 15th is expected to get through the court system before closure. Our agency will resume the referral process approximately September 15th. Our hope and prayer is that we will receive our referral before June 15th, otherwise the earliest we would be able to bring our daughter home would be November or December. Please pray for God's timing and that when they see our daughter come into the Orphanage they will see she belongs to us.
Cindie

Our Agency Update

Program Impact

Children placed with families so far in 2007: 121 children
Families awaiting referrals: 87 families
Families with referrals: 92 children to 72 families

Tears of Excitement

Last night I drove our Trail Blazer over to be turned in since our lease was up, I had the music cranked up and I was enjoying my last few moments of coolness before I was to get into our hand-me-down junker that refuses to die! (large white boat looking car... a grand marque...1980's I believe) Anyway as I drove behind my husband and kids I was overwhelmed at God's goodness in my life. I turned off the radio and started talking to God, thanking him for my family and thanking him for the large massive car that we have! I started to drift away from praying and found myself day dreaming (yes while I drove!) about when I will get "THE CALL" saying, we have your daughter in the orphanage in Ethiopia. In all of the scenarios I scream with excitement! I jump up and down and cry. As I drove tears streamed down my cheeks as I longed to here those words. The words that she is waiting for her parents to come and get her, to hug her and bring her home! The tears were of excitement and of joy for that day. I had a peace for whatever happens, I will be grateful and wait.