Rough waters

Things have changed a little in our adoption story. I'm sad to say that we have run into some complications with our 3 year old boy. I am not sure how much information I am allowed to share publicly, so I will not share much except to say that it appears there will be a some what lengthy waiting period before he can be adopted. My heart is SO sad and I don't understand why, but it is not my place to ask why, it is my place to trust God's plan. We don't have all the answers but we do know that our God is sovereign and He loves this little boy waiting for a forever family. We are praying through our options of how to move forward and will keep everyone updated as we proceed.
Please pray for:
- complete clarity for our family: "Your own ears will hear Him. Right behind you a voice will say, “This is the way you should go,” whether to the right or to the left. Is 30:21
- protection for both our 1 year old girl and 3 year old boy: "He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart" Is 40:11
- Christ to make a way for our adoption of 2 children: Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart. Ps 37:4

During my quiet time this morning I read the following verses and it was as if the Lord were speaking directly into my soul:

"Listen to the Lord who created you... you are precious to Me. You are honored and I love you. Do not be afraid, for I am with you. I will gather you and your children from east and west." Isaiah 43:4-5

Moved

We are officially in our new home - it's been a challenging experience, but one FULL of blessings. The most difficult part is all of the things that were second nature at the other house: turning on the lights, throwing away trash, brushing teeth, getting a drink .... take effort and thought which makes them feel difficult (thank you Julie for helping me articulate my anxiety). If you take that and multiply it by 6 individuals struggling with the basics, a day can be exhausting. But, we have internet now, so I wanted to send a quick update that we are here. Pictures are coming soon - promise!!!

Match

TODAY -

We went here:


















To get these signed:














Because we've been matched with:






We will be receiving official referral paperwork on an adorable 3 year old boy and beautiful 1 year old girl. Until we sign the referrals nothing is official, but we are already head over heels for these little ones!!! YWAM Ethiopia is still waiting for one document on the little boy and then the referral paperwork can be completed - praying that is SOON!!!

Today we drove to Austin (7 hours round trip) to visit the Secretary of State's office. It was the last step in finishing up our second dossier. Funny, because when I was putting our first dossier together, I am pretty sure I said "I will never do this again!" -- and whadda ya know? I just did!!! Funny how seeing two beautiful smiling faces can motivate!!

The time line from here is a bit complicated because of a new regulation requiring the orphanage to obtain the kids' birth certificates BEFORE a court date will be assigned and rainy season is approaching which will close courts for about 6 weeks. All of that said, we know that our God is in control and just as HE ordained these two children to be ours, HE knows what lies ahead and when we will get to hold them ---- we can hardly wait!!

Specific prayer requests:
- missing paperwork on little boy to be received quickly
- orphanage to obtain birth certificates quickly
- timely court date
- God's protective hand to be on both of them

Do not be afraid, for I am with you. I will bring your children from the east and gather you from the west .... everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made. Isaiah 43:5,7