Ready, Set, Wait

Ethiopian soccer jerseys and travel vouchers were a hit Christmas morning

It took a few tries, but Monday, December 31st, we made it to the final round of waiting to bring A home. That's means we were SUBMITTED to Embassy for those of you keeping up with the lingo. In keeping with the "Who Knows" theme, we have facebooked with a family (Hi, Meghan!) whose case was CLEARED in 2 days (woohoo!) and we've heard of a family who waited 5 months (what!?)

Obviously we're praying for a short turn-around, as it has already been 60 long days since we met our A. Madeline, Abby & John are getting antsy, too, and are very excited about going to Ethiopia with us. The past week has certainly put our wait into perspective, though, and I admit I have spent much time praying about situations I wouldn't have otherwise if God didn't have my heart in the place He does right now.

I have been so saddened over the Russian government's decision to ban adoptions of their orphans by US families. My heart hurts for the children, particularly those with special needs, and for the 46 families who, like us, had personally met their child and were weeks away from bringing them home. Others were packing their bags to see their son or daughter for the first time.

I have offered prayers for friends whose waiting daughter is sick, and also cried tears in recent days for another family who will not bring home the child they have fallen in love with. I want to challenge, "Lord, why? Why the heartbreak for those who are eager to care for the least of these?" and He counters, "Wait. Just wait until you see the rest of the story."

Devotion from Jesus Calling by Sarah Young