4 Years Waiting

This month officially marks 4 years that we've been in the process to adopt from Ethiopia. Each year that has gone by I've said "it's been a long road," not knowing another year of waiting would still be in our future.

In case you've forgotten or you're new to our journey, here's a brief timeline of events.

An Extremely Brief and Super-Condensed Timeline:

Year 1 - Placed on Family Waiting List
Year 2 - Adoption Placing Agency Closed - Redirected to a New Agency
Year 3 - Waiting on 1 Signature to Receive Referral
Year 4 - Received Referral - Waiting to Bring Her Home

The Journey's Been Hard

Yes, the paperwork is menacing, but the road to bring our girl home has been at times like the Roman road, and at other times like the Emmaus road. Setbacks, heartbreaks, diversions, changed plans, hopes, fears, excitement, dissappointment... walking and talking of the things we've seen and experienced, sometimes slow to recognize the One walking beside us in it all. No one could have prepared us for exactly what we've experienced. Our story is unique in many ways (many that I still cannot share just yet).

We have labored long in prayer.
We have experienced the heavy attacks of a real, albeit unseen, enemy.
We have seen expectant dates come and go with no reason, no answer, no explanation.
We have anticipated with joy, trembled with fear, suffered from doubts, and persisted in peace.
We have waited, not always so patiently.
We have hoped, not always unwaveringly.
We have endured, not at all in our own strength.

God's Plan Is Perfect

We have seen the Lord do miraculous things. We can look back even now, and clearly see the Lord's specific, perfect, and purposeful timing. What felt like earth-shattering heartbreak 2 years ago, was a plan purposefully executed. We have taken comfort in Job's words to the Lord all along the way: "I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted" (42:2). He is a good Father who promises never to abandoned those whom He loves and to fulfill all His purposes.

"Your way, O God, is holy. What god is great like our God? ...  Your way was through the sea, your path through the great waters; yet your footprints were unseen." Psalm 77:13, 19

It's been 4 years. Gifts to help us prepare to bring our girl home have slowly made their way to our front door,* and we've begun decorating a room, setting up a bed, and dreaming of when she's home. Call us crazy (we really don't mind), but as we move into year #5 of waiting, we still hope with joy and anticipation to have our daughter home with us very soon.

We appreciate your continued prayers as we wait.





*Because some of you have asked about it, :) we are registered at the following: Pottery Barn Kids, BabysRUs, and Amazon.com






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