Although it seems it has taken us forever to get to this point, we were very excited to get our passports in the mail this week!! That is a major step, and the last one before getting our dossier authenticated so we can send it to Ethiopia!!
We have had so many delays along the way, including a discouraging start to our first homestudy, which eventually lead us to the sweetest social worker who is also a Christian and a prospective adoptive parent herself! She has encouraged us beyond belief through the past year of paperwork, and is rooting for us (and us for her!!).
We had hoped for a domestic adoption, so our Ethiopian plans were put on hold for a few months this year, but that plan failed and nearly stopped our hearts from going forward. Once we were back on track, we were ready to commit to a newborn boy in Ghana, once again putting Ethiopia on the back burner. We longed for a child to complete our family, and all these roads kept stopping our efforts, and leading us back to Ethiopia. When the placement in Ghana was offered, we knew it was not right for our family.
I admit, our love for the Ethiopian children has been brewing for a long time. We know going to their country will be a hardship for our seven at home, as they (and some of their wacky schedules and special needs) have to do without either of us around for a few days when we travel to court for the new ones, and that is not without alot of concern on our parts. We don't have the easiest situations for someone else to step into, granted, and it is scarey to realize it will have to be a part of us moving forward toward the next adoption. Although we can plan for as much as possible, having seven kids is no small task for anyone to manage. We are used to it, and some days we get overwhelmed with the issues that can surface in a half a minute or less!!
So, getting our passports in the mail was a great reminder that we are back on track, and that much closer to going to meet our newest family members. We have requested two children, as young as possible (wouldn't twins be great!!) but that decision will be up to the Ethiopian government. Sure, there is some nervous wondering who our next arrival will be, but it's just another part of God's plan we are willing to submit to.
Getting our rooms switched around this past week (and week to come!) is another reminder we are making changes in our family. In this house, no one gets real comfortable with their own space, because in the past 8 years, it's always changing!! Kids change rooms, or roommates, on a regular basis, because that is what has to be done to keep the flow running smoothly around here. I think we have a good plan worked out for now! As I was painting this morning, the 6 year old neighbor boy comes over and says, "You're painting? You should call my dad, because he will do it for free!" What a nice neighbor!! (tee hee)
We know the names we want to use for a baby boy, and a couple of choices if we are blessed with a girl. We know once we get the referral, we will have months to repaint and carpet the nursery, and the furniture that is in storage will be put out and ready for the great welcoming.
We still get alot of questions.
Some folks (although well meaning, probably)are downright concerned that we are making a huge mistake. Some people have decided to remove themselves from our life due to the decisions we have made to increase our family with another adoption.
There are family members who are not even a part of our lives now that feel as if they have a say in this decision. As much as I would love to give everyone a wonderful synopsis of why we are doing what we are doing, the only thing I can point to is this:
We are doing our best
to follow the plan
that we feel God
has outlined for us and our family.
We are not trying to frustrate anyone. We really just feel like God has directed us this far, and we are grateful to be on the path toward Ethiopia.
It would be nice to have your support and prayers. If you can't, I don't believe there is anything you could say to stop what God has planned for us.
If you want to offer prayers on our behalf, we will be thankful.
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