Disappointing Delays

Last week we received some very difficult and disappointing news regarding our adoption. In October we were told by our agency to anticipate an early January court date and that we would likely be able to bring our kids home in February or March. A few days ago we were informed that our little girl’s case is 100% cleared but our little boy’s documents are being held up. Apparently his birth mom has disappeared, and she has not signed over all of her relinquishment forms. Our agency has informed us that we cannot go to court for our little girl until our little boy’s case is cleared; and now with his birth mother missing, they're not sure when his documents will be ready. We have not been given any estimation as far as how long it could take to get these remaining forms signed as there is no way of knowing when this birth mother will reappear. The only information we were told is that cases can take anywhere from 3 to 18 months to resolve and all we can do at this point is wait.

To say the least, we are completely disappointed and heartbroken that we will not be going to Ethiopia in January. It's extremely difficult to have your heart set on receiving children you have so long waited for only to be told that the wait will be longer. We are grieving that our children are sitting in an orphanage ½ a world away and there is absolutely nothing we can do at this point but pray.

Though we are saddened by this news, the Lord has been sustaining us with His peace, perspective, and hope in the midst of it. Romans 8:28-29 really IS true. Christ IS causing even the frustrations of this delay to work for our good, the good of these children, and for His glory. We want to rest in this hope and promise, and to allow the Lord to conform us to the image of Christ as we wait.

Here are some ways you can be praying with us.


#1- Please pray that our baby boy’s birth mother will be found, and that she will sign over all of the relinquishment forms. Our great God who has hung every star in the sky knows exactly where she is. Please pray that the Lord would give her comfort and peace, and that she will make the very best decision for her child. She is extremely young, lives in a 99% rural Muslim village, and is probably very scared.


#2- Please pray that the Lord would protect, care, and meet every need of our children. Parasites, lice, disease, and malnutrition are common in Ethiopian orphanages. Children are also more prone to have developmental delays the longer they are in institutional care. Though we have no doubt our children are being loved on by their nannies, nothing replaces the love, care, and concern they would receive if they were home.


#3- Please pray that we would be anxious about nothing as we wait in hope for Him to act on our behalf. Please pray we would guard our minds and hearts with the truth that He is in control of everything and truly knows what is best for us and these children in this situation. Please pray we would not be given over to fear but that we would have hearts that are steadfastly trusting in the Lord.

“The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. ‘The LORD is my portion,’ says my soul, ‘therefore I will hope in him.’ The LORD is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him.” Lam 3:22-25