2/9/2006 First of all, I have to say congratulations to the Dobies. They were an abandonment case like us (in fact, two cases since they are adopting siblings!), in fact, they kind of "pioneered" the new abandonment case situation. (Abandonment cases used to take years not months.) And they have been so kind, kind of "mentoring us" as we begin our process. Anyway, they found out this week that they have exited PGN, which is kind of like the Attorney General's office. It is the final step of adoption. They will hopefully travel in the next few weeks to bring their dear children home. (Even when an adoption is "final", you have to wait for a new birth certificate, an Embassy appointment, etc...more waiting...) Their website is www.twomorekids.com. I would encourage you to read their story. What an incredible testimony they have!
On to today. The verse I need (and will be repeating in my sleep) is from Psalms 27:14. "Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart. Wait, I say, on the Lord!" (I love the exlamation point at the end...I so needed to read that.) "How much longer?" "When will she be here?" We get asked those questions alot. We have often thought that if could get a dime for each time those questions are asked, this adoption would be paid for already! (And we are NOT comlaining...we are very touched that everybody cares!) The truth is...it is hard to wait. Some days I think I am doing well. Pride comes before the fall. Then I will have a day like today that is just consumed with Maria's face, wondering when I will hold her in my arms again.
I can tell you that it is a lot like Christmas as a child. I did not think the day would EVER get here. I can even remember Christmas Eve. Oh, it was so hard to wait. We would "take naps" to help the time pass. Even then, it seemed like an eternity. That is much how I feel right now. Like it will never come. Since we have known from the very beginning that we were waiting for Maria, it has been even more difficult. (Many peole don't know that early in the process.) It is like looking at the Christmas tree, seeing this beautiful package under the tree, and KNOWING what is inside. But it isn't time. Aaahhh...it is so hard to wait.
But if I have learned anything in my life, it is that God's timing is perfect. It may not match mine. But He knows when Maria needs to join us. And I will have to trust Him with that. Right now we are waiting for pre-approval. That step is an IMPORTANT step in the process. We are also waiting for family court approval. I hope you will join us in praying that those things will happen very soon (in God's time). But I also hope you pray for our strength as I wait and look at that package. And that I will be content in knowing God will tell me when I can open it.
|
