Well I'm trying to stay positive after today's update, but the reality is that there are just really dry seasons in the adoption journey. Anyone who has walked this road would concur.
There is no movement in my belly, no glimpses of hope with the sound of the baby's heartbeat, and no ultrasounds that tell me he is healthy and well. So, we really really do look SO forward to the first of each month when we get our only bit of communication from our agency.
Today was a let down.
Still no movement. I had misunderstood the email last month that led me to believe the courts had opened at the beginning of October. When in reality, they just opened two weeks ago. This means that the Ethiopian court house and our agency's connections over there are just starting to dive into a really really big pile of paperwork after having been closed for so long.
We stayed at #15 this month.
But I believe in Jesus.
And I believe that He loves me, my family, and our son out there. My friend Mandee called me today with such encouragement and great reminders. Numbers on a list mean something, but not everything. Paperwork is important, but God honestly knows the PERFECT child for our family. And Mandee, who walked this road just months ago, understands what waiting is like. I know that the tables will be turned at some point and I will be able to encourage another waiting mom someday...because then I will see and I will know for SURE that our son was a perfect match for our family. And in perfect timing.
We actually got to meet our friend Mandee and Chad's daughter, brought home from Haiti just two months ago, when we were in Columbus this past month. This was probably one of the highlights of October for me. I have prayed and prayed for their daughter, listened as Mandee wrestled with God's seemingly evident silence too many times in their journey, and learned from her as she's been steps ahead of me in this journey.
But I got to meet this girl.
And she was great.
She is Chad and Mandee's daughter. She and Emma ran off together and played with Hello Kitty and dressed up. Sweet Geralda showed Emma around her room and shared pictures with us of her life in Haiti. But she is home. And all is well.
We talked with the Lowers about caring for their daughter's hair (and what that will be like when our little man comes home). We talked about how terrible it is to compare your story and journey with someone walking the same path. We talked about sleep and discipline and food and school. It was GOOD. And I couldn't stop smiling as I saw them finally home with ALL THREE kids. What a joy.
Our time will come. So I cling to that and I am hopeful for a more fruitful November!
