We got our referral update today. We are no longer legally able to share our exact number on the wait list...however, there is literally NOTHING to report. We are at a standstill. This is month 5 at this spot. We are encouraged that West Stands/Lifeline has started an Ethiopia face book group so we can have community with other people walking the same path as us, but we are still SO tired of waiting. Waiting for SOMETHING.
Ellie said to me today that she doesn't know why we just can't jump on an airplane and go to Africa and get him. She asked me, "he's out there somewhere, right? And there's like a gazillion orphans in orphanages needing homes? Why can't we just go get one? This is SO annoying."
Emma said to me, "Mom, I wonder if the reason we aren't moving on the list is because he's really sick and can't come to us yet."
I love their hearts. They are sweet and innocent, and honestly...asking questions that WE are too.
We are trusting God with his timing and that He. Is. In. Control. We have to believe that. Yes we have felt let down again with news of nothing, but we have something greater to trust in. I know I've said this before, but Ryan and I really do believe it. We can't make the Ethiopian regional courts just start processing paperwork. We don't know why they are dragging their feet. Honestly it's a little scary and no one can answer our questions as to why this is happening. So we have to just pray that God would move and that God knows our little boy and when the PERFECT time is for him to join our world.
Thursday, January 2, 2014
Sunday, December 8, 2013
What are you waiting For?
Today I had the opportunity to write/share on a blog that both Ryan and I contribute to each month. Some friends of ours run a great thing over at forthefamily.org :)
Waiting...honestly it's the story of our lives right now and the reason for so few posts on our own blog. Not a whole lot to share these days. The regional government in Ethiopia is being confusing and unresponsive. They are holding many referrals that orphanages have sent their way...paper work is just simply NOT BEING PROCESSED. And our agency does not know why...
Please be praying for God to satisfy our hearts as we wait, and pray that we would trust Him in giant ways as we are again reminded we have no control over so many things in life. Thank you friends!
http://forthefamily.org/waiting/
We are ALL waiting for something.
Maybe you’re waiting in line right now, waiting for the timer on the oven to beep, or waiting for that phone call. You’re waiting to hear if you’re forgiven… or maybe you’re waiting to hear the baby’s heartbeat.
You might be waiting for a positive pregnancy test or for good news from your boss.
Or… are you waiting for a job? a ride? encouragement?
The reality is this…we are all waiting for something. What is it for you? If you can’t pinpoint it, ask yourself this: what am I nervous about or anxious for?
Isn’t it tough sometimes to just. wait? Like really, really hard? I don’t know about you, but waiting can cause me to be ugly. That is simply because waiting requires patience, and that far too often tends to be a lacking fruit in this season of my life with young kids. What else does waiting require? Hope. Trust. Surrender. But honestly, I think that those are words we toss around way too easily as followers of Jesus. What do those terms even mean?
Let me first say this…
My family right now—we are waiting… for our our boy to be home with our family. We started at #77 on the adoption wait list for Ethiopia, and after 15 months just on the list, we are still at #15. There are have been far too many months where our number has remained motionless.
Yes I know we have been blessed with 3 biological children who thrill us, humble us, and bless us every day. Ryan and I love them more than life itself.
But we also have a son, and he’s not with us yet. I have a lot of friends and acquaintances who have been walking this road of adoption with us. All of those people have their kiddos home now, as we still wait.
So what does waiting do deep within me and what could it do for you?
It causes us to decide whether we will rejoice with those who are rejoicing. It causes us to celebrate OTHER people even when we don’t get the same blessing, promotion, or get-outta-jail-free-card. And it reminds us to weep and mourn with those who are suffering and waiting and walking on much longer, tougher, or more painful roads.
Even as we wait we are to “rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them… Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep” (Romans 12:12-13, 15 NLT).
Or… put another way, we are to “rejoice and exult in hope; be steadfast and patient in suffering and tribulation; be constant in prayer… Rejoice with those who rejoice (sharing others’ joy), and weep with those who weep (sharing others’ grief)” (AMP version).
What does God’s word tell us to do as we wait or as we “suffer?” It tells us to be patient and to keep on praying. It tells us to step beyond ourselves. My dear friend said this to me the other day: God does so much good work when we wait. It’s so hard, but He has work to do in us all.
“…We are enlarged in the waiting. We, of course, don’t see what is enlarging us. But the longer we wait, the larger we become, and the more joyful our expectancy” (Romans 8: 23-25 MSG).
So join me today and take your waiting to the Father. Open your hands in surrender, and ask God what He has for you in this time.
Blessings,
Libby Snow
Waiting...honestly it's the story of our lives right now and the reason for so few posts on our own blog. Not a whole lot to share these days. The regional government in Ethiopia is being confusing and unresponsive. They are holding many referrals that orphanages have sent their way...paper work is just simply NOT BEING PROCESSED. And our agency does not know why...
Please be praying for God to satisfy our hearts as we wait, and pray that we would trust Him in giant ways as we are again reminded we have no control over so many things in life. Thank you friends!
http://forthefamily.org/waiting/
We are ALL waiting for something.
Maybe you’re waiting in line right now, waiting for the timer on the oven to beep, or waiting for that phone call. You’re waiting to hear if you’re forgiven… or maybe you’re waiting to hear the baby’s heartbeat.
You might be waiting for a positive pregnancy test or for good news from your boss.
Or… are you waiting for a job? a ride? encouragement?
The reality is this…we are all waiting for something. What is it for you? If you can’t pinpoint it, ask yourself this: what am I nervous about or anxious for?
Isn’t it tough sometimes to just. wait? Like really, really hard? I don’t know about you, but waiting can cause me to be ugly. That is simply because waiting requires patience, and that far too often tends to be a lacking fruit in this season of my life with young kids. What else does waiting require? Hope. Trust. Surrender. But honestly, I think that those are words we toss around way too easily as followers of Jesus. What do those terms even mean?
Let me first say this…
My family right now—we are waiting… for our our boy to be home with our family. We started at #77 on the adoption wait list for Ethiopia, and after 15 months just on the list, we are still at #15. There are have been far too many months where our number has remained motionless.
Yes I know we have been blessed with 3 biological children who thrill us, humble us, and bless us every day. Ryan and I love them more than life itself.
But we also have a son, and he’s not with us yet. I have a lot of friends and acquaintances who have been walking this road of adoption with us. All of those people have their kiddos home now, as we still wait.
So what does waiting do deep within me and what could it do for you?
It causes us to decide whether we will rejoice with those who are rejoicing. It causes us to celebrate OTHER people even when we don’t get the same blessing, promotion, or get-outta-jail-free-card. And it reminds us to weep and mourn with those who are suffering and waiting and walking on much longer, tougher, or more painful roads.
Even as we wait we are to “rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them… Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep” (Romans 12:12-13, 15 NLT).
Or… put another way, we are to “rejoice and exult in hope; be steadfast and patient in suffering and tribulation; be constant in prayer… Rejoice with those who rejoice (sharing others’ joy), and weep with those who weep (sharing others’ grief)” (AMP version).
What does God’s word tell us to do as we wait or as we “suffer?” It tells us to be patient and to keep on praying. It tells us to step beyond ourselves. My dear friend said this to me the other day: God does so much good work when we wait. It’s so hard, but He has work to do in us all.
“…We are enlarged in the waiting. We, of course, don’t see what is enlarging us. But the longer we wait, the larger we become, and the more joyful our expectancy” (Romans 8: 23-25 MSG).
So join me today and take your waiting to the Father. Open your hands in surrender, and ask God what He has for you in this time.
Blessings,
Libby Snow
Friday, November 1, 2013
Been Dry in this neighborhood
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!
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!
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
All Quiet on the Homefront
Been way too long since we've given updates and that's mainly because it's been pretty quiet around these neck of the woods. As stated in our previous blog, Ethiopia's courts were closed for approximately 6 weeks, which included the entire month of September. That prevented us from seeing any movement on the list for our Oct 1 update.
The cool thing, however, is that three of our very close friends/family have had such excitement in their adoption journeys the past month or so. It honestly keeps us excited and encouraged as we see people around us making strides and learning in their journeys...all different styles and at all different places. One of our friends, a local family in town got news that their local/domestic adoption was finalized and their daughter is now legally theirs. Awesome.
Another dear friend of ours is with her family (husband and 3 kids) in Uganda right now...been there for 2 weeks and won't return until Thanksgiving! Their family is about to grow from 5 to 7...
Once again--awesome.
(This is their family's blog: http://goodnightdreambig.com/)
And Ryan's sister and her family are about to met their daughter (our neice), and welcome her into their family as they travel to China in a few short weeks. What blessings. (http://prestonpartyofsix.blogspot.com/)
The only news we have received isn't the most encouraging. We have to update our home study and the trail of paperwork that accompanies that. We need to have our fingerprints scanned again for the USCIS and we need our immigration approval extended. But ya know what? These are the things that will bring our son home. And although we have so many stepping stones ahead of us to build the trail, it's being traveled down and we're a-truckin along! There are many many many moments I find myself daydreaming about our travels to Africa in 2014. There are many times I tear up with emotion (or slightly panic) when I think about what it will FEEL like to step off that plane with our boy and have him meet his siblings. And both Ryan and I pray pray pray for this munchkin to be the perfect fit for our family. So our minds and hearts are full and anxious.
Ryan and I have also joined the troops over at http://forthefamily.org/ and will be participating as monthly bloggers/contributers for this great ministry. Check out their blog and be blessed by the many fantastic writers!
The cool thing, however, is that three of our very close friends/family have had such excitement in their adoption journeys the past month or so. It honestly keeps us excited and encouraged as we see people around us making strides and learning in their journeys...all different styles and at all different places. One of our friends, a local family in town got news that their local/domestic adoption was finalized and their daughter is now legally theirs. Awesome.
Another dear friend of ours is with her family (husband and 3 kids) in Uganda right now...been there for 2 weeks and won't return until Thanksgiving! Their family is about to grow from 5 to 7...
Once again--awesome.
(This is their family's blog: http://goodnightdreambig.com/)
And Ryan's sister and her family are about to met their daughter (our neice), and welcome her into their family as they travel to China in a few short weeks. What blessings. (http://prestonpartyofsix.blogspot.com/)
The only news we have received isn't the most encouraging. We have to update our home study and the trail of paperwork that accompanies that. We need to have our fingerprints scanned again for the USCIS and we need our immigration approval extended. But ya know what? These are the things that will bring our son home. And although we have so many stepping stones ahead of us to build the trail, it's being traveled down and we're a-truckin along! There are many many many moments I find myself daydreaming about our travels to Africa in 2014. There are many times I tear up with emotion (or slightly panic) when I think about what it will FEEL like to step off that plane with our boy and have him meet his siblings. And both Ryan and I pray pray pray for this munchkin to be the perfect fit for our family. So our minds and hearts are full and anxious.
Ryan and I have also joined the troops over at http://forthefamily.org/ and will be participating as monthly bloggers/contributers for this great ministry. Check out their blog and be blessed by the many fantastic writers!
Tuesday, September 3, 2013
At least we like roller coasters!!
Got the email today. Moved 1 spot last month. A little different than the 16 we moved in July!
We knew (but had forgotten) that the Ethiopian courts close for 6-8 weeks every fall. This dramatically affects, and almost halts, referrals from coming through.
"The Ethiopian court system closes down for about 6 weeks at the end of every summer to coincide with the Ethiopian New Year. Typically this closure extends from mid-August through the entire month of September. The first cases after the closure are usually heard the first or second week in October."
Sooooo because the courts are closed, we are going to be delayed for a few months.
It was good to be reminded today from a few people that God has the right time for our family and current kids, for our son, and their brother to come home. Trusting in that.
Thursday, August 15, 2013
Seasons Change
Ryan took us on a detour tonight. We Packed the car up (why does that take so long after only being at the lake for 2 nights?), threw Jammies on the kids, graham crackers in each lil' hand...and therein began our familiar 50 min trek home.
But, we took a detour. He wanted to see the "homes out in the country...cause...ya never know Lib!" 😉 There IS something kinda magical about the countryside. I think I would get lonely if we lived out there, but what do I know? Anyways, while exploring tonight, we came across this field. Right next to a corn field but it wasn't corn that was growing. Not sure exactly WHAT it is. Ellie yelled from the backseat, "mom! That field is raspberry looking! Whyyyyy?"
This picture barely captures it--but it was lovely as all get out. Green around the edges, tan hay of some sort underneath, and then that "raspberry" or reddish colored stuff on top.
(Ha! Anyone who is remotely educated in farming is legitimately chuckling at me right now).
But here's the deal...I felt like it was a field of in-between.
In between two corn fields.
In between green and beige--hence, raspberry...
In between summer and fall.
In between seasons.
That's our life right now. We are in between. And it's uncomfortable at times.
One week left of summer and school begins. A new schedule and routine awaits. In between seasons.
Ryan and I are both training for races right now. We have to keep plugging away at the running yet fear race day! In between seasons.
Ellie is battling being a little kid but growing up and experiencing maturing emotions (I think that's the nice way of saying it)--and she is in between.
We wait for the day when our call comes from the agency telling us who our son will be. No control. Nothing we can do to speed it up or hand select this soon-to-be Snow. We are IN BETWEEN. In between our familiar and even rather predictable life right now and...well, not exactly sure. But a lot of change ahead.
God has been working on me this summer. I think He's been digging deep in me as a mom, a friend, a wife, a family member...I'm having to surrender control and trust God bigger. I guess that's what He asks of us in in-between times.
Ironically my little Griff's memory verse from church last month was this...
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. (Proverbs 3:5, 6 NLT)"
So we learn together. :)
Thursday, August 1, 2013
Get Outa Town!!!!
That's what I said when I opened my email today.
And then I screamed.
:)
T'was a good day and a good report for our monthly update.
Our hearts are racing a bit tonight, and we have a bit more of a kick in our steps---as we moved 16 whole spots in July!!!!
Yesssss! Praise God for this news. And, moving those 16 spots actually puts us right at #16 on the list now.
Only 15 people ahead of us. 15 more people who are waiting for their face, name, and picture, to show up in their inbox. Maybe only 10 or 12 are requesting 0-2 boys like us...?
WE. ARE. SO. CLOSE
My mind kind of skips to the what-if's at this point...now anticipating a quicker timeline than we were even just 2 months ago.
So, unless for some reason referrals stop happening altogether the next two months, we could very well be "meeting" (via email) our little dude oh so soon. :)
Once our agency matches us with a child, very soon after we receive our court date and book flights to travel to Ethiopia for trip #1.
Lots of joy and smiles at the Snow household tonight. We celebrated with a game of PIG under the basketball hoop, and some leftover ice cream pie. It was a little bit easier tonight, for us to imagine our little man joining the fun (or complete chaos) before too long.
But...
Psalm 16 is appropriate tonight. For a lot of reasons. Not only is 16 the magic number today, but this was the Psalm I read in its entirety to Linda, my mother-in-law, the last time I ever saw her. It was a moment I will never forget and treasure that we shared together before she went to be with Jesus. She would be rejoicing with us tonight as well. This I am certain.
"Lord, you alone are my inheritance, my cup of blessing. You guard all that is mine. The land you have given me is a pleasant land. What a wonderful inheritance! I will bless the Lord who guides me; even at night my heart instructs me. I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me. No wonder my heart is glad, and I rejoice. My body rests in safety." (Psalms 16:5-9 NLT)
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