While life here is moving at the speed of light, things continue to move slowly in Ethiopia. We're still at #5 on the list and waiting for an older sibling referral. This month, we were glad to receive news of the courts reopening after being closed for several weeks during the rainy season. Four children moved off of the waiting child list (WCL) and were matched with their forever families, and a handful of families passed court and embassy after extended waits-praise God! Our hearts rejoice with each new post within our AWAA Yahoo Group Family, and we continue to pray that, soon, we'll write our very own referral post.
Even with this movement, the referral numbers remain painfully low. Some say it's because of a back up of processing related to court closures. Others credit more rigorous background checks called for by the US Embassy. In reality, it's Africa-Who knows? This week, officials from the USE Nairobi are heading to work with the USE in Ethiopia. In order to protect all children, it is very important that all adopted children clearly meet the legal definition of an orphan. We honor the integrity of the USE, despite the increased wait time we face. Please pray over their work. So many precious lives hang in the balance.
Honestly, it's hard not to wring your hands when another Friday passes by without news of a referral and the WCL remains the same. So, we pray.
Our prayers are not sugarcoated- they're raw and simple. "God, we don't want to wait. We want to hold our children, kiss their sweet foreheads, and teach them about you!" Oh yeah... teach them how You taught us to be content, how You have provided and promised to provide, how you will renew their strength. Oh yeah... We know it. We believe it. We wait.
Scripture reminds us of our place. Wait upon the LORD, be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait upon the LORD! ~Psalm 27:14. (I just know the psalmist threw in that last repeat phrase and emphasis for people like me. Thank you, Jesus. You have my complete attention.)
In the meanwhile, we will not stop pleading to heaven; nor will we stop believing that our prayers will be answered. We wait upon the Lord.
Correction: (Ahem) We wait upon the LORD!