November 12, 2011

Our one year anniversary of entering the waitlist was on October 27th, and I couldn't help but think that a year ago when we headed out for Trick or Treating with the boys we were planning what our daughter might be for Halloween this year, certain she would be with us by now...

Our official number for October was #31.

Our agency just emailed out their monthly update and one part of it brought great encouragement in this time when our souls are wearing from waiting and the end result still seems so far out of reach. I have include this portion of the update below.



"We understand that these past several months in the Ethiopia program have been difficult for many of you. Over the course of the past several months, many of you have walked with us through several changes in the adoption process in Ethiopia, increased wait times due to program changes, obstacles in your adoption journey, or changing requirements. Yet, here you are, continuing to be faithful in this journey of adoption that God has called you to.

You have chosen a hard road in adoption -- he road less traveled -- and while God knew it would be hard, He still called you to this. He has asked you to step out in this adventure. He has placed on your hearts a specific child and is working to bring together your stories. Why this particular journey? We do not know the God's reasons for the specifics of each of your journeys. We do know, though, that He knew this journey when you started; He still wants you on this path, and the child that you are waiting for -- the child He has asked you to trek this journey for -- is worth that wait in whatever stage of the process you may find yourself today."



Thank you for walking this road with us...we are grateful for the ways you carry us when the journey seems too long and for the emotional wounds you have bandaged when the path has gotten rough and for the nourishment you provide for our spirits when our own provisions are low. We know that we are not on this journey alone and that in itself brings me hope. Happy Thanksgiving in this time of gratitude for all the blessings we have in our lives!