Waiting, Waiting.....I'm trying to be patient...

Since the last post, not a lot has happened with the adoption process itself. Our Home Study is complete, which is a true blessing. The ONE snag we're waiting on is our Child Abuse/Neglect clearances from Maryland. They were received there in Baltimore Dec. 22nd. It's so hard and I definitely do not understand....understand why God would allow this delay in the process, because that means one more day, one more week, one more month that Emma will spend in the orphanage.

Even though my flesh cries out and I am sad to think about her in the orphanage, I know that God is sovereign and we're waiting on these docs for a reason. But, it sure would be nice to know the reason.

Our Electronic Approval was submitted to the CCAA Jan. 18th, so we're waiting on our PA (pre-approval)...could be another week or two on that.

So, if you're reading this, please pray, PRAY earnestly, that the stuff in MD would be processed ASAP so that we can complete the Dossier. Meanwhile, we attended an International Adoption Seminar at UAB last Sat. Matthew's parents kept the girls for us. It was good, and very informative. Some of the things were very difficult to hear.

1. Many orphans are told that if they come to the USA, their organs will be harvested.
2. Many orphans are told that if they are 'bad' they will be sent back.
3. Many orphans are singled out as the 'favorite' in their particular orphanage, which means those not selected as the 'favorite', may not be treated well...abused, neglected, etc.

Undoubtedly, we are facing a long, hard road when we return. However, we know that with God, all things are possible. We were encouraged to keep her at home for about 3 months after we return and delay enrollment in school, to make sure that bonding/attachment issues are worked on; language is more stable, etc.

PLEASE, please, we covet your prayers. In many ways this adoption is so different than Jing-Jing's. In the midst of it all, and when it seems so overwhelming, I am filled with an inexpressible peace; peace knowing that we are doing what He has called us to do.

So, in the meantime, what do you do? We have an Older Child online training to complete....I have some books to read....and on Monday, Feb. 8th, we're going to B'ham for training to become AWAA Associates in AL. I wanted to do this after we moved here, but it just wasn't the right time then. Now it is....so we embark on yet another part of this whole adoption journey....to commit to sharing w/other families the "Spirit of Adoption."

I Love You, Emma!!!!