Today's News

So, just to be perfectly honest, I really don't want to write a blog today, but I know that many of you have prayed for us and love us and are wandering what is going on.

So, here's what we found out this morning- we were told first that our case wasn't even brought before a judge today, and then that was clarified, and we found out that our case was heard, but the judge will not give a final ruling until December 28th- an entire week of hanging in limbo, not knowing if the adoption will be revoked.  We are heartsick, tired, angry (not really at anyone in particular), overwhelmed, deeply saddened, frustrated, and so on.  This has become one of those nightmarish stories you hear on the news- one that everyone assumes will never happen to them, and yet, here we are.  If you are considering adoption, please don't let our story scare you away.  We have countless friends that have adopted with relatively no drama- our story is the rarity.  In fact, it is our understanding that our situation has actually never happened in Ethiopian international adoption.

I am reminded again that although our world has been turned upside down by the events of the past several months, He still holds the world in His hands, and He is not the slightest bit surprised by what has happened.  We are strengthened by the knowledge that His power is made perfect in our weakness- and we can honestly say we've never been weaker.

Your continued prayers are coveted.  There are three things that are currently weighing most heavily on our hearts- First, pray for the judge to be granted the wisdom of The Lord- that she would, like Solomon, see with whom the child belongs.  Secondly, pray for Addie- can't even verbalize the fears we have for her, should the adoption be revoked.  Thirdly, pray for our sweet Payton.  She talks about Addie daily and prays for her every night.  Her heart will be completely broken if this does not work out, and I'm not sure I can stand to see that.

We're praying that each curve and bump in the road is just another opportunity for our Lord to show His might and glory- another way to prove there is no denying His hand at work.  However, the reality is, He may have other purposes for this adoption, and those purposes may not lead to Addie coming home.  We are trusting Him no matter what, and praying that He is glorified no matter what- I do want to add, though, that our trust makes this easier- don't know how I'd still be standing at this point without Him- but trust in the Father does not make this easy.  He never promised that our lives would be easy.  He just promises that He will walk with us, and that, Praise Him, He has won the ultimate victory.

I just thought about the following song- one of mine and Billy's favorites.  I actually had it on a draft of a blog I wrote but never published back in February, when the wait for a referral was seeming to drag on forever.  Little did I know that the struggle had just begun.  I'm so thankful that the truths of our God remain no matter our circumstances.