May Adoption Update

I haven't posted any update recently because there hasn't been anything to report.  Unfortunately, there are so many twists, turns and delays in the world of international adoption and we are attempting to be patient through it all. However, we do have three updates:

1.  The awesome news - on the US paperwork side - our case has been reviewed by the USCIS office and they are now forwarding our information on to the US Embassy in Addis Ababa.  Even though there are still many steps to move forward, we rejoice in this progress.  PROGRESS!!  

2.  The we-still-wait news -  We continue to wait on a document from the regional director.  We've needed this for three months now....she was in Korea for three weeks and has returned.  Still no signature.  This has been frustrating to wait on, but there is nothing we can do to make it happen.  We must wait and pray that we get this document SOON.

3.  The kids - Our kids seem to be doing very well!!  As time has passed and we receive new photos of them, we have seen more smiles!  We have also been given a handful of short videos which are treasures to see them moving, smiling and waving!   It's hard on our hearts to see months go by, but they are well cared for at the orphanage and our hearts are grateful.     

Please continue to pray for all these documents to get be completed and for some serious forward movement.  

One Step Closer

Praise the Lord!  We found out today that we got the RFE that we have been waiting for!!  Although the document needs to get to the capital city, get translated, then sent to us before we can send it off to the USCIS office, it's still an important step forward.

Sitting at a standstill, waiting for something to happen is no fun . . . it actually, at times, feels excruciating.  We are tremendously grateful to have received photos and videos of these precious kids on the other side of the world.  Every time we get a new one, our family gathers around to see their faces . . . their smiles . . . any little clue to try to know them better through these pictures.  Our hearts continue to grow in love for them. . . truly a miracle and mystery only God could orchestrate.

In addition to praying for the RFE to get in our hands quickly, we continue to ask for prayer for obtaining a regional signature.  This document needs to be signed by one person. . . we are hoping and praying he/she can do it SOON so we can make continued progress.

Tomorrow I am painting Awune and Mamo's room!  It's exciting to continue to create a place here that will welcome them to our  home.  We can't wait!!