June update

Praying family and friends,

Unfortunately, we found out today that not only do we not have the signature we need, but that the regional director/head is literally refusing to sign for our case (and others as well).  This, of course, is devastating news, and also confusing as we don't understand WHY.  Our agency is trying to get further understanding but it makes no sense to us.  

We also received medical updates updates on our kids today.  In one aspect, it's thrilling to receive any tidbit of information about them and pour over the pages to learn more.  However, it also points out the start reality that they are growing in an orphanage and we are missing it.  Our daughter grew 2.9 inches and gained 3 lbs.  Our son grew 3 inches and 6 lbs.  This seems (to me) to be astronomical growth for just 5 months so I'm not sure if it's totally accurate.   However, I am extremely thankful they are being well fed and cared for that their little bodies are growing.  

I'm not sure if we will figure out this regional signature in time.  I'm not giving up hope yet but I'm trying to come to grips with the reality that we most likely not meet our kids until October.  

Four Months

FOUR MONTHS.

We accepted the referral of our kids four long months ago.

Prior to September, before all these new processes were put in place, families traveled to see their kids approximately two months after their referral and went to bring them home at around the five month mark.  If we were still in the old way if doing things, we would be packing up, preparing to travel again to bring them home.  

Words cannot describe the frustration, anger and helplessness we feel as parents right now.  Our hearts are overflowing with love and care for these children...and we have the least amount of power to do anything about bringing them home.  

We still are in need of a regional signature- it has been sitting on the desk of a director for months now.  As soon as this paper is signed, we can continue to move forward again.  It makes zero sense to us on how this could be taking so long.  Furthermore, Ethiopia's courts close mid-August through October because of the rainy season.  This means that if we don't get this signature within the next week or so, there will not be enough time (due to all the paperwork processes) to travel for our first trip before this closure.  If we cannot move forward with our case before the closure, it will be at least eight or nine months before we are able to go see our kids.  The thought of nothing happening for two months and our kids continuing to live in an orphanage unnecessarily is totally unacceptable and maddening to us.  

We do believe God has greater plans than us. We sure don't understand His plans sometimes, but believing in Him is the only thing that keeps us sane right now. Our hope is in HIM.  We pray that HE comforts our son and daughter every day.  We pray their hearts are drawn to us as they look at the photo books we sent.  We pray they are well fed and cared for in the orphanage.  

Please pray for a miracle to happen.  Also, there are several families in our agency who have also been stuck like us...but they have each already has their referrals for 6-8 months.  Not making it before the court closure for them would be absolutely devastating.   Praying miracles for them would also be appreciated.

Thanks for continuing to pray,

Kamarah

Hebrews 10:23 "Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful."