One Year Waiting

Tomorrow marks one year waiting for a referral for a precious child from Ethiopia. As I reflect on this year, I can see God preparing me to become a parent. I have learned so much from reading, researching, and "watching" others experience adoption. I thank God for this journey and really don't know how I would do it without Him. There have been many highs and lows for sure......

When I think about this year, I picture myself in a loooooooooooooooong, slooooooooooowwwwwwwww line waiting for my number to be called.

Every time I get close to the front, someone moves the line or hands out new numbers. For example, at the beginning of my wait, the Ethiopian government announced a new requirement. Adoptive parents would make two trips to Ethiopia (no sweat, I love Ethiopia) instead of one trip. Then, this spring, the Ethiopian government announced slow downs to ensure ethical adoptions (how can I argue with this?).

So, my waiting continued. As I waited in "line", I learned so much. I talked to others in "line", read, and researched. I was even been able to learn from others who were way ahead of me in "line" (so happy for this family).

Countless times my feet (my heart if I am honest) grew weary from standing in the adoption "line" for so long. (I do admit that a few times I threw a pity party for myself.) I must say that each time I felt a pang of weariness, something happened. God always sent someone or something to encourage me. It might have been a friend or family member checking in to see how things were going. Often, it was a word from someone else who adopted. Other days it was a humbling donation to my puzzle fundraiser. Many times times it was a unexplainable peace that could only come from the Prince of Peace.

Be still, and know that I am God.

Psalm 46:10

but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Isaiah 40:31

This week, my agency sent out new estimated wait times. Read below to see the news......

•Current wait times for families requesting boys 19-36 months: 12-18 months

•Current wait times for families requesting girls 19-36 months: 14-20 months

As I stand here in "line" I have to chuckle. Just as I get to 12 months of waiting, the wait time has increased. As I receive this news, I feel frustration.....then peace....and then hope. I am certain that this peace and hope can only come from Christ who strengthens me.

I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

Philippians 4:13

So, in "line" I proudly stand. Proud to have made it this far. I haven't ever felt like I should get out of "line". Not once...(I have wanted to cut a few times though )

I take comfort in Scripture. Our Sunday School lesson this week was on the Israelites and the wilderness. I found comfort in the words of Moses to the people of Israel.

So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.

Deuteronomy 31:6 NLT

See, I know that God is with me in this adoption "line". He has gotten me this far. He will not abandon me. I find peace in knowing that He is ahead of me too. He knows my destination and He is leading me there. In "line" I proudly stand. At the end is my child.

Please keep "BB" in your prayers. I will take a few too. I can't wait to tell "BB" about all of you. Thanks for taking this journey with us and for checking in. If you need me, I am over here patiently in "line".

Katy