"The Ride"

It has been 7 months since we started the application process. We are filled with excitement, waiting to see what little guy God has for us. It hasn't been easy, waiting, wondering, and not understanding why things happen the way they do….like Ethiopia changing adoption laws. We know that the new laws are better for the Ethiopian people but it will be so hard for us! If you are wondering what the changes are, I will fill you in. Ethiopia now requires a 2-trip process. The first trip requires adoptive parents to travel to Ethiopia, meet their child, and attend the first court date. Then we have to leave, leaving our little boy there. We return home and wait for the final court date, which could be 4-8 weeks later. When we get the call, we will travel back to Ethiopia to bring our baby home! I can’t wait for that day!

This journey has been a roller coaster ride…Jeff loves roller coasters, I don’t…they make me sick! I would love to say that this roller coaster ride is different but it is not. It is not the same type of sickness but more of an emotionally draining one. However, God is good. Every time I hit one of those drop off, low points, God brings someone in my life that brings me up…right at the perfect time. And for those of you who know me, you will laugh at this…it always happens at Starbucks.

In April, right after I found out that Ethiopia changed their laws, I was sitting at Starbucks talking to some friends about the changes. I was telling them that I just needed God to tell me that this IS what he wants us to do. I explained how I was feeling about having to leave this little boy after meeting him face to face and knowing the love I already have for him, I can’t imagine how that will intensify when I hold him. As we talked, a man sitting at a table near us, turned around and ask if we were talking about Ethiopia. I told him that we were, that my husband and I are adopting from there. He told me he was from Ethiopia! We sat for the next 45 minutes and he told us all about his years growing up in an orphanage in Ethiopia. He, his wife and 2 children live in Yakima and he was so excited to hear of our adoption. He invited our family to join his family in celebrating Ethiopian traditions. How crazy is this!!! Not crazy at all when you know God is in control… I need to keep reminding myself of this!

Since then, things have moved slowly…it seems like we have had to complete “one more thing” for months. In June, I was at another low point. This time I was outside of Starbucks and I saw a little African boy running around. He was with a “white” lady. I thought, “that will be me someday”. I wanted to ask her if he was her son, if he was adopted, but I didn’t have the courage. I don’t know why because I wouldn’t care if someone asked me that. I saw that she was talking to someone I knew. After they finished with their conversation, I went over to the girl I knew and explained that Jeff and I are adopting from Ethiopia and I was wondering if she knew if he was adopted. She smiled and said, he is adopted from Ethiopia and I would love to introduce you. I met Ky and his mom. Ky is full of energy and laughter and has the sweetest little voice. On this day I fell even more in love with my little boy that I don’t even know yet. Again, God knew what I needed and showed me His love through Ky.

Today, June 24, 2010, we are finally on the wait list. What does this mean….well, we wait. We wait for the perfect little boy that God has for us. We have been told that the wait time is about 8-10 months. So for the next 8-10 months, I will continue to remember Jeremiah 29:11-14…“For I know the plans I have for you”, says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. I will end your captivity and restore your fortunes. I will gather you out of the nations where I sent you and will bring you home again to your own land.” God has big plans for our family and I can’t wait be apart of His plan!