Not Good News

We have finally received word on our court appointment. As you have probably guessed, it isn't good news. Here is part of the email we received from Laurel, our case worker:

I spoke to our in-country staff representative this morning and learned that he has not yet completed the court approvals due to back-ups at the Ministry of Women's Affairs. Recently, with the court re-opening, the Ministry has been overloaded with requests for dossier approval letters. They were unable to process our requests on Wednesday and asked our liaison to return next week for the letters. After he has the letters in hand, he will be able to request new court appointment dates.

Basically, this means that the paperwork needed to go to the court was not processed. We need to get back in line for another court date and can't do that until next Wednesday.

We are obviously disappointed; however, God has been so faithful in bringing these children to us that I know He will be faithful in the rest of the wait. Romans 8:26-28 comes to mind.

"In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will. And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

So as in every stage of the process, I have to remind myself to trust in God and rest in his perfect timing. As my mom said, no one likes to wait, but I know our children will be placed in our arms at just the right time.

Probably the hardest thing about today is that today is our son's first birthday. I knew that I would not get to be with him on his birthday, but my arms still ache for him. I would like to give him lots of birthday hugs and kisses and let him know how very glad I am that he entered this world one year ago today. I'm sending him my love, hugs, and kisses until I can get there to lavish them on him in person. Happy Birthday, Little One!

P.S. We can't share his picture until a successful court date, so you'll just have to trust me when I say that this is the cutest one year old in world. (I may be slightly biased.)