Here it is folks, our latest adoption update. As most of you know, we went into Lusaka yesterday (again), to try and get someone to tell us what was going on. Our social worker didn't answer her phone all weekend, so we knew it would take just showing up at the social welfare office.
We didn't know what to expect, and as usual, we were shocked to find out what she had to tell us. The social welfare director has ordered the social workers to go through their list of applicants to see if there is a "better" fit for J and E, than our family. In 3 weeks from this past Friday, if they haven't found any families that are suitable, then we will get to adopt them. Maybe. Yes, even then, it still isn't a sure thing.
There were many thoughts and feelings we had as we processed this news. First was definitely the injustice of it all. The injustice that we are being discriminated against for being white and for having two biological children. We had no clue that this would ever be used against us in the journey of adoption. Second (for me anyway), was hurt. This lady has never even met me or asked to meet me or met our biological children. How can she judge if I will love our adopted children the same or how our adopted children will interact with our biological children? 3rd, was sadness...Sad for the boys...they don't deserve this. I imagined what they will do in 3 weeks if another family comes and says we are going to be your mom and dad??? How confused they will be... After coming to know us as their parents for the last 3 months, calling us mom and dad, excited to be in our family, and to put their world of hurt behind them. The house mothers told us yesterday, that J asks for us everyday. He says, "When are my parents coming?" "When can I go with them?" During our visit yesterday, the house mother shared with me that J used to open up all the time about his mom passing and would share about his former life, but since we have come into his life, he has regained some joy and excitement about his future and doesn't talk about his past much anymore. They both got in our car yesterday and E threw a fit when it was time for us to go, and I had to take him back inside. How sad it was to tell them they couldn't go with us, and even sadder, that we can no longer tell them that they will come with us soon. Lastly, was the feeling of defeat. I don't want to feel this way, but man, does it keep creeping in. 3 more weeks stuck in this waiting game. Like we haven't spent the last 3 months there already. Can I do it? Can I sit here for 3 more weeks being hopeful, but also trying not to be hopeful, so that I am not crushed it is not the news we desire to hear?
To be brutally honest, it has already been really really really tough moving here and living here. So much has been out of our control and out of my comfort zone. And to know that out of this, we may go home without the main reason we came is difficult. This is not to be seen as a complaining section, but just a glimpse into the difficulties of a halfway across the world move and jumping into a 3rd world culture so different than one's own. From dealing with termites, loneliness, always being stared at, the motor bike accident, having no running water, frequent power outages, crazy insane grocery stores, people not doing their jobs at all or with any sort of integrity, not having certain foods, not having my own car to jump into and go somewhere, not ever feeling "clean" or "beautiful", missing my parents something terrible, feeling left out and out of touch with friends, not having parks/libraries/swimming pools/etc. to take the kids to (although I know most of those things my Iowa friends are not doing right now anyway due to cold!), missing holidays and other celebrations/traditions, our container never arriving and living on borrowed items or doing without, seeing our friends get stolen from, being looked at always like we should be giving money to anyone who asks, and more. And this last blow really got me down yesterday.
But thankfully, I serve a big, awesome, faithful, loving, grace-filled, powerful God. He has gotten me through the last 5 and a half months and filled me with more peace and patience than I ever dreamed I could have. There have been many times when I have wanted to give in, pack up, head home, but He has always shown up, giving me chance after chance to get out of the pit, and depend on Him and Him alone. This is something I greatly desired out of this year here in Zambia, and my good Father is providing that for me. He will see me through whatever else happens here and anything else in my life. I trust in Him.
So...we press on.
Philippians 3:12-14 "Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Jesus Christ has made me His own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead. I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."
God has called us here for many reasons, not only adoption, and we will press on to do the work God has for us. He is worthy of every effort, every sacrifice. And as my husband calls me away from the computer to look at the stars, which are indescribable to anyone that hasn't been here, we are blown away by God's beauty and grateful for this chance to live and serve here.
Final Note:
March 14th is the day we are supposed to hear about our adoption. Would you continue to join us in prayer over the next 3 weeks, that God's perfect will be done in our lives and in the lives of these two young boys? We thank you so much in advance. When we hear, we will be sure to post and let you all know.
Loving like Jesus, Living for Jesus, and Learning about Jesus is what we are about!
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
Tuesday, February 18, 2014
I've Heard that One Before...
That meeting that was supposed to happen on Friday, then on Monday, then on Tuesday at 12:30, then on Tuesday at 4:30, is now supposed to happen FIRST thing tomorrow morning. We have dealt with many delays here such as getting our car, the container, packages from the states, even other delays in the adoption process, but this one takes the cake.
We went to Lusaka today. I just had a feeling if we sat here in Chongwe and waited for a phone call, it just might never come (and I think I was right). Even though it was super hard, we stopped to see the boys first thing. It had been over 2 weeks, which is just too long for me, and I didn't want them thinking we had disappeared on them. My heavens they have been through enough in their short lives already. It was sooooooo good to see their little faces and give them hugs. We are still working on hugs-it's too sad to even talk about how they really don't even how to give or receive a hug. When we had to go, Mickey went to tell the housemothers we were leaving, and J grabbed his hand. I didn't think J was going to let go, Mickey just said, "I know it is hard, we are trying our best to come get you soon." He has really grown attached to Mickey. E tried to get in our car a few times. I had to say, "not this time buddy". "Soon."
After the visit, we went directly to the social welfare office. We were determined to meet with someone today who would listen to us. Thankfully, our social worker was there and told us her phone is not working to make calls, but can send and receive texts, but that she was also out of "talk time". (Talk time is minutes or data or amount of texts you can load onto your phone, there are no monthly plans here.) We quickly gave her some money to buy some talk time, and she assured us she would keep us up to date. I am thankful for the time we could talk with her face to face too. I needed to be assured she is on our side and wanted to know what she plans on saying to the director. It was a great conversation and we went over what happened last week and some things that she could say that would maybe change the director's heart. She told us to wait around Lusaka as they were supposed to meet at 12:30. After waiting around all day, she texted later and said not till 4:30. We decided to go home at that point, because of the length of drive and supper, and really in the back of our minds, we didn't think the meeting would actually happen today.
And of course, we were right. Got a text soon after we arrived home, that said now it is first thing tomorrow morning. I will believe it when I see it.
Anyways, how are we doing??? Honestly, I think I have been through every emotion you can go through, from sad to mad to peaceful to impatient to stressed to restless to confused to thankful to you name it, I have felt it. God has been working overtime on me this past week. I am blown away by all the love shown and prayers said for us though. This is truly the body of Christ at work and I am so incredibly thankful to be a part of it. And the prayers are working. During this time of waiting, God has shown me that He is good. He is constant. He is sovereign.
Hebrews 13:8 says, "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever."
If I believe that Jesus is the son of God, who died on a cross for my sins, even though I don't deserve His sacrifice. And because of that death, I can receive eternal life through Him, and I know He hasn't changed since that day, then I can't claim He is being bad to me now. I can't say He doesn't know what He is doing or that He should just do what I want. God cares about me. He knows the number of hairs on my head.
Matthew 10:29-31 states:
29 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. 30 And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
What a caring God. He knows me better than I know myself. Which means, He knows what is best for my life and I do trust Him in that.
So, thanks again for praying for us, I feel at peace and ready for whatever decision comes our way. I know either decision will be met with tears, hopeful for the happy variety, but I know God (with the help of all of you), will dry up any sad tears that might have to flow.
We went to Lusaka today. I just had a feeling if we sat here in Chongwe and waited for a phone call, it just might never come (and I think I was right). Even though it was super hard, we stopped to see the boys first thing. It had been over 2 weeks, which is just too long for me, and I didn't want them thinking we had disappeared on them. My heavens they have been through enough in their short lives already. It was sooooooo good to see their little faces and give them hugs. We are still working on hugs-it's too sad to even talk about how they really don't even how to give or receive a hug. When we had to go, Mickey went to tell the housemothers we were leaving, and J grabbed his hand. I didn't think J was going to let go, Mickey just said, "I know it is hard, we are trying our best to come get you soon." He has really grown attached to Mickey. E tried to get in our car a few times. I had to say, "not this time buddy". "Soon."
After the visit, we went directly to the social welfare office. We were determined to meet with someone today who would listen to us. Thankfully, our social worker was there and told us her phone is not working to make calls, but can send and receive texts, but that she was also out of "talk time". (Talk time is minutes or data or amount of texts you can load onto your phone, there are no monthly plans here.) We quickly gave her some money to buy some talk time, and she assured us she would keep us up to date. I am thankful for the time we could talk with her face to face too. I needed to be assured she is on our side and wanted to know what she plans on saying to the director. It was a great conversation and we went over what happened last week and some things that she could say that would maybe change the director's heart. She told us to wait around Lusaka as they were supposed to meet at 12:30. After waiting around all day, she texted later and said not till 4:30. We decided to go home at that point, because of the length of drive and supper, and really in the back of our minds, we didn't think the meeting would actually happen today.
And of course, we were right. Got a text soon after we arrived home, that said now it is first thing tomorrow morning. I will believe it when I see it.
Anyways, how are we doing??? Honestly, I think I have been through every emotion you can go through, from sad to mad to peaceful to impatient to stressed to restless to confused to thankful to you name it, I have felt it. God has been working overtime on me this past week. I am blown away by all the love shown and prayers said for us though. This is truly the body of Christ at work and I am so incredibly thankful to be a part of it. And the prayers are working. During this time of waiting, God has shown me that He is good. He is constant. He is sovereign.
Hebrews 13:8 says, "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever."
If I believe that Jesus is the son of God, who died on a cross for my sins, even though I don't deserve His sacrifice. And because of that death, I can receive eternal life through Him, and I know He hasn't changed since that day, then I can't claim He is being bad to me now. I can't say He doesn't know what He is doing or that He should just do what I want. God cares about me. He knows the number of hairs on my head.
Matthew 10:29-31 states:
29 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. 30 And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
What a caring God. He knows me better than I know myself. Which means, He knows what is best for my life and I do trust Him in that.
So, thanks again for praying for us, I feel at peace and ready for whatever decision comes our way. I know either decision will be met with tears, hopeful for the happy variety, but I know God (with the help of all of you), will dry up any sad tears that might have to flow.
Thursday, February 13, 2014
Feeling the Love...
Mickey and I want to say our sincerest, most heartfelt thanks to all of you and your support of us during this time of sadness and uncertainty in our lives. We could not believe all the text messages, emails, Facebook posts/messages/shares, and phone calls in the last 24 hours. Truly amazing and we are praising God for each one of you tonight...you have no idea what all of this does for our hearts and spirits.
God has gotten us through this day, although it felt like one of the longest days ever, and now we pray fervently that first of all, this meeting will take place tomorrow. Having been here for some time now, we know that most don't really keep to appointments or a schedule, so we pray the meeting will happen, good or bad. Because if not tomorrow, then it won't be until at least Monday. Can't really imagine just hanging out all weekend waiting...Second, please pray that our social worker will be able to clearly communicate to the director who we are, what we are about-our character and how we will love these boys AS OUR OWN, how we have bonded with our boys, and her belief that it is in the best interest for these boys to become our sons. And finally, again, pray for us. We are trusting in God and know that His will is perfect, but if we are being honest, if His will is for us to not be able to adopt J and E, it will take a lot of time and strength to move on from this.
Thank you all again. We hope you know what you have done for us by simply being there and praying. God bless and we will post tomorrow no matter what.
God has gotten us through this day, although it felt like one of the longest days ever, and now we pray fervently that first of all, this meeting will take place tomorrow. Having been here for some time now, we know that most don't really keep to appointments or a schedule, so we pray the meeting will happen, good or bad. Because if not tomorrow, then it won't be until at least Monday. Can't really imagine just hanging out all weekend waiting...Second, please pray that our social worker will be able to clearly communicate to the director who we are, what we are about-our character and how we will love these boys AS OUR OWN, how we have bonded with our boys, and her belief that it is in the best interest for these boys to become our sons. And finally, again, pray for us. We are trusting in God and know that His will is perfect, but if we are being honest, if His will is for us to not be able to adopt J and E, it will take a lot of time and strength to move on from this.
Thank you all again. We hope you know what you have done for us by simply being there and praying. God bless and we will post tomorrow no matter what.
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
My Heart is Broken in Two
Today was probably our worst day here in Zambia. We started out the day just fine, me doing a craft at the preschool, then heading into Lusaka to try and get a signature to start the fostering period for our boys. Mickey actually got in right away to the necessary office and was told to wait for a phone call to come back later to speak with the director of social welfare. So far, so good. But after taking the kids to a movie, eating, and grabbing a few groceries, it all went pretty south from there. Mickey got the phone call to come for the meeting, so the kids and I stayed in the car. I am thinking the whole time, oh my goodness, he is going to get it, and we are going to go pick up our boys right now??? Woohoo!
And that's when it happened. He came out, told me the discussion, and my heart broke in two.
Apparently, the director told him she does not want to approve our adoption. She believes that because we have two young biological children, that we will not be able to give our adopted children enough attention and love. She gave the excuse that she has stacks of applications from people who want to adopt, but have no children, why should she give these two to us? She told us we went about the process the wrong way because we aren't supposed to self identify.
I will just address these concerns to you, just like my husband did to her. To her first reason, we will love these children exactly the same, there will be no preference, no favoritism. We will do the best we possibly can to care for these children as our own. We value family and the calling God has placed on our lives, and it won't be easy to have 4 young children, but we know God will equip us with all we need. To her second reason, there are over a million orphans in this country, if there are people who want to adopt, why aren't they adopting? There is no reason in the world that people should have to wait too long in this country to find a child who needs a family and a home. That is your job to help those families, not ours. We would love to see those stacks cleared off your desk. To her third reason, we were told we could self identify after a month of trying to work with various social workers and having no one work to find us a child/children to adopt. With only being able to be here for a year, we couldn't afford to wait so we started visiting orphanages. We felt connected to our two boys so decided to seek out their orphan status, and on it went from there. We would have loved to have someone help us with that process, but since no one was, we decided to get to it.
So there are the details, now here are the feelings. I feel like I have been punched in the head, my body hurts, and I can't stop crying. These boys just started calling me mom during the last few visits. We have visited them weekly for 3 months, spent time with their dying father, and gotten to know their extended family. In my head, when I look at my family, I see them. I don't know what they are thinking right now. We haven't been there in a week, we were going to go today, but just couldn't after that meeting. They know we want to adopt them. Ughhhhh...I can't get their little faces out of my mind. I can't take the thought of them not being my children...
But...family and friends, we have one last effort we are making and that is where you come into play. Our social worker is going to meet with this director on Friday to try and convince her otherwise. Would you please join me in continuous prayer that her heart would be changed??? That she would decide it is in the best interest of the children to be with us??? That her reasons would be silly in comparison to the fact that we love these boys and these boys love us and this is the right fit??? And please pray for peace for Mickey and I in the waiting. I just blogged about waiting and I am pretty sure I have blogged about it several times since we have been here. Waiting is tough and I think this will be the toughest waiting period in our lives, but I know if you would cover it in prayer, God will fill me with peace and the best decision for these boys will be made on Friday.
Thank you, I will post more on Friday as soon as we hear.
And that's when it happened. He came out, told me the discussion, and my heart broke in two.
Apparently, the director told him she does not want to approve our adoption. She believes that because we have two young biological children, that we will not be able to give our adopted children enough attention and love. She gave the excuse that she has stacks of applications from people who want to adopt, but have no children, why should she give these two to us? She told us we went about the process the wrong way because we aren't supposed to self identify.
I will just address these concerns to you, just like my husband did to her. To her first reason, we will love these children exactly the same, there will be no preference, no favoritism. We will do the best we possibly can to care for these children as our own. We value family and the calling God has placed on our lives, and it won't be easy to have 4 young children, but we know God will equip us with all we need. To her second reason, there are over a million orphans in this country, if there are people who want to adopt, why aren't they adopting? There is no reason in the world that people should have to wait too long in this country to find a child who needs a family and a home. That is your job to help those families, not ours. We would love to see those stacks cleared off your desk. To her third reason, we were told we could self identify after a month of trying to work with various social workers and having no one work to find us a child/children to adopt. With only being able to be here for a year, we couldn't afford to wait so we started visiting orphanages. We felt connected to our two boys so decided to seek out their orphan status, and on it went from there. We would have loved to have someone help us with that process, but since no one was, we decided to get to it.
So there are the details, now here are the feelings. I feel like I have been punched in the head, my body hurts, and I can't stop crying. These boys just started calling me mom during the last few visits. We have visited them weekly for 3 months, spent time with their dying father, and gotten to know their extended family. In my head, when I look at my family, I see them. I don't know what they are thinking right now. We haven't been there in a week, we were going to go today, but just couldn't after that meeting. They know we want to adopt them. Ughhhhh...I can't get their little faces out of my mind. I can't take the thought of them not being my children...
But...family and friends, we have one last effort we are making and that is where you come into play. Our social worker is going to meet with this director on Friday to try and convince her otherwise. Would you please join me in continuous prayer that her heart would be changed??? That she would decide it is in the best interest of the children to be with us??? That her reasons would be silly in comparison to the fact that we love these boys and these boys love us and this is the right fit??? And please pray for peace for Mickey and I in the waiting. I just blogged about waiting and I am pretty sure I have blogged about it several times since we have been here. Waiting is tough and I think this will be the toughest waiting period in our lives, but I know if you would cover it in prayer, God will fill me with peace and the best decision for these boys will be made on Friday.
Thank you, I will post more on Friday as soon as we hear.
Friday, February 7, 2014
Waiting, Trusting, and Praying
If there was one thing, one lesson, one description of our time here in Zambia so far, it has been one of waiting. Nothing moves fast here. And it is amplified to us coming from America, where everything is done in lightning speed and when something isn't done fast somewhere, we go elsewhere or when something isn't done fast, we figure out a way to get it done quicker. Am I right? Well, guess what, there is no way to make things move faster here. The Internet is slow. You have to drive slow on the roads because they are so terrible or there are so many people and animals you don't want to hit anyone. The grocery lines are long and then if you want to pay with a credit or debit card, they have to get a machine from someone else and get it to connect to the Internet, and well, see above comment. Mail is painfully slow. The Zoo-Phonics curriculum left America on December 17th and I have yet to see it here. Our container left America last March and has sat in Mozambique since July (hello-it's February and it's only a country away), and still isn't here-many crazy holdups.
I just asked my hubby what else is slow here-his response, "What isn't slow?"
Lol.
And that just about sums it up...But the one thing that is really testing my patience right now, is the government offices being slow. We have been trying to start the fostering process of our two boys for the last two months now and it is one hold up after another. First, it was the social welfare officer in Chongwe who decided to go on a 2 month holiday so we had to find someone else to do our home study. Second, it was trying to get permission from the mom's side of the family who lives in Kasama, about an 11 hour drive from here so we couldn't necessarily hop in the car and get there quickly, so we were trusting another family member to work it out and get the signature. 3rd, it has been trying to get the boys Under 5 cards (their version of a birth certificate) from the family in Kosama. Praise the Lord our home study is now complete, we have signatures from both sides of the family, and we have their Under 5 cards. But now, we are waiting on a signature from someone in government so we can begin fostering. We were told it would be last Friday, then this past Monday, then he wasn't going to be in the office until Friday, but would surely sign it then. Well, guess what???? Nothing today...we can't get a hold of our social welfare officer. So, no boys yet and honestly, it feels like it is never going to happen. One little signature is all we need. How can it be so difficult?
We don't know if they are confused or what they are thinking right now. They have been told we are trying to adopt them and the housemothers refer to me and Mickey as mom and dad, but then when we only visit once a week, we wonder what the thoughts are in their heads. Do they think this is what adoption means? That their mom and dad stop by and see them once in a while??? That might sound silly to you, but these two boys have grown up basically on the streets, with no one caring for them, no concept of family being taught to them.
We want to be their family. We want to care for them and love them. And it is difficult to understand why it isn't happening in our timing.
But that is just it-I have to remind myself, that God has the best timing, He has already designed the perfect moment, perfect situation, perfect place, perfect everything. I can't see it yet, or understand it yet, but He's got this.
He knows what I can't see.
So for now, I pray. I pray that His will be done. I trust in who He is and what He is about. I know He is good.
And I look forward with great anticipation to discover His purposes in this wait and to share the story of God's faithfulness with my two new sons someday.
"Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful." Hebrews 10:23
Some pictures of our day with them the other day, we got to bring them to our hotel in Lusaka since Mickey's parents were here to visit.
I just asked my hubby what else is slow here-his response, "What isn't slow?"
Lol.
And that just about sums it up...But the one thing that is really testing my patience right now, is the government offices being slow. We have been trying to start the fostering process of our two boys for the last two months now and it is one hold up after another. First, it was the social welfare officer in Chongwe who decided to go on a 2 month holiday so we had to find someone else to do our home study. Second, it was trying to get permission from the mom's side of the family who lives in Kasama, about an 11 hour drive from here so we couldn't necessarily hop in the car and get there quickly, so we were trusting another family member to work it out and get the signature. 3rd, it has been trying to get the boys Under 5 cards (their version of a birth certificate) from the family in Kosama. Praise the Lord our home study is now complete, we have signatures from both sides of the family, and we have their Under 5 cards. But now, we are waiting on a signature from someone in government so we can begin fostering. We were told it would be last Friday, then this past Monday, then he wasn't going to be in the office until Friday, but would surely sign it then. Well, guess what???? Nothing today...we can't get a hold of our social welfare officer. So, no boys yet and honestly, it feels like it is never going to happen. One little signature is all we need. How can it be so difficult?
We don't know if they are confused or what they are thinking right now. They have been told we are trying to adopt them and the housemothers refer to me and Mickey as mom and dad, but then when we only visit once a week, we wonder what the thoughts are in their heads. Do they think this is what adoption means? That their mom and dad stop by and see them once in a while??? That might sound silly to you, but these two boys have grown up basically on the streets, with no one caring for them, no concept of family being taught to them.
We want to be their family. We want to care for them and love them. And it is difficult to understand why it isn't happening in our timing.
But that is just it-I have to remind myself, that God has the best timing, He has already designed the perfect moment, perfect situation, perfect place, perfect everything. I can't see it yet, or understand it yet, but He's got this.
He knows what I can't see.
So for now, I pray. I pray that His will be done. I trust in who He is and what He is about. I know He is good.
And I look forward with great anticipation to discover His purposes in this wait and to share the story of God's faithfulness with my two new sons someday.
"Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful." Hebrews 10:23
Some pictures of our day with them the other day, we got to bring them to our hotel in Lusaka since Mickey's parents were here to visit.
 |
| "E" |
 |
| "J" and Daddy |
 |
| Opa and "E" |
 |
| I am in for a wild ride, you think??? :) |
 |
| All the children tackling poor daddy-haha! |
Waiting, Trusting, and Praying
If there was one thing, one lesson, one description of our time here in Zambia so far, it has been one of waiting. Nothing moves fast here. And it is amplified to us coming from America, where everything is done in lightning speed and when something isn't done fast somewhere, we go elsewhere or when something isn't done fast, we figure out a way to get it done quicker. Am I right? Well, guess what, there is no way to make things move faster here. The Internet is slow. You have to drive slow on the roads because they are so terrible or there are so many people and animals you don't want to hit anyone. The grocery lines are long and then if you want to pay with a credit or debit card, they have to get a machine from someone else and get it to connect to the Internet, and well, see above comment. Mail is painfully slow. The Zoo-Phonics curriculum left America on December 17th and I have yet to see it here. Our container left America last March and has sat in Mozambique since July (hello-it's February and it's only a country away), and still isn't here-many crazy holdups.
I just asked my hubby what else is slow here-his response, "What isn't slow?"
Lol.
And that just about sums it up...But the one thing that is really testing my patience right now, is the government offices being slow. We have been trying to start the fostering process of our two boys for the last two months now and it is one hold up after another. First, it was the social welfare officer in Chongwe who decided to go on a 2 month holiday so we had to find someone else to do our home study. Second, it was trying to get permission from the mom's side of the family who lives in Kasama, about an 11 hour drive from here so we couldn't necessarily hop in the car and get there quickly, so we were trusting another family member to work it out and get the signature. 3rd, it has been trying to get the boys Under 5 cards (their version of a birth certificate) from the family in Kosama. Praise the Lord our home study is now complete, we have signatures from both sides of the family, and we have their Under 5 cards. But now, we are waiting on a signature from someone in government so we can begin fostering. We were told it would be last Friday, then this past Monday, then he wasn't going to be in the office until Friday, but would surely sign it then. Well, guess what???? Nothing today...we can't get a hold of our social welfare officer. So, no boys yet and honestly, it feels like it is never going to happen. One little signature is all we need. How can it be so difficult?
We don't know if they are confused or what they are thinking right now. They have been told we are trying to adopt them and the housemothers refer to me and Mickey as mom and dad, but then when we only visit once a week, we wonder what the thoughts are in their heads. Do they think this is what adoption means? That their mom and dad stop by and see them once in a while??? That might sound silly to you, but these two boys have grown up basically on the streets, with no one caring for them, no concept of family being taught to them.
We want to be their family. We want to care for them and love them. And it is difficult to understand why it isn't happening in our timing.
But that is just it-I have to remind myself, that God has the best timing, He has already designed the perfect moment, perfect situation, perfect place, perfect everything. I can't see it yet, or understand it yet, but He's got this.
He knows what I can't see.
So for now, I pray. I pray that His will be done. I trust in who He is and what He is about. I know He is good.
And I look forward with great anticipation to discover His purposes in this wait and to share the story of God's faithfulness with my two new sons someday.
"Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful." Hebrews 10:23
Some pictures of our day with them the other day, we got to bring them to our hotel in Lusaka since Mickey's parents were here to visit.
I just asked my hubby what else is slow here-his response, "What isn't slow?"
Lol.
And that just about sums it up...But the one thing that is really testing my patience right now, is the government offices being slow. We have been trying to start the fostering process of our two boys for the last two months now and it is one hold up after another. First, it was the social welfare officer in Chongwe who decided to go on a 2 month holiday so we had to find someone else to do our home study. Second, it was trying to get permission from the mom's side of the family who lives in Kasama, about an 11 hour drive from here so we couldn't necessarily hop in the car and get there quickly, so we were trusting another family member to work it out and get the signature. 3rd, it has been trying to get the boys Under 5 cards (their version of a birth certificate) from the family in Kosama. Praise the Lord our home study is now complete, we have signatures from both sides of the family, and we have their Under 5 cards. But now, we are waiting on a signature from someone in government so we can begin fostering. We were told it would be last Friday, then this past Monday, then he wasn't going to be in the office until Friday, but would surely sign it then. Well, guess what???? Nothing today...we can't get a hold of our social welfare officer. So, no boys yet and honestly, it feels like it is never going to happen. One little signature is all we need. How can it be so difficult?
We don't know if they are confused or what they are thinking right now. They have been told we are trying to adopt them and the housemothers refer to me and Mickey as mom and dad, but then when we only visit once a week, we wonder what the thoughts are in their heads. Do they think this is what adoption means? That their mom and dad stop by and see them once in a while??? That might sound silly to you, but these two boys have grown up basically on the streets, with no one caring for them, no concept of family being taught to them.
We want to be their family. We want to care for them and love them. And it is difficult to understand why it isn't happening in our timing.
But that is just it-I have to remind myself, that God has the best timing, He has already designed the perfect moment, perfect situation, perfect place, perfect everything. I can't see it yet, or understand it yet, but He's got this.
He knows what I can't see.
So for now, I pray. I pray that His will be done. I trust in who He is and what He is about. I know He is good.
And I look forward with great anticipation to discover His purposes in this wait and to share the story of God's faithfulness with my two new sons someday.
"Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful." Hebrews 10:23
Some pictures of our day with them the other day, we got to bring them to our hotel in Lusaka since Mickey's parents were here to visit.
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| "E" |
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| "J" and Daddy |
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| Opa and "E" |
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| I am in for a wild ride, you think??? :) |
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| All the children tackling poor daddy-haha! |
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