10 Day Update - Ethiopia

Today was the day the we were hoping to hear something from the Parliament regarding the direction of International adoption and how they would like to proceed where the care of orphans is concerned in Ethiopia.  Unfortunately no announcement was made today from Parliament and it could take another week or longer.

While this is frustrating, AWAA has noted they have heard some positive feedback from officials over the last few days and some regions have acutally completed clearances for children waiting to be adopted.  This is good news in itself.  We will have to wait and see what happens. God is moving in Ethiopia and I believe he is hearing all of our prayers.

Please continue to pray and I will keep you updated as to where things stand.  Though we were hoping for more news, any news of movement is an anwered prayer today.

I have been praying over a couple of scriptures that have given me comfort while we wait that I have listed below:

"The Lord directs the steps of the Godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble they will never fall for the Lord holds them by hand." - Psalm 37: 23-24

"The Lord will guide you continually, giving you water when you are dry and restoring your strength" - Isaiah 58:11 NLT

"Wait with hope, hope now, hope always." - Psalm 131:3

As Daniel always says "God can do anything mom, because he is God"

Update on Ethiopia - Fasting and Prayer

Last week our agency had a conference call to update all of us on the current "scare" of Ethiopia shutting down International adoptions.  While the agency feels strongly that a shut down won't necessarily happen there will be some kind of reform.  What that looks like at this time no one really knows.  We do know that by January 13th, next Monday we should have some answers on what is happening.  Here is a blog post from our agency - they are doing a 3 day fast in prayer for the outcome of this decision in Ethiopia:

http://adoptedbydesign.typepad.com/blog/

Please join all of us as we wait and pray.  On my way into work this morning I was listening to my Sidewalk Prophets CD and the song Help Me Find It came on.  Here are the lyrics, it really hit home today:

I don’t know where to go from here
It all used to seem so clear
I’m finding I can’t do this on my own

I don’t know where to go from here
As long as I know that You are near
I’m done fighting
I’m finally letting go

I will trust in You
You’ve never failed before
I will trust in You

[Chorus:]
If there’s a road I should walk
Help me find it
If I need to be still
Give me peace for the moment
Whatever Your will
Whatever Your will
Can you help me find it
Can you help me find it

I’m giving You fear and You give faith
I giving you doubt
You give me grace
For every step I’ve never been alone

Even when it hurts, You’ll have Your way
Even in the valley I will say
With every breath
You’ve never let me go

I will wait for You
You’ve never failed before
I will wait for You

[Chorus]

I lift my empty hands (come fill me up again)
Have Your way my King (I give my all to You)
I lift my eyes again (Was blind but now I see)
‘Cause You are all I need
[Chorus]

 The lyrics to this song are a perfect reminder as we sit and wait that God is in control.  We need to turn to him and let him Help us find peace in his will.  He can move this mountains we just have to pray, trust and wait.  Will you please join us in praying and fasting on January 9th - 11th?

Praying our baby boy home.  Hopefully 2014 will be the year.