So close we can almost taste it...

I can not believe we're finally able to say this but...to the best of my knowledge (after extensive blog and discussion board stalking !!!) we are at the top of the list for a referral of an infant.  Actually, we're tied for the spot of who's been waiting the longest...which actually is great news because that means that the likelihood of getting a referral soon is starting to feel more like a reality than a far off dream.   Last Thursday, we learned of a referral for a 12 month old and then Friday while on the road to Wes' parents I learned of another referral for an 11 month old.  So- we're at the top!!!  We've watched our names slowly, slowly, slowly creep up the list.  A year ago we were on the 'working on formal application/homestudy' section.  Now, we're at the top of the pile!  Now- we've got to keep our expectations and hopes in check.  Those last 2 referrals took over 6 weeks to see any movement.  Others may jump ahead of us and we may still have awhile.  We see this as God's way of saying 'on your mark, get set...'   We're just waiting and praying that He'll say 'GO' very soon!!! 

OR

In the meantime, suddenly the suspense of knowing if Baby Roth's a boy or girl is just killing me!  So, just for the fun of it- what do you think?  I'd love to hear your guess- so, cast your guess today by leaving a comment.  I've got my guess picked but I'm not tellin' : )

Let'er Roll!

This is exactly what my life has felt like for the last month or so.  These past few weeks have been especially busy with things constantly flying past me, needing attention.  Last Friday, I submitted my National Board Teacher Certification box for review and I left for a 6-day state FCCLA adventure the same day as well.  One current state officer, one in-coming state officer, a dozen chapter projects, one workshop, 24 candidate interviews, and a van load of 'stuff' later and well... we're on the down hill roll.  I think the conveyor belt has worn out and its time to call it good 'till next year. 
If only our adoption process could pick up the speed like Ethel and Lucy's chocolate conveyor!!  : ) Ahh, but in the mean time... I think I just need some chocolate! 

Waiting on You

Here we are at eight.  It was eight months ago today that our pile of paperwork took flight for its adventure abroad.  Since then we've been waiting...and waiting....and waiting.  Funny how intricately God knows our hearts-
This morning, I headed out of the house, stopped to pick up my morning Common Cents coffee and headed out for another day of school.  Typically, I just like to ride in the quiet of the morning.  Talking to God, praying and organizing my brain for the day.  The radio was on really quiet but for some reason as I hit the interstate this morning...I turned up the radio.  And God smiled at me : ) It was the song 'Waiting' and the sky above was blue with wispy clouds and fresh morning sunlight was just pouring over the land and my heart was full.  So, very full.

 I'm waiting. I'm waiting on You, Lord.And I am hopeful.I'm waiting on You, Lord. Though it is painful. But patiently, I will wait. I will move ahead, bold and confident. Taking every step in obedience.  While I'mwaiting. I will serve You. While I'm waiting.I will worship. I'm waiting. I'm waiting on You, Lord. And I am peaceful. I'm waiting on You, Lord. Though it's not easy. But faithfully, I will wait. Yes, I will wait. I will serve You while I'm waiting. I will worship while I'm waiting. I will serve You while I'm waiting. I will worship while I'm waiting. I will serve you while I'm waiting. I will worship while I'm waiting on You, Lord.

 Just another example of God's 'random i-pod'.  This is in a nut-shell where we are in our adoption.  People ask- how are things with your adoption?   And, we say 'waiting'.  One little word but really, we're waiting on the Lord.  Its painful but we're waiting.  We're remaining bold and confidant in the Ethiopian adoption process.  We're walking in obedience while we're waiting.  And, along the way we're worshipping in our waiting.  Or trying our best to accomplish this.  This morning on the way to work it was a Number 6:24-26 encounter with God.  He definitely did shine His face upon me (quite literally actually) and He was gracious in lifting my soul and gave me peace.  And, there were tears of hope and confidence and peace. 

As I drove along, I couldn't help but remember another time God played this song in His random i-pod... my new husband and I were cruising down a gravel road in the G6 late on the night of June 6th just a couple years ago.  We had both waited many years for that day to come and what a blessed, incredible day it was. 

Today, we're at eight.   We're not where we thought we'd be come April but, we're where God wants us to be.  Thank You Jesus for loving us and filling up my heart this morning.  Its gonna be alright- we can't wait to meet you Baby Roth.  Oh, we've been praying and praying and praying for you. In the meantime, we'll be waiting to hear from God just who you are!! : ) Ohhhh, my goodness how we look forward to that day!! : )  



Movin' Past March...

Its so fun to see how and when people are thinking of you, Baby Roth!  This morning, my phone vibrated meaning I had a text.  And, this sweet pic was a great way to start the day off.  My mom and sister are visiting New York this week and they were at Rockefeller Center this morning.  And, they thought to find the Ethiopia flag!!!  How awesome it was so fun to see Grandma Berry-to-be with the Ethiopian flag! 
Today, also means that March is not our month.  Hmmm, kind of a theme here.  I can truly say that I absolutely CAN NOT believe how quickly this spring and school year is flying by.   Thank goodness because it helps to make the waiting go faster.  School is super, incredibly busy right now.  State FCCLA is approaching way too fast and my huge National Boards box is due the day we leave for state FCCLA.  Yikes, I've got more than enough to keep my brain 'occupied' while we sit near the top of the wait list. 
The good news within all of this craziness is that...the yard is turning green, spring showers are definitely here and our days until referral are in fact getting closer!  We did hear from our conference call that referrals are taking about 8-9 months right now for our age range.  This coming week, we'll hit 8 months.  But...(there's always a but, ya know), I'm putting less and less value into these estimates.  You see, when we hit 5 months- referrals were taking 6 months, when we hit 6 months- referrals were taking 7 months, we hit 7 months and now they've been taking 8 months.  So, hmmm, what are the odds that when we hit 8 months...referrals will hit 9 months.  Truly God only knows : ) So, I'll say it again- we sure do hope that April is our month.  Historically, April has been a great month for us.

A year ago tomorrow, we met with our social worker 'just to get some questions answered' because we were still 'deciding'.  Ha, looking back that meeting is a bit comical... we met our social worker in person that day.  We had our little notebook of questions and said 'we really hadn't decided for sure- just trying to make our decision'.  So, we hopped in the car, drove to Taco Johns (which is like 2 blocks away), ordered and sat down.  Actually, we didn't even get sat down when Wes said "I think we should adopt."  And, well- there we had it.  The only question left was, so like can we just go back and tell her we want to start like right now?  We took a deep breath, waited for the weekend to pass and Monday morning I called Renee to say.  Yes- we're in!!  And, oh what a journey its been ever since!

Me too...R You?

Humming Along...

Just wanted to pass along to everyone that the boards have been full of great news today!!!  So many prayers answered today for many families who have waited a very long time to move onto the next phase of the process.  Thanks everyone for praying for Ethiopia- God's listening!  We're hopeful that the process is starting to find its new rhythm.  It reminds me of the old hymn I've played so many times for church at home...

"To God be the glory, great things He has done..." 

We can't wait to see it all unfold : )

Isn't it amazing at how precisely and thoroughly God can work on our weaknesses?  Hang out with me for too long and you will know that I can not stand indecision.  I often say, yes or no- doesn't really matter, I just need to know what the plan is.  Ahh, and there's where God has been laughing these last 10 days or so.  I've been saying 'how fast or slow?' to and He's been giving an indecisive answer lately.  We often say that God has the most interesting sense of humor!

We have been in contact with our agency this week.  We haven't learned a whole lot but we do know a few things...
- referrals are still happening (a 6 month old baby boy was matched this week)
- 16 children were matched with families last month.  And, there are only 2 families ahead of us on the discussion boards. 
- new people have been hired within the Ethiopian court office who are now working on the backlog of court cases
- the time between the court date (first trip) and the embassy appointment (second trip) will likely be much longer
- there are rumors of an increase from the number of only processing 5 per day.  But, this is only a rumor!!! 
- God is in control!  That pretty much says it all!

So, we hope this beautiful Saturday morning finds you well.  We're headed to an auction for the day- one of our favorite ways to spend the day together and maybe find a few sweet deals on the cheap.  Please, keep praying for Ethiopia, the children there, the families here and all the decision makers along the way.  Thanks so much for the kind words this week and encouragement!