Sovereign God...

Because the Sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be dismayed. Therefore, I have set my face like a stone, determined to do His will. And I know that I will triumph. Isaiah 50:7

The past 24 hours have been full of emotional ups and downs. Uncertainty, relief, excitement, worry, thankfulness, hope, longing. You name it, we have had it.

First, we have the best adoption agency on the planet (I realize that I am biased, but I will not waiver- it is true). There have been some significant changes to the Ethiopian adoption program in the past couple of days, and they have been so compassionate, proactive, and concerned in their communication. When Brandon and I were choosing our agency, core Christian values were at the top of our list, and this situation has brought to light the wonderful impact of that decision. God has blessed us with so many people to walk this path with, whose constant reminders of the faithfulness of our Lord overshadow the heaviness of this process.

The changes, in the long run, are good...looking out for the best interest of our child, of their biological parents, and ultimately, for us. First, instead of making only one trip to pick up our kiddos in Ethiopia, we will be required to make two trips. First, we will travel shortly after our referral to meet and "accept" the kiddo. The pros: we will meet and bond with our kiddo sooner, get to experience them and create memories at a younger age, get to have more time in Africa (for me, this is always a plus!),have more time to experience the culture, more travelers to take donations to Hannah's Hope (a super cool bonus to spoil our kiddos better) and ultimately be able to share these special memories with our kiddos. The cons: because we will not have likely went to court yet, the kiddo is not officially ours yet on the first trip. This means a couple things- they will have to stay at the orphanage...we can spend time with them there, but cannot have them with us at the hotel or take them anywhere. Bummer. Also, there is always the possibility that we will meet and bond with our kiddo, and then the birth parent may change their mind before the court case is final. Another big heart bummer... Also, we will have to leave our kiddo to come home without them, wait for an unknown amount of time for the court case to be heard, passed, and our embassy appointment before we can go back to get them...likely 6-8 weeks minimum. BIG heart bummer! The minor bummers are the extra time and financial strain of two trips, but God has already taken care of that! So, we are processing what this really means. Likely, the processes are going to be elongated, as more people will be travelling, more time to get kiddos out of the orphanage (less room for new ones), and generally just a longer wait! BUT- what we do know is that God's timing is perfect! The date is picked. He knows exactly when we will hold those kiddos in our arms for the first time, and He promises to hold us- both now, and when we have to leave them behind! So for now, we wait and we pray...especially for those families a little further along than we are. Their uncertainties are so much greater in many ways. They know their kiddos, and they have less time to prepare all around- especially financially. So we are lifting everyone up now, in this uncertain time of change for our kiddos. Thankfully, God is Sovereign! King over all our troubles and uncertainties.

Secondly- we talked to K today to get new official numbers- that is always fun. (Although Sara does an amazing job keeping track unofficially for us during the month, it is always great to hear that official spot!) So, without further ado...

Girl- 37

Boy- 25

Siblings- 14

Yay! How fun is that! And, how cool is it that we know about more referral activity last week that these numbers do not reflect yet! More fun to come with the April updates! AND- even more cool (as if!)...3 infant girls, 3 infant boys, 1 toddler girl, and 2 sibling groups found their forever families this month! God is so amazing!

For the final bit of good news today...we received our Favorable Determination Letter today! My husband, God love him, came into the house with the mail saying, "Hmm, I wonder what we got from immigration?" As I am screaming (the neighbors could hear, I have no doubt), my Gracie dog is looking at me like I am nuts, as is, now, my husband (probably because I am jumping up and down and screaming at this point, wildly opening the envelope). In deed, our "permission slip" to become parents to our African blessing is here... the last piece of the paper puzzle...the "golden ticket". He says, "Congratulations, Momma", and as we hug tight, I say, "You too, Daddy." Ahhh...melt...sniff...Thank you God for this ray of sunshine in our cloudy day. (I have to laugh a little...someone actually gave us permission to be parents? Oh, boy!)

"There aren't even words to describe just how great You are. In all Your majesty, You continually provide for me. There just isn't anything that You can't do. Lord, I've seen Your work before, so I will trust You all the more, because You are...

You are the Sovereign God, bigger than all my problems. And in every situation, there is nothing too hard for the Sovereign God. A wave of Your hand can command the seas to hold their peace. If you can handle the seas, then I know that You can deal with all my needs. So, I will put every situation into Your capable hands. I don't have to know the plan...because You are Sovereign God.

He is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all we ask or think; so take your burdens and lay them at His feet, and watch Him meet the need. We have victory, because You are...

You are the Sovereign God."

--"Sovereign God", by Maurette Brown Clark

Kindra