I can't believe it has almost been a year since my last post! Our Ethiopian adoption has slowed down to an incredibly discouraging pace. If it were because no children needed homes, that would be fantastic. It is due to corruption in the system and a need for more regulation. I never could have guessed this process would take this long!
A few weeks ago, a friend called us to say that her dear friend's daughter is pregnant and wanting to find a couple to place the baby with through adoption. We were floored. After the phone call, we looked at each other and thought "Why would we not check into this further?". It immediately felt like we were abandoning the Ethiopian journey and I didn't like that part. Everything else though, screamed 'this is it'!!!!!
We met with the birth mom and her mother for lunch and immediately sensed that this was going to be a good match. We have since joined with an adoption agency that deals with this type of situation and things have been rolling along ever since.
The birth mom has the right to change her mind at any time until 10 working days after signing over her parental rights. I feel myself worrying about this but then I realize that her changing her mind to parent would hopefully be in the best interest of the baby and I just have to trust that God is in control of this whole thing.
It seems difficult to reign in the gifts and celebrations for us and the baby. I have decided to just accept them and trust that there will be a little one to fill all the adorable little clothes and swing, carriers, strollers, etc. I am so completely touched by all of the people we know who are celebrating with us!
If all goes through the way we hope, we will be throwing the biggest celebration party that will rival our wedding reception!
As for Ethiopia, we have put that process on hold and can pick back up where we left off if we so choose. I'm not sure what we will do right now, but I can tell you that my heart still longs for that little boy/girl. God has brought the country into our minds and prayers and I hope that it stays there.
