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Friday, April 11, 2008

doubting

I promise that I will stop posting about American Idol after this, but I want to share this last thought.

As I mentioned, I downloaded the song "Shout to the Lord" from itunes after Idol Gives Back. I know the song well from various worship cd's, etc. and I have now listened to this particular recording multiple times and the Lord has used the words to be a balm to my soul the past 24 hours.

Yesterday I saw a post on a yahoo group saying they had just received a referral and they prayed they would make it through court before it closes in August.  Wow, it hit me in the gut. For those that don't know, the Ethiopian courts close each year for a time during the rainy season.  It is too difficult for many that don't live in Addis to travel the dirt roads, so they close. The time changes each year but it is usually sometime in August-beginning of October.  (please feel free to comment if I have this off)  Bottom line: if you don't pass court before they close, you wait until they reopen, get a date and travel in the fall.  We are currently praying that we travel this summer sometime.

I stewed on that for awhile, and then was comforted by, 

"mountains bow down and the seas will roar at the sound of Your name"  

"nothing compares to the promise I have in you"

"my Jesus, my Savior, Lord there is NONE like you" 

"my comfort, my shelter, tower of refuge and strength"

"I sing for joy, for the works of your hands"

"wonders of your mightly love"

"let every breath, all that I am, never cease to worship you!"

Why would I stop trusting in His perfect timing now?  Why would I question whether or not our paperwork will arrive in Ethiopia at the perfect time, why would I doubt that we will travel at the perfectly appointed time?  Well, I am a sinner for starters.  I was overcome with gratitude as I listened to the words.  I was awed that He would have this song sung to millions on the most popular show in television, and that He used it to minister to me at a time when my mind was doubting. 

Thank you Lord for your provision.  Thank you for caring for B and W in Addis right now. Thank you that you are the Father to the Fatherless and you have ordained this from before the foundation of the world.  I long to be with my children, I pray that it is soon, but I am thankful that You are in control and I will rest in that today.

I would ask that you would pray on our behalf.  That we would complete the necessary paperwork, that it would get to Ethiopia quickly, that we would get a court date shortly after that and that the judges in Ethiopia would find favor on our kids and our family.  

I have several friends that need our prayers as well for successful court dates.  Please pray for Eric and Tara and The Thorne family.  Several families are traveling now too!  I can't wait to see pictures!!!


16 comments:

Shelly Roberts said...

Praying here!!!! .... and I totally can relate to your post. Blessings~ Shelly

Anonymous said...

I really hope you get through court before closure. I think you will, it's only April, I think you have a good 3.5 months. Hang in there! You're almost there!

:) Jamie

Laura said...

Hi,

I feel all that you are saying. We are currently waiting for a court date and never did I feel, after all these years of trying to expand our family, that this would be the hardest part.

I am praying for God's strength to carry me through until we meed our little girl. I have full faith that the Lord will bring us together when it is right.

God bless...

Gwen Oatsvall said...

you know I am praying here ... you always give me strength sister ... i do have a questions do the children know you are coming for them ??? when are they told ... it just hit me as I was reading your post how you await their sweet touch ... perhaps they too are filled w/ the excitement of their new family !!!

i will always stand in the gap for you in prayers !!! luv ya ...

Lori said...

Remembering God's faithfulness and love for us is such a lifeline. You're so on the right track with this attitude. Even though we weren't caught with a rainy-season delay, we still (as you know) got caught with an unexpected two-month, gut-wrenching, inexplicable delay that had us clinging to our knowledge that God is on our side. He loves us. He loves these children. He loves families.

Melinda said...

We are waiting for our dossier to be approved so we can accept a referral of an 8 year old girl. I am hoping our dossier is sent by the beginning of May and that we will travel in August. Just remember most of the time the courts are hearing cases up until they close which is the end of July/beginning of August, so if your case is heard the end of July you will travel in Sept. I will pray for your case, but I am certain you will pass before court closure. God is faithful and His timing is always perfect!

Nicholas said...

Wait, wait, wait.... don't get ahead of your sweet self sister! You're WAY off here!!! I don't see any way that you'll be involved in the court stuff (but then again I'm a wacko). Doubtful at best.

Simmer down and just breath Momma! You're in hibernation mode and want your babes... while I don't understand that 100% yet, I will soon... In the meantime, take things one step at a time, and things WILL unfold in the favor of your W & B and you.... HE WILL NOT DO YOU WRONG...

I love you- Don't fret of future time frames to come - you're not in control, but you are in control of your task(s) at hand today...
xoxox lori

ps... They have already been chosen to the A-Team, no worries babe!

S. said...

I will be praying for you! I havn't had time to share on my blog everything about the timing of our journey to Amelia--but I can tell you that God's timing IS perfect! It is absolutely amazing the way our family was protected in so many ways and while I did experience doubt during the wait and didn't understand why we couldn't have traveled in November, it is so very clear now that God's plan is better than what we could ever imagine!

Laurzie said...

Maybe I'm wrong and your new agency operates on a different timeline, but I think you're getting worried needlessly here, Emily. We got our referral in early July and travelled mid-August, and although I know that was a super rush, I still think you've got plenty of time.
But, considering how loooooooong of a wait you've endured I can definitely understand you're feeling anxious about more waiting.
Here's the thing: Our Lord, the God of all Creation, the Beginning and the End, has got it all under control... and He loves you more than we can possibly understand until we're in His presence! He's got your back, Em, and He's working it out for you!
Yes, we're PRAYING for you and will continue to do so!!! travel! I can imagine how much you ache for your babies to be in your arms, so we will pray in FAITH that it is before the court closures until it is so.
Don't worry, don't be anxious, push every discouraging or fretful thought away. Rest in the fact that our great big God is in charge of every detail.

Big hug and looking forward to that shared 'rita and guac and sunset experience! xoxo

Candy said...

Am comforted too, Em, in ALL THINGS that His timing is always perfect, His will, good, pleasing and perfect.
Eph. 1:11 is a heart-stopping verse. Our continuing issue is that we as His creatures still long for His role as Creator/God-- same issue as in the Garden. We bow the knee to His plan which has been from all eternity. Praying with and for you.
Mom

These Three Kings said...

praying for you...remember that the Kings heart is in the Lords hands

did i tell you that is my favorite worship song of all..first song i sang after i became a christian :)

love you

These Three Kings said...

praying for you...remember that the Kings heart is in the Lords hands

did i tell you that is my favorite worship song of all..first song i sang after i became a christian :)

love you

Erica said...

We are absolutely praying for you guys! Confident that His timing is perfect. Praying for peace in your hearts.

God knows the desires of your hearts.

Anonymous said...

Hi Emily,

Feeling your adoption labor pains here,
praying while you sleep or try to ... here in Hong Kong...

shannon

Paige Horras said...

Hey Emily! I hope you don't mind that I added your blog to my friends list so that I can check in from time to time and see how you and your family are doing! I am keeping you guys in my prayers.
Paige

HoodMama said...

Praying for you here sweet sis.

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"Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from becoming polluted by the world." James 1:27
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