Adoption Update

For those of you who might be wondering, here's the latest adoption news. Our court date is scheduled for April 10 (Good Friday, or now potentially Great Friday!). Court takes place in Ethiopia. We have signed power of attorney to an Ethiopian attorney who will take all of our paperwork, all of Rosie's paperwork, and an approval letter from the government agency that oversees international adoptions before a judge who will ensure that everything is in order. If he feels that it is, then he will declare Rosie to be legally our daughter. Approximately 30% of families do not pass court the first time, so we are attempting to prepare ourselves for that. For me, the underlying theme in this adoption has been learning to rest in the sovereignty of God. Not just to acknowledge it, but to actually let go and to rest in it. It's not easy. The struggle to get there isn't pretty, but oh, the release and peace when I do. So, as much as I hope and pray that we pass court on our first attempt, my bigger prayer is that I will truly let go and rest in the truth that God is in control, and He will work all things for my good.

If we pass court, then our travel dates will be April 25-May 2. My Mom is going to travel with me. I am currently working on travel logistics and trying to find the best prices and options for travel. Not that there are that many options! Addis Ababa, Ethiopia doesn't seem to be one of the tourist hotspots!

For this week, adoption "jobs" are: to get all of the travel paperwork faxed to our agency, to make a final decision about which airline to use, and to get an appointment for more of my travel vaccinations.

Anyhow, that's where we are. I know that the international adoption process is somewhat of a mystery for those who aren't fully involved in it, so if you have any questions, please feel free to leave me a comment, and I'll try to answer them.