Wednesday, May 20, 2009

To pass court in Ethiopia takes perseverance :)

It is funny how a day can start with such anticipation and a hope of life-changing news... and by the end of the day, it was as if that day was a year ago and nothing new is under the sun. Well, this is honestly how I can describe today. I woke several times last night-- obviously anxious for the upcoming news-- court. Did we pass? Did we not? I would wake up and think, could they be seeing our case now?........ What about now? ......... Maybe now???

Well, it was none of those times. Our case never even made it before the judge. Most of the cases from our agency for the day didn't make it before the judge. MOWA (Ministry of Women and Children's Affairs) decided that one of the pieces of paperwork needed to process our court appearance was outdated and needed updating. I won't bore you with the details. The bottom line is, Tony and I need to have a piece of legal paperwork re-signed, notarized and certified. Then we will overnight this paperwork to AWAA and they will forward it on to Ethiopia. This all must happen before June 16th-- our next chance at court.

Our reaction? We feel pressed-in on and maybe a little under fire. I know that my response to this matters. It matters just as much as the circumstance itself. We certainly are not the only family by far to have detours in the journey of adoption. Nor are we even in the minority. I have watched families for 18 months now walk this road. I have a cloud of witnesses who have gone before us, who are with us now and who follow behind us. And who am I to be dissatisfied with God's mighty ways? Or hang my head in dispair instead of making my petitions to Him with all praise and thanksgiving?

Shortly after I hung up with our agency upon hearing the news of no court, I heard these words clear as day:

2Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. (James 1: 2-4)

Not just once, but over and over. It was a whisper, but clear and true. Is this easy for me to do? No. It is a moment by moment choice. And even then, only by the Grace of God which lives in me and makes me new.

So... we did not pass court. We didn't even make it to court. That's okay. Tony and I went out for dinner by ourselves and drown our sorrows in nachos and beer-- just kidding!! Well, sort of :) We had a nice evening out and tooks some time to process the news, adjust our thinking, make plans and move forward. We're also thankful for all the friends and family who are praying for us and walking the road of adoption with us.

And now... look to June 16th. It's our next chance to become Joshua B. and Rebekah S.'s mom and dad. We're excited to bring these two home to Team D!!!

Grace and Peace,
Shari

7 comments:

jill coen said...

Sorry. I love your perspective. Use JAG so you don't have to do the certification step. :) We'll keep praying and cheering for Team D!!

kim said...

Shari
Today was a rough day but God is faithful. Hoping you and your hubby had a nice evening. It would be GREAT if we still got to travel together. June 16th!!! Praying with you :)
Kim

Michele said...

I'll mark 6/16th on my calendar and trust that His time is perfect.

Jealous about the nachos and beer part. not so many nacho opportunities in the great frozen tundra. Eli asked last week if Isaac could come and visit...
miss you guys

ethiHOPEia said...

Shari,
So sorry that you are going through these delays. But you are right, it is so common to come across bumps in the road...it still hurts tho. I will be praying for things to be all together on the 16th.
Hilary

Apryl said...

Shari,
I've been out of town, and didn't hear anything. I figured that if you would have passed, I would have heard. I've been praying and will continue. In reading your post I kept thinking how wonderful it is that Tony is home during this time. So, so sorry that this happened! Praying for the 16th--
much love, apryl

Kari said...

Shari,
I'm late posting, but trying to catch up this weekend. I'm so sorry you didn't pass... I'm praying that miracles pour on June 16th. I LOVED your post!!! I am committed to following behind you & cheering & praying!!
Is it OK if I add your blog link to my blog list? I'm trying to keep up with our AW families. Please feel free to add us too:)
I'll be blog stalking to hear miracle news soon!!!
xoxo
www.simplyloveproject.blogspot.com

Carpenters said...

Oh, I am so sorry to hear the news. Getting that call that says you didn't pass is just awful. You do have such a good perspective. For me, it took a good hard cry and a hug from a friend who said God will work it all out to get that perspective. June 16th is coming soon. We'll be praying.

Love,
Penelope