Ethiopia Update/Prayer Request

Some changes are occurring in Ethiopia that COULD affect the timing of our adoption. We want to inform you of these so you can be praying along with us. The US Department of State posted a notice regarding Ethiopian adoption. The full content of the notice can be found here and speculates possible delays for cases presented to MOWCYA, also known as the Ministry of Women, Children, and Youth Affairs (formerly called MOWA) after March 8^th. The US Department of State hosted a meeting on April 5th regarding Ethiopian adoptions and findings from a joint trip of USCIS & Department of State officials to Ethiopia at the end of January 2011. A hand out from this meeting can be found through the following link: Handout Notes.

In light of this, our adoption agency is hosting a conference call this afternoon for all of us in the process of adopting from Ethiopia to explain more details, answer our questions, and bring assurance to our fears. They are not at this point alarmed that this will remain this way. Often, new leadership comes in with new ideas and the desire to change things to "make a name", but with the opposition that this is encountering, they feel positive that it won't stay long. Since the reports of MOWCYA changes in early March, America World, our adoption agency, has continued to see many families pass court in March and April. The recent staff turnover at MOWCYA has even led to many families successfully passing court at their first scheduled appointment. Additionally, we know the court is committed to continuing to process adoption cases in a timely manner.

It's hard to not be concerned through these changes, but God is sovereign and we trust Him, including His timing. We know our son is kept in God's capable hands. As I've been praying for several friends lately in difficult situations of waiting and trusting, I was reminded of our Big God. There is no need that is ever too big for Him! If it doesn't come as we desire or when we want it, we can trust His gracious hands of love are at work for the benefit of all and the glory of His Name. He holds things in His time for GOOD, not harm. I am convinced that once we get to the other side of this (or any trial), that looking back, whether it's on this side of heaven or the other, we will be able to see and exclaim, "What an AMAZING, PERFECT plan! What an amazing, all knowing, all powerful God!"

"...I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day." 2 Timothy 1:12