Ok.... time for an adoption update...
We have experienced MORE roadblocks in the past several weeks or so. We have been communicating back and forth with the US Embassy, and to make a very long story short, they have requested that Zoe's birthmother come to Addis Ababa to be examined by one of their physicians. As I've mentioned before, Zoe's birthfamily lives very far away from Addis and the roads into her village are not passable via car right now because of rainy season. This coupled with Zoe's birthmother's medical condition will make this task challenging. Although we don't feel like this exam is necessary (given all the documentation and medical paperwork we have already provided the embassy), it is what it is and we are at their mercy. As we have mentioned before, Zoe's birthmom has been diagnosed with yellow fever. As it stands now, we are hoping that Zoe's birthmother and birthgrandmother arrive in Addis Ababa sometime next week. As you can imagine, many things have to fall in place in order for this to happen. But we know our God is bigger and we are trusting in Him.. Please pray with us that things move as smoothly and swiftly as possible and that there is minimal stress for all involved during this journey (especially for Zoe's birthfamily). We hate that they have to go through all of this again....
I wish I could say I have handled this well, but these last few weeks have been the toughest I've ever experienced. My emotions have been such a roller-coaster. Through it all, I am SO VERY THANKFUL for all of our friends and family who have come alongside us and spoken TRUTH into our lives and keep encouraging us to stay strong and trust in HIM who is bigger than all these delays and roadblocks. God has made it so clear to me how extremely BLESSED we are to have such amazing friends and family who love us enough to cry with us, pray with us, pray FOR us, love our Zoe whom they have never even met, but most importantly speak the words that are necessary although not always easy. God's timing is perfect and we just HAVE to trust in that.
I wish I could say I have handled this well, but these last few weeks have been the toughest I've ever experienced. My emotions have been such a roller-coaster. Through it all, I am SO VERY THANKFUL for all of our friends and family who have come alongside us and spoken TRUTH into our lives and keep encouraging us to stay strong and trust in HIM who is bigger than all these delays and roadblocks. God has made it so clear to me how extremely BLESSED we are to have such amazing friends and family who love us enough to cry with us, pray with us, pray FOR us, love our Zoe whom they have never even met, but most importantly speak the words that are necessary although not always easy. God's timing is perfect and we just HAVE to trust in that.
We received a couple more pictures of Zoe last week with an update (she weighs 18 pounds now!). She just keeps getting more beautiful with each passing day...
After seeing the above picture, a facebook friend of mine said "she is watching for your plane to arrive". Melted my heart- we promise we will come get you as soon as we can sweet Zoe!
I also sent off a little package for Zoe to my dear friend Jana who is en route to Ethiopia RIGHT NOW to bring their sweet baby girl home. They are working with the same adoption agency and only live a couple of hours from us. Our Zoe and their Gabby are only 6 days apart in age. We had the honor of spending a couple of hours with their sweet Gabby when we traveled in June. Jana is going to deliver this package to our baby and hopefully get to return the favor and LOVE on Zoe a little while they are there... and remind her that we LOVE her so much and that Mommy and Daddy are doing EVERYTHING we can to bring her home soon...
In other news....
Evan had his first soccer game last weekend. Oh my goodness- watching 3-5 year olds play soccer is QUITE entertaining. Evan's team is so blessed to have Drew, Grandpa Brad and Uncle Cal as their patient coaches. I'm not sure Drew knew what he was getting into when he signed up, but he's doing great and Evan loves having Daddy as his coach.
In other news....
Evan had his first soccer game last weekend. Oh my goodness- watching 3-5 year olds play soccer is QUITE entertaining. Evan's team is so blessed to have Drew, Grandpa Brad and Uncle Cal as their patient coaches. I'm not sure Drew knew what he was getting into when he signed up, but he's doing great and Evan loves having Daddy as his coach.
And... FALL IS IN THE AIR! Oh how I love this time of year... I got out the fall decorations this week and I sooo love the colors, smells, and beauty of FALL..
In the midst of all the unknowns in the coming weeks and months, I will do my very best each day to CHOOSE JOY. Because I know there is a reason I am not writing our story and God is. He knows how it all works out, what it all means, and how our story ends. In Him I will place my trust...
"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6
"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in GOD." John 14:1
"I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you." John 14:18
I have been reading your blog and wanted to send you a message. We received our MOWA letter one day after you and were submitted to the Embassy the same time as you. We are still waiting as well. We live in Indianapolis if you would like to be in touch. Michele (merla7@att.net)
ReplyDeleteAshley,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the update! It helps to know how we can specifically pray. Praying that this next week goes without glitches... that your family feels the prayers that are going out on your behalf.
Lisa Walter
Oh Ashley! The craziness NEVER ends does it? Praying the Lord will remove every obstacle in your path and that you will be on your way quickly to your daughter!!
ReplyDeleteAshley,
ReplyDeleteReading your story is easier to relate to now that we are adopting, too. We haven't run into and delays or roadblocks, but I am just waiting for the day we hit a wall or a slow down. I know it's bound to happen. Little Zoe is gorgeous and she looks like she is doing well while she is waiting. We are praying for strength for your family and for smooth sailing in Ethiopia. She will be yours very soon. :)
We continue to pray! I am not sure that I could handle this!! She is so beautiful and you will love her so much more for all the time that you are having to wait. (Is that even possible?) Our God is GREATER!!! Lifting you up in prayer!!!
ReplyDeleteAngela Miller
Parents always manage to do what they need to do. Whether you're sick and you have to tend to your child (moms don't get sick days, after all) or you need to stay calm in emergencies - parents can always dig deep to find the resources they need. And Zoe needs you to stay strong, have faith, and stay the course until she's home. You got this, girl. And God's got your back. - Lindsay (http://AnotherAdoptionBlog.blogspot.com)
ReplyDelete