We have officially been on the wait list for one month-wohoo! That means we are one month closer! Even though technically we started this process back in January the time on the wait list is what really matters.
Jonathon and I were just saying last night that we both have such a peace about the timing of this whole thing. We know we are going to get our referral at just the right time, whether that is 3 months from now or a year from now. There is nothing that compares to peace from the Lord!
Psalms 27:14 Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord!
If you have never been to a third world country, you may have never considered what it would be like to be a pedestrian nation. It is a completely different way of life. Obviously things move at a much slower pace because it takes significantly longer to get from one place to another! Of course there are some people that have cars, there are construction trucks, and some type of cab-like vehicle for those that can afford it. But overall, there is quite simply a LOT of walking! This can greatly complicate life at times.
Rainy season is one of those times. Rainy season comes every year and lasts about 2 months. Usually it pours! In the adoption world this is an important time because all of the Ethiopian courts close. That's right-the court doesn't see one case for 2 whole months! This can be devastating if you have already had your referral and are waiting for court. So most of the time, this is a disappointing time of year.
From the beginning of this process, I prayed that we wouldn't be affected by the "rainy season."Recently, my prayers have changed. There is a tremendous drought right now in the horn of Africa. In fact, it recently turned from a drought into a FAMINE. Difference between a drought and a famine-simple, people STARVING. This isn't nearly as glamorous as Kim Kardashian's upcoming wedding, so it isn't getting the same news attention. THOUSANDS of people have died from this just in the past 3 months. The main country hit is Somalia, so most of the people there are fleeing to Ethiopia and Kenya for refuge. Some people have to walk hundreds of miles to a refugee camp, with children in tow. Praying they make it to just a little more food and water.
Now, I don't dread the rainy season, I am desperately praying for it. These people NEED the rain to survive. Please join me in praying that the Lord would BRING ON THE RAIN!
Most people that blog do so because they love to write. Not the case with me. Not a fan of writing and really feel silly when people read what I write. But I knew we needed a way to communicate what was happening on this journey, and this seemed like the best way to do that. For a little while we had things going on to keep you updated on, but now really we are just waiting. And its gonna be awhile. So what do we talk about.
Over these next few months I would like to use this blog to share with you a little bit about the world of orphan care that exists. God gave me this passion a decade ago, but it wasn't until the past 6 months that I have discovered others that share this same brokenness and what they are doing to help with this crisis.
There are so many amazing stories of people reaching outside their comfort level, financial means, and society's idea of normal to love and care for those in need.
"Once our eyes have been opened, we cannot pretend we do not know what to do. God, who weighs our hearts and keeps our souls, knows we know, and holds us responsible to act."-Proverbs 24:12 This Scripture has been weighing on me lately. Jonathon and I feel such a burden for these children because we have been there and we've seen. We can't go on with our lives pretending to forget. Not only are we called to act and reach out ourselves, but now we are challenged to share it with you.
Just discovered this song called "One Less" by Matthew West. Wanted to share with you the background on where this song came from. I love how he describes it as " a hug and a punch."I hope that is what this blog becomes for you- a warm fuzzy hug, but kind of a punch in the gut too!
Feel free to end this post here. Or if you think you can handle it watch this video a local church put together for this song.
