A Different Kind of Waiting

Waiting is hard. Whether you're waiting for something to start or end, test results, an important phone call or an answer from God, waiting.is.hard.

I feel like we have been in a waiting phase for the better part of 4 years. But this is a different kind of waiting.

When we were waiting to be matched with Jenna Grace, we were just waiting for that magical day to happen. To see a sweet face, read a file and to say yes.
This time around, we have already seen that sweet face. We picked her. Well, God picked her and used us to say yes. Truth is, He has picked all the orphans, He is just waiting for those families to say "yes".
We have her picture on our phones but more importantly she is already in our hearts.
However, her file is what is lagging. We are waiting for that file.
What normally happens is this: a child is abandoned and the orphanage in that province immediately begins to put their file together (you know, height, weight, shot records, foods they eat etc)so they can be put out on a list so their future family can find them. Well, thats the gist of it.
That is not what has happened here. Our girl, for some reason, unbeknownst to us has never had a file put together for adoption. Somehow all along the way, she has fallen through every crack. Until now.
And so this waiting feels so different. We don't know how tall she is, how much she weighs, her likes and dislikes. We don't know what she weighed when she was born or how many surgeries she has had to correct her cleft lip/palate. We know NOTHING, and to be honest, its driving us crazy. The paperwork, albeit, frustrating is coming together and we aren't worried about the money because that will happen right on time but waiting on this file is like nail biting waiting.

But, those who wait or hope in the Lord will renew their strength, they will rise up with wings like eagles, they will walk and not grow weary, they will run and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31
Praise. I am smiling even just typing this scripture. There is peace, and there is hope as we wait on the Lord. As we trust in His timing. And so, we wait. We wait expectantly knowing His ways are higher than our ways. And we hold onto the joy that will also strengthen us for today and the days ahead as press on through this journey of adoption and life.

Guest Post - Brian

Well I have to say that I have heard and read the second time around is easier with regards to process and paperwork. Well I would like to officially state for the record, NO IT IS NOT! 

It has been a struggle, first of all I figured I could do most of the Dossier paperwork off memory, well obviously there is way to much to try and complete off of memory. Second, things change, and yes even though it has been a little over a year things have changed. I know you are going to ask why have things changed and all I can say is, "cause it can." I don't want to say anything against China cause we aren't done yet.

The start was rough, though now that we are going it seems we are picking up steam. This time feels so different and I think it is because we are kind of operating in the dark. We have yet to see any paperwork or file on her and being that we are 8 months away from her aging out we were in a totally different place at 8 months with Jenna Grace. We had seen and heard way more of Jenna Grace in terms of paperwork, pictures and videos. We had plenty of time to prepare mentally whereas in this case it feels like we are going to be in the eleventh hour introducing ourselves then jumping a flight to China. We trust God and we are having to rely on His will in this adoption more than ever. 

The Great News is our Home Study is done, our USCIS paperwork is in process and thanks to a local Congressman I know, it seems to be moving way faster than normal, thank you Brian Brown! 

We still have to complete our Dossier which is about a third done as well as our Visa's, Travel Approval, Travel Arrangements/Itinerary and finally complete all Fund Raising. 

I know we will get everything done and sure this will work out for God's glory. 

Thank you for your support and prayers! 

Brian 

I can't post on the blog without including some cute pics of Jenna Grace. 

                           Jenna Grace and Noah 4 wheeling!                            
                  

     JG with her new "hat"                           Supporting the Judge!