Please PRAY

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him,
and who have been called according to His purpose."
Romans 8:28

First of all, a praise report: the other three families (the Redman, Schneider, and Belcher families) scheduled to travel with us to Ethiopia to bring home their children got confirmation today that their adoptions are approved and final! HOORAY!!!

Our call was not so fun. AGCI relayed to us that the judge looked over our dossier and Elianna Ray's background information and is requiring further documentation and/or testimony before making any declarations. Almaz, our wonderful coordinator in Addis, is doing her best to gather the paperwork, etc. that he is expecting, and present it to the judge before the court closures... meaning tomorrow. Under pressure from Almaz, he said he'd be willing to stretch that date out to Friday for us, but as of right now we are being told to prepare to wait until late October at the earliest to travel to Elianna Ray and bring her home.

Our first response was to be very discouraged and angry that all of this wasn't taken care of before now. But, Michael and I were reminded of the crucial truth that all of heaven and earth is in the Lord's hands so we need to press on in faith that He will work it out. Elianna Ray is in His hands already. He is in charge; not the Ministry of Womens Affairs in Ethiopia, nor a judge, nor a social worker, nor a birth family member, nor us for that matter. And, His timing is perfect. He will dot every I and cross every T when it is perfectly right that it should be done.

I have found myself today in almost constant conversation with Christ imploring Him for help and reminding Him "that in all things (even in this worrisome kafuffle!) He works for the good of those who love Him, and who have been called according to His purpose."

And, no matter what He chooses, whether Elianna comes home in August or November, I will praise His Name! Amen!