As our journey continues, we have made great progress in gathering updated documents. We continue to wait for one, though, which our social worker told us would take awhile. Our adoption agency advocate also told us this week to wait a little longer before contacting Homeland Security again. So that's one less document to send this week. But the majority of the paperwork has been handled, thankfully. Once our homestudy is updated, we will be in good shape for awhile.
As usual, though, when we are trusting, working and waiting, it is no surprise that satan tries to discourage and distract us. There are always rumors about the adoption wait going around and we deliberately ignore them. But there does seem to be some consistent concerns that the wait may be prolonged anywhere in the three to five year range!!!!! Wow! That's a huge "lump in the throat" to swallow. However, we continue to believe that God is in control and will bring our sweet little girl/s into our lives as He has planned all along. Please pray for our little girl/s..and for God's master timing and perfect plan to continue as He knows best.
Something else we have been considering for a long time is the possibility of special needs adoption. We've known all along that this is something to consider but we have not taken any formal steps to pursue it. We are still in the "seeking God's direction" stage. Considering our ages, we know we could not accomodate a major special needs case. But we could consider less intense ones. So please pray that we will listen and learn God's will for us in this journey and in this special consideration. Special needs waiting times are not as extensive as non-special needs. But we do not want to base our decision solely on waiting times. We want to bring into our family and home the child that God has called us to call our own and that is the most important part of our journey. We truly cherish your prayers for our daughter and for our family as we continue to step closer and closer to her.
I'll admit. Our hearts sink when we hear the words "three to five years' wait." It doesn't make sense. But distraction, discouragement and impatience do not mix well with faith so we need to remind ourselves that the same God who led us to this journey will see us through this journey and no one...no one...except God Himself knows the answer to how long it will take. It's up to Him...and He knows best. Thank you for your kindness, prayers and encouragement as we continue in this journey of blessings. It will be worth every moment when we hold her in our arms!
Cherishing the moment,
Terri and family
Jenna Elizabeth (aka "JennaBeth") Song Lorenz
Waiting For Our Little One To Come Home From China!
1 comment:
Hello Loved Ones,
After reading your entries I often find myself feeling as anxious as you are! Bless your hearts for continuing on through this long procedure. I think it just proves all the more how much you desire this baby girl or girls! I will keep it a matter of prayer that God will lead you in the path He wants for you...as to whether or not to adopt a special needs child. Friends of mine, who have guardianship of a beautiful young girl, are trying to adopt her. Some of the struggles they have been faced with remind me so much of what you have been dealing with. (Such as having to do and redo paperwork, home studies, fingerprinting, etc.).Their love for this child keeps them "at it" and I know your love for this baby girl(s) is what keeps you "at it" as well. Prayers are with you as we all wait along with you for the glorious day when you have your precious one(s) in your arms!
Much love to all,
Joyce
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