Last week, we received an e-mail from America World indicating that the wait time for a referral could be between 6 and 18 months from our log-in date (due to the large number of people wanting to adopt a child from China who fits the same characteristics we have requested). That is longer than we had expected and was a little disappointing, but we trust in the Lord's perfect timing and know that it will happen at the right time and we need to be patient.
This week has brought a couple of personal events that are very challenging and serve as a reminder that we need to trust in the Lord, that He is the Great Healer and Provider. The verse that has resonated with us so much for for our adoption rings true in so many other ways and we are clinging to Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) - "For I know the plans I have for you", declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." On Wednesday, my (Jen's) dad, who has Parkinson's disease as well as other health complications broke his left arm and 8 ribs. He is in the hospital and we got to visit yesterday and things are improving, but he will have a lot of healing to do. We pray for healing for him as well as comfort and strength for my mom. On Thursday, Drew lost his job. While deep down we believe this is an answered prayer and it is for the best, it is a very scary place to be right now, dealing with uncertainty and the unknown. At this point, we are unsure of how this will impact our adoption. We pray that Drew will find another job soon, one that will be a better opportunity for him and certainly where the Lord wants him to be. We also pray for the Lord's financial provision and that this will not drastically affect where we are in our adoption journey. Another of my favorite verses is John 16:33 (NIV) “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Going through very difficult times is never fun or easy, but they are opportunities to grow in faith and truly trust in the Lord. He has carried us through difficult times before and we know He will do the same now. It is so true that in this world we have trouble, but it is so comforting and reassuring that we know the Lord has overcome this world and we have so much hope and joy in knowing Him and what He has in store.
