Thursday, May 31, 2012

New May 2012 Number!

We just got our email from our new AGCI case worker, M, with our May 2012 wait list number...

Yes, as ya'll can see, we are #11 (again) on the AGCI Ethiopia girl wait list!

No, this number is not quite as exciting as it was last month.  And if I am honest with ya'll, I will say that there were tears in my eyes as I read the email.  This will be the THIRD time in our 20 months on the wait list that we have not made any movement from month to month.  Each time, it has been really hard.  I am praying though, that the third time's a charm, and this will be our last month of no movement.

We knew that this was a possibility since we have not seen a baby girl referral go out with our agency in almost 10 weeks.  However, I am always praying and hoping for some surprise movement.

When I was younger (and still sometimes now), when we would see 11:11 on the clock, we would say, "It's 11:11...make a wish!" 

Okay, so since we have been 11 and 11 on the wait list for 2 months now, I am going to make a wish!  I am wishing (and PRAYING and HOPING) that we will NOT be number 11 next month. :)

I think it's pretty obvious how much the Ethiopian adoption process has changed in the 2 years that we have been in it.  With all the changing paperwork requirements to ensure the orphan status of every child that is referred, it has SLOWED down considerably.  Of course, we are 100% for ethical adoption, but it doesn't change the fact that the longer wait time is just plain hard.

In May of 2011, we were #39 on the girl list, and one year later, we are #11.  We have moved 28 spots in the past year, and I am so thankful for that!!! I am not even going to attempt to guess a timeline for when we will see our sweet girl's face.  But I will say this, even while recognizing the fact, that we could still be waiting a year from now...we are still ASKING God for that miracle!

The reading this morning in my Jesus Calling devotion was all about receiving HIS peace.  I guess God was trying to prepare me for this wait list news today.  I am going to have to make a choice every day in the wait to continue to trust HIM, hope in HIM, and accept the peace that only HE can give.  I know that He will be faithful to complete the journey that He called us on.

"And by faith even Sarah, who was past childbearing age, was enabled to bear children because SHE CONSIDERED HIM FAITHFUL WHO HAD MADE THE PROMISE."  
Hebrews 11:11

11 comments:

Ashley said...

My heart is heavy right along with you. I have just prayed so heavily for movement for you. I know that it is just hard when you realize the timeline is so different than what we had hoped or planned. I am continuing to pray for your precious Caroline Faith and all of those that have been waiting so patiently for her!!

Lauren and Nick Miller said...

Praying for yall Alison!

Meredith said...

Praying for you all.

Megan said...

28 spots in a year....oh my heart hurts! Crying (literally) out to the Lord on our and our daughters' behalves.

Unknown said...

I am so sorry to hear this news, Alison. I am discouraged right along with you. The changes within the program are to protect the children and I, of course, fully support that but it does not make the waiting and uncertainty any easier! We started in the Ethiopia program 3 years ago and then I got pregnant and we decided to put our adoption "on hold" thinking that we could pick right back up with the 6 month wait time again. Not thinking that things would change so much in such a short time. I will continue to pray for Caroline Faith and all of the children in Ethiopia and for all of the waiting families!! Hugs!!!!

Robin said...

We make wishes at 11:11 too. Hoping you get your wish! The waiting is SO hard. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Laura said...

When you see your daughters face, you'll know exactly why God had you wait this long. His timing is perfect. But I know that doesn't make the wait any easier right now. Praying for miraculous movement!!!

Melanie said...

Oh Alison! My heart was so heavy for you and Amber (being at the #1 spot) as well....How difficult the wait is...Really nothing makes it better. Hold on and enjoy this short little season where your oldest three kids are independent....Relax and read...sip some lemon water at the pool..It will be gone before you know it. I love how God is faithful though and provides us encouragement through his word and friends that empathize with how we're feeling. Much love to you!

Hannah said...

I'm so sorry you didn't move. I wish I could make better. Just know that the Lord has a plan. You can't have just any baby but only YOUR baby. It will stink like crazy until she is in your arms...but once she is...then you forget all the wait and pain. You just thank the Lord for YOUR baby. :)

I'm still praying for you. Just have faith.

Unknown said...

Thank you for your words of encouragement as always, Alison! 28 spots in a year is just mind boggling to me! At #85 (unofficially) that could put us looking at several more years, my mind cannot even comprehend that and my heart hurts to even think that that might be a possibility. My call month is coming up in June with B. I need prayer that I will not be a basketcase on the phone with her... (: I just have SO many questions... love you, friend!

cal+claire said...

We are praying!