We would like to share a prayer request - and you need to understand the background of this request. In February, we attended a Church Leadership Conference, where the main speaker really challenged the audience about how we pray. He helped us realize that too often, we don't pray big enough and that so often, in our prayers, we seem to forget just how BIG God is. That lesson has really stuck with us.
So, for a few different reasons, we (Dave & Vicki) have both felt led to PRAY BIG that we might receive our referral (the name and information about our child) by Mother's Day. So - would you please join us in this prayer request? We know it's Big, but our God is Bigger than anything else we know.
Thank You!
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Another Update
Today there was a teleconference between adoption agencies, prospective adoptive parents and the USCIS (United Sates Center for Immigration Services). We were not able to participate due to work schedules, but our Agency sent a summary. The news didn't really seem like any steps forwards, but at least there weren't any large steps backwards. The next step will be the USCIS and the DOS (Department of State) meeting with those overseeing adoption proceedings in Ethiopia in the next few weeks. Please pray for these meetings and that the government officials will help each other work through the discrepancies and concerns regarding Ethiopian adoptions.
Please also pray for our child. We are eagerly awaiting our referral phone call and we are taking turns being impatient about that. As we wait, our minds can only imagine what our child's situation might be as they wait for their forever home. Pray for their protection, nourishment, development and care. We know that God knows the number of hairs on their head and we trust that He loves them even more than we do.
Please also pray for our child. We are eagerly awaiting our referral phone call and we are taking turns being impatient about that. As we wait, our minds can only imagine what our child's situation might be as they wait for their forever home. Pray for their protection, nourishment, development and care. We know that God knows the number of hairs on their head and we trust that He loves them even more than we do.
Saturday, April 2, 2011
No News, Good News?
Well, another blog update and No News. We had been hoping that sometime in the past couple of weeks, we would hear of some definate changes in the Ethiopian adoption situation - but, No News. I think that for me, this has been the most difficult part of this journey and in a way, I have gone through a time of grieving. We had hoped by now (April), we would at least have our referral and be at a new step in this journey. We still have hope that this will happen eventually, though it is now a hope deferred.
There have been two very precious lessons that I am learning "in the wait" that I'd like to share.
First, God is God. That's it, that's all, that's final. On the days when I really struggle, the words to a song by Steven Curtis Chapman always ring in my ears. Here is a part of that song:
"And the questions without answers
Come and paralyze the dancer
So I stand here on the stage afraid to move
Afraid to fall, oh, but fall I must
On this truth that my life has been formed from the dust
God is God and I am not
I can only see a part of the picture He’s painting
God is God and I am man So I’ll never understand it all
For only God is God And the sky begins to thunder
And I’m filled with awe and wonder
‘Til the only burning question that remains
Is who am I
Can I form a single mountain
Take the stars in hand and count them
Can I even take a breath without God giving it to me
He is first and last before all that has been
Beyond all that will pass
Oh, how great are the riches of His wisdom and knowledge
God is God and I am man
So I’ll never understand it all
For only God is God"
Second, as much as I know that I want to be with, love and care for my child, I am continually reminded how much God wants to be with me, love me and care for me. The ache in my heart is nothing compared to the ache that God has for each one of His children and His desire to have them come home to Him. I know that God fully understands the ache in my heart, and it makes me more aware and grateful for His love and care each day. Please be reminded as you read this that God loves you and desires to love you and care for you in a way that you can't even imagine.
Dave came upon this poem this week (shortened to save blog space) and shared it with me. It offers wisdom that I will need to remember "in the wait".
WAIT by Russel Kelfer
"Wait? you say wait?" my indignant reply.
"Lord, I need answers, I need to know why!
Is your hand shortened? Or have you not heard?
By faith I have asked, and I'm claiming your Word.
My future and all to which I relate
Hangs in the balance, and you tell me to wait?
I'm needing a 'yes', a go-ahead sign,
Or even a 'no' to which I can resign.
You promised, dear Lord, that if we believe,
We need but to ask, and we shall receive.
And Lord I've been asking, and this is my cry:
I'm weary of asking! I need a reply."
Then quietly, softly, I learned of my fate,
As my Master replied again, "Wait."
So I slumped in my chair, defeated and taut,
And grumbled to God, "So, I'm waiting for what?"
"You'd not learn to see through clouds of despair;
You'd not learn to trust just by knowing I'm there.
You'd not know the joy of resting in Me
When darkness and silence are all you can see.
You'd never experience the fullness of love
When the peace of My spirit descends like a dove.
You would know that I give, and I save, for a start,
But you'd not know the depth of the beat of My heart.
The glow of my comfort late into the night,
The faith that I give when you walk without sight.
The depth that's beyond getting just what you ask
From an infinite God who makes what you have last.
You'd never know, should your pain quickly flee,
What it means that My grace is sufficient for thee.
Yes, your dearest dreams overnight would come true,
But, oh, the loss, if you missed what I'm doing in you.
So, be silent, my child, and in time you will see
That the greatest of gifts is to truly know me.
And though oft My answers seem terribly late,
My most precious answer of all is still . . . Wait."
"In the Wait"
Vicki~
There have been two very precious lessons that I am learning "in the wait" that I'd like to share.
First, God is God. That's it, that's all, that's final. On the days when I really struggle, the words to a song by Steven Curtis Chapman always ring in my ears. Here is a part of that song:
"And the questions without answers
Come and paralyze the dancer
So I stand here on the stage afraid to move
Afraid to fall, oh, but fall I must
On this truth that my life has been formed from the dust
God is God and I am not
I can only see a part of the picture He’s painting
God is God and I am man So I’ll never understand it all
For only God is God And the sky begins to thunder
And I’m filled with awe and wonder
‘Til the only burning question that remains
Is who am I
Can I form a single mountain
Take the stars in hand and count them
Can I even take a breath without God giving it to me
He is first and last before all that has been
Beyond all that will pass
Oh, how great are the riches of His wisdom and knowledge
God is God and I am man
So I’ll never understand it all
For only God is God"
Second, as much as I know that I want to be with, love and care for my child, I am continually reminded how much God wants to be with me, love me and care for me. The ache in my heart is nothing compared to the ache that God has for each one of His children and His desire to have them come home to Him. I know that God fully understands the ache in my heart, and it makes me more aware and grateful for His love and care each day. Please be reminded as you read this that God loves you and desires to love you and care for you in a way that you can't even imagine.
Dave came upon this poem this week (shortened to save blog space) and shared it with me. It offers wisdom that I will need to remember "in the wait".
WAIT by Russel Kelfer
"Wait? you say wait?" my indignant reply.
"Lord, I need answers, I need to know why!
Is your hand shortened? Or have you not heard?
By faith I have asked, and I'm claiming your Word.
My future and all to which I relate
Hangs in the balance, and you tell me to wait?
I'm needing a 'yes', a go-ahead sign,
Or even a 'no' to which I can resign.
You promised, dear Lord, that if we believe,
We need but to ask, and we shall receive.
And Lord I've been asking, and this is my cry:
I'm weary of asking! I need a reply."
Then quietly, softly, I learned of my fate,
As my Master replied again, "Wait."
So I slumped in my chair, defeated and taut,
And grumbled to God, "So, I'm waiting for what?"
"You'd not learn to see through clouds of despair;
You'd not learn to trust just by knowing I'm there.
You'd not know the joy of resting in Me
When darkness and silence are all you can see.
You'd never experience the fullness of love
When the peace of My spirit descends like a dove.
You would know that I give, and I save, for a start,
But you'd not know the depth of the beat of My heart.
The glow of my comfort late into the night,
The faith that I give when you walk without sight.
The depth that's beyond getting just what you ask
From an infinite God who makes what you have last.
You'd never know, should your pain quickly flee,
What it means that My grace is sufficient for thee.
Yes, your dearest dreams overnight would come true,
But, oh, the loss, if you missed what I'm doing in you.
So, be silent, my child, and in time you will see
That the greatest of gifts is to truly know me.
And though oft My answers seem terribly late,
My most precious answer of all is still . . . Wait."
"In the Wait"
Vicki~
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Very Important Letter
http://betheanswerforchildren.wordpress.com/2011/03/16/dr-jane-aronson-open-letter-to-pres-clinton/
We continue to wait for more definite news out of Ethiopia. There was a meeting today and it sounds like it was a bit hopeful, but nothing was firm or definite and no dates or deadlines in sight. So - we wait and pray, trust and pray, cry and pray, worry and pray. And so we go about the normalcy of our day to day lives ....... and pray.
Please click on the link above and read the very important and informative letter sent to President Clinton by Dr. Aronson. Pray that those of great influence will stand up for the children. Thank You.
We continue to wait for more definite news out of Ethiopia. There was a meeting today and it sounds like it was a bit hopeful, but nothing was firm or definite and no dates or deadlines in sight. So - we wait and pray, trust and pray, cry and pray, worry and pray. And so we go about the normalcy of our day to day lives ....... and pray.
Please click on the link above and read the very important and informative letter sent to President Clinton by Dr. Aronson. Pray that those of great influence will stand up for the children. Thank You.
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Ethiopia Update
Below is the most recent update on the current Adoption situation in Ethiopia. You will see that it states that Adoption Cases registered with the court are to currently expect a ONE YEAR delay. Friends - we are not even registered with the courts yet! So, to go from potentially bringing our child home this summer, to over a year delay to even be in the court system.....we are beyond disappointed.
We'd ask for specific prayers:
*There are counts of 5 million orphans currently in Ethiopia. Please pray for them. If the adoption processes slowdown this much, there just isn't room for all of them in the orphanages, etc. Many will end up living on the streets, being involved in child trafficking, etc. The possibilities for these children are heart breaking to think about. Pray for the children of Ethiopia.
*Pray for the meeting that will take place on Monday, March 14th with U.S. Embassy officials and officials from Ethiopia (and remember to pray on Sunday, as they will be meeting while most of us are sleeping Sunday night due to the time difference).
*Pray for the staff changes that will take place in the Ministry of Women's, Children's and Youth Affairs that take place this coming week. Pray that the staff have a heart for having their Country's children safe, cared for and loved and that they would help make decisions for these children to be adopted.
*Pray for all the waiting families like ours.....this delay is such a disappointment, and also brings concerns - home studies are only good for a limited amount of time, as well as fingerprints, doctors reports, etc - so many of what we and other waiting families have done these past months will have to be done again, if this new decision stays in place. That means more time, more money, more emotions, etc.
Thank you for your continued support - words can't express what it means~
UPDATE from Joint Council on International Children Services:
The Department of State is Actively Involved
The Ethiopian Ministry of Women’s, Children’s and Youth Affairs announced a reduction in the processing of intercountry adoption cases from 50 per day to 5 per day, effective March 10, 2011.
The Department of State is actively involved in discussions with the Government of Ethiopia, other governments and stakeholders.
A coalition of countries is preparing a proposal to assist the Ministry increase its capacity.
Embassy suggested that children with special need’s cases should not be delayed.
The US Embassy officials have a scheduled meeting with the Ministry of Women’s, Children’s and Youth Affairs for Monday, March 14, 2011.
There are areas of concern related to intercountry adoption, however the reduction is disproportionate.
Adoption Cases
Currently there are no implementation guidelines for in-process cases.
For adoption cases registered with the Ethiopian court, the best estimate is a one-year delay.
The staff change at the Ministry of Women’s, Children’s and Youth Affairs has been confirmed as taking effect the week of March 13, 2011. The impact this will have on adoption cases is not known.
It is estimated that between 800-1,000 adoption cases are currently on the docket of Ethiopian courts.
We'd ask for specific prayers:
*There are counts of 5 million orphans currently in Ethiopia. Please pray for them. If the adoption processes slowdown this much, there just isn't room for all of them in the orphanages, etc. Many will end up living on the streets, being involved in child trafficking, etc. The possibilities for these children are heart breaking to think about. Pray for the children of Ethiopia.
*Pray for the meeting that will take place on Monday, March 14th with U.S. Embassy officials and officials from Ethiopia (and remember to pray on Sunday, as they will be meeting while most of us are sleeping Sunday night due to the time difference).
*Pray for the staff changes that will take place in the Ministry of Women's, Children's and Youth Affairs that take place this coming week. Pray that the staff have a heart for having their Country's children safe, cared for and loved and that they would help make decisions for these children to be adopted.
*Pray for all the waiting families like ours.....this delay is such a disappointment, and also brings concerns - home studies are only good for a limited amount of time, as well as fingerprints, doctors reports, etc - so many of what we and other waiting families have done these past months will have to be done again, if this new decision stays in place. That means more time, more money, more emotions, etc.
Thank you for your continued support - words can't express what it means~
UPDATE from Joint Council on International Children Services:
The Department of State is Actively Involved
The Ethiopian Ministry of Women’s, Children’s and Youth Affairs announced a reduction in the processing of intercountry adoption cases from 50 per day to 5 per day, effective March 10, 2011.
The Department of State is actively involved in discussions with the Government of Ethiopia, other governments and stakeholders.
A coalition of countries is preparing a proposal to assist the Ministry increase its capacity.
Embassy suggested that children with special need’s cases should not be delayed.
The US Embassy officials have a scheduled meeting with the Ministry of Women’s, Children’s and Youth Affairs for Monday, March 14, 2011.
There are areas of concern related to intercountry adoption, however the reduction is disproportionate.
Adoption Cases
Currently there are no implementation guidelines for in-process cases.
For adoption cases registered with the Ethiopian court, the best estimate is a one-year delay.
The staff change at the Ministry of Women’s, Children’s and Youth Affairs has been confirmed as taking effect the week of March 13, 2011. The impact this will have on adoption cases is not known.
It is estimated that between 800-1,000 adoption cases are currently on the docket of Ethiopian courts.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Thank You Father
(The following letter was found by the Jansen's the morning of 3-8-11, along with a Cashier's Check)
My dearest Children,
I am here and I know the longings of your heart and those of your child. I have been preparing you for many things and will continue to provide all things in accordance to my will. I will not desert you, I will not leave you longing and I will not forget your devotion and loyalty to me. Your child is in my arms and will be with you shortly. My love for you is unending and I will go to great lengths to care for you. You have been faithful servants in whom I am well pleased. The time is near for your child to come home to you. Believe in my promises and I will show you miraculous wonders. I have provided this gift, knowing that your travel abroad is close at hand. I have set the date and will share it with you when the time is right. For now, I want you to know that I love you very much. I will be alongside you in the coming days just as I have always been. Do not be anxious. Be with me here and now and know that I am in complete control.
With all my love and through my servants,
Your Heavenly Father
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Dear Father,
What an emotional day it's been since I rec'd your letter. Vicki and I have cried many tears of joy and gratitude today as we bask in awe of your faithfulness. Thank you for your servants and their amazing generosity. You tell us in your Word that you will supply all of our needs, and today, through them, you did just that. Thank you for answering our prayer for the exact amount we still needed - but had told only you of that financial need. I don't know which of your servants were involved or who gave so generously to our cause, but I know that you do and I ask that you would bless them, bless them A LOT. Let them know how thankful we are and how much we love them. Thank you too for your words of comfort and encouragement. They were exactly what our longing hearts needed to hear. You know how hard it's been lately to wait on You, but you've given us the reminder we've needed to persevere with hope and patience. Father, it is very hard to not be able to thank these servants who did Your work, but I know all Glory belongs to You and that is how they want it. So I praise you with all my heart and glorify you with everything in me. To YOU be ALL praise both now and forevermore!
With all my love and service,
Dave
My dearest Children,
I am here and I know the longings of your heart and those of your child. I have been preparing you for many things and will continue to provide all things in accordance to my will. I will not desert you, I will not leave you longing and I will not forget your devotion and loyalty to me. Your child is in my arms and will be with you shortly. My love for you is unending and I will go to great lengths to care for you. You have been faithful servants in whom I am well pleased. The time is near for your child to come home to you. Believe in my promises and I will show you miraculous wonders. I have provided this gift, knowing that your travel abroad is close at hand. I have set the date and will share it with you when the time is right. For now, I want you to know that I love you very much. I will be alongside you in the coming days just as I have always been. Do not be anxious. Be with me here and now and know that I am in complete control.
With all my love and through my servants,
Your Heavenly Father
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Dear Father,
What an emotional day it's been since I rec'd your letter. Vicki and I have cried many tears of joy and gratitude today as we bask in awe of your faithfulness. Thank you for your servants and their amazing generosity. You tell us in your Word that you will supply all of our needs, and today, through them, you did just that. Thank you for answering our prayer for the exact amount we still needed - but had told only you of that financial need. I don't know which of your servants were involved or who gave so generously to our cause, but I know that you do and I ask that you would bless them, bless them A LOT. Let them know how thankful we are and how much we love them. Thank you too for your words of comfort and encouragement. They were exactly what our longing hearts needed to hear. You know how hard it's been lately to wait on You, but you've given us the reminder we've needed to persevere with hope and patience. Father, it is very hard to not be able to thank these servants who did Your work, but I know all Glory belongs to You and that is how they want it. So I praise you with all my heart and glorify you with everything in me. To YOU be ALL praise both now and forevermore!
With all my love and service,
Dave
Sunday, March 6, 2011
While I'm Waiting.....
I'm waiting
I'm waiting on You, Lord
And I am hopeful
I'm waiting on You, Lord
Though it is painful
But patiently, I will wait
I will move ahead, bold and confident
Taking every step in obedience
While I'm waiting
I will serve You
While I'm waiting
I will worship
While I'm waiting
I will not faint
I'll be running the race
Even while I wait
I'm waiting
I'm waiting on You, Lord
And I am peaceful
I'm waiting on You, Lord
Though it's not easy
But faithfully, I will wait
Yes, I will wait
I will serve You while I'm waiting
I will worship while I'm waiting
I will serve You while I'm waiting
I will worship while I'm waiting
I will serve you while I'm waiting
I will worship while I'm waiting on You, Lord
Lyrics by John Waller~
Waiting. Is there an art to it? If so, I need to learn it. Right, now I am just learning that I am not very good at it.
This past week, we received the news that the Country of Ethiopia is dramatically slowing down their adoption process. Apparently, there has been some fraud problems and so, they are slowing the process down (from 40 "consents" a day, to 5 a day). We do somewhat understand....we want each child, especially our child, to be brought to their new family & home in integrity, honor and honesty throughout the entire process of adoption. But, when there are still millions of orphans in Ethiopia, it is very difficult to understand why the process has to be slowed down to this extent. It has kind of made our hearts stop and made us catch our breath.
We still have hope that our papers are somewhere being worked on and that soon we will receive news about our referral. Until then, we will serve, we will worship, we will pray, we will trust and we will (hopefully) learn to wait -on God - a little better. And, as we wait, you may see us looking off, pondering, and maybe wiping away a tear or two - it is only because our child in Ethiopia is never far from our minds and hearts......and we just want to bring them home.
I'm waiting on You, Lord
And I am hopeful
I'm waiting on You, Lord
Though it is painful
But patiently, I will wait
I will move ahead, bold and confident
Taking every step in obedience
While I'm waiting
I will serve You
While I'm waiting
I will worship
While I'm waiting
I will not faint
I'll be running the race
Even while I wait
I'm waiting
I'm waiting on You, Lord
And I am peaceful
I'm waiting on You, Lord
Though it's not easy
But faithfully, I will wait
Yes, I will wait
I will serve You while I'm waiting
I will worship while I'm waiting
I will serve You while I'm waiting
I will worship while I'm waiting
I will serve you while I'm waiting
I will worship while I'm waiting on You, Lord
Lyrics by John Waller~
Waiting. Is there an art to it? If so, I need to learn it. Right, now I am just learning that I am not very good at it.
This past week, we received the news that the Country of Ethiopia is dramatically slowing down their adoption process. Apparently, there has been some fraud problems and so, they are slowing the process down (from 40 "consents" a day, to 5 a day). We do somewhat understand....we want each child, especially our child, to be brought to their new family & home in integrity, honor and honesty throughout the entire process of adoption. But, when there are still millions of orphans in Ethiopia, it is very difficult to understand why the process has to be slowed down to this extent. It has kind of made our hearts stop and made us catch our breath.
We still have hope that our papers are somewhere being worked on and that soon we will receive news about our referral. Until then, we will serve, we will worship, we will pray, we will trust and we will (hopefully) learn to wait -on God - a little better. And, as we wait, you may see us looking off, pondering, and maybe wiping away a tear or two - it is only because our child in Ethiopia is never far from our minds and hearts......and we just want to bring them home.
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