Blessed be the name of the Lord

Today is a HARD day. This morning was court date #2. We were just waiting for one piece of paper, a letter, stating that all of our information was good, and that the judge could legally grant us custody of our kids. The letter did not come. We did NOT pass. And now, to add fuel to the fire, our agency must go collect a whole lot more information. They need more proof that our kids are orphans. They must go find any living relatives and interview them and have them relinquish their rights.

We now have TWO new court dates. The first is for our two older ones, on January 3rd. The other is for our youngest one, on January 9th. This came as a HUGE blow. We have now been delayed almost a month from our first court date. When our two older ones found out that we did not pass, and that it would still be another 3 weeks before our next court date, they started crying. It is incredibly hard for our family to visit our kids in the transition home. It is tiring and emotionally draining every day.

Adam and I don't know what to do. We had already decided that if we didn't pass court today, we would really have to think about whether or not we should go home early (and not take custody of our kids). We decided that either way we would stay thru Ethiopia's Christmas (which is January 7th). We really want to celebrate it with our kids, plus our oldest is in her schools Christmas play that day, and is playing the part of Mary!!! (My mama's heart could not be more proud:).

So, now we are asking all of you out there to PLEASE PRAY!! We don't know if we should come home around January 10th, (and then return to Ethiopia anywhere from 4-12 weeks later) or take custody of our kids, and just trust and Pray that God will get us home on February 10th. Our tickets are for Feb. 10th, and it costs about $300/per ticket (x8) to change them. I keep reminding myself that God knows all of this. But, still not sure if that means that we should stay or go and then come back. Adam can only stay here until the end of February.

Today has made me incredibly homesick. I've done really well up until this point.

Though at times it is difficult, we continue to trust in God's perfect timing and the fact that this does not surprise Him. May He be glorified in all we do. Thank you for you continued prayers and for all of the support that we have been receiving.

"I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth." Psalm 34:1

"Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good!..." Psalm 34:8