Well, we are still waiting on our referral. Things slowed to a hault in Etiopia during the elections. They are now over and we are all hoping that the government will start processing paperwork again. At this point, we really have no idea when we will get "the call", it could be tomorrow...it could be in another 6 months. Who knows...well, God does-but He's not giving me any hints. :)
This has been kind of a crazy week so far. First, my friend and business partner, Jennifer, FINALLY got their official referral for their sweet baby girl. They have been "matched" with Baby S for several months now, but one office in Ethiopia was closed and holding up the process. Well, they finally signed off on the paperwork and the referral was given. Now Jen waits to hear when she and her husband will travel for the court date. The ET courts usually close for the rainy season, roads are just too bad to travel. That season is anytime in August and September. It just depends on Mother Nature. They could be closed for only a couple of weeks or 6-8 weeks....So to say the least, everyone wants a court date before the closings.....I pray that they get in before the rain hits. I could not be happier for Jennifer and her family, but it is a little bittersweet. Deep down I know we were both hoping we would get referrals close together so we might travel at the same time. How fun would that be???? We have been there for each other during this entire process-that would have been a really nice way to finish this up!! And I hope our girls are close in age. Best buddies growing up together...oh, it makes me tear up just thinking about it.
Second, Darren left for Haiti on Sunday with a group from our church. I miss him and I sooo wish I could have gone with them. They are working at God's Littlest Angels orphanage. The family that runs the orphanage, the Bickels, are originally from Monticello. When we started the adoption process, I looked into adopting from Haiti. But the process was not a smooth one....and the timeline was really long. So we switched to Ethiopia. Then the earthquake hit and things got even crazier. The Haitian goverment has tried to streamline the adoption process somewhat since the earthquake. I'm getting facebook messages and texts from our group saying the kids are just adorable and Haiti is beautiful. I wish I was there!!!! But I know I would be an emotional mess loving on those babies. I'm an emotional mess now, what difference would that make??? :)
Third, this week is busy!!!!! Where is Darren when I need him??? Oh, in Haiti loving on those babies!!!!! I usually get up early and go to work. Darren gets the kids where they need to be in the morning and then goes to work. Well, this week I am doing all of it. So I have recruited my dear friends to help me out getting children where they need to be. Thank you...you know who you are... :) The bakery is super busy this week. We have several parties that we are doing all the dessets for, we have several special orders, restaurant orders and the first farmer's market of the summer. We are baking fools. Seriously, we were so tired today when we finally left. I think we baked around 30 pies today. Plus cookies and cakes. It felt a little like Thanksgiving......
The next couple of days are going to be very busy at the Pie Hole, as we lovingly call it.
So, as my friends and followers, I ask for your prayers. Prayers for patience as we wait. Prayers for the safety and health of our baby girl. We don't know who she is yet, but God already knows and is watching over her. Prayers for the Johns that their paperwork will move swiftly through the court system. Prayers for Darren's safety in Haiti. Prayers for me, that I sit back and let God do His work, in His time. Not mine. I know He is leading me down a path, I just need to trust and follow.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths.
—Proverbs 3:5-6
