Shaping Worries into Prayers

Update:

I'm choosing Hope.

The news out of Ethiopia wasn't what we wanted. In fact, they did enforce a 90% decrease in cases heard at MOWA today. The response from our agency indicated that the Ethiopian government, as well as many other governments (including the US), are opposed to this plan and decision. The response also suggests that MOWA personnel is all new and there is a hope that the new leadership there will find a way to effectively communicate and put an end to this "looming crisis." I'm not doubting God's call, His plan, His way, or His will. I fully trust Him. I am, however, really sad. Heart-broken. Not just for what this could mean for our family ( a super long wait), but more for all the children living in Ethiopian orphanages who will soon be put on the streets from a 90% decrease in funding to orphanages. God has a heart to fight for the orphan and to make a way for them at all cost. I trust that today. I'm choosing to believe He will change the hearts and minds of those decision-makers and make this change temporary. I'm choosing Hope.
Thank you for your continued prayers. You have no idea how grateful we are for them. We are grieving, but continuing to fight for our daughter. She has never felt as far away as she does today, but I know the One who sees her, knows her, loves her, made her, and is fighting for her.

Psalm 56:8 (from the Message):
You've kept track of my every toss and turn through the sleepless nights,
Each tear you entered in your ledger, each ache written in your book

So grateful He fights our battles for us.
I'm choosing Hope.

Original post:

Easier said than done.

That pretty much sums up so much of our lives right now regarding adoption. Waiting. It is an innate part of the adoption journey on a million levels and knowing God's timing is perfect is always in the forefront of my mind. However, it is easier said than done. Anxiety. It, too, can be part of the process considering all of the unknowns and dependence on so many other people. Believing and claiming Philippians 4:6 (from the Message): Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns.

Easier said than done.

I am trying to focus on those words, "Shape your worries into prayers." As some of you know (and others have just seen facebook posts), tomorrow is a crucial day in the vitality and future of adoptions in Ethiopia. MOWA (Ministry of Women's Affairs) plays a large role in finalizing adoptions on the Ethiopian side of things... meaning without a MOWA letter of approval, you don't pass court, and therefore don't adopt. The MOWA office is making an announcement of some sort tomorrow (March 10) regarding rumors that starting tomorrow they are only going to hear 5 international adoption cases a day rather than the 40-50 per day they have been hearing. 90% decrease. Sigh. In an effort to decrease corruption and rampant unethical practices involved in Ethiopian adoptions recently, the government is trying to do more thorough investigations of each case. For that, I am grateful. However, there are other plans out there to decrease this corruption and increase investigations without the 90% decrease. From what I understand there is still division among the Ethiopian government as to the best approach for monitoring/investigating each case. In all reality, the orphanages and a large sector of governmental jobs would be devastated by this decrease, being unable to survive without the revenue that adoptions give. This decrease, most importantly, would leave hundreds of thousands of orphans currently living in orphanages completely homeless.

Focus on, "Shape your worries into prayers."

If you are reading this and are willing, please commit to prayer tonight and in the morning for decision-makers in Ethiopia, the government officials, and these affected children. Please pray for wisdom, discernment, and clarity for those deciding whether or not to enforce this 90% decrease in adoptions. With all my heart, I believe and know God is passionate about caring for orphans and always making a way for them. I am grateful He already knows the outcome. As I lean into Him and the truth of His sovereignty, I would love you to join me (us) in prayer.

Focus on, "Shape your worries into prayers."

I will keep you posted on what news we hear... our agency has people "on the ground" in Ethiopia at the MOWA office trying to get to the bottom of what is going on. Please pray for our family as we seek comfort in knowing He sees, He knows, He cares, He fights our battles for us. Deep Sigh. Seeking to move to a place where it isn't easier said than done. Thanks for loving on us and being supportive. We are honored and thankful to be on this road.... So, so thankful.

"Instead of worrying, pray."