We started this process a year and a half ago, choosing Russia as the country we’d like to adopt from. Russia decided it didn’t need the US to adopt it’s children at the end of 2012, and we switched to Ethiopia, grateful we hadn’t gotten too far into the process. At some point this year, probably in the late summer, the Ethiopia program ground to a halt. We are still not quite sure why, nor why when we talked to the agency in October, they somehow mis-communicated about the nearness of a referral for us. When we talked with them again a couple of weeks ago, the story had changed a bit, and even though we were sort of “next in line” they could not tell us when, or if, referrals would be happening again. Maybe in 2014… maybe not…. maybe you should look at other country programs….

So, we were faced with the dilemma of sticking with a program that seems stuck and who knows when/if it will get unstuck, or switching countries yet again. We talked with the program directors of several other countries and India stood out as the obvious choice for several reasons. India opened up for adoptions again in the spring and the process is pretty clear, and the timeline is similar and it’s even somewhat cheaper. We both hated to switch AGAIN, but felt at peace that the change was the right thing. So, does anyone want to buy an Amharic language program? It comes with several DVDs, a workbook and an alphabet chart. We’ll make you a great deal! LOL

You might be thinking we’re rather frustrated about the whole thing, but our certain knowledge that God is sovereign and He works all things according to His will and for our good. So, we don’t really need to know why this happened. We’re at peace, knowing God is driving the bus and we’re just along for the ride.

Fundraising update

We have received TWO grants, Praise the Lord! The first is a matching grant. This means that money sent to the grant organization before December 20, 2013 will be doubled! Here’s the address, and those who donate will receive a receipt for a tax deduction:
Hand in Hand Christian Adoption, Inc.
Mark & Randa Clay
18318 Mimosa Court
Gardner, KS 66030
(checks must be made out to Hand in Hand Christian Adoption NOT to us- the only place our name should be is on the envelope)

The second grant is one we just heard back on late last week, and is from Show Hope Because the cost for the whole thing is less with India, if the matching grant is maxed out, we would be very close to having the money raised to bring our child home. We’re so grateful to God for these granting organizations and for all who have participated in the fund raising on our child’s behalf so far. We’re just praying now for a speedy transition to the new program and for all the details to fall into place for a referral to come in God’s good time.