We were put on the referral list in mid May.
We’ve been told it takes about six months for a family to receive a referral.
So we most likely have another few months of waiting ahead of us.
But it could happen anytime, really. It’s possible to get a referral tomorrow.
Regardless of when, one day, we will get a phone call followed by an email and that’ll be it….our child. This faceless nameless child we’ve been praying for.
We’ll have a picture and name and a background.
Maybe a little girl. Or a little boy.
And all of a sudden, the plight of the orphan will have a face. All of a sudden, the plight of the orphan will feel personal and raw and….real.
Because that will be my little boy or my little girl. And instead of hopping on a plane and flying across the Atlantic and bringing our sweet pea home, we’ll have to wait.
For another 12 months, give or take. Knowing that the children in these orphanages are perishing. Knowing that the situation is heart-breakingly desperate.
We’ll have no choice but to wait. While the courts confer. While due diligence is adhered to.
We will wait.
And we will pray.
We’ll pray like we’ve never prayed before. We will lift this precious child–our precious child–to the throne room of God. Begging that He would keep our little one safe until it is time to bring our little one home.
Let’s Talk: How do you handle waiting? What’s the hardest thing you’ve had to wait for?
Oh my dear friend. How I wish that you could jump on a plane tomorrow. But your child isn’t ready for you, and God knows when that child look at you and know she’s home.
I am having a HARD time waiting for a) my epic writing career to take off and b) my totally epic and influential life of Beth Moore-ness to start. You know, so I can help shape every English speaking woman’s life to be more Godly. Then again, hehehe, maybe I should start with MINE?
Seriously tho…
The most difficult thing to wait for?
My daughter to walk back up our front steps and say “I need you, can I come home?”
All else, ALL ELSE pales in comparison.
Oh, girlie, such a long time to wait. I am going to wax eloquently like I know what I’m talking about but I’m one of the worst at waiting. I usually do what Melissa Tagg said, try to stay busy, but I know that’s not what God wants. He wants a whole heart invested in His plans.
Just like the long road that brought the baby you had in May called “Wildflowers From Winter,” God has a purpose in the journey. When I have trouble waiting (which is all the time), I remember that joyful submission makes Him smile. And isn’t that what life is about – making the Creator of the universe smile!
That’s a long time to wait, but the day you get that child in your arms, what a great day that will be!
I am waiting and praying for a husband…if that’s God’s will for me. 🙂
Keep clinging to hope, Katie! This to SHALL pass! *hugs*
Ahhh…just waited with two sets of friends for their adoptions of sweet girls from China. One couple has been home about 3 weeks now with their adorable Katie, the other couple will be leaving sometime in the next month to go get their precious Abby. So much time waiting…everyone reminding everyone else that God’s timing is always perfect, even within the wait.
Thank you so much for these comments! Loved reading the stories and so appreciate the prayers and the well wishes! It’s definitely a crazy journey. And I’m fully aware that it’s just like being pregnant. A whole NEW ballgame when the kid actually arrives!
Praying for you, sweet Katie! My sis and her husband are well-acquainted with “the wait.” Their little angels came from China and the waiting process is the most difficult. Just remember: visualize the outcome! 🙂 ((hugs))
Wow. I had no idea that there was a longer waiting period even after the referral. I thought you got the referral and a week or two later you’d be in the Congo. Praying you through it, friend.
I can’t wait for the day we see you post on your blog that you have wonderful news!
I have just come out of a time of waiting. I knew God was going to release me from my teaching position that was an hour from home. I prayed in faith about this. On June 18 I was offered a position only 20 mins. from my house that would allow me to be home with my kids everyday when they got off the bus.
But…..a position opened up in the district my kids attend, only a minute from our house. So I applied. And I waited for a call for the interview. On August 2 I interviewed and waited again. Five days later I heard the news I didn’t get the job.
I cried out to God,”You knew all along I wasn’t going to get that job, why did I have to go all summer not knowing?” He clearly pointed out how much I leaned on Him all summer. I sought nothing but Him.
Love this, Melissa!
Katie,
And you and your family will remain covered in prayer by all your peeps – what an honor it is to share in this journey with you. Thank you for including us even though you’re doing all the work and we’re just sitting on the sidelines cheering you on! But we’re the screaming, belly-rubbing, face-painted, wave-initiating, foot-stomping kind of fans and we’re there holding up signs with your name on them!
Patience is not my strong suit, Katie. Only through prayer can I wait with any resemblance of maturity. Praying your wait is a time of growth for you and your husband.
Remembering to B R E A T H E.
Your picture up top, with the frame, is ADORABLE. 🙂
Thanks Patti! It’s one of my faves. I love the frame and the flowers!!
As has been mentioned above, and as you have experienced, we learn most about God when we are between the rocks and the hard places. We don’t care for those times, but when they’re over, we usually say we wouldn’t trade that time for anything. Mostly, while waiting, I keep reminding myself that God is watching and working on my (our) behalf. I’m glad you have such a good support system, Katie. And I will be adding my prayers to those going up for your completed family!!
Ah, poor friend! That must be soooo hard. I can’t even imagine. Waiting is the worst…and yet, it often teaches us the most about God and who He is and the promises He gives us.
Praying for you and your family, Katie!
I too didn’t realize you would have to wait that long after getting your child. I hope I can pray for you and your family and the child when that moment becomes real.
Wow, 12 months. I didn’t realize it took that long. Your little one will be so blessed to have you, Katie.
Praying for you in your waiting season, Katie!
I struggle with impatience…and often I’ll catch myself trying to stay busy so I don’t have to deal with the whole waiting thing. But then, more often or not, it seems like God will do something to get my attention and remind me the waiting is a LOT less gnawing if I focus on him rather than whatever keep-myself-busy stuff I dream up. 🙂 Doesn’t mean the waiting gets easy, all of a sudden, but at least when I’m watching Him, I’m getting something out of it. 🙂
Oh my God. Katie, I had no idea you had to wait that long AFTER finding out the child is yours. Can you go and visit him or her in that time? Is there any chance it could be speedier? That is heart-breaking. But if that is the process, then I suppose that’s the process. I’m just glad you have the faith that you have to get you through it. Nothing less divine could do it, I don’t think.
It’s pretty difficult to travel to the Congo (not recommended b/c of lots of travel advisories)…not to mention insanely expensive. So unless a miracle happens and we inherit loads of money, I don’t think it’s possible. However, you never know!