The adoption process has many phases. Right now we are in the waiting phase. Three documents are being authenticated and will soon be sent to China (DTC - Dossier to China) to meet up with our original dossier from Kohlby's adoption process.
It's called 're-using your dossier.' This is the first time we've re-used a dossier. Once we are DTC we wait for LID (log-in date), which marks the beginning of the wait for LOA (Letter of Acceptance) from China asking if we formally accept the referral of a particular child, our son. (Ummmmm, let me think. YES!)
The wait for LOA is the perfect time to complete applications for adoption assistance grants. My goal is to complete one application per week, which wouldn't be a big deal...if we didn't have a wedding in two weeks, or Christmas in three weeks, or weren't launching a new health practice, or holding a bake sale, or you know...
In fact, we've already received word from our first grant application: Decline.
I would be kidding if I said my heart didn't sink a bit with the news. After all, adoption is ridiculously costly. Is there anything worthwhile that isn't though?
And so we carry on. But not dragging our feet in sadness or bitterness. With hope! Because this grant wasn't a deal-breaker where adoption is concerned. Neither is the next one. Or the one after that.
Only the Lord knows exactly how and when this adoption will be funded. We are literally holding one fundraiser after another, and even if every single one of them failed, we would not worry.
The God who created every.single.thing loves a little boy lying in a crib in China. And He loves the family racing to bring him home. He has made a way to redeem a life of brokenness, sorrow and loss.
Isaiah 40:28 says...
Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable.
We can't possibly know all He has planned, but we know He is faithful and true. All we have is His, and we are merely stewards. The Lord can be trusted with what belongs to Him...
...and if we believe that, then there is simply no room for worry.
To Him be all glory!
