Official press release...

We all know that adoptions from Vietnam will shut down in Sept. We have all been waiting to hear if they will process "pipeline" cases.
Last night, the US Embassy issued an official statement, confirming that some corruption has been found. They also relayed that Vietnam will continue adoptions to US families who have an official referral by Sept 1, 2008. We do not have an official referral (when our paperwork is matched with a baby's paperwork) yet. Since the US has been taking so long to investigate each case, Vietnam has slowed down referring babies to US families (instead they are referred to European countries). When corruption abounds, policing must also abound. I've attached links below.
Basically, this means we are in limbo. There is a good chance that we will not be able to adopt a child from Vietnam.
Dennis remains optimistic, but I find myself guarding my heart. We need a glimmer of hope. Continue to pray.
Kathy
“That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ.” 1 Peter 1:7
MSNBC story
US Embassy press release - short version
Long version - disturbing

A year ago today...

A year ago today, Dennis & I had a discussion that would forever change our future...we decided to pursue international adoption. One of my dearest friends came to me that day and told me that she was "expecting." With us all in our 40s, the excitement was laced with fear. She now has a beautiful, healthy baby girl, but that news spurred Dennis and I to re-look at our longtime dream of adopting a child. We had said "if the LORD ever provides the money, we'll do it!" But we realized that God doesn't work that way....He asks us to step out on faith & WATCH as He provides. We decided to step out. And here we are...one year later.
Although the adoption world is shaky right now, we are firm in our belief that the LORD has called us to provide a home for a Vietnamese baby. Continue your prayers as we watch this all unfold.
Kathy
"Then He will give you rain for the seed which you will sow in the ground, and bread from the yield of the ground, and it will be rich and plenteous..." Isaiah 30:23

5 months DTV!

Five months DTV! That means our paperwork as been in Vietnam, waiting for Lela for 5 months now. We began the adoption process last April, and boy has it been an "up and down" year with international adoption. We are hopeful that we can bring Lela home this Fall, but as we well know, there are no guarantees with international adoption.
Please continue to pray that the LORD's will is done.
Thanks.
Kathy
"Do not move the ancient boundary stone in the fields of the fatherless for their defender is strong; He will take up their case…” Proverbs 23:10-11
..................................VIETNAM.................................

More from Phoenix

Dennis & the kids went to the Botanical Gardens while I was at my conference today. Arizona is truly beautiful!





"He has made everything beautiful in its time." Ecclesiastes 3:11

Pictures from Phoenix

After two long (delayed and changed) plane rides, this southern family found themselves in Arizona!! We've had a great day, getting to know this great state & seeing one of the 7 wonders of the world --- the Grand Canyon. WOW! What a great God we serve, One who would allow us to enjoy such a gorgeous sight. I thought you may enjoy some pictures of our journey thus far.







"How great are your works, O LORD..." Psalm 92:5