Nearing an end, looking for a beginning...

Our agency told us this week that we are NOT matched with a child in Vietnam & we will NOT be matched before the shutdown. So, on Sept 1, our paperwork will travel back to us, with no baby. The USCIS issued a statement that seems to confirm that the US is committed to the shutdown. The report also talks about more corruption (in June alone, 5 children were returned to their VN birth families after the US investigations revealed corruption). This hurts my heart - the thoughts of someone taking my babies away from me because I was disadvantaged.
It's odd how we fret over the price of gas while this type stuff is happening around the world.
After a "I'm pitiful" cry and a waltz through Lela's room, I'm okay. Surprisingly, I'm really okay. I think the LORD is trying to show us to keep looking for our little girl. A month ago I had the "NO WAY will I ever go through this again" mentality, but now that we know the LORD is closing this door, we are looking for an opened one. Dennis & I have talked alot and we are not ready to give up...we believe the LORD has called us to step out in faith, so we are waiting for Him to lead.
Our local social worker is looking into a few options for us. And we've talked about looking at programs to Bulgaria (got some info coming in the mail).
Please keep us in your prayers as we seek His will. As I've said before, there is peace when we just trust Him (calm, relaxing peace -- much better than worry and woe). I will always love Vietnam & hope to go there one day.
Thank you my friends and family,
Kathy
"In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps." Proverbs 16:9

From bad to worse...Need prayer

We were told by our agency that it is unlikely that we will be able to complete our adoption. It was hard to hear (see, on email). They doubt that we will get a referral before the shutdown on Sept. 1st.

Only a miracle would change things...this miracle would involve the US & Vietnam governments agreeing on a temporary agreement to continue adoptions (Congressional letter to Sec of State Rice).

Another possible miracle would be for the 2 governments to agree to "grandfather" cases like ours in to complete. We have over 14 months, thousands of dollars, and a wealth of emotional stock invested in this. It is hard to imagine that it could end like this.

Please help us pray for this whole situation...especially for the orphans that will never know homes if this shutdown happens. It just doesn't make sense - this world is so messed up...
Kathy
"If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me." Psalm 139:9-10

While we wait (and dream)...

I love to search the internet and learn more about Vietnam & the people of Vietnam. We have so looked forward to exploring this great country when we travel to get Lela. I hope and pray we will be able to now -- since adoptions will be shutting down in Sept. Please continue to pray and enjoy some pictures of this great land that I came across.





"See how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we would be called children of God;..." 1 John 3:1