Ahhh...Relief.

God is so very good.

God is so very faithful.

He heard our prayers.

He heard your prayers.

We are at peace.

Praise You, Lord.

After a tough time of searching. After much discussion, confusion and prayer. God has answered the very cry of our hearts. He's provided clarity and removed the confusion. As only He can do. We asked that doors would be closed and others would be opened so it would be that clear to us. And now it is.

As recent as Monday, we were still tossing around what direction would be best for our family. The one thing I can assure you of is that we weren't sure. We were still so unclear. Domestic? International? Shall we talk to our agency in Massachusetts and tell them we're switching gears? Would we lose money by leaving them? We reviewed our contract with them and confirmed that was a possibility. We were willing to pull the plug on the international pursuit and not even begin the dossier process with Ethiopia, if God wanted us to focus locally.

But, just yesterday, I got an email from Bethany Christian Services saying that they will not accept a home study completed by another agency. If we chose to switch to domestic adoption thereby switching to Bethany Christian Services we would lose every bit of progress we've made and all the monies we've invested. It just doesn't feel like that's what the Lord wants us to do.

There it is.

The closed door.

Hallelujah.

We also received some of the most thoughtful comments and emails with much wisdom from friends who've been where we are and know all too well the emotional struggle of trying desperately to figure out what's best for their families. And the truth of the matter is, despite our greatest efforts, it's impossible for us to know fully. We can't see around the next corner. We can't predict the future. But God's the ultimate fortune teller. He knows what He's doing and so, once again, we choose to trust Him. We have peace again in our trustworthy Heavenly Father. Why (me of little faith) do I doubt sometimes!? Gosh, I worry and fret so much sometimes. When in Matthew it says so plainly, do not worry about tomorrow for tomorrow will worry about itself. It really says that! Isn't the Bible so applicable even today!?

In addition to wonderful encouragement and wisdom from friends, we came across two very, very encouraging videos around responding to the orphan crisis in Ethiopia specifically and adoption, in general. We are motivated. We are ready.

Grab your box of tissues.

Ethiopian Orphans from Simon Scionka on Vimeo.

The Reality of the Blessing Promo Video from PCPC Video on Vimeo.