New Beginnings....

Hmmm...well I've started and restarted a blog post about 5 times now in the last couple of weeks.  I've dreaded updating this because I knew I would have to write a book to really give a full update.  So, stay with me here and I will try to make a LONG story short...er.

I titled this "New Beginnings" because I'm hopeful about greater things to come. 

This fall our adoption process began to get even rockier and there was more frustration, waiting and changes.  Lesotho is in the process of becoming a Hague Country.  In short, this means, they are signing into a convention that will establish new requirements and ensure ethical practices to protect children and families involved.  In general it is good for the adoptive children and provides more protection for the prospective adoptive parents.  This overall seems to be a very good change in the grand scheme of things.  However, our adoption agency is not a Hague accredited agency and therefore will not be allowed to continue adoptions over there.  From our understanding those families that were "matched" with a child prior to December 1, 2012 will get to continue under the Non-Hague process.  Those that have not will need to sign on with the Hague accredited agency that the Lesotho government appoints over here in the United States.

The Hague process and the Non-Hague process differ quite a bit from the paperwork we have filed with the government, to the children's visa to the parental education requirements.  In short, it's just a totally different process.  Our Non-Hague paperwork expires this July and we are granted one free extension, but it has to be with a Non-Hague country. (makes sense!)  But our home study has also expired and would have to be renewed to get the free extension.  Our fees to our adoption agency aren't refundable so starting over with a new agency isn't an option.

I tell you all this jumbled background to lead up to saying that our adoption process with Lesotho has come to an end.  After a couple of months of crying, anxiety and frustration this is where we are at.  We have been in this process for 2 years and it's hard to see it end like this, but I'm praying for greater things.

I know this last 2 years hasn't been a waste because we were doing what we felt like God wanted us to do.  I know He doesn't make mistakes and I also know that we are human and it's not for us to understand all the time.

Where do we go from here?? Well great question.... I'm not sure what door will be open for us, but I do know that we will be looking for one.

"Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."