Monday, February 2, 2009

Finding Favor

Today was a good snail-mail day ... I received my Red Letters book which is probably good timing since I will be done with Fields of the Fatherless in the next couple days ... really liking that book and can't wait for Red Letters...

Also in the mail was a letter we've been waiting for ... I open it up and it was..

"NOTICE OF FAVORABLE DETERMINATION CONCERNING APPLICATION FOR ADVANCE PROCESSING OF ORPHAN PETITION"

The most important part is that the I-600A was APPROVED! This means that US Citizenship and Immigration Services approves us bringing our child into the country! GOOD DAY! Just as we (well I) was needing it ... it's another step forward as we wait with blinders on ... not knowing if we are #1, #2, or #3 on the boys list...

Speaking of which ... my days are definitely preoccupied these days...


  • For those of you that have been here before .. how'd you guys focus on anthing else? I go throughout the day just thinking of our child, probably being loved on by his (or her) special mothers ... and also the guys at Hannah's Hope. That gives me great peace and joy because I know the love they show the children at HH is TRUE love that only can come from our Savior.
  • I catch myself closing my eyes and seeing our child formed perfectly in God's image. Even though the features aren't clear, I can tell he/she is perfectly and wonderfully made.
  • I long for the day that I'm able to see a picture of my child, to know about him/her ... to understand what makes him/her laugh ... for him/her to know that Amber and I will be his/her forever family.

And I know once we are in the court-waiting phase, it doesn't get any easier ... actually harder because you have bonded and just want to go there to bring them home.

The peace we've had to this point continues tonight and I praise God for His faithfulness in this journey. As many others that have been down the same road we're on, we realize that God's Hand is written all over it ... we are forever grateful for how He's changed us and our hearts in the past 7 months.

Well, hopefully soon I'll be able to post some really good news ... I'll definitely keep you informed when we hear anything!

9 comments:

Amber Weiseth said...

I loved the Red Letters book. I described it as "butt kicking good". It is so convicting, sad, hopeless, hopeful, and encouraging. Pretty good for a 200 pg book. Enjoy! Also, I can't wait to hear of your referral. Hopefully soon!

Dawn said...

Oh I know EXACTLY how you are feeling! It's so hard. I desperately longed for a picture, I needed something/anything to grasp onto and bond with. And when it happens - its AMAZING!! It's tough and there's no other way to put it. Hang in there though and know that you have a whole lot of people praying for you and supporting you! I can't wait for it to be YOUR turn!! :)

Tisha Alexander said...

It will be you guys SO SOON!!! I am so excited for you and Amber. With you getting the I-171H you are good to go now... YAY!

Beyond Blessed said...

Amber,
I cannot begin to tell you what a joy it is to read you and your husband’s blog. As two people who have gone through the process of adopting our daughter and know the pain of waiting and then the recent failure of our second adoption, I can only imagine the excitement, anticipation and delight you are experiencing. My husband and I both are praying for your upcoming journey and I am so excited to see you become a mom, as I have watched you work with my daughter and the genuine love that you show to her is nothing short of you showing Jesus to her which will be exactly what you show to your son or daughter. All our blessings to you and Troy!

Kandra
Philippians 4:6-7

Paul and DeeDee said...

oh I totally forgot to tell you that I spoke with Julie yesterday and she said that their have been A LOT of boy referrals lately and not many girl referrals....you can take that to mean what you want:) Just thought I would pass on the little bit of info that she gave me!

Paul and DeeDee said...

wait what??? I am confused about your comment about #1 and #2 being on both lists.....You found that out for sure?

Paul and DeeDee said...

haha ok! I think so too but I don't want to get my hopes up and be disappointed! oh by the way my email is deedee1784 at yahoo if you ever need to leave a longer comment or something:)

Adam and Nicole said...

Nicole and I are keeping you in our prayers. I can't wait to get a new nephew/niece. God Bless!

Adam and Nicole said...

Oh, I almost forgot, have you thought of names yet?