The roller coaster adoption ride

I know some of you have been waiting patiently while I work up the drive to post again. A lot has been going on just, unfortunately, nothing having to do with our adoption. Let me reword that: Nothing good (from our earthly perspective) has been going on with our adoption. We found out, sadly, that the baby girl we were hoping might one day be ours will not be. This means that the transitional home is completely full and no new children will be brought in until, maybe, this week (since five families have just picked up their little ones!) Once new children are brought in, it takes weeks (at least three, I know) to get paperwork processed/tests done for a referral. With nine months looming on Saturday and us still number two on the list, this was sad news at several different levels. I feel sad about it, to be honest. However, I am also renewed in knowing that God is good and His timing is perfect. Nothing could do more to renew this resolve as Theresa Van Wetten's post from Ethiopia today. While so many pieces might not fit together at the end of our journey to our little girl as did with the Van Wettens , I know they do up in God's master puzzle, and I will rest in that tonight.

I feel thrilled for those picking up their children today in Ethiopia and I feel thrilled for the others that passed court. I also feel sad for the Caldwells, who did not pass court. Once again, the roller coaster of adoption.

Speaking of other families, I wanted to let you all know that the Weimer family needs some major help. In three weeks they want to go pick up their newest three family members (after adopting another sibling group of three less than a year ago!) and still need $19,000. If you feel you can help, please go visit their blog and donate. They are amazing and need the body to come together.

Speaking of money, I just found out tonight our homestudy expires in two days. Surprise, surprise, a new cost to get it renewed :) Sorry, that was slightly sadistic, but you know, when it rains, it pours. And God has been so faithful. I really still have no doubt He will provide, just fleshly Danielle could have done without that added cost!

Lastly, I wanted to share with you two pics from an end-of-the-season night on the boat with good friends from church and memories from two weekends ago when my mom and dad took the boys to the Dunes for a weekend of camping. I still haven't gotten this weekend's little excursion to Chicago downloaded! Maybe this weekend I'll get caught up with those! I truly have the best parents on the face of the planet. Enjoy.