Psalm 46:10
A few weeks ago my friend and I were talking about our childhoods. She told me of a time that her parents made her memorize bible verses alphabetically--literally stand up and recite A...B...C. I shuttered at the thought, privately of course--or maybe out loud, I can't remember. The discomfort came from my less than stellar experience in Catholic school, not from the thought of learning scripture. In fact, there were many times in school, during religion class and a few others, where I'd flip through the pages of the Bible looking for some wisdom (I love psalms and proverbs) or a story to keep me from arguing points with the nuns. Reading the Bible perhaps should not have been introduced quite that way, but in my case it was how I began to know the stories that would become the foundation for my beliefs and guide me later in life. As a side note: disagreement with the nuns was never my intention, I just didn't learn that questioning that which I didn't understand was sometimes considered arguing until much later in life.
Back to my conversation with my friend. She said she only remembered a few of those verses she was made to memorize. One of which was Psalm 46:10 or "Letter B" according to my friend, D. Be still, and know that I am God. So simple but so amazingly clear. I have not been able to get this passage out of my head. Every day--three, four, five times a day--it resonates within me. l find comfort in this psalm, especially today and the days in the week to come. Psalm 46:10 encourages us to reflect on what God can do in the face of what we are unable to do. I am unable to do anything in terms of S.'s court date on Tuesday (Monday in the US). It is God's past that provides calm for S.'s future. I'll pray for S., for the ethical Ethiopian Judge who presides over her case with her best interest in mind, for all special mothers at HH who take such amazing care of her each day I am not there, and for all the other children and their families waiting to become a legal family. It is good to remember; it is good to let go. I will be still. And I will know.
So...what's next?
Below is an overview of an Ethiopian adoption process from the time my agency receives adoptive parents' completed dossier and home study.
Agency Sends Dossier for Authentication and Translation Check!
Agency will forward adoptive parents’ dossier to the U.S. State Department and the Ethiopian Embassy for authentication. Once processed, the agency will forward the dossier to our staff in Ethiopia where it is translated
Referral Process Check!
Once the dossier is in Ethiopia, adoptive parents can wait six to eight months for a referral of a child. Once referred, the agency will send the adoptive parents referral photos, medical information and the child’s background information, including any known family history. Upon acceptance of referral, the agency's foreign staff will submit adoptive parents’ dossier, with the referred child’s documentation to the Ministry of Women’s Affairs (MOWA).
Ministry of Women’s Affairs (MOWA) Reviews Documentation Check!
MOWA is the branch of the Ethiopian government that reviews all documentation submitted by the adoptive parents and on behalf of the referred child recommends the adoption to be finalized to the Federal Court of Addis Ababa.
Federal Court Date November 11, 2008 Check!
Once MOWA recommends the adoption to be finalized, a court appointment is scheduled. At this appointment, the judge can either finalize the adoption or ask for further documentation and set another court date. Once the adoption is finalized, the court decree, new birth certificate and passport are issued, and the adoptive parents can travel.
Travel December 6, 2008 - December 11, 2008
Adoptive parents should be ready to travel within two to four months after accepting a referral. One parent is required to travel and the in-country stay in Ethiopia is five to seven days. During this time, adoptive parents will complete the U.S. Embassy Immigration appointment for the adopted child, which is necessary to bring the child to the United States. The agency's in-country staff will accompany each family throughout their entire stay in Ethiopia.
Post-Adoption- Until the child turns 18 years old In Process
In Ethiopia, an adoption is finalized before entrance into the United States. Upon arrival, post-adoption reports are due at three, six, and 12 months on the anniversary of the U.S. Embassy appointment date. After the first year, family authored self reports are due every year until the child reaches 18 years of age.
12 comments:
tuesday girl!!thinking of you and hoping! joce
Be still and know that I am God! I love it! Thanks!
Since I have no idea when our court date is I guess I will be saying this verse ALL WEEK LONG!!!!
Bethany
So simple and so powerful. Thanks for reminding me of that one. Praying for my sisters!
Amy
I'm praying, too. Being still and praying.
Great post! I needed to be reminded to "Be still" & know He's in control! Praying that you get great news soon!!!!!
Any news on court? I have been praying for all you guys waiting ! I love the verse too..it is really powerful and it gives peace :)
I am praying for you...have you heard anything yet? We have not heard anything. Thank you for you kind comments! God Bless...Shannon
I am still praying for good news!
I tagged you sister!
Hey let me know your baby's info, I would love to love on her:)You can email me at fraserfam@charter.net
Missy- off to Florida wed am... but thinking of you... missing your weekend.. love jocelyn
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