17.5.12

When you don't have anything nice to say...

WARNING: Blog post contains whining, complaining and unhappiness. Even though this is an accurate portrayal of the adoption process, some people reading may become confused. This post does not negate the Barber's desire to adopt in any way, shape or form and should not be taken as a sign of wishy-washy behavior. It is simply a snapshot of emotion for the life of a paper pregnant mother. 

READ AT YOUR OWN RISK.


The blog title says it all. And that is where I am, hence the lack of blogging. We are still waiting with no end in sight for the adoption. This might be a hard reality to understand, but you can't imagine how challenging it truly is until you are in the midst of it. I can't buy clothing, cribs, bottles, beds, NOTHING until we have a referral. We can not commit to church activities, photography shoots, weddings, family vacations, theatre shows, NOTHING until we have a referral. We can't pack, plan for our month away, buy activities for our Ugandan kids, NOTHING until we have a referral. We can not apply for grants until we have a referral. We can not do anything until we have a referral. And it is driving me bonkers.

I tried to warn you with the title of this blog post. Life just seems like it is aimlessly dragging on. The kids ask about their new brother and sister daily, and it is heartbreaking to tell them we don't know when they will join our family. "You said they were going to be coming in the summer. Isn't it summer?" "All of our paperwork is done, so are new brother and sister coming tomorrow?" "When can we fly to Uganda and meet them?" A mom can only take so much of this.

One month ago today we sent away our dossier. It was such a joyous occasion, but it seems so very far away now. Honestly, it seems like we completed it three months ago. This waiting without any information is very painful and I even struggled with several very depressing days. It is emotionally draining to have your heart half-way around the world.

Don't get me wrong. We are still engaging our homegrown children, growing spiritually and getting our house projects completed. All of these feelings do not mean we aren't trusting God's timing or are trying to take matters into our own hands. We can feel sad things and trust that God is going to work everything out at the same time.

I just feel stuck in limbo with no hope of end.


UPDATE: We just found out (hours after writing this blog post) that Ugandan court is closed for the summer (July 15-August 15). This means we most likely won't be traveling at all this summer.

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5 comments:

Joy B. said...

Praying for your family daily. If you ever need an ear, I have two :-)

Jennifer said...

There probably isn't much that anyone could say to cheer you up, given that you don't yet see the proverbial light at the end of the tunnel.

So instead, just know that I am praying for you and your children (all of them)!

Russ Lay said...

Good Luck,
My Wife and I are at about the same stage of our adoption. We'll pray for you. We've been praying for the people in Uganda who will handle our paperwork and give us a referal. It has been helping my heart.
Russ Lay

Mika said...

I have some idea of how you feel. I am waiting and cannot do anything. Granted for different reasons but with the same results - no new children. No family bonding, no getting them out of a foster home into a forever family. No anything, just helplessly waiting. I am praying that you are able to trust God that His timing is perfect. But that is sooo hard! Thank you for sharing. It helps me not feel so alone.

Laura said...

It took 7 Months to get my referral and 8 more months to him home. Now it's taking people 2+ years in Ethiopia to get a referral. Hang in there adoption is a roller coaster of emotions. If your not already friend with
Christie Cotney Magera on FB she may be a good resource and her stories will bless you http://compassinmyheart.blogspot.jp/