What to Expect the 2nd Trip

For all of you wondering, this is what Yuri told us to expect during the second trip:

When Yuri contacts us again, he will have information about the child that the SDA has selected for us. We should not have to be concerned about significant health delays because the second appointment is structured so that you are pretty much guaranteed a child who matches your request. If the child is not adopted at the second appointment, then that's it - no more chances to see another child. This is the reason for the delay between appointments because the SDA is supposed to match you with a child (seems like this is the way it should have been on the first appointment, but then again no one asked us how the system should operate). If Yuri determines that the child is a good fit, then he will contact us and offer us the opportunity to visit. At this point in time, we may have anywhere between one and three weeks to prepare to travel. Can you just imagine how much we will run around during this period of time? At least we will be able to prepare somewhat for the child and not come home and have to do nothing but run and try to buy clothes and pull-ups or diapers. The room can be ready as well (more gender specific and not just green and white).

Yuri said that another area to pray about is that the child be located in a region in which the 10 day waiting period can be waived. After court, there is a 10 day waiting period in which the child remains in the orphanage and we will visit each day - a lot of time to read and twirl our fingers. In some regions, this period can be waived, however this only happens in 5% of adoptions. Still, God is good!

We were told to expect to be in region anywhere from 4 to 5 weeks on the next trip. It is possible to get everything done in 3 weeks but that can prove very challenging. At least with the later appointment, maybe the new child and Ashton won't be as close together in age.

Now, a recap of prayer requests:
1. Health little girl under 36 months
2. 10-day waiting period be waived
3. VERY quick in-country stay

Please pass these prayer requests along to all prayer warriors. We have definitely felt the hand of God on us throughout this adventure. Next trip, we will know more what to expect, so hopefully we can relax a little more and enjoy the ride (hopefully a smooth trip and not a roller-coaster like this trip!). Honestly, we are sad that we won't be flying home with a little one on Thursday, however we are excited about the child that God has waiting for us. I have read the blogs of so many other families who have had to wait for a second appointment and each one has stated that they wouldn't change a thing because had they received a good referral the first time, they would not have the child that they love as their own now.

We know God is still in control and just because we are coming home empty-handed per se now, our hearts are full and our hands won't be empty too terribly much longer! One thing is for sure, this trip has taught us what it truly means to be in a situation that only God can control, what it truly means to love and be loved, and the power of prayer.