We have just been thrown a curve ball with Taiwan adoptions. It may end up being nothing in the end ~ but only time will tell.
The family that was the next in line for a referral from our agency, and who had been waiting now for 4 months for a referral, was just told that the orphanage will not refer them a non-special needs infant as they requested because of their current family size being too "large". They have 5 children, but two are grown ~ there are only 3 in the home. They were told they will be referred older children (5 & up) or a child with special needs. I was also reading a post from yesterday on the Orphanage's yahoo group (for families who are adopting from that orphanage) and another family was told they are not going to get a referral of an Non-special needs infant as they requested and was approved for, but that they would have to adopt an older child or a special needs child. This family has 4 children ~ 1 older, 3 at home.
We were never told by our agency that having 3 children could be a problem with adopting an infant from Taiwan. We are now wondering if we'll end up waiting and be told when it is close to referral time that we will not be able to adopt the child that we feel is right for our family. We don't know what Taiwan considers as "large" family.... but apparently 5 is too large and so is 4....
There is no question adoption is a painful journey... I think those that have received their reward for the pain will say it is quickly forgotten and how it is so worth it... and I truly believe their words ~ however, when you're on the other side of that reward, it is often hard to imagine that you'll ever get to the other side... you begin to wonder "maybe I am an excpetion and it truly will never happen for me"... the pain without the reward gets old, and I know many families that will agree with that.
Even so, I am at peace. This moment, I feel God's peace that no matter what, He will give us His best. Ultimately, if we love the Lord, He will give us His best. His best isn't always what our desires are.... atleast not the desires of the flesh. I believe the Lord has planted a desire in our hearts to adopt. That is planted by the Lord and I know without a shadow of doubt that it is Him. So, what do I do in times like this, when His promise for something doesn't seem to be lining up in the natural with what is happening? I press on and believe....believe that He is good and He is God and even if it takes 40 years to see His promise, He has promised and I believe.
... Now Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see... Hebrews 11:1
when my thoughts get cloudy with doubt and it is hard to see clearly God's plans, I stick to what I know. God is good ~ He is gracious and compassionate. He will see us through anything as He always does. Praise the Lord, O my soul, praise the Lord.
The family that was the next in line for a referral from our agency, and who had been waiting now for 4 months for a referral, was just told that the orphanage will not refer them a non-special needs infant as they requested because of their current family size being too "large". They have 5 children, but two are grown ~ there are only 3 in the home. They were told they will be referred older children (5 & up) or a child with special needs. I was also reading a post from yesterday on the Orphanage's yahoo group (for families who are adopting from that orphanage) and another family was told they are not going to get a referral of an Non-special needs infant as they requested and was approved for, but that they would have to adopt an older child or a special needs child. This family has 4 children ~ 1 older, 3 at home.
We were never told by our agency that having 3 children could be a problem with adopting an infant from Taiwan. We are now wondering if we'll end up waiting and be told when it is close to referral time that we will not be able to adopt the child that we feel is right for our family. We don't know what Taiwan considers as "large" family.... but apparently 5 is too large and so is 4....
There is no question adoption is a painful journey... I think those that have received their reward for the pain will say it is quickly forgotten and how it is so worth it... and I truly believe their words ~ however, when you're on the other side of that reward, it is often hard to imagine that you'll ever get to the other side... you begin to wonder "maybe I am an excpetion and it truly will never happen for me"... the pain without the reward gets old, and I know many families that will agree with that.
Even so, I am at peace. This moment, I feel God's peace that no matter what, He will give us His best. Ultimately, if we love the Lord, He will give us His best. His best isn't always what our desires are.... atleast not the desires of the flesh. I believe the Lord has planted a desire in our hearts to adopt. That is planted by the Lord and I know without a shadow of doubt that it is Him. So, what do I do in times like this, when His promise for something doesn't seem to be lining up in the natural with what is happening? I press on and believe....believe that He is good and He is God and even if it takes 40 years to see His promise, He has promised and I believe.
... Now Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see... Hebrews 11:1
when my thoughts get cloudy with doubt and it is hard to see clearly God's plans, I stick to what I know. God is good ~ He is gracious and compassionate. He will see us through anything as He always does. Praise the Lord, O my soul, praise the Lord.
Comments
Courtney
You have a great attitude about everything! Keep holding onto that faith!
Jessica
We have changed our homestudy to say a healthy infant or one with minor correctable special needs. We were told that will help our wait to go much faster.
I don't know..it's all so scary! Praise God I have a strong faith!
I'm excited to follow on your journey!