What Now?

Well I think we are about as over as you can be with not passing court. It was incredibly dissapointing not only because we want our little guy as soon as possible but largely due to the two extra months of early bonding time we are losing. There really is nothing we can do at this point except start waiting again, only 48 days!! It's also dissapointing because the families from our agency that DID pass court last week get to travel on December 10th. That day will be somewhat sad as we think it might have been us.

While we would give anything to get to our son as quick as possible we are trying to find whatever silver linings we can. Please don't think that we wouldn't trade any or all of these but if you gotta find the good you try. Airline tickets will be significantly cheaper in February when likely will travel if we pass court. In anticipation of possibly traveling we did all our Christmas shopping early and have the house totally decorated. That gives us the entire month of December to relax and truly reflect on what Christmas means. My work is starting an adoption benefit next year that we might not have been able to benefit from but not might get to due to the delay. I'll get to go to Winter Xtreme with our youth group. Who wouldn't want to be up to three in the morning yelling at kids to quit throwing m and m's down the stairwell?? December is Sarah's busiest time at work and January/February are the slowest. That works out well there. Traveling in February also works out best for my work schedule. You might sense it but we are reaching somewhat here but making the best of it.

As far as not passing court the reason we didn't is totally reasonable. Ethiopia adoption is growing in large numbers and anytime you have increased adoptions in a country you have an inreased risk of corruption. The government is taking extreme measures to insure that there is no corruption. The sad reality is a few bad agencies can really ruin it for the many great agencies. Holt is top of the line and we have never regretted our decision. When we adopt again, (yes we do feel that God is putting it on our heart to adopt again, when we don't know) we would use Holt again without a doubt.