Waiting

So here is where I stand as of today. I mailed my application and it was received by Mary (she is in Texas and reviews all applications) on Friday, March 13. She then spoke to "The Board" (don't know exactly who they are) and Danyne (Director of the orphanage in Uganda). On Monday I received an e-mail from her which said,
"Danyne told me today to tell you that at this time, we don't have a little girl. We will be watching and praying. So sorry that this is not the time. Blessings, Mary"

I wasn't sure exactly what that meant. Am I now on a waiting list? Or since there is no match for me, is my application discarded? I e-mailed back and asked Mary to clarify for me.

Yesterday, I got this message from Mary:
"Hello Melissa,
I need to talk with Danyne early in the morning. She was at a special dinner when I called this morning. So, I will ask her directly your questions and get back to you as soon as I have some info. Can you tell me what age a little girl you would like? Is an older ie 3 or 4 ok? Let me know tonight if you can. Thanks,
Blessings,
Mary"

I wrote Mary back with a definite, "YES!" on the idea of accepting a 4-year old. I did not hear from her today as I had hoped. So I wait, and rejoice in God's goodness to keep me "peace-filled." Yes, I am peace-filled. Not peace-ful, because to me that implies that the peace is flowing out from me. No, it's just the opposite--the Lord is pouring His peace into me. It is a constant filling, every moment of the day. I can honestly say I have peace. When I started this journey, the Lord gave me Isaiah 55:12 which says, "You will go out with joy and be led forth in peace..." And He is faithful to all His promises!

I have heard from so many adoptive parents that adoption is not for the faint of heart. I am so thankful that the Lord has been teaching me patience for so many years prior to this journey.

Application Mailed!

Today I mailed my application to the Amani Baby Cottage. I can't believe it! I have been thinking of and praying for this day for years. It's crazy!

The office that reviews the applications is actually in Texas, so the paperwork doesn't have far to go. I have no idea yet how quickly I will hear a response, but I welcome your prayers. I am pleading with the Lord to make His Will known to me through the answer to this application. If I am off the path He has for me, I pray He pulls me back now. If I'm hearing clearly from Him, I pray that I receive a favorable response from the orphanage and can proceed in confidence.

Would you join with me in prayer as I await a response?