Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Court update...

Our court case WAS heard today and we did NOT pass. Apparently the judge requested that the mother be at the court date and she did not show up. The attorney thinks that she is sick. I was not aware that she had to be there as she has already shown up to court and has relinquished all rights 3 months ago. The mother is very, very
poor and is homeless. She is only 18 years old. She lives 168 miles south of Addis so I imagine that it's hard for her to make it to court. When I asked why she had to be there, I was told that these things are happening in the courts right now, sometimes they are requesting that the mother be there and other times not. We were assigned a new court date of Jan 22nd. Jan 22nd? That seems so far away.

To say that we are devastated doesn't even begin to cover it. Adoption is not for the faint of heart. I am not trying to be dramatic, just trying to keep it REAL. I thought I was strong but I am feeling very weak today. I think about our baby sitting in the orphanage for another two months and it makes me cry. I am home sick from work today, thank God. I do not want everyone to see me like this. I just took a hot shower and let the water beat down on me as I cried. It's amazing how you can love someone so much that you have never met. It's indescribable. I can only imagine what parents like the Fournet's are feeling, who are going for their 5th attempt at court on this coming Monday.

PLEASE PRAY:

1. Please pray for the mother of our child. Pray for her health. Pray for her heart for what she must be going through being so brave to give up her child. Pray that we can find her to get her to court. Pray that she is blessed.

2. Please pray for our sweet pea and that she doesn't get the chicken pox, scabies, or eye infection that is going around the orphanage right now. Pray that God protects her and loves on her and the other kids in the orphanage.

3. Please pray for the stability of the courts in Ethiopia and for all future adoptions.

4. Please pray for the Fournet's to pass court on Monday.

Thank you dear friends.




22 comments:

Margaret and Cordel said...

I am really sorry to hear that you did not pass! It sounds as though the Ethiopian government is making changes to their expectations regarding adoption. Praying for peace in your heart and for January 22nd to come quickly!!

emily said...

So sorry Amber. You are right about it not being for the faint of heart! We will pray for all these things.

Monica said...

Amber, I am so sorry to hear this. I am praying for all of the things you listed.

~Laura~ said...

oh, Amber! I'm so sorry you didn't pass. Maybe this means we will be in Addis around the same time. My courtdate is the 27th.

I know that this isn't the outcome you expected but this DID NOT take God off guard. He is still God and he loves you and sweet pea very much. You will be with your girl very soon! Praying for you sweetie!

Lori S said...

I am so sorry that you did not pass court! That is such hard news to hear-my heart aches for you! That court date seems so far away (believe me, I know) but this time will pass quickly and it will be here faster than you think!
I will be thinking of you, your family and your baby girl!

Joy said...

Wow Amber I am so sorry. Just know we are thinking of you and praying for these details. This is heartbreaking.

Natalie Fournet said...

I am so so sad to hear this...soooo sorry friend. This is so hard! Praying for you...and praying for your sweet girl too!

{B} said...

praying...praying...praying...for safety and health for your little one and peace for you and your family.

Rebecca said...

Oh, Amber. I am so sorry to hear you didn't make it through court. I know it's heard. You will make it through because you know that your little baby is so worth every minute that you wait. I'm so sorry. Know that we're praying for you.

Leah Reeves said...

You can do it!!!! I know this is hard, but just try and be stong for your little one.

Ara Hunt,CHD Surivior, Wife, Mom, Realtor, Real Estate Coach. said...

I am so sorry hun.. I know we dont know the answers now and it doesnt make it any easier but time will go fast and remember: God Loves her more than you could ever imagine and HE will protect her!!!

Im here for you always!

Ara

Lisa said...

Amber & Rick,
I'm so sorry court did not pass today. It sure is tough! I just left you a message ... before you know it, she WILL be in your arms and you can hold, touch, kiss her all you want. Tigist has only been home for 3 1/2 months, but I swear it seems like forever. I think you are at the toughest part ... hang in there.
Hugs,
Lisa

Nicholas said...

Oh Amber, how sad I am for you. This is obviously a very difficult day for you and your family - I wish I had better words. Prayers.

Debbie said...

I'm so sorry you didn't pass court again! I pray that God will be your comfort and the comfort of your little girl!

Debbie

Cyndi said...

Amber, I am so very sorry. I know there are really no words right now that will make this feel better, but please know that I am praying.

I agree with Lisa, this is the hardest part. Once you are united with her, like Steven Curtis Chapman's song "When Love Takes You In" says, "And like the rain that falls into the sea, In a moment what has been is lost in what will be..." In a moment all of this will be lost in the wonder and miracle of having her with you.

Cory, Lisa, and Weredesh said...

Amber, I'm so sorry to hear about your delays. I've got a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes.

HUGS!!!

~ lisa

rachel said...

oh amber, i am SO SORRY! i am sure this must be so difficult. i will uphold you, your daughter and your entire family in my prayers tonight. may God keep you in His perfect peace until you are united together as a family!

J, A, T and Y said...

So Sorry to hear your news....we are praying for your family and little girl! Gods peace to you.

Brenna said...

Big Hugs Amber! I'm so sorry you are facing more waiting. Prayers for your whole family and especially for your baby girl.

Kristi J said...

I'm so sorry..I know you must be devistated!!! Please know that I'm praying for you and the birth mother...This will happen soon for you...God will see you through it, Kristi

D said...

Dang! I am so sorry...will be praying for you as you all (here and there) continue to wait!

mama becca said...

I'm so sorry. There's nothing really to say, right? It just sucks, and it will take supernatural power to get you through these next days. Some will fly by, some will creep by. But you'll get there. She'll come home. She will. BELIEVE!
love
becca