the waiting....

It has officially been 25 days since we left Solomon in Ghana.
Not that anyone's counting.
Ok...we totally are.
And we realize that when it comes to the waiting part of adoption, we are really spoiled.  With both Josiah's domestic adoption and during the matching phase of Solomon's international adoption, we really only waited days...weeks.  Not long AT ALL compared to families we know that have been waiting YEARS just to be matched with a child.  We really have nothing to complain about.
And we aren't complaining.  Really.  But we don't want our boy to spend a day longer than necessary in an orphanage away from his family...we want him home.

We are still waiting for the official Adoption Order from the Ghanaian court to magically appear in our inbox.  Technically, it is "supposed" to take 14 business days from our court date.  That was last Tuesday.  Its cool....we get African time.  But we are really really really really reeeeeeally hoping to get our hands on it this week.  All the other documentation required for our I600 (US Visa request) is ready to go.  As much as we *know* in our heads that God's timing *is* perfect and nothing surprises Him, there is still not disconnect between your head and your heart.  Your emotions catch up and overwhelm you sometimes despite your theological knowledge and trust in God's sovereignty.  Our arms ache to have our Solomon home...

Some really great news: the very first family in Bethany's Ghana program are currently in Ghana with their newest son!!  The visas are printed, passports ready to be stamped, plane tickets booked!  Such a great time of rejoicing and HOPE that God is indeed working and moving in Ghana!

More great news:  the interns at the Ghana Bethany Office visited with Solomon two weeks ago and sent us some new pictures and video.  SUCH A TREAT!!!!!  He looks so much older already. *wink wink*

Big boy crawling!

And, we have even more to be thankful about...our LifeSong for Orphans matching grant is almost maxed out!!!  If you remember, we received a $4000 matching grant from LifeSong.  As of last week, we have received $3621 in donations from family and friends!!  EEEEEEK!  LifeSong matches every dollar so that really means we have $7242 to help cover the cost of our two trips to Ghana.  WHEW!  It is still overwhelming to see God's provision through the soft and generous hearts of people like you.  THANK YOU!  If you feel lead and would like to help us raise the last $379 in order to take full advantage of our matching grant and cover our final travel expenses to bring Solomon home, please follow these steps:

1.  Make checks payable to LifeSong.  Write "Cain #3379" in the memo section of your check.

2.  Mail checks to:

          LifeSong for Orphans

          ATTN: Cain/#3379

          PO Box 40

          Gridley, IL 61744

Please continue to pray for Solomon's safety and well-being as he waits in the orphanage for us to return for him.  We trust that our Heavenly Father is holding him tightly in His everlasting arms...

GIVE PRAISE TO THE LORD, PROCLAIM HIS NAME; 

MAKE KNOWN AMONG THE NATIONS WHAT HE HAS DONE. 

SING TO HIM, SING PRAISE TO HIM; 

TELL OF ALL HIS WONDROUS ACTS.

I Chronicles 16:8-9

A very Happy Resurrection Sunday and Easter from the Cain Family (minus one!)