Patience

 I think as Christians we often long to show that swift answer to prayer. I really wanted to share with you all that our recent prayer for Muaysai’s paperwork was answered, but we are still waiting. In reading an old college friends’ new book, “Adoption in the Rearview” recently, I was reminded how we love to share the nice and tidy packages of God’s presence and grace because they are comforting and affirming. However, we can’t neglect to show the reality of the process which doesn’t always follow the direct route as planned.

The reality of our process is that I really believed we would have definite answers about Muaysai’s paperwork, but quite simply... we have yet to receive that swift answer to prayer we were looking for.

I really believed that God was going to be able to answer our prayer for Muaysai’s paperwork by Christmas. Could this have been possible? ... of course. Did it happen? No. The short of it is that rising numbers of COVID in Thailand forced adoption authority officials to cancel the planned meeting to discuss this needed transfer of authority paperwork. I see this as a delay to our prayer request rather than a closed door.  I want to thank each of you for praying for Muaysai’s paperwork and please continue! I really desired that neat and tidy answer to prayer, but instead I am learning more patience and to trust in God’s timing which I truly believe is always better than our own.

I wanted to wait to give you all an update until I could proclaim “the paperwork is done!” ... but this process is not taking that direct route. But isn’t that when we realize we need the Lord? The instances in which we are waiting, expecting and disappointed seems is a time for growth if we just seek His presence. That is what I think I need to share... that is what I am learning myself.

Our family had the opportunity to travel to Mexico recently (crazy CHEAP airline tickets for the WIN!) and I was reminded of their culture of patience down there which I love so much. The house guidelines where we stayed outlined (for all the “gringos”:) that things down there are different, slower placed and all are encouraged to relax, enjoy and embrace this culture. When someone asks a question, the answer might be “mañana” of which the literal translation is “tomorrow”... but considering the culture, the house guidelines explained that this is not what it means. Rather “mañana” just means “not today.” Can you imagine the response to this in the States? Ha! We often think we want and deserve something “now!” I personally have always felt more at home in cultures with a “mañana” mentality ... when will I get to organizing that? “Mañana” :)

This is what God is teaching me right now. When will we have confirmation of Muaysai’s paperwork? Mañana. In a way this is really liberating... I am not in control. God is and I feel 100% at peace with that. This does not mean we should give up prayer, for I believe it is important to make our requests known to God. It is a time to contemplate and reach outside ourselves in an effort to relinquish control. I believe all those prayers have been and will continue to be used on behalf of sweet Muaysai.

God makes his presence known each day, it is up to us to recognize and receive that presence.  Answers to prayer aren’t always neat, tidy and swift but He is available and ready to receive us with open arms whatever might befall. So here we are ... still seeking God’s presence, waiting in contemplative prayer for answers. This is our adoption process; thank you so much for entering in and being here with us. We are so grateful to you all!!!