Depressing November numbers

We got our November numbers. Yep...same as October numbers. We knew that our numbers weren't going to be any different as there have been no referrals for a long, long time. However, getting the "official" word that our numbers haven't changed is hard. Everyone from our agency is a bit bummed. I think it is okay to be bummer for awhile. Then we have to rise up again and realize this is all part of God's plan. We are hopeful b/c we know from "inside sources" (aka: Families currently in Ethiopia) that referrals are coming. There are some kiddos that are there that haven't been referred. :) Also, things are flowing again with court being open again and Embassy appointments, etc...Time to get those cribs cleared out. I keep reminding myself that it has to be easier to wait now than after we have seen the face of our little one. I sort of laugh at that. The wait is never easy. All of it is a challenge. Waiting for something you want so bad is never easy! Hoping to write better news next time.

What is the latest with the wait? Nothing!

Referrals have come to almost a complete standstill. That is always hard on any waiting family, but is that much harder when we are sooooo close, yet so far away. Our wait list numbers were 11 for a girl and 4 for a boy in September. Our wait list numbers were 10 for a girl and 4 for a boy in October. The last sibling referral was 10-14. The last infant girl referral was 10-10. The last infant boy referral was 9-26.  The referral flood gates HAVE to be opened soon!!!!  I'm aware that it could be a long, long time before we get our referral. It is sad, but we do know it is all in God's perfect timing. We never really know when our official numbers are coming, but it isn't looking like they will change much before our November official numbers are sent out. Please pray for peace, patience, and understanding as we wait upon the Lord.

Peder Eide's new CD

This is from an adoptive friend of mine. Please share! Peder Eide is an amazing singer/song-writer who has also adopted a couple of children. His website is: www.pedereide.com. I have a new favorite song by Peder Eide that I know all you orphan care/adoption friends will love too! For those that have attended the National Orphan Summit the last two years, you'll remember Peder Eide as he led worship there. His song, "Why Wouldn't ?" touched so many of our hearts and decisions to adopt! That song is on his Christmas Album, Perfect Surprise which I can't wait to start listening to now that the season is upon us!

Back to Come to the Rescue though I wanted to make sure you know that if you order the CD directly from his website, they are giving a part of the sale proceeds to an amazing program from Compassion called the Highly Vulnerable Children's Fund. It is a crucial fund for children who have been orphaned or suffered abuse. Click on the link for more info.

But that's not all! Peder is letting me start a contest and is going to have a drawing for a free t-shirt and autographed CD for those that help spread the word about his new album, Come to the Rescue! Please help bless his ministry by spreading the word and most of all share the song that will soften hearts to the orphan and motivate people to ACTION! That's my only motivation by starting this contest (I don't work for him!)!! Here are the details:

-Blog, facebook, post on adoption Yahoo groups, share with your adoption agency and/or twitter. Please make sure to include the music video and Highly Vulnerable Children's fund info. You get one entry for EACH thing you do! I am praying this song goes viral! :)

-Send an email to: michelle@pedereide.com and tell her what all you did. Please include the link to your blog post. She will do the drawing on November 19!!!

Thank you orphan advocates and blog friends for helping to get the word out about this song that we pray will impact the life of a child!