Two things bring shame on a home. One is dressing pets up in costumes. It's simply inexcusable. Look how sad this dog is. Cody goes limp when you put a hat on him. Why? He doesn't want our neighbor dogs to see. And they shouldn't have to. It's just wrong.
The other great shame is a blog that goes over a month without an update. But it is a shared shame. We started this blog to keep people up to date on the progress of our adoption. The problem is: no progress, no update. Yes, the big wait is just that. And it just got longer. Today's Bethany update said the wait from log in date (LID) to referral is now 14-15 months. The travel date to China after referral is received is averaging at 7-10 weeks. So for the last three months, people have asked when we anticipate seeing progress in our adoption. Amy and I have been saying "about a year" for three months, and we will likely repeat that answer until we see any evidence of the wheels turning across the Pacific.
Anyway, we are reading and learning a lot and will likely begin posting some things we are hearing in trainings. We realize our adoption process, like our daughter, isn't just ours - it belongs to our whole family and to our community. So maybe we can give everyone a heads up about some of the issues we are likely to face as a cross cultural family. Or maybe we can pass on what we are reading about creating a Gospel-centered home. Anyway, we will set shame aside and press on. We are encouraged as we see the Lord filling our days with blessings and responsibilities. Keep praying for Salem and for all her parents. Check back in a month. Maybe we'll squeeze out another post or two!
