Where were you...?

Three years ago today, we were in Kiev, Ukraine, awaiting an appointment at the National Adoption Center. The center had been closed by the government for some time, and although we had heard rumors that President Yuschenko was going to use his executive power to authorize its reopening, we were still a bit up in the air. As you know, he did sign the bill, and on February 2, in a small, overcrowded office, we saw the first picture of our son.

As we wait with our Ethiopian adoption, I am reminded again of the crazy uncertainties of international adoption. Many families adopting through our agency have had serious delays relating to court in recent weeks. Sometimes government paperwork simply does not show up. Other times, rules are changed without any notification of new requirements to the agencies trying to process adoptions. This week, the government department that deals with adoptions moved offices and decided not to do any other work -- without any notice. There are a few families working through our agency whose children have been at the transition home since last summer. These remarkable families continue to trust that God will bring their families together in His time. Please pray for them as they endure the frustrations of uncontrollable setbacks and terribly challenging wait times.

As for our own process, communication with our agency this week has confirmed our request for two children 0-6. Although they will not specifically reveal our "number in line" for a referral, the general range of top 10-15 was suggested. In January, our agency was hopping with referrals (I think the total for the month was at least 20), but there are absolutely no guarantees that that rate will continue. However, with a top 10-15 spot, we're hoping for a referral in the next month or two. Families getting referrals now are having court dates set for April or May, so it seems that there is an approximately 3 month delay between referral and families' first chance at court. So where are you going to be this summer???

A Reminder of the Glory and Greatness of God

Here are some thoughts from the biblical books of Job and Romans:

Have you ever traveled to where snow is made, seen the vault where hail is stockpiled,

The arsenals of hail and snow that I keep in readiness for times of trouble and battle and war?

Can you find your way to where lightning is launched, or to the place from which the wind blows?

Who do you suppose carves canyons for the downpours of rain, and charts the route of thunderstorms

That bring water to unvisited fields, deserts no one ever lays eyes on,

Drenching the useless wastelands so they're carpeted with wildflowers and grass?

And who do you think is the father of rain and dew, the mother of ice and frost?

You don't for a minute imagine these marvels of weather just happen, do you?

Is there anyone around who can explain God? Anyone smart enough to tell him what to do? Anyone who has done him such a huge favor that God has to ask his advice?

Everything comes from him; Everything happens through him; Everything ends up in him. Always glory! Always praise!

Yes. Yes. Yes.

Another month gone by

Today marks the completion of seven months of waiting since our paperwork went to Ethiopia. While we eagerly anticipate the day when we will receive a call about a referral, we wholly trust our great God, in his perfect providence, is writing a beautiful story for the formation of our family.

As I wrote that last sentence, I was reminded that, in the Bible, "7" often represents completion or perfection. I've been thinking alot lately about how God doesn't merely desire to make us happy, but to make us holy. I know this wait is challenging me to see parts of myself that are not so holy! May God continue to make me more like himself.

On another note, some of you have admitted that you're a little inexperienced with the world of blogging and have wondered about the possibility of responding to my posts. If you would like to do so, please note the line at the bottom of each blog entry that goes something like this: Posted by KLT.... # comments

If you just click on the word comments, another page will open with a space available for you to type whatever you would like to say in response, fill in the additional identifying info, and publish it by clicking the button at the bottom. I'd love to hear from you!!!

More Outdoor Winter Fun

We have really been enjoying snow and ice related activities out in the backyard this winter. Here's a peek at some of our fun...

"The Tapper Rink"

Daddy ice-dancing with his Cinderella

Look out below!!!

Abby takes a turn down the chute.

Big shooter!!!

Hope you're enjoying your winter, too!

A favorite pic from our Holidays

Wonderful News

We have had a wonderful holiday season at the Tapper house, including special worship times, visits from family, and shared times with good friends. Upon arriving home yesterday from friends, we had a message on our phone. It was from my friend, Patty, who lives with her husband and two girls literally a few miles down our street. With joy, she announced that her family had received word that their court case in Ethiopia had gone well, and they are now officially the parents of Meti Joy!

Meti is a beautiful girl who has been at our agency's transition home for many months as our friends collected all the necessary paperwork to bring her into their family. Many families who have traveled to the transition home to pick up their own children have commented on Meti's unique sweetness. She has been known to be the first to comfort new arrivals from the orphanages, to spend her days mothering the other children, and to serve as a translator for visiting families. While she will be dearly missed in Ethiopia, we look forward to her settling into her adoring new family. . . . and we consider ourselves pretty blessed to be able to experience the pleasure of her company in the near future! For more on this wonderful story, check out the family blog at http://bringmimihome.com/default.aspx.

Additionally, I wanted to share about a great book I took out from the library and finished last week. It's called Treasures of the Snow by Patricia Mary St. John. A simple read, written for young adults, this book captures the essence of Christian living in a special way. Delightful metaphors for spiritual realities and a beautiful storyline make this a great read, in my opinion. Take the time to find it yourself, and I think you'll be blessed!