Light.

After the afternoon spent feeling a bit sorry for myself, I started looking at this situation in a different light. While I believe the reasons the laws have changed do not have anything to do with, nor do they apply to, our agency, I do think they are rooted in a good, honest and well-intentioned place. And really, I suppose, I have no choice in the matter.

So. Enough with the whinging.

A little light for the darkness. Here is the list I came up with on my way home tonight why this could be a good thing.

1. We will make TWO trips to Ethiopia. That is twice the time to get to know the country, the culture, and the people of the birthplace of our child. (likely still not enough time, but better!)
2. Two trips means TWO chances to over pack suitcases with shoes, clothes, diapers, formula, school supplies, soccer balls etc. to deliver to those in need.
3. Maybe we will have the extra/time/chance to visit where charity:water is building the well. How cool would that be?
4. We will make TWO trips to Ethiopia. :)

I'm not going to think about how hard leaving Ethiopia will be after the first trip...at least not for now.

Sadness.

News today from Ethiopia. This does not mean that we cannot still adopt, but new policies have been implemented, effective today, that will require the adoptive family to appear in person in court to finalize the adoption. This means that Rolyn and I will have to travel to be there for the court date, then we will have to leave our baby in Ethiopia and return to the states to wait for our US Embassy date (which is currently a wait of 3-6 weeks after passing Ethiopian court). The thought of doing this makes me literally sick to my stomach. Thankfully our agency takes loving care of these children, but my heart is already hurting for the day that a long-awaited for baby will have to be left behind, even if it is for just a few weeks.

We knew going into this adoption that laws can change at ANY point in the process but...ugh.