Letting go...

Is there some problem in your life to solve,
Some passage seeming full of mystery?
God knows, who brings the hidden things to light.
He keeps the key.

Is there some door closed by the Father's hand
Which widely opened you had hoped to see?
Trust God and wait - for when He shuts the door
He keeps the key.

Is there some earnest prayer unanswered yet,
Or answered NOT as you had thought 'twould be?
God will make clear his purpose by-and-by.
He keeps the key.

Have patience with your God, your patient God
All wise, all knowing, no long tarrier He.
And of the door of all thy future life
He keeps the key
Unfailing comfort, sweet and blessed rest.

To know of EVERY door He keeps the key.
That He at last when just HE sees 'tis best
Will give it THEE.

~Anonymous

Tonight one of my ladybug friends posted this poem. It was the perfect time for her to share it with us as we are all dealing with frustration and anxiety over the wait times. It is the perfect reminder that God will and does provide for us and answer our prayers. Human nature is to want to control everything regardless of the fact that we know it cannot be done. His timing is perfect, even when we don't see it. So tonight my prayer for all of us is that we find a way to let go, to give it back to the One who can and does make all things possible. Keep the faith ladies, we are on our way however long the road seems to be.

Current Events...

There has been a lot posting lately regarding CNN's Paula Zahn show on the new regulations for Chinese adoptions. I didn't see the show but did read the transcripts. At best it was uninformed and clearly got a lot of people, especially the Chinese adoption community, upset. The racist comments and characterizations of parents choosing to adopt Chinese children were inexcusable. Other than briefly outlining the new regulations most of the discussion was centered on other issues. It seemed to me that the panelists were pushing their own agenda's rather than carrying on an informed and pertinent discussion relating to the regulation changes and the impact on potential adoptive parents.

Due to the thousands of mails CNN received they re-ran the show bringing in the President of the Organization of Chinese Americans, Ginny Gong. I read the second show's transcript tonight. To be fair I will give them points for including Ginny and reading (at least in part) some of the e-mails they received. However, in my opinion they still didn't "fix" anything. It was better but a far cry from being an informative show. Needless to say I won't be looking to CNN for information regarding adoption.

Since I'm on the subject, about the new regulations some of which are no single parents, new age restrictions, new physical and mental health restrictions, current marriage length, weight restrictions, minimum net worth, minimum asset and education rules. Personally I don't believe that some of these restrictions would impede anyone from being a good parent. Some of the others I believe would allow for better equipped parents. That being said it really doesn't matter if I agree with their restrictions or not, they are what they are. I am not being glib or flippant with that last part. The truth is as much as I may not agree with some of these changes I cannot change it. China did not and is not required to consult with anyone, including potential parents, when making rules for their country. The operative phrase in that last sentence is "their country." When our government makes new rules that affect us they don't check with us either. The bottom line is I want to adopt a child from China and that means I must follow their rules.

Christmas & New Years

We had a wonderful holiday season this year. We were able to spend quality time with family and friends. Christmas Eve and Christmas Day were spent with family. Even though we were busy going places we actually did have a relaxing time hanging out with everyone. My nephew, Josh, was a riot helping everyone open their presents. He was also generous enough to let us all watch his new Cars DVD.

For New Years we packed up and headed North. We spent 10 days including New Years with Matt's best friend Brian and his family. Unfortunately, it only snowed on New Years Eve. On the bright side we did get to have a pretty good snowball fight and spent New Years day sledding at Lake Front. We also went to Mall of America and rode a couple of the rides at Camp Snoopy. We had a great time and look forward to going back for our annual 4th of July trip. Thanks Brian!