We arrived at the courthouse in Kampala at 2pm, spent about 2 minutes in a tiny room with the judge, and were told that he had not had time to look at our file. He said he will give the verbal ruling to the registrar, who will then read it aloud on Friday. The lawyer said we should receive a written ruling some time next week. I do not understand how all the miscommunication happens, but it does, and frequently.
I am confused, upset, angry, sad, lonely, discouraged, and frustrated, yet our God is still the same God and he still deserves our praises. I have had some deep and difficult conversations with God, journaled my heart out, and have cried till I have no more tears. It is hard. It is difficult being here by myself. Erryn and I talked tonight, and she has had a long and difficult day as well. It looks like both of us are delayed another week. We are discouraged but are clinging to the hope that we have in Christ. It is so ironic that Erryn and I are both in Uganda at the same time, going through one of the most challenging journeys and we can't be together. We keep telling each other, "I wish I could be there for you..." We cannot wait until the day when we are both on that plane with four children! I know it will happen, so I will choose to persevere. I know I am not doing it in my own strength. My flesh says to give up and go home. I am tired. I miss my family. I hate the drama. But I know I have been called to a bigger purpose, and in my weakness, God's strength is made perfect.
Keep praying...I know deep in my heart that God is at work. Even when we can't see the answers we are praying for, I know ultimately it will be for our good and for God's glory. I have to remind myself, "it is not about me...it is all about God and for His name to be made known." I would give anything to be finished with this adoption and to be reunited as a complete family, but in the mean time, I will choose to be obedient and willing so that I can be used to the fullest for God's glory. I need your prayers. You are fighting a big battle in the spiritual realm on my family's behalf.
Where I Went!!
9 years ago
11 comments:
Oh Jenny, I am so sorry that the ruling did not happen today and, I too, want to question why the Lord has chosen to make you wait. I offer my frustrations, fears, and questions to Him and trust that He will guide all of you, and us back home, in this journey of faith that He has us on.
In the interim, just know that we all love and support you and are hugging you tight. Keep your chin up and that beautiful smile on your face.
Love and Blessings,
Rhona
"Do not fret because of evil men or be envious of those who do wrong; for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away.
Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn,
the justice of your cause like the noonday sun. Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes... If the LORD delights in a man's way, he makes his steps firm; though he stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with his hand. I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread. They are always generous and lend freely; their children will be blessed... For the LORD loves the just and will not forsake his faithful ones. They will be protected forever, but the offspring of the wicked will be cut off; the righteous will inherit the land and dwell in it forever... The salvation of the righteous comes from the LORD; he is their stronghold in time of trouble. The LORD helps them and delivers them; he delivers them from the wicked and saves them,
because they take refuge in him."
(Psalm 37)
Jenny, It just is not for us to know why right now. You know you will find out later that if the ruling came at the time you expected, something else would not have fallen into place. I have found connections that were made several years ago somehow become fruitfull in God's Name some years later. The whole picture is way too large for us to comprehend. We know all of this is in God's will, and as painful and frustrating as it is, we still have to be patient. Well, we are supposed to wait maybe not so patiently, because we want it now! Just shows how we are all God's children, and the children never understand why they have to wait and can't have it now. As a mom, you know this, as a child you can't understand it. Just go ahead and cry out to God, He knows you are there, praise Him for the Journey, because He has bigger things in store for you. I always have to remind myself, that it is not always for me or my ministry, because when you are working for God, He uses you to do His work. Wow, how much more can you be blessed, than to be asked to do God's work!
Yea, but all I wanted was to adopt a couple of kids! But He chose you!
Don't forget what works for you, from your college days, go do some excercise, is there a place you can go run, or jump or play soccer? Is there an ice rink, high dive or a cheer leading squad in Africa?
Just remember, you are not alone, I love you, Dad
shJenny,
We are all praying for you. God is a god of His word. He will bring you all home safely. Just wait in him and know that all is well. God has it planned in His Perfect timing. It will be wonderful when it happens! We love you!
Lacey and Michael
I took you from the ends of the earth, from its farthest corners I called you. I said, 'You are my servant'; I have chosen you and have not rejected you. So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. --Isaiah 41:9-10
For I am the LORD, your God,who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. --Isaiah 41:13
The prayers of righteous men are powerful and effective and you have prayers from all over the world being sent to heavan on your behalf. Be encouraged today and may your spirit be renewed.
Jenny,
Do you remember in college when the dean of students and the RDs of housing told us we had to encourage and support homosexuality through RA programming? The two of us refused! We stood our ground and risked being fired. We were out numbered and ridiculed for our beliefs. This went on for weeks! We started to feel helpless and defeated. All we could do was pray; and we did, individually and together. One night at leadership training we broke down and wept before all of our friends. Remember? We were broken and we were spent. We felt we could do no more. But God could! We persevered and did our part by being willing and obedient to whatever God called us to. The rest was left up to Him. HE MOVED A MOUNTAIN, Jenny! He made an entire university housing system come to a hault in His name! God held us in his hand while overturning a university's housing policy and procedure. And though it seemed to take forever, it all happened in His timing and for His eternal purpose. Because of the length of time that it took more and more Christians had their faith awakened, Christians came together with one accord, others were encouraged in the harvest, non-believers were witnessing the power of the Almighty God, the dean of students prayed in his office with a local Christian leader, students and RAs began to question their own beliefs and we were able to have discussions about God in our weekly one-on-one meetings! God's purpose is far more reaching than we can possibly know. And isn't that what we want?
Cry it all out before Father who loves you and from whom all blessings flow. And trust that He will not have you leave Uganda until His purpose for you is complete. What is it that He would have you do while you wait on His ruling (even the ruling is His)? Go forth in the power of the Spirit, beloved Sister. And know that He has mountains to move through you.
My 5 year old, after hearing the latest news on your adoption, said, "Mommy, maybe God didn't have the judge say yes because He wants Mrs. Moore to tell more people about Jesus." From the mouth of babes.
You will remain in my heart and in my prayers, Jenny.
Bowing before our King,
Erinn
We are in tears and ache for you. But we are hopeful in the plan of our Heavenly Father and His great love for you and your family. We are praying for you all. Blessings to you.
I've been continuing to pray for your rulings and adoption and strength to endure.
For me, just *being* in Uganda at times took every bit of perseverence I could find in me and then some...But I guess that's why God puts people in our lives to be our strength when we are weak
2Co 4:8-9,16-18: We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed...do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.
Jenny,
I'm sorry that you did not get the answer that you desired. I hope that you are encouraged by all that people have written. You are truly surrounded by a great many people, praying for you everyday.
I hope that kids traveled well. I was really praying that Katie would travel well and not be sick. So I hope that God answered that prayer. Dwell in the answers to those little hills climbed and conquered.
We had a great time decorating eggs on Friday. We took some great pictures. Todd's creative juices were flowing and the kids had some very interesting color designs. I hope to see you soon.
Ariel
P.S. I started the curtains tonight.
Jenny, I just read this in our Bible study - "Sometimes the complacency of "home" is not conducive to the most life-altering revelations. Have you ever noticed that some of the most life-altering moves God has made in our lives have come when we were away from our homey surroundings?"
God has a purpose for you still in Uganda - continue to embrace Him. The words of a song called "Made Me Glad" hit me so powerfully today (I do not know what Scripture they come from):
He has set my feet upon a rock
I will not be moved
And I'll say of the Lord
You are my shield, my strength,
My portion, deliverer,
My shelter,strong tower,
My very present help in time of need
Hey, Jenny and Todd, we're so sorry to hear of your delay and your discouragement. We've been right there in many ways. Last year and even last summer when Josh was there for court, we realized we were often being told what we wanted to hear (like your example, getting a verbal and written ruling in the same day) by well-meaning people (like our clerk and attorney) when the statements were unlikely optimism. But it made us happy, and made us go away that day! :) We are praying, praying, for you and all of your children. God will do it! His way. Much love to you both.
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