Today, Walton was finally able to take all of our paperwork to the CDA. For our part of the documentation process, everything was in order. Leah's birth Mom also went along for her interview. The caseworkers at the CDA were very helpful, but were not able to immediately classify Leah as an "adoptable orphan" according to the guidelines by which US immigration will judge her when we try to bring her into the United States (even though her mother is voluntarily surrendering her). We have known from the beginning that the US Immigration requirements were very stringent, so this is not a surprise to us. In order to do satisfy the orphan classification, they must send a caseworker out to her mother's home to do an inspection. The caseworker will determine whether the conditions there are unfit for children. The ladies in the office were very helpful and made arrangements for the caseworkers to go to the home today. Walton was amazed at this - originally they said it could take up to a month. If conditions are unfit, then Leah will be declared a ward of the state and will officially be adoptable. (She would remain with the foster family she is currently with while the adoption process continues.) If not, she will probably return to her family.
Are we distraught or worried? - No, because we know that God has always known His plan for this situation and will work through it. We sent the following verse in Leah's little photo book, and we know that it is truth: " For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29:11) And Walton keeps this verse on the desktop of his computer - I just pulled it up and made myself reread it - it's perfect for this moment. "Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life." Philippians 4:6
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Shari, another verse is the center verse of the Bible. Psalms 118:8 which reads "It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man." I am going to pray that much harder for Leah. We all want the very best for this little girl and her future. May God keep your heart light and your spirits uplifted. Much love, Karen
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