We are overdue for an update but I've been having a hard time getting myself to write it. Our excitement over bringing little Emilia into our family came to an abrupt end when we learned that despite being on the waiting child list for over a year with no interested families, another family within Colombia submitted their paperwork for her just days before we had. While we were disappointed, it was in a way an answer to prayer. Our prayer throughout this process has been that God make His will clear to us - that we are given the strength to listen and obey. God came through and made His will very clear for Emilia. While it wasn't what we had hoped or imagined, we do trust Him completely and can rejoice that she will be with a loving family.

A few days after we learned Emilia would no be joining our family, we got a call about another waiting child. He had some similar diagnosis to Emilia. However, thanks to all the research we did when planning for Emilia, we knew his diagnosis was too severe for us to meet the needs for. Had we not just read books and listened to presentations, we wouldn't have known our own limitations. While Aaron and I would love to adopt ANY waiting child, we do have our own biological kids that need their parents attention and presence. We are making a huge decision that affects their lives as well and we don't take that lightly. To say it's not easy saying no to a child waiting for a family is a huge understatement. But we will continue to pray that he finds a forever family. God loves all His little children. 

As we continue to learn through this process - God is always working. He is always in charge. He is constant. He is unchanging. He is moving and loving even when we feel nothing is happening. 
In positive news - our last document will be submitted to Colombia in the next week. This is a BIG step. This means that we will be *hopefully* officially approved to be matched by ICBF - Colombia's branch in charge of adoptions. All our matches so far have been through our adoption agency and with waiting children. We are grateful to be moving forward and closer to our son or daughter. 

Thanks again for all your support and prayers!