OUR FIRST GLITCH

Well, today FedEx delivered a package from the FBI. After getting excited thinking it was our approved fingerprints, I was disappointed to find that my original fingerprint cards (all four) were rejected stating they are not adequate for accurate identification purposes.

When we originally went to the local police station to be fingerprinted, the officer told me within seconds that I had no fingerprints. They were worn away. I thought he was joking. He then referred me to another facility that did prints with a computer and he said they might be able to build them up and get a better scan. However, they would charge a fee. So, off I went. As the next officer started scanning my prints, she also said I had no legible fingerprints. She said they weren't going to charge the normal fee because she could not get an accurate reading. Her advice was to send in both the manual and computer copies to the FBI so they could see it was not an error, but in fact "MY" fingerprints, or lack thereof. Jerry called the FBI and talked to them about it before we sent them in. The officer told him that it is rare, but it does happen and to just send them in. We did. NOW WHAT?

It appears I have lived up to my reputation of being a "clean freak". I have literally cleaned my fingerprints right off my hands. I am also validating the famous saying "I have worked my fingers to the bone". HA! HA! HA!

After speaking with the FBI again today, it appears we have to speak to someone in the Ethiopian government to find out what they require. The FBI agent told me: " it should be treated as if I were born with no fingers, or had a serious burn injury, etc. There are rare instances when people do not have readable fingerprints and it should not stop them from being able to adopt a child." I called in to Mary at Gladney with this new dilemma and now we have to wait for the next step.

When we went to be fingerprinted at CIS last week they also told me I had no fingerprints. The man worked with me for a good 15 minutes when everyone else was in & out in 5. The first thing he asked me was, "Do you clean a lot?" To which I responded of course! (All of you who know me well know I wanted to say ... like everyone should!) Then as Jerry walked in and out of his station in 5 minutes he passed by me as I was still there. The man doing my prints asked if he was my husband and I confirmed. He then looked at Jerry and said, "Hey, you need to do more chores around your house"! Jerry looked at him weirdly and then when I finally got out he asked me, "What was that all about?" When I told him he was referring to my lack of fingerprints due to cleaning so much, we both had a good laugh. So, now I wonder if CIS will reject my prints too???

Only the LORD knows what steps and delays we must go through to accomplish His will. We are just going to be patient, wait upon him and walk in obedience. I have learned over the last several years that it is not necessary to get upset, or anxious. He is in total control. It may be that any delays are necessary to get us ready at the perfect time for the child,(ren) he has for us. According to the agency, as of today, they do not have a sibling group of 3 girls available, not even twins. They only have single girls or sibling groups between the ages of 7 -16. They work with four government run orphanages. Mary at Gladney called me today to verify that we know they do not have what we have asked for and to confirm that we are either willing to wait, or accept a single child. My response was, we are confident that the LORD knows who he has for us and we are willing to take what ever that is. He will reveal it all in His time. If we get a referral for one little girl we'll take her. Maybe we will have to go back a 2nd, and 3rd time to accomplish getting 3 girls??? I really have no clue. The only thing I am sure of, is that the LORD is orchestrating this whole adventure. Within one week , He revealed adoption through Ethiopia, gave us 3 names, and $25,000. That's all I know for sure. So, as you journey along with us, stay tuned to see what the LORD has in store.

Philippians 4:6-7 "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God, and the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard you hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Hebrews 3:4 "For every house is built by someone, but God is the builder of everything."

Jeremiah 29:11 "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. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me an find me when you seek me with all your heart".