Prelim Hearing passed!

Yesterday was our 1st preliminary hearing. When our caseworker called and told me that the judge didn't show up to court and that it had been rescheduled for today my heart sank. I knew this was one of the reasons we might not pass....a judge not showing up.....But it never occurred to me that it would actually happen to our case. We all think "oh that won't happen to us!" on all the "what if" scenarios of adoption. Well my friends....just about everything we thought wouldn't happen, has. And surprisingly we've remained pretty calm throughout...Minus a few meltdowns, freak outs and tears. Ahem...

This morning our caseworker sent me a big text "YOU PASSED COURT!" It was fabulous news to hear my phone "ping" with a text message. Before I go on, I've had some people ask me what the prelim hearing is for...

The Preliminary hearing for our case we don't have to present at...It's the court hearing where the orphanage and any birth family/legal guardians (if any) formally relinquish their rights to the child. Much paperwork is involved and depending on the case, quite a few people might have to be present. (Orphanage directors, birth families, lawyers, etc) This hearing has to formally pass in order for us to be given travel clearance by the judge to come to Ethiopia for our hearing. Many times the prelim hearing and our hearing could be days apart as in our case.

So now we march forward (quickly!) with packing, last minute preparations and maybe if there is time, I'll clean my house (ha!!)

We leave later this week and cannot wait to get there and get my hands on our baby boy!

Please pray for us these next few days as we try and soak up good family time and get everything done that needs to get done.

God is good. We are overwhelmed with how each and every step of this process has been in His time...His perfect time.