Bumps in the Road

We found out some news from Zambia that we wanted to share
with all of you.

There was a team from Bethany in Zambia recently, checking
out some social service opportunities and asking questions
about adoptions. We were anxious to hear what they had to
say when they got back because we knew they were going to
learn more information.  Monday, I talked to our social worker
and she told me that the trip had gone well and adoptions are
going through in Zambia.  

Unfortunately, she did let us know that the government in
Zambia is being very insistent that adoptive couples (or at
least one spouse) stay in Zambia for 3 months to foster the
child before the adoption is finalized.  This was frustrating
for us.Staying for 3 months instead of 1 triples our travel
costs.We thought we had figured out how we could pay for this
and now we need to look at other options because we can't
afford it on our own.  Also, Mark would not be able to take
three months off work so I would have to stay for at least
two months by myself.  There may be some neat mission type
opportunities for me while I am down there, but I would
still be apart from Mark for at least 60 days.

So, we are not sure what to do with all of this. We have some
time to decide and we are looking at different options and
praying hard for clarity.  We have Zambia on our hearts so
it is hard to think about not doing this. Right now we are
seeking out God's will and we are not ruling Zambia out at
all.We want to be cautious about this and try to make the
best decision. 

This is getting long so I will quit. If you could pray for us
and our decision we would appreciate it. We will keep you
informed;Thanks for your support!