adoption = more waiting?

I am realizing more and more just how fortunate we are that we passed court. I honestly still can't believe it. I'm extremely excited but I also feel so sad that Leah, and Dianne (pictured below) didn't pass and now have to wait till February 12th for their third court date. Jenny fortunately did pass but we both feel like it is very bittersweet when we see our friends so devastated. There were several other families that week that did not pass court and have to wait for another hearing as well.

Then this week our agency sent out an email about how they are learning that Ethiopia is requiring more paperwork and possibly more court dates before people will pass. Basically, that you should expect longer than 1-3 months to get through court.
All of this is done for the right reasons though: to make sure that each adoption is legal and legitimate. And to ensure especially that all family members are unable to care for the child. including the birth father. The people of Ethiopia run a very ethical adoption program and for that all of us are glad. In fact, we wouldn't be a part of it if it wasn't.

But it doesn't make waiting for your child to come home any easier. It is a very long wait.

And as I rejoice that I could be traveling hopefully sometime in February (if visas continue to come in quickly) I am also sad that other families who received their referrals months before us..... are still waiting.

Wherever you are in your adoption process.... obsessively waiting to start the process and reading millions of blogs...... longingly waiting for the phone to ring for your referral.... waiting to get through court.... or waiting for visa.... my prayers are with you.