10.07.2011

I wish we didn't have to write this...

Below is an email that was sent out to our family and friends.  We felt the need to share it our our blog because we know just how incredibly supportive people have been through this whole proces. Thank you for coming besides us, every step of the way.  We believe Degeme will be home in God's timing....

Dear Family & Friends,
This morning Justin and I received some very difficult news that we feel we need to update you on. Our case has been determind as having insufficient evidence to allow us to bring our Degeme home at this time. [Please do not ask us to go into details. Thank you for respecting our family's and our daughter's privacy with this.] We have learned that the US Embassy is now forwarding our case to another government entity and we were told that, in about 1-2 months they will notify us that our case has been reviewed and what additional paperwork they want.
We have no idea what this all means. We don't know why our government is making this so difficult, however we recognize that this battle to bring her home goes beyond men's hands. God is true to His word, and we are reminded that He is in controll of all the uncontrollables in our lives. Hopefully, this morning we will be able to talk with our agency to gain a better understanding of what comes next.
Right now, we ask that you would be covering our family in prayer. Please, understand that we appriciate your concern, but it has become incredibly weary to explain what is happening over and over or going into specific details. We know you care, but we need you to support us without all the details. Believe us that we will update you as we feel we can--we very much appriciate your encouragement and prayers. It's the fuel that keeps us going. Thank you for coming alongside us each step of this process. We see God in the details of this network of support He has given us. He is unmistakable. We have amazing family, friends, dear freinds in Ethiopia and a new extended family of other adoptive parents whom we could not do this without.
We have dedicated ourselves to His calling to build our family through adoption and we love this little girl beyond words. Thanks for taking the time to pray for our little family.
Because of Christ,
Kati & Justin

17 comments:

The Nunez Family said...

Oh, Kati! I'm so sorry to hear this! I just don't understand! I don't understand why our government is doing this when all these children are already legally all of yours! It just makes NO sense and makes me angry for you! :( Will be praying so much for you!!

Melissa said...

My heart is breaking. I am deeply sorry. I will not stop praying until she is home. Love you and I am here for you, no details needed. And by the way, this just stinks!!! praying, praying!!

Erica said...

Oh Kati. My heart is breaking for you, for Justin, and for Degeme. God is bigger then all of this. He's bigger then our government and he loves Degeme SO much. Praying for you as this is just crappy. Standing in the gap for you and cheering you on as you fight for your girl. Praying that HIS peace would fill you, HIS truths would surround you and trusting that God has a plan even in this. Love you.

erica said...

I hope you get some great news soon!! May God wrap His loving arms of comfort around you and hold you close as you go through this difficult time. He loves you and your little girl so much, and He is so much bigger than any government here on earth. May everything be accomplished in His perfect timing. We wish you peace and strength each day!!

Anonymous said...

We are praying for you, sweet friends. I know you know this but take comfort in the fact that God is MIGHTY and far bigger than the US Embassy and the other agencies that are involved in this. Lifting you up, sister! *HUGS*

Heather said...

I don't even have words... we will definitely be praying for your sweet family!!! I know that God has a plan for this.

Sue said...

I came across your blog through a friend's post on Facebook. As an adoptive mom who went through a difficult adoption, I can relate to your struggles and pray that in God's time your sweet little girl will be with you. It is SO hard but trust in God alone to see you through it. May God be with you & your husband.

three little birds said...

oh no, oh Kati I am so so sorry, my heart is just breaking for you and your family right now, you are in my thoughts

*Ashley Lou* said...

I just found your blog (linked over from Erica). We are waiting to hear of our court date for our daughter and my heart just broke for you. As a mother-waiting, I know that your heart is filled with more love than you ever thought possible and that blows like this sometimes take our breath away. BUT. But, God is bigger than anything man can throw. He is able to intervene on behalf of His children. He is able to provide, comfort, and strengthen you and Sweet D much more than you ever thought possible. After reading your blog, I know I am not telling you anything you don't already know....

I am praying with you. Standing against these attacks of the enemy against your daughter's future and destiny in your family!

God Bless.

Lindsey said...

Kati,

I have no words. I am so sorry you guys are getting stuck again. Please know that I have been praying for you all day long. You and Justin have such an amazing faith that Jesus will take care of it all.

You are being lifted in prayer.

Lindsey

Ben said...

Justin and Kati,

The things I know...the things I truly know about God are that He is good and He is sovereign. There are many other things I know about God, so I encourage you two to talk about what you know is true about God's character. It may be 2 things, it may be 25 things, but when you feel closer to Him, it means the world to your own hearts. Prayer is everything and you have our prayer going onward and upward for your family. We love you guys lots!

Because joy brings perserverance,
Shaina and Ben Thompson

Unknown said...

Thank you. Thank you all so much. I've printed out each and every one of your messages as a reminder in my journal and on my mirror when I'm longing to feel God's words near. He's using you all. God's already won, He won over 2000 years ago and right now, no matter how hard Satan may make it for our family to be united, he just doesn't get it. GOD NEVER FAILS. Thank you for giving us wonderful truths to stand upon.

In His love,
Kati & Justin

Angela said...

I followed Erica's post about you and your delay!! I find it so interesting that we, too, are dealing with a very smiliar sitation with our 2 yr old. His case has also been sent on to further investigation. I can truly say I understand your feelings and how heartbreaking this is!! I also understand at this point how wearisome it is so have to be the bearer of such difficult news!!! We will be thinking of your family and your little one!!!
Angela C.

Unknown said...

Sobbing for your precious family! Fervently praying!!!

WendyLou said...

Praying this morning for your family!!

cori916 said...

I am not sure my previous comment went through. My heart breaks for you as I learned about this. I was the first family(and prayed only family) to be denied in March and case went to Kenya USCIS and DC. Happy to say I am home with Baby today. If I can help, advice or just listen...I would love to help. On FB, Corinna Dauenhauer or you can get my email from Erica Shubin. Heart goes out to you!

Olivia said...

Oh Kati. I have tears in my eyes. I don't understand why this is so difficult and I know you don't want sympathy but I am crying right now for you guys and the heartbreak you are experiencing. This sweet baby girl is yours and she WILL come home to you!

"I would have despaired unless I believed in the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the Lord" psalm 28: 13-14

I am going to post your page on my blog so there will be many more people praying!!