Doctor's visit

Because of the low weight noted during his nurse's visit, L had a doctor's visit in Ethiopia earlier this week. We received a copy of some basic lab work and the doctor's assessment. The only major finding appears to be Rickets-- weakened/softened bones related to Vitamin D and Calcium deficiency. I spoke with our coordinator and she said she is following up to make sure L gets the supplements that he needs. The doctor noted some minor skin issues and mentioned some developmental delays. We are expecting developmental delays because L has been living in an orphanage since 2 months old, but we probably won't understand the extent of these delays until we have him home for some time.

Ben's pediatrician kindly took the time to review L's medical report. Overall he actually thought it seemed like a good report. Even though L is kind of skinny, his height is normal and weight still falls in the low normal range for his age. According to his blood work, L does not have a problem with iron deficiency so that's encouraging. He felt like the most important thing is the Vitamin D/Calcium supplements to prevent long-term damage to his bones.

On a side note, many of you have mentioned that you haven't been able to comment on these blog posts. I think I've updated the settings so you should be able to post comments now. Sorry about that! I'm new to this blogging thing. ;)

We will let you know as soon as we hear anything from Monday's court session! Thanks for the continued prayers!!

Waiting

I feel like I was handling the waiting pretty well until yesterday. We received an update on L from a nurse visit to his orphanage. He is definitely underweight. Only 3rd percentile for his age. It just breaks my heart. I wish I could take care of him and get him the nourishment that he needs. Thankfully, our adoption coordinator is taking action right away to investigate further and see if there is anything we can be doing for his health right now. I'm not sure what they will consider. Maybe moving him to a different care center? We will keep you posted.

We also found out that it's been taking 3-4 months between the initial court date (ours is scheduled 2/20) and the court date for the adoptive parents. This is primarily due to a delay getting MOWA approval. Gulp. Feels like a little too much to swallow.

Life seems to be a series of waiting periods, doesn't it? I can't think of a season in my life when I wasn't waiting for something. Can you? Waiting can be painful. I guess that's why the Bible uses the language "suffering long." The Bible also tells us that our patience pays off. Pain with a purpose as they say. I Peter 5:10 "And the God of all grace who called you unto His eternal glory in Christ after that ye have suffered a little while, shall himself perfect, establish, strengthen you." I want to learn to wait well.

Psalm 5:3 says "In the morning I will order my prayer to You and eagerly watch." Maybe I will change my view on waiting and call it eagerly watching instead. Eagerly watching to see what God will do. I know it will be great. "And wait for your God continually." Hosea 12:6

Even God has to wait too. He waited for the perfect time to send Jesus to earth and He is waiting to send Him again. Isaiah 30:18 says He waits on high to have compassion on you. Thankful that He sympathizes with us as we wait.

As I look back at other times in my life when I was waiting for something or someone... a sister, a husband, a place to live, direction for next steps, a pregnancy... they were all more-than-worth the wait. God always answered those prayers in ways that were exceedingly, abundantly beyond all I could ask or imagine. And I know it will be the same in this case.

Our utter helplessness forces us to our knees. Lord, we are eagerly watching to see what You will do. Help us to be patient. Please take care of our boy. Thank You for working to bring him to our family.