397, 398, 399...

As much as I've heard over and over that international adoption requires patience... as much as I've tried to be prepared for the waiting... as much as I know that God is in control of every aspect, including timing... sometimes it is very tempting to just stomp my feet, shake my head, and yell, "WHY IS THIS TAKING FOREVER?"

And the really pathetic part is that we are truly at the beginning of the waiting. But I think that is what makes it all the more frustrating -- realizing just how far we still have to go. Our fingerprints have not come back from the FBI, the MOWA office in Ethiopia is still closed, and we just got an email saying that the average processing time for the Homeland Security clearance paperwork has recently jumped from 2 weeks to 2 months...

I could throw a little fit, but you know what? It wouldn't make me feel better. And you know what else?

It's Going. To Be. OK.

I mean, it's understandable that I'm excited and impatient for this process to move along, but honestly where's the fire? We don't have a timing crunch, there are no external circumstances putting pressure on our process -- my toddler-like patience level is really the only thing mucking up the flow. And so...

I shall cease and desist from all whining and grumbling, and commence counting my blessings. Here are a few to get me started:

The two sweet-cheeked rough-and-tumblers in the bunk bed upstairs.

Walking this journey with a husband who loves me (even when I'm whiny).

An incredible agency that is committed to loving, helping, and uniting children and families.

An agency director whom I trust and admire working tirelessly to bring my child home.

A longer wait means more time to raise money.

Many warm and beautiful Ethiopian families in our area with whom we hope to connect.

The knowledge that, whoever he or she may be, our child is in God's hands and on the road home.