A couple of things....

One} We get a Ugandan update each month from our adoption agency. Here are a couple of lines from last Friday's update:
"Many of you would agree that the Uganda program is different than the program you had initially entered.  When systems change like they have in Uganda, it can have a ripple effect for all connected to the country.  You have experienced those ripples and have shown fortitude and tolerance." 
  
Two} In all likelihood, you have seen this:
http://www.wnd.com/2012/11/ugandan-president-repents-of-personal-national-sins/  
which I believe is an incredible thing (that serves as an example to our own country) that will certainly open the door for God to work in unfathomable ways but that also puts the nation of Uganda into the crosshairs of the enemy (which also means its people, including the 2.5 million orphans).
  
With those two things in mind, I'd love it if you could pray for us today.... 

The four of us are leaving for Memphis at 6 this morning for our USCIS (US Citizenship and Immigration Services) appointment for our biometric fingerprints. Our adoption specialist is hoping
that after today, we will only wait 2-3 weeks for Immigration approval. As soon as we receive approval, we will be able to be put onto the Ugandan referral list at Lifeline.
I can hardly even believe I get to say that!
The.Waiting.List.
Our estimated wait time on the list is 12 months as of right now (although nothing is set in stone - note the first few lines of this blog post). Please pray for us today as we travel and wait in long lines in a crowded government facility, for a speedy Immigration approval, and especially for the nation of Uganda as a whole and its people.
I'm reminded again today that this adoption journey is about so much more than our family and even our son...

Part of our Adoption Educational Requirements have been to learn about the country of Uganda. While I have a lot of thoughts regarding what I'm reading and learning, two things have been in the news recently that captured my attention and have led me to pray for the people of Uganda as a whole this week...



June 25, 2012, Uganda landslides destroy 3 villages; toll unknown ~ Massive landslides induced by torrential rains destroyed three villages in the mountainous district of Bududa in eastern Uganda, killing scores of people but possibly hundreds, officials said Monday. (Read more)

June 20, 2012, Power struggle in Uganda amid Museveni speculation ~ The party of Uganda's long-serving ruler appears to have split up into rival factions jostling for power in anticipation of the president's possible exit, officials and analysts said Wednesday. They predicted an all-out power struggle that could pit the country's prime minister against its first lady. (Read more)


Praying for Uganda...

~M

Thinking of my children...praying from Ephesians 3 for the two at home with me today and the one I long to be here...

Father,
I pray that out of Your glorious, immense riches that You would  empower my sweet babies with inner strength through Your Spirit, and that Christ would dwell in their hearts through faith. And I pray that they would always be rooted and established in love. That they would have the power, together with all believers, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep the incredible, boundless love of Christ is, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge! May they be completely filled to the measure of the power that can only come from You, so that they will live abundant lives to Your glory and fame!
Thank You that we love and worship a God who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine.  To You be the glory in the Church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever!  Amen.

~ M