Urgent Prayer Needed

Yesterday we met the two older children.  I will blog about the meeting later, I promise.  But we have run into a snag and need prayer immediately.

We learned last week that the children had been part of a hosting program to the U.S., but we didn't have any details.  We learned yesterday that the boy believes that the family that hosted him wants to adopt him and is coming for him, and he is confused and conflicted about what to do.  He likes us.  He likes that we want both of his sisters, too.  He specifically asked about Thumbelina and was pleased to know that she is doing well.  However, we were able to find out that there is no other family officially in process but that he has had communication from the family via phone calls since his time there in December.  I'm sure some of this story is getting lost in translation.

Today at the end of our meeting he stated that he would inform the other family that he is being adopted by us but wants to keep in touch with them.  However, one of his teachers (who traveled with him to the States) reminds him of the other family and how he promised them that they could adopt him and that they are coming to get him.  Even though he was clear today after being with us, it is difficult for him because there are many adults "looking out for him" and giving him conflicting advice.  He is only 11 years old and he gets to decide his future.  This is an impossibly difficult situation for one so young.

Cliff and I are also in a horrible position.  We don't want to "take" a child away from another family.  But at the same time, we don't know for sure that they are really coming for him.  We don't want to leave him here hoping that they will come and then have them NOT come.  So do we pursue or do we not?  He is a great kid, and we would be tremendously blessed by having him in our family.

We need prayer for clarity - for us and for him.  We also need the well-meaning adults to stay out of it and to let God make His way clear for everyone involved.

We will continue to visit with both kids over the weekend.  By Monday, we must all be clear on how we will proceed in order to finalize the paperwork.