"So ... How's It Going With the Adoption?"

How often I hear "What's happening with the China doll?" from well intentioned acquaintances or co-workers. I can see it coming - forehead crinkled, wide eyes, big smile. When I respond "Still waiting." Of course the follow-up question (with total change of expression) is "Why is it taking so long?" Of course, they mean it as innocent conversation and I realize that.

There's no good way to explain that the extended wait is a painful item in the adoption process. Each time I have to explain it, I am brought down lower. Joanna was expected in our household last year according to the standard procedure in place at the time that we initiated the process. What was a 9 month wait at log-in is now an 18 month wait .... words escape me as I have to explain the process and I usually respond "God had the time of Joanna's arrival planned long before China knew that we wanted to adopt. We're just trying to stay on His time schedule." That can close the discussion, even if I'm speaking to an athiest. The soverignty of God in the whole scheme of things gives me peace. I lifts me from whatever funk in which I put myself and gives me focus.

I have printed out some business sized cards with our blog information. I keep a supply with me at all times and when someone pops the question, I follow up my mini-homily with "We have a blog with our entire story. Take a look at it and thank you for your interest. The blog tells you a lot more than I can now." I hand them a card and I've given them quite a bit of information without getting too technical about the process.

I am reminded that God has this eternity thing which doesn't necessarily mesh with my own self imposed calendar of events. I actually listened to what He was telling me this morning and He reminded me that He gives us patience for these times .... and people who care enough to inquire "So .... How's it going with the adoption?"