After the crushing news of now having to wait a potential 18 months for our child, M and I hit a bit of a funk with this whole process and resorted to everyday routines...back to work, grading papers, whatever it was to occupy our minds. Its not that we stopped talking, praying or forgot about this path the Lord has put us on but I think we just had to "get away" from it for a bit. So many of you were there to help us through and we thank you all for your prayers and kind words. Life without friends and family truly would be a sad and hopeless journey.

Exhale. Ok...that's over.

And now what? Well, in typical Looney fashion, we have a few lists generated and as I write this entry, I have a collection of paint samples next to me that are begging to be placed on a wall somewhere. We are getting back in to the mode of preparation which includes finishing out the guest room and nursery as well as some new projects like updates to our master bedroom. We don't know when the next part of the journey will begin but when we started this whole thing, we always said that "Wait on the Lord's timing and till then, keep living". I suppose we have time to get our house all in order because when we do bring our baby home, we will be stuck in this house for awhile.

Ok. Where is that paint roller?

Right before the New Year we received an email from ATWA in regards to Japanese adoptions. There were 9 total adoptions this year...6 Girls and 3 Boys which is pretty exciting. However, it seems that the overall program is growing and based on the number of folks "in the que" it looks as if we might be looking at 12-18 months now — and according to ATWA, it is probably closer to 18.

Are we going to have to possibly wait till 2012 to have our baby? Suddenly, the bright hope of a new year and a new addition to the family came crashing in on us just as we heard, "Three, two, one, Happy New Year"! Our hearts sank at this saddening thought. 

We can only think that ATWA is just doing their job in setting expectations for families that are just getting signed up in 2011, especially if there are more families getting into the program now than before. This process for waiting is non-linear and solely based on the birthmother choosing us so we really don't know when our time will come...when we will bring our child home and start our family together. 

We don't want 18 months...we want 18 days. 18 minutes. 

Not the news we wanted to start off the 2011 with but しょうがない or "oh well". We will wait on the time of the Lord and know that his timing is perfect. Yes its challenging but this is where we must put our hope as we continue this process (or maybe roller coster) of adoption. 

Happy New Year.