We thought Ethiopia would be the easy part...not so. Yet again, we are faced with another potential delay that would be incredibly difficult. As I'm sure you know, there is a potential shutdown of the US government. What you may not know is that it would in turn mean that the embassy here in Ethiopia would also shut down and not grant us visas for our children. In other words, we would be stuck here in Ethiopia until things are resolved. Previous shutdowns have lasted anywhere from a few hours to 21 days.
In the meantime, Erin now has a fever of 102.7. We're in a foreign country where there are very few who speak English, you have to boil the water to drink it, food is different (which severely affects Erin), and there is no AC. We are all quite dehydrated and exhausted. I'm trying to best to take care of a very sick wife and two children who scream until they fall asleep, who don't understand anything we say, and one of which has giardia infested diapers. And we're here with 5 other families who are also very hot, tired, and stressed with screaming kids they can't talk to.
We need your prayers again. Please. God has been so gracious throughout all the potentially bad scenarios thus far, and we have no doubt in his ability to bring us through again. The ideal situation would be for the government to pass the budget (deadline is midnight tonight). Whatever the case, please pray that we would somehow be able to just get home on time. We don't care what it takes. We still face the problem of our home study expiring (which is an entirely different, but stressful scenario) and the other families all have children they've left at home that they desperately want to get home to.
Of course, we KNOW that God is bigger than all of it. That has never been in question. He's in control no matter what, and He is most certainly faithful no matter what happens. We haven't lost our heads or anything - we just want to come home. Please pray.
9 comments
Comment by Cameron Watford on April 8, 2011 at 2:35 PM
Heavenly Father,
Please watch over my friends who need your peace that passes understanding and the strength to soar on the wings of eagles right now. "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." Bring them home safe so that they might be able to raise these children in the way should go. Guide us in our prayers for them as you guide them in faith and strength to soar on the wings of eagles. I pray all of this in the powerful, wonderful, beautiful and GREAT name of Jesus our Savior! AMEN!
Comment by Anonymous on April 8, 2011 at 2:46 PM
Dear God,
While I don't personally know this couple, they are my brothers and sisters in Chris and I ask that You come down near them now. Encourage and sustain them with what they need. You have promised not to let us take on more than we can handle. Honor that promise now. Heal their sickness, quench their hunger and thirst both physically and emotionally, and bring them back home safely. Where we fall short, all is possible with You. Bring them home safely in Your perfect timing, Lord. We look forward in anticipation to Your answer to this prayer, knowing you are a good and loving God. Amen!
Comment by Anonymous on April 8, 2011 at 2:46 PM
"in Christ," not in Chris...:)
Comment by Allie on April 8, 2011 at 4:49 PM
praying for all of you.
Comment by Sheri ID on April 8, 2011 at 5:33 PM
We're definitely praying! Thanks for the update on your specific needs today.
-Sheri
AW Family
Comment by Berry Family on April 8, 2011 at 8:58 PM
Erin and Jeremiah,
Our hearts go out to you and we will fervently pray for all that you mentioned in your post. We especially pray that Erin feels better very soon. God bless you all.
Love,
The Berrys
Comment by Tammy on April 8, 2011 at 9:00 PM
I have sent a prayer up for all of you.
Comment by Laura on April 8, 2011 at 10:23 PM
remembering how we felt when the gov't threatened this right before we left a month ago...but I was on US soil. I trust in an Almighty God who is so much bigger than government and I know His heart is for the orphans you now hold in your arms. There is gospel transaction taking place and the enemy is aware. We prayed as never before on our trip and I will pray as well for you! Trust! We serve an amazing God!
Comment by Unknown on April 8, 2011 at 11:01 PM
We're praying for you guys! And Jeremiah, wash your hands after changing those diapers!! Love you guys. Jeff, Heather, Samuel, Ervin and Wanda
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