Oh to see... clearer

Shortly after Lindy and I were back in North Carolina last year, I remember asking a few of my closest friends an odd question. "Can you see past August of next year?" I explained to them that I was struggling to grasp God's vision for us, our family, or the ministry beyond August. I couldn't even come up with an idea as to what small things would be taking place. We had no major plans within the ministry beyond that. There weren't even dreams we had that stretched after August. I continued to waver between whether or not it was the Holy Spirit's promoting for some purpose yet-to-be-known, or just my own weird mind's way of entertaining itself. Eventually I dismissed the thought, but never came to any conclusion about it.

... until, possibly, now...

On August 31, 2010 the government of Rwanda will close all adoption processes until further notice. In an effort to bring themselves into compliance with the international community (under the Hague Convention), Rwanda will not accept any new dossiers for adoption until they have become certified as a Hague country. This process could (and will) take a long time. A long time. Therefore, the Thompson family is not able to continue the current process for adoption with Rwanda.

We discovered this news while waiting in an airport as we returned from Mwanza, Tanzania. I am still in shock. I've yet to fully wrap my mind around this news and what it means for my family. I am struggling to even articulate my thoughts to a sovereign God, who already knows them. This is the first communication (and probably the only one) I've made on the subject. I bear the responsibility of guiding this family, however small it is. Therefore, until my Father guides me with words, attitude, and direction for my family, I can't tell you what our plans are. Please bear with us (me particularly) if I don't reply or request your advice and comments, though I am sure it's well meaning. I would rather your silence be an indication of the fervency of your prayers for us and the the depth of love you have towards us. I would kindly request you share this news with the faithful who would bring it before God as a petition and not a phone call gossip session. (we've had enough of that garbage over the past few years).

Forgive me for my blunt-ness. I am simply a husband feeling inadequate for his wife and a leader empty of direction ...

... because I can't see past August...