Adoption Prayer Requests
I want so badly for that image above to be one of Ephraim (or one of Rae & him) but I have to wait until we pass court for that. But thankfully, that isn’t too far away!
Robyn, our social worker in South Africa got back last week and was able to set up our court date so it’s been a flurry of booking flights and hotels and connecting online with other couples throughout Canada (well, Saskatchewan and BC so far) that will be there at the same time.
The city our agency works out of is Durban, right on the south eastern coast of South Africa. I’m pretty sure it’s as far away from Saskatchewan that a person could get.
Most children in South Africa that are adopted out (through our agency) live in homes within the Durban area but Ephraim is a bit special 🙂 and lives 4 hours north of Durban. Normally what happens is the family flies into Durban and makes daily visits to the home to get to know their child over the course of a week and then they go to court. Since Ephraim is so far out of Durban we are actually arriving in Durban on a Friday, on Saturday morning we will drive up and meet him and spend that day and Sunday getting to know him, have court Monday morning where we will legally become his parents and then drive back down to Durban with him and spend some time there while we wait for paperwork (citizenship and passport).
Now, here’s where I’d love for all my prayer warrior friends to really jump up: this court and judge? Our social worker has never dealt with either. And international adoption isn’t always looked upon favorably by judges in South Africa.
We would love for your prayers to start already that this judge’s heart will be open to us adopting Ephraim and his ruling will reflect that.
We leave in a few short weeks and would be grateful for every single prayer. Part of me thinks “this journey has been so long already, surely we’ll pass court” and another part of me says “that would be too easy, the last three years have been one test after another, what makes you think this won’t just be another one?” It’s hard to bounce back and forth between the two, wanting to be optimistic but afraid of getting my hopes up. So I guess you can pray for me too.
Also, we are waiting on a few papers that seem to have either gotten lost in the mail or taking a really long time to get here, we’d love prayers for them to get here asap.
We’d also appreciate prayer for Ephraim. For the whole transition, that he won’t be too confused, that he will bond well with us, that he won’t be completely overwhelmed by his older sister (and her incessant talking), and also for his health, we’ve got a few things to look into/take care of when he gets home and I’m hoping doctor visits on top of everything else isn’t too much at once.
Thank you, sweet friends. Your prayers are always felt and appreciated.
Linking up for Faith & Fellowship
praying for you friend! For peace and comfort for you and your little family… for your son as he waits on you guys.. and for all involved to have open hearts and minds!
Praying for you right now!! Praying for God’s favor!
Chantel know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Can’t imagine what you are thinking, feeling, etc. praying for favour amongst the South African judges, big favour!. Can’t wait for the news that seet ephraim in nestled in your home with you three in Saskatchewan.
This is such an exciting time, Chantel. Thanks for sharing this process, the trials and victories that come with it. You are being prayed for, and so is your little one!
I got to learn about your blog on a link up party. I am glad i came there coz your blog is amazing
I am so excited for you, and am praying so hard!!!!! I can’t wait for a Welcome Home Ephraim post!
yes definitely keeping all this in my prayers!!! God has got a plan and He is making a way!!
I know I’ve jumped into your journey fairly recently, but I will be praying for your sweet boy to make it home smoothly to his forever family!
Lord, I pray for Ephraim and the Klassens. Lord, please be opening doors to allow the paperwork to pass through quickly and bring them together as a forever family soon! Please open the judge’s heart and allow him to quickly approve the adoption!
Thanks for linking this up with the Faith and Fellowship Blog Hop. I can’t wait to hear that Ephraim is home!
Oh what a time such as this – I’m so grateful prayers over the last 2 years are being answered and I am and will be praying these next steps ahead are paved by Gods hand and direction! Prayers for the judge and court, for your lil boys heart and transition and safe travels also!
What amazing (but stressful) time you have coming. Praying that it all goes well and you have a safe journey <3
PRAYING!
Hi Chantel, I just came across your blog because I’ve been searching for other Canadian couples who have adopted from South Africa. My (South African) husband and I are just now starting to ask questions and gather information about starting this process. Thank you so much for sharing your heart in these blog posts, in the exciting times and the crappy times. You are an encouragement and a blessing. I’m praying that you guys are able to go get your son SOON!!! Enjoy South Africa, it’s going to steal your heart!
Thanks for stopping by Felicia! If you have any questions feel free to ask!