Our Plea

i, Jeromy checking in….as some of you know, last week marked the 3-month foster care period in Kenya that is required before we can schedule the first of three required court dates. We were originally told that our first court date would be in mid November. However, we just received word today that our first court date will not be until January 16— two months later than expected. This would push back Kim’s return date even further than the previous estimated date of April 2008. It also may mean yet another month before I get to see my kids again.

Although Kim and I hate being apart, PLEASE don’t feel sorry for us—our friends and family have been extremely supportive, God has provided for our needs, and God has stretched and grown each of us in new ways that will forever change us for the better. I am safe here in the US , not in Iraq with my family fearing for my life while I serve my country. My kids are NOT sick with a serious illness. Although our situation is unique and a bit challenging, we are TRULY blessed. The process itself has brought us extreme frustration, but our kids have brought us so much joy!!!

Our biggest concern right now is for our kids. They are so confused and don’t know IF or when their new Daddy will come back for them. They have already dealt with so much in their young lives, and we so desperately want them to be secure in our love (and ultimately in God’s).

Can you please join us in praying for 2 things TODAY:

1. Please pray that we can get a court date before the end of November. (God’s word teaches that the heart of the king is in the hand of the Lord, and He directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases.)
2. Please pray that Sundi and Damon would have peace in their hearts as they are confused and frustrated. Especially Sundi; she is taking the separation very hard.

Long-term, we are acutely aware that Satan would like nothing more than to use the “turmoil” of our adoption over the past 2 years to scare others away from adoption altogether, believing that any/all adoptions are simply “too hard, and WE could never do what Jeromy/Kim are doing”. When people say things like this, it feeds our egos but at the end of the day it is a terrible lie. May God be glorified, and may He kick down doors to provide homes for other precious children around the world that can learn about His love from a family.

Thank you, Satan, for the reminder that you despise it when families become/stay united, and love it when death, politics, and poverty separate children from their families and create chaos, confusion, and disillusionment. This is just an affirmation to keep pushing harder. You’re going to get your butt kicked eventually; get used to it now.

Friends and family-- Please don’t say anything to try to make me feel better, because it probably won’t work! J However, we covet your prayers, especially in the next 48 hours as we appeal to the government of Kenya .

Asante sana ,
Jeromy & Kim Smith