praying for peace.

We’re moving into a new stage of our adoption, that of being approved by the US Government.  The State has given it’s thumbs up, and from what we’ve heard it shouldn’t be any problem, approval-wise, from here.  The difficult part now will be the fund-raising, the information/document gathering, and the waiting.  As I’ve said already, I believe the “waiting” is not inactive, but a precious and valuable part of the entire journey.  So I’ve been trying to use this time to learn more about where our daughter is coming from, and how to be in prayer for her.

That’s hard.

Right now, in the land my daughter lives, there is much brokenness.  As if living in one of the most densely populated and poverty-stricken countries in the world wasn’t enough, there’s more.  A war is going on.  Children are being recruited as soldiers.  Civilians fear walking certain streets, for fear of being forcibly recruited or killed.  Women are being raped.  The scarcity of food, drinking water, etc….is made even more scarce by the fear that you may not survive the trip.  I would talk more on the specifics, except there are blogs and search engines I’d rather not be connected to.  For more information on the DRC, check out my new page.

There has been a “ceasefire” for 4 weeks now, simply meaning there have been fewer deaths during these days.  But the rebels continue to recruit while the country’s army continues to make plans for how to “handle them”.  Soon, the ceasefire will most likely be broken or end, and who knows what will happen to the area.

As a small consolation – the area we will most likely go to pick up our daughter someday – is completely on the other side of the country.  But she may come from the war-torn region herself…and no matter what, will be obviously impacted by what is happening there right now.

Yet, here we are at the beginning of a new school year.  An amazing mom and teacher, over-loaded with love and desires to teach and be with her family.  A first-grader who is soaking up every bit of knowledge she can.  2 pre-schoolers racing each other to see who can learn next.  A father who tries to be a solid disciplinary “Principal”, but is probably a push-over.  A home filled with love, being shaped by God, and an empty space waiting for our daughter to come home.

And so, we are praying for peace.  Peace in the midst of waiting for our daughter to be brought home.   Peace for our family, as we try to explain to our daughters exactly what is happening in this adoption process, and how to pray for their sister.  Peace that our fund-raising efforts and grant-applications might actually be fruitful in time.

But there is a peace we want more than all of these.  It’s what the citizens, army, AND rebel forces and families of the DRC want more than any ceasefire.  It’s what I want for my daughters, grandchildren, and great-great grandkids someday as well:

“And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” – Revelation 21:3-4

But until that time comes, may we find ourselves going out into the world and announcing Jesus Christ is Lord.  Not with guns and picket signs – but with acts of Love, Grace, and New Life.  If we are constantly people who are praying for peace, we may more naturally live in a way that helps bring it about…”on earth as it is in Heaven…”