Tuesday, October 28, 2008

News About Our Court Date

Friends and Family,

We have bad news to share about our court date. It was this morning. Everything was in place for Caleb's paperwork, except that there are two children in the transition home with Caleb's Ethiopian name, Bedlu. The approval letter for the other child was sent, and when the judge recognized this, he did not approve our case.

Our new court date is December 2. If we pass, we will travel on Dec. 13th.

The irony in all this is that in some weird way I felt like God was preparing us for this news. I didn't want to believe it, but I just felt it. I am reading a Bible study right now by Kay Arthur, "Lord, Only You Can Change Me". In my study, just last night, I read these words: "Listen, my friend, as difficult as it might be to receive right now, you ought to open your arms and welcome anything that will break you, that will bend your knees, that will bring you to utter destitution before your God."

As I read that last night, I thought, "The one thing that would do that to me would be if we didn't get to go get Caleb when we were scheduled to..."

Also, the song that I was going to play on our video to introduce Caleb to everyone is "Be Still and Know" by Steven Curtis Chapman. The lyrics say:

Be still and know that He is God
Be still and know that He is holy
Be still, O restless soul of mine
Bow before the Prince of peace
Let the noise and clamor cease
Be still
Be still and know that He is God
Be still and know that He is faithful
Consider all that he has done
Stand in awe and be amazed
And know that He will never change
Be still
Be Still, and know that He is God
Be Still, and know that He is God
Be Still, and know that He is God
Be Still; Be speechless
Be still and know that he is God
Be still and know he is our Father
Come rest your head upon his breast
Listen to the rhythm of his unfailing heart of love
Beating for His little ones
Calling each of us to come
Be still, Be still


So, that is what we will do, for the next several weeks. Though we don't know why or how this could have happened....we will be still, and know that He is God.

12 comments:

Kimberly Kulp said...

"Come to me all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me for my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

May the words of our Savior comfort you and give you peace. Take His yoke and allow him to take yours. Caleb is so blessed to have you as parents. You are in our thoughts and prayers!

Kim

Danielle said...

Rebecca, What an amazing testimony. My heart, of course, hurts for you anyway, but with your choice to "be still and know" I'm sure God will use this time to draw you closer to Him, however that might be! Love,
Danielle

Kat said...

Rebecca, we're praying for you and your husband. Thank you for the example you are to all of us in allowing God to work through this disappointment.

Kathryn Clover (YG)

Sherry said...

Rebecca - Your choice to keep your eyes fixed on Him will carry you through this! In my prayers for you and Zach, I asked God to give me a scripture to enourage you and Psalm 54 came to mind. Not knowing what was in this passage, I turned to it and in verse 4 it reads "Surely God is my help, the Lord is the one who sustains me." My heart is broken for you, but the Lord WILL sustain you! Blessings! - Sherry Semlow

Kate said...

Keep strong...I know it's hard. You're almost there. God will show you the way in His time.

E said...

Oh, I'm so sorry to hear this news. I pray for a good outcome next time around and for peace in the midst of this disappointment. You've got an amazing attitude about all of this and - though it's okay to be hurt or sad - I hope you can maintain the strength of your focus & conviction through all the ups & downs! Hopefully it'll be up, up & up from here on out!

Love,
Erica

Anonymous said...

Caldwell family, My heart goes out to you. We have been praying for you today remembering afresh the flood of emotion we experienced when we learned of our unsuccessful court date. May God sustain you and grant you the strength to keep your hope in Him secure. "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13

beBOLDjen said...

Rebecca, Our family will be praying for yours, esp. Caleb during his continued wait for your arrival.

Bird's Words said...

praying for you all...

tisha said...

I'm so sorry. I will be praying for your family and your new court date.
with love,
Tisha

Nunez Family said...

Dearest Rebecca,
Your words are mighty & I know its your king who is showing his strength through you! I pray Gods whispers will continue to wash over your soul. Just as God has prepared your heart I know he is caring for your Caleb in amazing ways. I will Love on him while I'm there:))))
God Bless my sister in Christ!
Ana Nunez

Carpenters said...

I am so sorry to hear about your court date. I know the disappointment that is. I found it hard to rest in the promise that everything is in God's hands. We'll be praying for you and your December 2nd court date.

With Love,
Penelope