Frustrated, but Blessed

Well our judge was a no-show for court today. Apparently, he had some sort of family emergency . Our lawyer tried hard to get our case heard today. He asked the judge to hear our case and the other two although her schedule was full. She agreed to hear at least two, but said the registrar had to sign off on the transfer. She said to come back at 2pm. We came back, but apparently, the registrar left without signing the transfers, so the judge could not see us. This was heartbreaking for one of the families in particular. Their case has been drug out for a long time and they really need to head back home on Monday. I felt so sorry for them, but I know God has a plan and perfect timing. So, we will go back on Monday and supposedly, our original judge will see us then. The tricky thing for us is that I paid to have the doctor and Mercy’s Uncle travel for court today and they needed to return home tonight. It is asking too much to have them come back again on Monday. Thankfully, the lawyer and the judge’s clerk said they would tell the judge that they were there today. Then if he really wants to see them he can call for them to come at a later date. Hopefully that will not be necessary.
Good things about today… we arrived in plenty of time. For once, we did not get stuck in bad traffic in Kampala. Beth and I had time to relax at a coffee shop and get a bite to eat before going to the lawyer’s office. My Ugandan friend, John Mary, who just finished law school and took his bar exams, met us at court. It was great to have him there for some “inside” information and help. He will be an excellent attorney. The meeting with Mercy’s uncle went well. I was worried how he would feel about me and my family. But he was very kind… wanted his picture taken with us… and told me a bit about Mercy’s family. When I go to Mbale in a couple of weeks I hope to go out and visit his village.

In between court appointments, we ate a nice long lunch at a good restaurant in Kampala. We had lots of time to visit with Dr. Patrick, John Mary, and then my friend Billy showed up as well. Billy, is Pastor Wilber’s nephew. He attends college in Kampala. I love Billy for many reasons, but perhaps most because he “gets” American sense of humor. So we had many laughs, which helped to ease my frustrations and stress. I felt so blessed to have Billy, John Mary, and Beth all there to love and support me and Mercy. Most adoptive families do not have this kind of support network in country, and I definitely am not taking it for granted and thanking the Lord for sending them all to me.

So although my day was long, hot, and frustrating, it was also a day of some blessings… and I am again reminded that God is in control and looking over me.