There is a phrase that has entered our vernacular since we began the process to adopt Malachi four years ago. It is “Match Night.” Match night is a day/night when files are released to adoption agencies which propel the adoption teams to match children with prospective forever families based on their preferences. Our program is “Minor/Correctable Special Needs,” so our preferences are based on what “special needs” we are willing to accept in a child we choose.

[Yes, Malachi was part of the Minor/Correctable Special Needs Program…and if you’ve seen him lately, you know that there is nothing “special needs” about him now that he has been cleared from his leg braces for over a year! Praise God!]

There is a temptation to get worked up over a match night because you might get a call/email with a file of a possible child. Early on in the process with Malachi, we decided not to get worked up over those nights. Honestly, we didn’t have time for the emotional rollercoaster!

As we’ve journeyed through the adoption process a second time, we’ve heard that the system (in China) has slowed down considerably. I don’t have any answers as to why (and frankly, it doesn’t matter because God’s timing is perfect). But we received an email from our agency last week information us that things are going to pick up on Tuesday morning for a match night/day. They are expecting 25 plus referrals coming down the pipeline! While there is no guarantee that we will receive a phone call in the near future- it does mean that there are more children who will get to be matched up with their forever family.

Would you join us in praying for the children who will become available in the coming days; pray for the families that will receive their files that a good match will be made; pray that all involved will be able to know God’s love through the adoption process. And yes, pray for us as we practice “Cautious Anticipation” and look forward to the first glimpse of our new son!