Zurich did not clear the US Embassy and our case has been forwarded to the main embassy in Nairobi for further investigation. Our case is solid, so we are not nervous about being declined, but there were some recent changes at the embassy that likely made this happen. We are not certain how long this will take. Some cases can get cleared quickly while others have to jump through hoops that can take months.
We did not expect this at all. Out of the hundreds of cases our agency has submitted there have only been three families forwarded to Nairobi.
To make matters worse I’ve been very sick and dehydrated after picking up a parasite from something we ate and wasn’t able to keep fluids down. It got so bad that we went to a hospital. The Ethiopian hospital was not as scary as I had imagined, but it was definitely different. The staff was kind, and I am doing better now. We had just come out of a sleepless night and a day in an Ethiopian hospital when we got the bad news from the embassy.
Needless to say, we have felt broken and confused. Haven’t the Marshall’s been through enough? What else could possibly go wrong?!
We have decided to stop asking those kinds of questions. They are useless, and apparently things can always get worse! In spite of the hardship we are in, we feel incredibly blessed and fortunate. Its in these moments that the gospel becomes very real, and we cling to the truth that the ultimate hardship was already taken from us, we are given strength for our daily hardships, and our future hardships will be conquered for us…
The truth is God loves us deeply and he is weaving something beautiful into our lives. Don’t pity us, instead celebrate with us as we get to tangibly experience God’s presence.
It is well with our souls.
{ 15 comments… read them below or add one }
Just wanted you to know the Daniels are on their knees. Praying for speedy clearance from the embassy in Nairobi and a safe journey home for the 3 of you. Something huge and good is going to come from this.
You have the right attitude. Still praying.
I’m praying for you guys. I admire how you have handled all these obstacles, and agree that God is weaving something spectacular for the three of you. I pray y’all can come back soon, but most importantly that y’all can be encouraged where you are. God knows what’s going on, and he is walking with you…
Love you guys! Hugs.
Dont ask, just do. God isnt suprised by the situation, He knows what is going on, and will use it as He always does for His glory. Not easy words in difficult times, but it is at those times that He carries us. We are ALL praying for you. Be lifted up, and at peace. God is with you
Your attitude is an inspiration to all of us. We are hoping things go quickly in Nairobi. We know God works all things for good so hang in there. This is just a dot in His greater plan for the three of you. We love you, Pam and Diana
Praying for strength through joy for you both, and especially a speedy return to health for you, Aaron.
Sovanna and I wish you continued strength and patience. This process is so hard, that is for sure. I cannot wait until all 3 of you are here on US soil, but for now am just happy you are all together. Give Zurich some hugs and kisses from Elijah!
I am so sorry you are going through this. We can’t understand it, but we know God sees the big picture and He will work all things for His glory. I don’t even know you guys except on a very surface level yet i know you are my brothers and sisters in Christ and I see your beautiful light shining for others. I am praying for you and that you can bring your sweet boy home soon.
Your post brought me to tears… Your faith in what God is doing in your lives and the strength and peace that you have is an inspiration to all of us–it brings glory to God! We never know what God is working on behind the scenes, but He is doing something amazing in more ways than one. Keep the faith in Him and continue to glorify Him. You are touching more lives than all of us here in the states and your new baby son… there are others there that are witnessing your lives right where you are at. You are truly spreading the gospel through all of this as well as your lives being refined by Him. Lifting you in prayer right now.
Many blessings in Him,
Kim
I always wonder why god makes us suffer or struggle…No one can answer that question but we do know that the hard times make us that much stronger. Maybe right now it doesn’t seem to make you stronger. Later in life you will look at this experience and know it made you and your family have a wonderful bond together. God is Great! “I can do ALL things through CHRIST who strengthens ME!!!”
Thanks for the update! Hold fast, friends!
My heart feels sad for all you are going through and all you have been through. You guys choose difficult roads and those roads are not easy. You chose to fight for Figi and you chose to fight for Zurich. God knows your hearts. He knows you are solid and that you love these kids deeply. There will be an amazing story at the end. Imagine how Z sees you. Think about this from his perspective. Has anyone in his little life ever gone to bat like this for him? You are all very blessed. we love you and will continue to pray for you. The J Fam.
“6 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7 These have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, 9 for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” 1 Peter 1:6-9
We love you guys very much and are praying for you. Your faith is golden and a great encouragement to believers and non-believers alike around the world. Phillip & Susan
Z i guess we will skype a few more times THEN i will squeeze you AUnt Jen style and you will never want a hug from anyone else!! )
I happened to stumble upon your blog. It appears we have quite similar stories….I delievered twins (both were stillborn) after my water broke at 15 weeks. My story also involves three misscariages and adoption of my daughter from Guatemala. I also have a son whom we adopted from Ethiopia. We seem to share heartaches and triumphs. Please feel free to contact me via email listed above or facebook Shay Beighle.
I’d love to offer support to you in any way possible.
peace ~
shay