We are still waiting to hear about our FDL from immigration. I am trying to not become anxious about it and when my mind starts with the what ifs, I have to be reminded of the truth.
Which is....
God is
FAITHFUL
GRACIOUS
LOVING
He has
A PLAN
-FOR OUR FAMILY
-FOR OUR DAUGHTER
ALREADY DONE MIRACLES in our adoption and our lives
He can
DO THEM AGAIN
BRING US TOGETHER
BRING US COMFORT/PEACE WHILE WE WAIT
My heart is yearning to be with her and to know her laugh, smell, cry.
We are once again, brought to our knees, waiting for news. News that we can get on a plane and bring our little girl home.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Friday, December 25, 2009
Jesus's Birthday
These pictures are backwards order, so we will start with Christmas Day. We celebrated Jesus's birthday in the evening by baking cupcakes and singing "Happy birthday" to Him. The boys think it's the funniest thing ever that it's HIS birthday but we eat the cupcakes and we get presents.
The afternoon was spent relaxing. Some slept and some played with their new toys. It was nice just being under the same roof together.
Sebastian loved his gift from Nana Jane and Pop Dave. Talking cleaning kit (broom, dust pan, iron, dust buster and trash can). He loves helping me clean anyway, so this was the perfect gift.
Thatcher really was at a good age for gifts this year. When the presents started being passed out, he said, "This is going to be GREAT!" It was so neat to see his excitement.
Oliver did really well being patient while his brothers opened their gifts first. He was really excited to open them too, but he was gracious and let them go first.
Oliver was excited to get some dragons to paint. Look at his crazy hair!
Pop Dave trying to open a toy. Why do they package them so much. You need a degree and multiple tools just to open them.
Christmas Eve we went to church. I was prepared with my camera to take our family picture, but it didn't happen. But the boys were handsome in matching shirts, you'll have to take my word on it. Our theme for the holiday season was, "Give this Christmas away". At the end of the service, every family was encouraged to take a gift from the stage and deliver it to a designated place. The gift we chose was to go to the fire station. Travis and Oliver took it in and said something like, "Because God has blessed us, we want to bless you and thank you for your service to the community." The fireman were suprised and thankful and took them to see the firetrucks, which Oliver thought were stinky! (the tires) It was a great memory for us as a family and we were glad to be part of it.
We weren't suppose to do presents for eachother-but T ignored the agreement! He bought me the necklace I have been wanting since we started the adoption process. I was very suprised and touched by this gift. It has a heart over Ethiopia and her name on the back. I LOVE IT!!!
The afternoon was spent relaxing. Some slept and some played with their new toys. It was nice just being under the same roof together.
Sebastian loved his gift from Nana Jane and Pop Dave. Talking cleaning kit (broom, dust pan, iron, dust buster and trash can). He loves helping me clean anyway, so this was the perfect gift.
Thatcher really was at a good age for gifts this year. When the presents started being passed out, he said, "This is going to be GREAT!" It was so neat to see his excitement.
Oliver did really well being patient while his brothers opened their gifts first. He was really excited to open them too, but he was gracious and let them go first.
Oliver was excited to get some dragons to paint. Look at his crazy hair!
Pop Dave trying to open a toy. Why do they package them so much. You need a degree and multiple tools just to open them.
Christmas Eve we went to church. I was prepared with my camera to take our family picture, but it didn't happen. But the boys were handsome in matching shirts, you'll have to take my word on it. Our theme for the holiday season was, "Give this Christmas away". At the end of the service, every family was encouraged to take a gift from the stage and deliver it to a designated place. The gift we chose was to go to the fire station. Travis and Oliver took it in and said something like, "Because God has blessed us, we want to bless you and thank you for your service to the community." The fireman were suprised and thankful and took them to see the firetrucks, which Oliver thought were stinky! (the tires) It was a great memory for us as a family and we were glad to be part of it.
When we came home, we had pizza and then made gingerbread men.
We weren't suppose to do presents for eachother-but T ignored the agreement! He bought me the necklace I have been wanting since we started the adoption process. I was very suprised and touched by this gift. It has a heart over Ethiopia and her name on the back. I LOVE IT!!!
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
TRAVELING!!! (MAYBE)
Oh my! Oh my!!!!!
We just heard from one of the case managers today and she told us we are one of the confirmed travelers for the Jan. 11 embassy date. We were told it was possible but highly unlikely so we were planning on leaving the 22nd. So we were really surprised to get this news and EXTREMELY EXCITED!!!
But.......we are still waiting for our FDL-which we can't even buy our plane tickets until we have that. SIGH!!
But.....we did get an update on our little Addis. It is amazing how much she has grown since coming to HH. She is now up to 24lbs!! And her health is much better-she passed her TB tests, which is a huge answer to prayer.
We can't believe in a little less than 3 weeks we can actually be in Ethiopia holding our little angel.
Yeah!! Yeah!! Yeah!!!
We just heard from one of the case managers today and she told us we are one of the confirmed travelers for the Jan. 11 embassy date. We were told it was possible but highly unlikely so we were planning on leaving the 22nd. So we were really surprised to get this news and EXTREMELY EXCITED!!!
But.......we are still waiting for our FDL-which we can't even buy our plane tickets until we have that. SIGH!!
But.....we did get an update on our little Addis. It is amazing how much she has grown since coming to HH. She is now up to 24lbs!! And her health is much better-she passed her TB tests, which is a huge answer to prayer.
We can't believe in a little less than 3 weeks we can actually be in Ethiopia holding our little angel.
Yeah!! Yeah!! Yeah!!!
Monday, December 21, 2009
CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN!!!
Travis and I both took this week off so we could have some family time. We originally would be going to visit my family in MO but since we will be most likely traveling in January to ET, we thought it best to just stick around home for the holidays. (Sorry to my family:(
We have started some of our Christmas traditions already; baking day, hot chocolate while we drive around and look at Christmas lights, christmas movies and popcorn.....more to come this week.
I am trying to concentrate on Christmas right now and making it special for the boys. I really want to help them understand what it is all about. I don't want them to have to struggle with the greediness that is so humanly natural and magnified during this time of the year. Having no tv has really helped with the "I wants" as well.
I do want them to have a fun Christmas and what person doesn't get excited to open something special?! But when you get 20 somethings, is it really special then? I guess balance is what I am seeking here. I want them to be as excited to give or do something for someone else as they are to receive a present.
After Christmas I work for two more weeks at the YMCA and then I am done!!! Then there is only 2 weeks before we travel (If all goes well). Looking at it this way helps me not drive myself crazy thinking about getting to my little girl. I am so excited to see her in person, she isn't a photograph, but a real little girl......my little girl. Just saying that makes me smile.
Travis and I both took this week off so we could have some family time. We originally would be going to visit my family in MO but since we will be most likely traveling in January to ET, we thought it best to just stick around home for the holidays. (Sorry to my family:(
We have started some of our Christmas traditions already; baking day, hot chocolate while we drive around and look at Christmas lights, christmas movies and popcorn.....more to come this week.
I am trying to concentrate on Christmas right now and making it special for the boys. I really want to help them understand what it is all about. I don't want them to have to struggle with the greediness that is so humanly natural and magnified during this time of the year. Having no tv has really helped with the "I wants" as well.
I do want them to have a fun Christmas and what person doesn't get excited to open something special?! But when you get 20 somethings, is it really special then? I guess balance is what I am seeking here. I want them to be as excited to give or do something for someone else as they are to receive a present.
After Christmas I work for two more weeks at the YMCA and then I am done!!! Then there is only 2 weeks before we travel (If all goes well). Looking at it this way helps me not drive myself crazy thinking about getting to my little girl. I am so excited to see her in person, she isn't a photograph, but a real little girl......my little girl. Just saying that makes me smile.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Court news!!
We just got the call from our case manager about our court date. WE PASSED!!!!
We were shocked to hear we passed the first time because it seems lately there has been a lot of families not passing for various reasons.
WE are so thrilled words can't even begin to describe it!!
This is so different for us than having our biological children. Even thought they are loved equally, we had to fight for this and work for it, whereas, conception and pregnancy came easy for us. That being said, we love all our children the same no matter how God brought them to us. I heard a friend say that this process was the first time in her life she was brought to her knees crying and praying. I now can say the same.
We will see our little girl in January!!!
We are praying all paperwork can be filed and her tb testing goes well so we can make the Jan. 11 embassy date. If not, we will be going later in January. Either way, it's OFFICIAL, she is our little girl.
Thanks for all the prayers!
We were shocked to hear we passed the first time because it seems lately there has been a lot of families not passing for various reasons.
WE are so thrilled words can't even begin to describe it!!
This is so different for us than having our biological children. Even thought they are loved equally, we had to fight for this and work for it, whereas, conception and pregnancy came easy for us. That being said, we love all our children the same no matter how God brought them to us. I heard a friend say that this process was the first time in her life she was brought to her knees crying and praying. I now can say the same.
We will see our little girl in January!!!
We are praying all paperwork can be filed and her tb testing goes well so we can make the Jan. 11 embassy date. If not, we will be going later in January. Either way, it's OFFICIAL, she is our little girl.
Thanks for all the prayers!
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Saturday's prayer is for our adoption paperwork. We hope everything is correct and in the right place for tomorrow night.
I am feeling the fears and anxiety start creeping in. I know I need to listen to the "truth", which is, God is in control, no matter what the outcome of our court date. We have learned this time and time again, in our own lives and in other's lives as well. He knows the desires of our hearts and He wants us to ask for them, so that is our part. The rest is in His hands and WE rest in HIS hands!
I am feeling the fears and anxiety start creeping in. I know I need to listen to the "truth", which is, God is in control, no matter what the outcome of our court date. We have learned this time and time again, in our own lives and in other's lives as well. He knows the desires of our hearts and He wants us to ask for them, so that is our part. The rest is in His hands and WE rest in HIS hands!
Friday, December 11, 2009
Today we started our Christmas baking!!! The boys were so excited to help out. They dipped pretzels in chocolate and they helped make puppy chow(I don't know anyother name for it) by shaking the bag with the powder sugar. Tomorrow it's cookie day so on the list is sugar cutout cookies, peanut butter cookies with kisses, and fudge. Sunday we will make rice krispie bars to decorate and we will be ready to assemble our gift boxes.
"I am not eating any chocolate, that's not chocolate on my face.."
"Can I lick my fingers now?"
S just ate pretzels-he enjoyed himself. I am trying to imagine Christmas next year with all 4 blessings, it will be wonderful to celebrate Jesus's birthday with Addis!!
"I am not eating any chocolate, that's not chocolate on my face.."
"Can I lick my fingers now?"
S just ate pretzels-he enjoyed himself. I am trying to imagine Christmas next year with all 4 blessings, it will be wonderful to celebrate Jesus's birthday with Addis!!
Chain
The paper we tore off of our chain today, said "Father". We have already had a specific day to pray for him but I am imagining another one might be helpful. He is getting ready to say goodbye to his daughter-my heart breaks for him. I don't know his life-but God does and we are praying His mercy over the whole family, father, sister, brothers, aunts, uncles...
We are still holding out hope that he will return so we can meet him when we travel there, but the chances are slim. This would be an awesome thing to share with her as she starts asking questions. To be able to have a picture of him and her together and have something to tell her about him would be priceless.
We are still holding out hope that he will return so we can meet him when we travel there, but the chances are slim. This would be an awesome thing to share with her as she starts asking questions. To be able to have a picture of him and her together and have something to tell her about him would be priceless.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
3 more days!!!
There are 3 days left til our court date!!!
Today we prayed for Addis. We know this is going to be a traumatic experience for her. She will be leaving all she knows, sights, sounds, smells. When we put ourselves into her shoes and try to feel what she might feel, it makes us very sad for her. That is why we are praying for her today, that God will prepare her heart for this huge change and that she will quickly realize that she is safe with us and how much we love her.
Today we prayed for Addis. We know this is going to be a traumatic experience for her. She will be leaving all she knows, sights, sounds, smells. When we put ourselves into her shoes and try to feel what she might feel, it makes us very sad for her. That is why we are praying for her today, that God will prepare her heart for this huge change and that she will quickly realize that she is safe with us and how much we love her.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Today we are praying specifically for the two documents that need to arrive by our court date. If not, we will not pass. Please pray that they will get there by the needed time, if they are not there already.
We are so sad for fellow AGCI family, the Wrights. They have been hit hard today but we know that THEY know the COMFORTER. We pray His peace over all of them as they wait.
We are so sad for fellow AGCI family, the Wrights. They have been hit hard today but we know that THEY know the COMFORTER. We pray His peace over all of them as they wait.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Prayer of the day
I forgot to do yesterday's prayer from our prayer chain. (I am one of those people who start a journal and forget to write in it for weeks at a time:)
So yesterday we prayed for her TB testing that there wouldn't be a delay at all and she can come home right away. She has been healthy so far....so we are praying for continual health and esp. a clear chest xray.
Today was for her special mothers who are caring for her 24/7. I can imagine how attached they could get caring for a child all the time. From watching others videos of HH and seeing the special mothers love on the children there, I know each one of them care about those children. Watching them leave must be bittersweet for them. I can't wait to meet her special mothers and tell them "thank you for doing such a good job". So we pray for them and their lives and that God will bless them and comfort them as they have the blessing of being a part of these children's lives but the sorrow of seeing them leave.
So yesterday we prayed for her TB testing that there wouldn't be a delay at all and she can come home right away. She has been healthy so far....so we are praying for continual health and esp. a clear chest xray.
Today was for her special mothers who are caring for her 24/7. I can imagine how attached they could get caring for a child all the time. From watching others videos of HH and seeing the special mothers love on the children there, I know each one of them care about those children. Watching them leave must be bittersweet for them. I can't wait to meet her special mothers and tell them "thank you for doing such a good job". So we pray for them and their lives and that God will bless them and comfort them as they have the blessing of being a part of these children's lives but the sorrow of seeing them leave.
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Court date
Our court date is one week away and we are so excited to officially be a family of 6! We started a prayer chain to count down the days until the court date, each chain has a prayer written on it. Now that we are getting closer I will blog what we are praying for each day.
Today was for her father. He lives in the southern region of Ethiopia so traveling might be an issue. We can't imagine what he is feeling or will be feeling as he makes the trek to Addis to be at the hearing. We are praying for comfort, safe traveling and health for her father. This will always be our prayer for him, though, not just this week. Please keep him in your prayers as well this week.
(I know it's sideways-sorry)
Today was for her father. He lives in the southern region of Ethiopia so traveling might be an issue. We can't imagine what he is feeling or will be feeling as he makes the trek to Addis to be at the hearing. We are praying for comfort, safe traveling and health for her father. This will always be our prayer for him, though, not just this week. Please keep him in your prayers as well this week.
(I know it's sideways-sorry)Progress
The day after Thanksgiving we tore out everything in the boys old room(carpet, baseboards, vents, closet)
So here is the before...................
Sebastian is excited to show you the progress in his sisters room!
Okay so ignore the floor, we are waiting for the carpet to be installed. The stripes are done!!! I really like the way it turned out.
This dresser is the boys old dresser but we painted them black and kept the white knobs. They look brand new...why didn't we do this sooner????
The rocking chair is also a hand-me-down that we painted black to match the dressers. This is the same chair my mom used with all of us girls.
The prints in the frames are from an artist in Addis. He has an Ebay store to sell Ethiopian goods. We love them!!
So we are making progress in her room but there's still lots to finish. It's amazing how long projects take to get done when you have little ones all over. Oh well...
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Adoption has made me a better mom
I am amazed at all of the things I have learned going through this adoption process; about orphans, how God provides for us, how awesome friends can be, how fun it is to meet new people who share a common goal, how God gives us love for a child we've never met. Most recently though, I have learned how going through this process has made me a better mom to my biological children. Sometimes in the normal grind of life, I lose sight of the little things I love so much. When we think of Addis and all the other orphans, all without families to care for them, we can't help but picture our boys in the same situation. It breaks my heart to think of the children worldwide who don't hear, "I love You" or "you are special", "God made you and loves you".
Because of that, I am finding myself taking advantage of the little moments I have with each of the children. Getting that last little hug in before they run off and play, or hugging them quickly as they walk by, reading the same story over and over (with the funny voices) just to hear them laugh, listening to a rambling story and knowing it means the world to them to have me interested in what they have to say.
I am blessed by being able to stay home with them, but that doesn't mean I get to spend all day just soaking in their awesomeness. My mind is always running through all of the things to be done around the house, bills, phone calls to make, homeschool, friends, family. But because of this journey, I have been reminded to be present in those times with them.
The dishes can wait til they're in bed, the house might be messier than I would like it, but I know I won't ever look back and regret spending my time with my little blessings and I definitely would regret it if I didn't.
Because of that, I am finding myself taking advantage of the little moments I have with each of the children. Getting that last little hug in before they run off and play, or hugging them quickly as they walk by, reading the same story over and over (with the funny voices) just to hear them laugh, listening to a rambling story and knowing it means the world to them to have me interested in what they have to say.
I am blessed by being able to stay home with them, but that doesn't mean I get to spend all day just soaking in their awesomeness. My mind is always running through all of the things to be done around the house, bills, phone calls to make, homeschool, friends, family. But because of this journey, I have been reminded to be present in those times with them.
The dishes can wait til they're in bed, the house might be messier than I would like it, but I know I won't ever look back and regret spending my time with my little blessings and I definitely would regret it if I didn't.
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