First Update

“While S is a little bit shy at first, he is very comfortable with his caregivers. I think that he is ready to start driving because his favorite things to play with are toy cars and car keys. When the caregivers were playing with him they kept jingling their keys and he would instantly look for where the sound was coming from and try to grab them. He definitely has his serious side and often seems content playing with his toys by himself. On the other hand when you catch him at the right moment he can light up a room with his sweet smile and be very playful with those he is comfortable with.”--Rachel


We can't wait to hug and kiss on this precious little boy! I also can't wait to see him smile one day. Still praying for a quick court date!

Questions....

Ok. While I am waiting to hear about a court date, I wanted to ask all of you adoption bloggers out there who have already gone through this a few questions...

1) What would be the best use of my time while we wait in this stage? I am feeling anxiety and shortness of breath often these days in anticipation of needing to make possible travel plans, but not wanting to get ahead of myself (or able to get ahead of myself) before we even know when we will be going.

2) Speaking of travel, how many of you used a travel agency? Would you recommend it, or did you make travel plans on your own? What happens in case of emergency? A friend who has been to Africa before told me it is much cheaper to fly into Asmara (a few hours north in Eritrea) and then drive into Addis. (??) Not sure it would be worth it, however. Any thoughts?

3) When did you start purchasing your humanitarian aid items?

4) (For those of you with toddler sons at time of placement.....) to circ or not to circ????

Please pray for my anxiety. And please tell me it's normal!! I am trying to arm myself with knowledge by reading the recommended books, and I would like to try and get some things done now before "crunch" time---I'm just not sure where to start. For starters, though, I know I need to get into the Word more to calm my fears. Pray that I make time for that most of all!

Celebrating Ethiopian Style

I was able to find an authentic Ethiopian restaurant about 30 minutes south of us (and the ONLY one in Utah) where we could celebrate our momentous day! The food was really tasty! Even the kids tried it (and liked most of the non-spicy stuff). If you like sourdough bread, you will like injera. I did! We made connections with the owners, and we look forward to getting to know this little Ethiopian community. My stepfather already knows the cousin of the owner, and Tony is their relatives' doctor, so we are already "like family". We'll definitely be back! We look forward to introducing our son to them soon!








And as an added BONUS, God gave us a reminder of His promises and of His good gifts--- THE BRIGHTEST DOUBLE RAINBOW WE HAVE EVER SEEN!! What a blessing on this glorious day!

Referral Day!!??!!!

We have only been waiting 2 months and 1 week for our referral!!! We got THE CALL this a.m. I am still on cloud 9! The kids and I had to wait 2 more hours until my hubby could come home and see the pictures on his lunch break. But the wait was soooo worth it! He is absolutely beautiful!! A precious angel!! He is 15 months old! Now I know what everyone is talking about regarding the emotions! I can't stop thinking about him and looking at his beautiful face! It is so bittersweet when I think about his birthparents. I am thanking God for his amazing love and perfect gifts. I don't take this gift He has given us lightly. I pray that we can meet G's birthparents someday in heaven. Here we are "meeting" our son for the first time--and he is forever burned into our hearts! We love you G!!!

We Take So Much for Granted

The September Campaign Trailer - www.borninseptember.org from charity: water on Vimeo.

Let the Countdown Begin!

We have been waiting 1 month for our referral.  We are keeping busy finishing up school, enjoying the spring weather and praying for our little one (and his mother & father) while God works out the details.  Please join us in prayer as we wait.  Pray that God provides for those in Africa during the famine crisis, that His hand heals and protects those with HIV/AIDS, that He unites families who are waiting to adopt their children quickly, that He comforts and heals those families who have to relinquish their children so that they can have a chance at life, and hopefully a better life, and that ultimately His Name becomes known throughout the nations and His glory shines above all!

Just For Fun (and for a good cause)

For those of you who haven't seen these sites yet, I wanted to draw your attention to them.  I got most of them off of  Amy B.'s blog.  Do a little shopping and know they all go to a good cause.  (Scroll down on my bar to find the ever-growing list).  (Mother's Day is coming up soon!)