May 19 -
Today was a pretty relaxing day. Before we went to bed last night Woudenah gave us some forms to fill out - it is slightly overwhelming to be faced with crucial forms with no room for error. I had to officially name my children - their names are Natenael Evan and Mulatu Taye. I got the forms filled out this morning and feel confident in that. I found out where they were born. Nate was born in Dawro and Mulatu was born in Wolaita.
We spent the morning driving to the mountain - it has a beautiful view of the city and the air was nice and clean. We toured an old Orthodox church that also had a museum with various historical artifacts. We also saw part of a monastary and an old palace. We spend the rest of the afternoon hanging out at the guest house. Dad wasn't feeling do hot so it was probably best that we were able to rest. Tomorrow is court. It seems to be going well for other members in my group and I hope it is the same for me. I'm trying to have faith and not worry but I'm finding it pretty hard. I'm going to be glad when tomorrow has come and gone. I'm ready to know that my boys will be mine forever.
May 20th -
Today I'm officially a mother!!! I passed court and I'm currently riding in the van on the way back from court. We anticipated being in and out very quickly but we got there about 8:40 and were called in at 10:50. It was a long and stress filled wait but I tried to remain at peace. Lyrics from various praise songs kept playing over and over in my head that reminded me to put my fath in God. One small note about court - at one one point I looked up and there was a woman in a butterfly filled dress. I couldn't help but smile.
The boys moved to the transition home this afternoon so after a quick jaunt to the airport to pick up another family we just came back to the guest house for the rest of the day. I was able to play soccer a little bit with them before they went to eat lunch. Then I went and got them and we played inside for a while. They seemed to catch on to things very quickly. We flew paper airplanes, played with dominoes, match cards, silly bands, and hungry hungry hippos. They listened to the musical cards that mom sent for them and seemed to really enjoy them. They came and got them for supper so I went upstairs and took a nap. I awoke to the sound of children playing outside my window. I decided to go outside to play with them and took down a football with me. We also played some soccer - It was great! I couldn't have imagined the day going any better. They are both so much fun and so sweet. I hate it that I have to leave them here - now that court is official I've allowed my heart to fall fully in love with these two little boys. When I left court it was very hard to not break down - the relief I felt and the joy was something that was extremely emotional for me. Tomorrow we are sleeping in and then spending the day hanging out with the kids before heading to the airport at 6. In some ways I can't believe that time has gone by so quickly and in other ways it feels like I've been here forever.
May 21 -
I'm packing up and getting ready to go to the airport. In many ways I'll be glad to get home but I know that the next 2 months that I have to wait to get my sons home will last forever. I'm ready to start our life together. I love them so much already and I'm sure that will just continue to grow. I'm so grateful for this time that I've got to spend with them. We have hung out quite a bit today and got to play with some more of their toys this morning. I also spent some time outside with them pushing them both on the swing set. They are sharing a room at the transitional home for the next couple months. I'm so glad they will be together through this. I hope they learn to love one another. I've grown spiritually through this trip relying on God more and more to get me through each day. I know that this is just the beginning of our lives together and there are times that the responsibilities can seem overwhelming but I know that I'm not in this alone. God is with me every step of the way in addition to my parents and family and friends. There is a lot to do in the next two months until they come home so I'm going to be getting ready and waiting for the email that calls me back here to the arms of my children.
Little addendum - On the way to the airport I looked out of the van window to see a beautiful rainbow. It was a reminder that God keeps His promises and that He will continue to look after my boys until we are together again.
Monday, May 23, 2011
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Update from Addis #2
May 17 -
I woke up today expecting to see Natinael. Due to some miscommunication he had already been moved to the same place as Mulatu but we just didn’t know it. So the plan is to see him tomorrow. We spent the day touring Ethiopia - we went to a couple resorts - one with monkeys you could feed and hot springs. The other was a top of the line place where we ate lunch and enjoyed hanging out watching the kayakers on the lake. I didn’t sleep much last night. I just kept replaying the day over and over in my head. I’m so close and still so far away. I realize that I have to take this one step at a time and continue to trust God has all of this in His hands. Sometimes that is easier said then done.
May 18 -
Today was a fantastic day - We began the morning by taking a trip back to the orphanage to see Mulatu and Natinael. I got to meet Nati for the first time and he is perfect just like his brother. We were able to take our first pictures together as a whole family. Nati and Mulatu both sat in my lap and we played with my sunglasses and with a little matchbox car. They also really enjoyed pushing all the buttons on my watch. It was once again a perfect time together and I can’t wait to share the pictures with you all.
We spent the rest of the morning shopping for a few souvenirs. I got a mask to add to my collection and a few other things. We then went to the Sheraton for lunch. It was a pretty incredible hotel. We are back at the guest house for a rest time before heading out tonight for dinner. Court is only two days away. Of this whole process I think that is the thing that makes me the most anxious. Please continue to pray that everything goes well.
I woke up today expecting to see Natinael. Due to some miscommunication he had already been moved to the same place as Mulatu but we just didn’t know it. So the plan is to see him tomorrow. We spent the day touring Ethiopia - we went to a couple resorts - one with monkeys you could feed and hot springs. The other was a top of the line place where we ate lunch and enjoyed hanging out watching the kayakers on the lake. I didn’t sleep much last night. I just kept replaying the day over and over in my head. I’m so close and still so far away. I realize that I have to take this one step at a time and continue to trust God has all of this in His hands. Sometimes that is easier said then done.
May 18 -
Today was a fantastic day - We began the morning by taking a trip back to the orphanage to see Mulatu and Natinael. I got to meet Nati for the first time and he is perfect just like his brother. We were able to take our first pictures together as a whole family. Nati and Mulatu both sat in my lap and we played with my sunglasses and with a little matchbox car. They also really enjoyed pushing all the buttons on my watch. It was once again a perfect time together and I can’t wait to share the pictures with you all.
We spent the rest of the morning shopping for a few souvenirs. I got a mask to add to my collection and a few other things. We then went to the Sheraton for lunch. It was a pretty incredible hotel. We are back at the guest house for a rest time before heading out tonight for dinner. Court is only two days away. Of this whole process I think that is the thing that makes me the most anxious. Please continue to pray that everything goes well.
Monday, May 16, 2011
Update 1 from Addis
May 14 -
The song that keeps playing in my head as I thought about this day is a song by Casting Crowns called "At Your Feet" - Specifically the lyrics "Here at Your feet I lay my future down All of my dreams I give to you now and I find peace. Jesus, Jesus at Your feet there is nowhere else for me."
This journey is not one I am traveling alone and I can find extreme peace in that. It doesn't change the fact that it is a nerve wracking adventure but it helps me keep my focus where it needs to be. We arrived to the Lexington airport to find that our first flight had been cancelled. Even in the chaos of trying to figure outanother route to get us where we need to go (which for tonight was Washington DC) I knew that God had this in His hands. My emotions range back and forth from extremely excited to anxious. I've overwhelmed that in a few days I'll have met my children and I'm praying that that meeting goes smoothly and they can sense the love I already have for them. I'm looking forward to court being over and being one step closer to bringing them home. I have so much support and love being directed my way and I'm so thankful. As a friend told me last night before I left - The best place to be in God's will for your life. I know that although that it is taking me on an adventure with a lot of unknowns and I'm forced to walk by faith, then is no where else I would rather be. For now I'll sing, "Here at your feet, I lay this day down not in my strength but in yours I've found all I need, You'll all I need."
May 15 -
Yesterday was a pretty hectic day - once we made it to Charlotte we knew our connection would be close and that was before the plane was 40 minutes late. Luckily our departing flight was in the same terminal as the arrival so we were able to make it. Had it been anywhere else we wouldn't have. We finally made it to DC and thought we were good to go only to find out that our baggage wasn't getting off the plane as long as there was lightening. We waited for 2 hours and the baggage still wasn't off. The last shuttle to our hotel was supposed to leave at 10:45 and we got there at 10:50 after making the decision to leave our bags at the airport and pick them up in the morning. The driver did make a final stop to pick us up and it was good to be able to get a good night's sleep and a breakfast. Upon checking in at the Ethiopean Counter I almost lost my vaccination record behind the computer which could have been disaster had I not noticed it was missing and then spotted it. Needlees to say the beginning of this adventure has been anything but smooth. I'm now on board waiting for the take off to Ethiopia. I'm optimistic that the rest of the journey will be smoother. I'm trusting in God and taking it one step at a time.
May 16-
I didn't know it this morning but today would be the day I would meet my son Mulate. The 13 hour flight to Addis was pretty uneventful. It was jammed packed of adorable children that made me smile every time I saw them. We arrived at the airport to start about a two hour trek in getting our visa, going through immigration, collecting our bags and then going through customs. We were able to meet up with our ride with relative ease and made our way to the transition home/guest house to take a nap.
We then traveled about an hour or so the orphanage where Mulatu is staying. He is absolutly perfect. He spent some time sitting in my lap, trying on my sunglasses and eating some fruit snacks. We also spent some time playing cars. I even did the motherly duty of wiping his snotty nose. There were several other children that pilled on top of me as well. It was a great first meeting and dad took some great pictures that I can't wait to share. Tomorrow we will travel to Nazaret to meet Natinael. For now I am going to try to get some rest. Although it is only 1:30 at home, it is already 8:30 at night and since the electricity is off there is not much else to do.
The song that keeps playing in my head as I thought about this day is a song by Casting Crowns called "At Your Feet" - Specifically the lyrics "Here at Your feet I lay my future down All of my dreams I give to you now and I find peace. Jesus, Jesus at Your feet there is nowhere else for me."
This journey is not one I am traveling alone and I can find extreme peace in that. It doesn't change the fact that it is a nerve wracking adventure but it helps me keep my focus where it needs to be. We arrived to the Lexington airport to find that our first flight had been cancelled. Even in the chaos of trying to figure outanother route to get us where we need to go (which for tonight was Washington DC) I knew that God had this in His hands. My emotions range back and forth from extremely excited to anxious. I've overwhelmed that in a few days I'll have met my children and I'm praying that that meeting goes smoothly and they can sense the love I already have for them. I'm looking forward to court being over and being one step closer to bringing them home. I have so much support and love being directed my way and I'm so thankful. As a friend told me last night before I left - The best place to be in God's will for your life. I know that although that it is taking me on an adventure with a lot of unknowns and I'm forced to walk by faith, then is no where else I would rather be. For now I'll sing, "Here at your feet, I lay this day down not in my strength but in yours I've found all I need, You'll all I need."
May 15 -
Yesterday was a pretty hectic day - once we made it to Charlotte we knew our connection would be close and that was before the plane was 40 minutes late. Luckily our departing flight was in the same terminal as the arrival so we were able to make it. Had it been anywhere else we wouldn't have. We finally made it to DC and thought we were good to go only to find out that our baggage wasn't getting off the plane as long as there was lightening. We waited for 2 hours and the baggage still wasn't off. The last shuttle to our hotel was supposed to leave at 10:45 and we got there at 10:50 after making the decision to leave our bags at the airport and pick them up in the morning. The driver did make a final stop to pick us up and it was good to be able to get a good night's sleep and a breakfast. Upon checking in at the Ethiopean Counter I almost lost my vaccination record behind the computer which could have been disaster had I not noticed it was missing and then spotted it. Needlees to say the beginning of this adventure has been anything but smooth. I'm now on board waiting for the take off to Ethiopia. I'm optimistic that the rest of the journey will be smoother. I'm trusting in God and taking it one step at a time.
May 16-
I didn't know it this morning but today would be the day I would meet my son Mulate. The 13 hour flight to Addis was pretty uneventful. It was jammed packed of adorable children that made me smile every time I saw them. We arrived at the airport to start about a two hour trek in getting our visa, going through immigration, collecting our bags and then going through customs. We were able to meet up with our ride with relative ease and made our way to the transition home/guest house to take a nap.
We then traveled about an hour or so the orphanage where Mulatu is staying. He is absolutly perfect. He spent some time sitting in my lap, trying on my sunglasses and eating some fruit snacks. We also spent some time playing cars. I even did the motherly duty of wiping his snotty nose. There were several other children that pilled on top of me as well. It was a great first meeting and dad took some great pictures that I can't wait to share. Tomorrow we will travel to Nazaret to meet Natinael. For now I am going to try to get some rest. Although it is only 1:30 at home, it is already 8:30 at night and since the electricity is off there is not much else to do.
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Happy Mother's Day To Me :)
It has been a busy week. Tuesday was the scheduled date for the first hearing. I talked to my agency Tuesday afternoon and although they hadn't heard anything officially they said it was likely that the judge was on vacation. Needless to say, this news didn't put me at complete peace and yet I know God has even the vacation schedule of my judge in His hands. My agency said to go ahead and book tickets so Wednesday morning I made the airline reservations that will take me to meet my children. Thursday my agency sent me new pictures of my boys and my heart melted once again. I can't wait to hold them and know that they are mine forever.
I received my first couple mother's day wishes at work on Friday. To celebrate my new role as a mother, my parents bought me some gummi butterflies and a wonderful picture of a mother and baby elephant with the scripture underneath that reads, "As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you." Isaiah 66:13. I know that I'm going to need that comfort so much in the coming weeks until my children come home and I'm so thankful I have a God that is in the comforting business.
This morning during my prayer time at church, I ran across this scripture from Ephesians 4:32-5:2 - "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." In a world where forgiveness and compassion at times seems hard to find, it was a good reminder for me of the life God has called me to live.
I received my first couple mother's day wishes at work on Friday. To celebrate my new role as a mother, my parents bought me some gummi butterflies and a wonderful picture of a mother and baby elephant with the scripture underneath that reads, "As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you." Isaiah 66:13. I know that I'm going to need that comfort so much in the coming weeks until my children come home and I'm so thankful I have a God that is in the comforting business.
This morning during my prayer time at church, I ran across this scripture from Ephesians 4:32-5:2 - "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." In a world where forgiveness and compassion at times seems hard to find, it was a good reminder for me of the life God has called me to live.
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Momma's New Zoom Zoom
This week I had a conference call with the adoption agency to discuss the details of my first trip. There were several families on the call and we covered various subjects including where we will stay, outstanding fees and other travel costs, how much time I will get to spend with my boys, and what court will be like. They seemed very positive in regards to how adoptions are moving in Ethiopia and I came away super excited. Dad and I will plan on going this first trip and we will be able to spend time with the boys at the orphanage before court and at the transitional home after our court hearing. It sounds like once final court is complete it will take a minimum of two months to get all of the paperwork together for their visas and my interview at the US embassy. One of the great things I learned recently is that I'm going to be able to work from home for the 12 weeks following my sons arrival in the states. This will be a crucial time of adjustment for all of us and I'm so grateful for this opportunity.
I had been thinking about trading in my Land Rover for a newer vehicle for a while. The opportunity arose for me to get a pretty good deal on a new 2011 Mazda CX-9 this past weekend and I felt like the time was right. One of my main goals was to get something that would hold 7 passengers but wasn't a van. Even though Mom busted my bubble when she told me it looked like a van, I love my new wheels. This is just one of many changes that I'm making to prepare for the arrival of my children. The next few weeks are going to fly by and I can't wait to finally be on that plane headed to Addis to meet my kids.
I had been thinking about trading in my Land Rover for a newer vehicle for a while. The opportunity arose for me to get a pretty good deal on a new 2011 Mazda CX-9 this past weekend and I felt like the time was right. One of my main goals was to get something that would hold 7 passengers but wasn't a van. Even though Mom busted my bubble when she told me it looked like a van, I love my new wheels. This is just one of many changes that I'm making to prepare for the arrival of my children. The next few weeks are going to fly by and I can't wait to finally be on that plane headed to Addis to meet my kids.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Queen of Sheba
Last night two of my good friends and I went to the Ethiopian Restaurant in Louisville for a special celebration. It was a unique experience and one that I look forward to enjoying with my children. We sampled a couple appetizers (sambussa and kitfo wraps) and then moved onto our main meal which consisted of sega tips, atakilt, fossolia, alicha sega wot, dora tips, and awaze sega tips. Part of the experience is that you eat with your hands all from a community plate. You pick up the food with injera which is a type of Ethiopian flatbread. I loved every minute of it!
Monday, April 4, 2011
Woooooo Hoooooo
This weekend I went with a couple friends on a tour around Scott County taking pictures of barn quilts. One of our finds was a butterfly. I was joking around with them that it could be a sign that I was about to emerge from my cocoon of waiting having no idea how close to the truth that would be. I received an email after lunch from my agency in Texas letting me know of my court date and I'll admit I got up and did a little dance in my cubical (fortunately for me everyone I work around was gone to lunch). After having a moment to reflect, I couldn't help but smile and think back to that butterfly. The first hearing date is set for May 3rd. The final hearing date is set for May 20th which means that assuming all goes well on the 3rd I will be on a flight to Ethiopia on May 14th. If the dates hold up it will mean that I will be in Ethiopia to celebrate Mulate's birthday with him. I am extremely excited for this glimpse of light at the end of my tunnel. All that kept going through my mind was the phrase "all glory and honor and praise" from a popular worship song. God has been extremely faithful and I've learned so much during this waiting process but I'm so happy that I finally have a date on the calendar. There has been much celebration that will continue tomorrow when I go to the Ethiopian restaurant in Louisville and throughout this weekend as a dear friend returns to town for a visit. I would like to thank all of you who have prayed for my sons and for me throughout this process. I am very blessed to have you in my life. Please continue to lift my family up in prayer throughout the coming months. Life is good and God is great!
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