I can never tire of seeing that subject in my inbox. I frequently check my email on my phone even before getting in the shower and could hardly believe what I found yesterday morning. It was an unexpected start to my work day to say the least. I immediately called my parents as I did a dance around the room. A couple things I noticed as I traveled to work yesterday after receiving the news: I drove much faster than normal (I believe there was some crazy adrenaline pumping through me), I found myself sweating and my heart beating fast, and I sang worship songs at the top of my lungs with a very grateful heart.
Since then I have had some time to process the reality that I now know when my boys are coming home but in some ways it still seems like a dream. My mind has been in a whirlwind trying to make sure I have taken care of everything. I booked flights today, 3 tickets to Addis, 5 coming home. There is a sense of finality in seeing the names of my sons on their own plane tickets. I am working on getting hotel rooms, follow up appointments, travel insurance, and making mental lists of what I need to make sure to pack. In addition, I’m trying to make sure I have everything covered at work and don’t leave behind any loose ends.
As I look back from this side, the wait has been brutal. I always knew that God would be faithful even on days when it seemed the waiting world never end. Last Sunday there was this realization that hit me in a powerful way. I realized that God would be victorious in this battle. I had no idea that the victory would come this week but I’m so thankful. All that is left now is a short trip to Ethiopia, an interview at the US embassy, collecting their visas and we are home clear. The adventure is just beginning and I can’t wait to see what is around the next corner.
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Monday, August 1, 2011
Weekends are the hardest
Weekends are the hardest and last weekend was probably the hardest yet. My birthday was Saturday and I believed for some time that if my sons weren’t home yet, I would at least be with them Ethiopia. As time neared and I realized that that too wasn’t possible, I had hoped that I would know my Embassy date. Many people even told me how poetic and wonderful it would be to have that given to me as a birthday gift. It didn’t happen. I tried to make the most of my birthday but honestly the only thing I want is to be with my kids. No present or delicious dinner or special outing could change that. I was reading the second book in the Hunger Games this weekend. In it there is a shield around the arena that throws back everything that hits it. This is how I’ve felt recently about my prayers. I’ve been praying for so long to bring my sons home and I still feel like it is so far away. I know I’m not alone in these prayers. In the midst of this I have found myself battling moments of doubt. That doesn’t stop me from praying. Yesterday at church Brian discussed moments of crying out to God being stretched out face down on the ground. After a very long day, I found myself face down on my bedroom floor last night begging God to bring my sons home.
I did receive a new picture of Mulatu on Friday. Apparently a family that was at the transition house had taken it. He looked so cute in one of the shirts I had taken for him back in May. It brought to mind a song that Aaron Ivey sung about his son while waiting to bring him home from Haiti.
“Another photograph to wrestle in my head…these thoughts of you like bullets to my soul, We’ve got to find a way to get you home….Lightyears away I hope you know there is somebody searching for the way to get you here"
I'm trying to hang in there and remember that I'm not traveling this journey alone. It is a new month and with that comes new hope.
I did receive a new picture of Mulatu on Friday. Apparently a family that was at the transition house had taken it. He looked so cute in one of the shirts I had taken for him back in May. It brought to mind a song that Aaron Ivey sung about his son while waiting to bring him home from Haiti.
“Another photograph to wrestle in my head…these thoughts of you like bullets to my soul, We’ve got to find a way to get you home….Lightyears away I hope you know there is somebody searching for the way to get you here"
I'm trying to hang in there and remember that I'm not traveling this journey alone. It is a new month and with that comes new hope.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Waiting for a Homecoming
Sometimes it seems as though I could just push replay on the responses I give about my children. "It should only be a few more weeks" and "I'm hoping it will be soon" have been my answers for as long as I can remember. Each day that passes I long more and more for the word that I can return to Ethiopia to bring them home. I received a couple emails today regarding their cases at the Embassy which only led my mind to more questions rather than providing some answers. I know that it is necessary to trust the process but it is not easy. I'm learning more and more about what it means to live by faith and not by sight.
As I'm awaiting my sons homecoming, I think about how much more God awaits ours. I can only imagine the celebration that will ensue once my children return home. This pales in comparison to the joyous celebration when one of God's adopted children come home. It reminds me of the story of the prodigal son and the party his father threw when he returned from his journey. Until now I haven't fully grasped the immense joy that the father must have felt. However, with each passing day, I believe I understand it more and more.
As I'm awaiting my sons homecoming, I think about how much more God awaits ours. I can only imagine the celebration that will ensue once my children return home. This pales in comparison to the joyous celebration when one of God's adopted children come home. It reminds me of the story of the prodigal son and the party his father threw when he returned from his journey. Until now I haven't fully grasped the immense joy that the father must have felt. However, with each passing day, I believe I understand it more and more.
Friday, July 1, 2011
Time Slowly Creeps By
Some say that time flies but for me the past month has crept by very slowly. A lot has happened since I’ve returned from Ethiopia and yet bringing my sons home still feels so far away. I know that if nothing else I’m closer today than I was yesterday but sometimes that is not very satisfying. I watched the movie Tangled and there was a line from a song that just stood out to me which I feel summed up my time in Ethiopia.
And at last I see the light
And it’s like the fog has lifted
And at last I see the light
And it’s like the sky is new
And it’s warm and real and bright
And the world has somehow shifted
All at once everything looks different
Now that I see you
The flight back from Addis was 17 hours. From DC it took another 12 hours to get back to Lexington. It took me about a week to get over the jet lag and the stomach issues that came over me during the flight home. I have felt so much love and support since then, it is quite overwhelming. My longtime friends Janet, Joan, and Sharon threw an adoption shower at Harmony and many friends and family members came to celebrate my new family with me. It was a wonderful night that reminded me of how blessed my sons and I are to be surrounded by such a wonderful support system. The following week my dear friends at work Olivia and Tonya threw a shower. I was once again amazed at how much support I received and it was a great time to be able to share with my co-workers the exciting adventure that I’m on. Sometimes I can start focusing on the external parts of this journey including the flood of toys that now blankets my kitchen. It doesn’t take me long to come back to the realization that all of this is for God and His glory and I find myself seated humbly at His feet in deep gratitude for placing this calling on my life.
I received word a couple days ago that the US embassy doctors have cleared the boys medically which is the last step before the paperwork can be submitted to the embassy. They have an appointment to submit my files on July 6th. From the past discussions I’ve had it should take 2 weeks once in the embassy’s hands. I did receive word yesterday that it could take up to 8 weeks and that the embassy staff is changing in July which could cause a slowdown as well. Although this did not come as welcome information, my mom reminded me last night that the timing will be perfect and just to have faith. I’m beyond ready for my sons to come home. I miss them so much! Please continue to pray for our family!
And at last I see the light
And it’s like the fog has lifted
And at last I see the light
And it’s like the sky is new
And it’s warm and real and bright
And the world has somehow shifted
All at once everything looks different
Now that I see you
The flight back from Addis was 17 hours. From DC it took another 12 hours to get back to Lexington. It took me about a week to get over the jet lag and the stomach issues that came over me during the flight home. I have felt so much love and support since then, it is quite overwhelming. My longtime friends Janet, Joan, and Sharon threw an adoption shower at Harmony and many friends and family members came to celebrate my new family with me. It was a wonderful night that reminded me of how blessed my sons and I are to be surrounded by such a wonderful support system. The following week my dear friends at work Olivia and Tonya threw a shower. I was once again amazed at how much support I received and it was a great time to be able to share with my co-workers the exciting adventure that I’m on. Sometimes I can start focusing on the external parts of this journey including the flood of toys that now blankets my kitchen. It doesn’t take me long to come back to the realization that all of this is for God and His glory and I find myself seated humbly at His feet in deep gratitude for placing this calling on my life.
I received word a couple days ago that the US embassy doctors have cleared the boys medically which is the last step before the paperwork can be submitted to the embassy. They have an appointment to submit my files on July 6th. From the past discussions I’ve had it should take 2 weeks once in the embassy’s hands. I did receive word yesterday that it could take up to 8 weeks and that the embassy staff is changing in July which could cause a slowdown as well. Although this did not come as welcome information, my mom reminded me last night that the timing will be perfect and just to have faith. I’m beyond ready for my sons to come home. I miss them so much! Please continue to pray for our family!
Monday, May 23, 2011
Update #3 from Addis (a little late)
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.
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.
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.
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