My eyes and my heart have just absorbed too much in 37 years.  Sometimes it’s hard to breathe as I read more and more about the children out there subjected to the abuse, starvation, and neglect.

We read about child trafficking.  We hear how people are stealing children, but often we forget about those that remain as maltreated possessions of the cruel and money hungry.

Often we forget about those that are genuinely starving IN the care of an orphanage, because support is so scattered.  We forget about the little child, covered in filth, walking the streets at this very moment…as you sit at your computer…a child living on the edge, vulnerable to the dredges of the child sex trade.  Being treated like cattle, worse than cattle…. there for the enjoyment of the perverse.

I’ve been reading about some children in an orphanage remaining under the fist of unscrupulous adults in Sierra Leone.  Profiting off these children, but treating them like dogs.  Refusing to let children go and having the connections to fight the release of these children within the government.  Money being the reason for horror.  They have a safe and secure haven that God has provided waiting for them, but yet they still remain.  I don’t doubt God will triumph over this adversity and bless them in unimaginable ways, yet….right now there is fear for their welfare.  Fear of the abuse (all forms) heaped upon the remaining children.  The children they are clinging to like the last scraps of a shredded hope for profit.

The need in Kenya has been shared with us….effected by the drought and the lack of sufficient crops.  Children there not knowing  where their next meal will come from.  The flu having already hit with the ability for medical care absent or closely so.  So many children, already ill from malnourishment will fall victim to this next scourge upon them.

In Ethiopia, a beautiful country on my heart daily, new orphans are created every moment.  One in six children will die by the age of five.  Aids still ravages the landscape.  You can meet the most amazing people who have nothing…literally.  Street children are not unusual to see, but remarkably common.  Take a moment…picture your child…with no one.  Picture them sitting on a street corner knowing mommy or daddy will not be coming to pick them up.  This is reality.  I see my eight-year-old Anna, having no one and yet at eight being an older child on the street.

I remember being in Russia, seeing the stream rise from the huge trash bins and smelling the urine as we walked around Max’s orphanage as we introduced him to the outside world.  I remember watching  the fear in his eyes as he touched a tree for the very first time.  Seeing the bones protrude under his translucent skin.

I visited with a sweet woman and she shared with me some insight into her adoption of a  little one from India.  She told me to watch “Slum Dog Millionaire” if I wanted to see what life was really like there.  She said it’s remarkably accurate.  I did.  I cried as I saw the filth perpetrated on children.  It made me sick with the thoughts of what adults can do.  I physically felt ill at things I had yet to imagine because they are so heinous.  Blinding children so that they may make more money begging…. and so many other tragedies that no child should have to live through.

In our own country, hardly a week goes by that we don’t hear of some horrible act against a child.  CPS is bogged down with the neglected, unwanted, and abused little ones of our society. 

Yet they wait.  They hunger.  They shiver in the cold or swelter in the heat.  They have crust covering their eyes and noses and have flies crawling across their faces.  Their ribs protrude as they hold out their hands that are often no bigger than the palm of yours.  They smile as they fill their mouths with dirt or leaves to try to fill their little stomachs. 

They are children of our Heavenly Father that we ignore.

We ignore them for vacations, cruises, larger televisions, or nicer clothes.  We ignore for an expensive restaurant, or the all treasured new game system.  We ignore them for a new computer program or the new power tool.  I’m the worst.  I ignore them for convenience.  I ignore them for a quick meal out instead of cooking.  I ignore them for the instant pleasure of a purchase that I don’t need, but want. 

I do think it’s a blessing to be able to enjoy what we have, but for us to conclude what we do for these little ones is ever enough is naïve.  It will never be enough.  “The poor will always have with you, but you will not always have me.” Matthew 26:11. 

Yet, I remain in tears today…with my heart heavy…loaded down, with the burden of need for these little ones.  What difference can we make for these children?  We have the opportunity…through our Heavenly Father, to make every difference.  We have the opportunity to say not only, “I can”, but “I will”.  We can not hold the hand of our child, our precious blessing, and not realize how blessed we are.  We cannot ignore the tugging on our shirts saying, “I have no one, will you leave me here too?”  Our hearts cannot remain intact, ignoring the wail of the motherless…the fatherless, alone on the streets…in orphanages…being sold…alone…abandoned…cold…hungry…alone…alone…alone….

As I sit here tonight, I pray from the bottom of my heart that each and every Christian will listen to the child tugging on their shirt.  I pray that they will hear the little voice from next door or across the world.  I fall to my knees and beg, plead, and cry out for someone to hear the voice…and answer the question “Will you leave me here too?”

I long to hear the answer….

 “You are my child, a child of the most amazing Heavenly Father.  I will not ignore you. I will adopt you, as God adopted me.  I will have mercy, as mercy has been given to me.  I will feed you, as I have been fed.  Let me tell you about Jesus….”

Everywhere I go I see armadillo carcasses…along the sides of busy highways, rural roads…the armadillo’s are moving.  Studies show that often animals know that geographic events are going to happen before they do.  So what does this all mean?

It means that I’m enjoying messing with you and that Armadillos may not be the brightest crayon in the animal crayon box.  Yep, had to use it! I mean how could I resist using the title, “Mass Armadillo Exodus, What does it mean?”. 

Really, I just wanted to share that God has very quickly moved our Dossier (adoption paperwork) onto Ethiopian soil.  On September 14th, 2009 Fed Ex delivered our dossier to Ethiopia where they will translate it and deliver it to the courts.  We are ready to wait for our little ones officially.  We look forward to sharing with you our official “wait date”.  Though the official wait is 5 to 6 months once we are on the wait list, we know that’s God has His own timing and, just as with our other wonderful journeys, our children will be ours in His time.

Praise God that we are one-step beyond where we were even two weeks ago! God is moving and this journey is such a joyous adventure!

_________________________

Praises!!!!
That God has seen to bless our wonderful friends with approval of their home study. and that more sweet children will now find their forever family!!!
That God is leading our lives. It doesn't matter if it's easy or hard, SOO COOL!
That God provided the funds through some WONDERFUL means to submit our dossier and begin our wait!!!

Immediate Adoption Process Prayer Requests:
*That God’s hand is on the paperwork, that they proceed with not a glitch, getting translated and registered with amazing speed.
*That God brings our newest children home quickly.
*That God blesses us with the funds as we gather them to complete the next step of this process (accepting the referral of the twins when the time comes).

All Adoption Prayer Requests:
Please Pray…..
*For these little ones God has chosen to place in our family…for their physical and emotional health in a difficult place.
*For their biological family…that God has His hand on them and brings them peace in whatever they must face.
*That God has His hand on this adoption, guiding us, bringing peace, and financially providing. That the funds pour in like water in a surge of blessing.
*Last, though it may seem a bit premature, please specifically pray that once we are referred our little ones, that they come home quickly and pass court the first time (many are starting to have multiple court dates and a LONG wait until travel). The Ethiopian government is being very cautious and caring with their wonderful children though and for that we are so thankful.
*Lastly, that we have peace and not stress, trusting God in every step.
________________________

Also, please join us in prayers for four beautiful Christian families and five sweet children who are facing obstacles above and beyond what a adoption process usually looks like. Governments will literally have to move for these older and special needs children to come home. Families are waiting for them and we are SO excited to see God work in these lives and these governments to bring these adoptive blessings home!

Olivia Mame (Ethiopia)-I would like to ask your prayers for a little sweet young girl in Ethiopia named Olivia Mame. There are some very immense road blocks, serious ones, that have to be conquered in order to finish the adoption of this precious young lady.

Jubilee (China)- A Christian family is struggling through major hurdles with their international adoption from China. Please pray for this family and for the government to move to bring her home.

Daniel (Liberia)-A little one with hydrocephaly awaits his family. Please pray that Daniel does not deteriorate farther and that people in authority to move this case feel the passion to see this through quickly.

Ronaldo and Julia (Guatemala)-For years this family has been trying to get their beautiful future children out of Guatemala. Every time it seems close there is another glitch. Please pray with us. Please pray that EVERY problem is resolved and every piece of paper has the perfection only God can give.

(A Daily Internet Devotional by Steve Goodier)

One summer, a drought threatened the crop in a small town. On a hot
and dry Sunday, the village parson told his congregation, "There
isn't anything that will save us except to pray for rain. Go home,
pray, believe, and come back next Sunday ready to thank God for
sending rain."

The people did as they were told and returned to church the following
Sunday. But as soon as the parson saw them, he was furious. "We
can't worship today. You do not yet believe," he said.

"But," they protested, "we prayed, and we do believe."

"Believe?" he responded. "Then where are your umbrellas?"

The story applies to all of us. There are those people who leave
their umbrellas at home. Throughout their lives, they are merely
hoping their wishes and prayers will bear fruit, but they expect
little. Others expect their dreams and desires to come to pass. It
is as if they journey through life always prepared for something to
happen.
Today, how will you approach that which you are yearning for?

Will you expect your prayers and work to bring about hoped-for
results?

Will you bring your umbrella?

I read this on another lovely family's blog. They are going through a really tough time as approval has been withdrawn for a specific little Taiwanese child because, well...those in authority are concerned and feel the family should be more affluent to care for this little girls special needs. Please remember, they were approved. They said that the funds were sufficient and then they changed their minds.

This makes my heart cry. Please pray for this child and the family that seeks to adopt her...please pray for discernment as they decide on how to proceed. As God wills, please pray for mountains to move.

Now...The Orphans Prayer followed by our own personal praises and prayer requests.

_____________________________________________


I am waiting...somewhere far...far away on the other side of the world.
I may not know who you are or what you look like,
but somewhere deep in my heart I know you are out there.
That one day you will come and find me.
It's a long journey, and it takes a lot of time...I wish it could be easier.
But I know the ones that come for me will not count the cost.
They will only see the joy in finding me.
For now I abide in the fields of the fatherless.
Day by day wondering why I was born here and not somewhere else?
Asking why my life couldn't have been different?
It is so lonely.
Even though I am surrounded by hundreds of other children, I know that something is missing...
I know in my heart I need a place to call home.
My arms long to be wrapped in a fathers embrace...
I long to be saved by a mother's love...

Gazing out the orphans window, I offer a prayer of hope,
"Oh God please help them come quickly."
Even as I lay in the darkness each night somehow I feel assured, that no matter how lost I appear,
I am not alone.
Holy hands guard my steps; sacred fingers wipe my tears, touching my lonely heart.
The one who made me, the God that knew me before I was born, hears me every time I call.
He whispers His promises in my ear.
I listen with hope to His voice.

But what I worry about most is that no one wants to look for me.
The fields are vast and there are so many scattered all over the earth.
I wonder how one little child, so lost, can be found?
Yet He calms my heart and assures me He will find you.
That He will make sure that you hear His voice clearly.
He has promised me that he will make a way through the fields,
that He will personally cut a path, and lead you right to my orphanage door.
My prayer is....When He speaks...Please don't forget to listen...
When He calls don't be too afraid to go.
For I am waiting...somewhere, far...far away on the other side of the world to come home.

-Anonymous

__________________________________________________
Praises and Prayer Requests...

Praises!!!!
That God has seen to bless our wonderful friends with approval of their home study. and that more sweet children will now find their forever family!!!
That God is leading our lives. It doesn't matter if it's easy or hard, SOO COOL!
That God provided the funds through some WONDERFUL means to submit our dossier and begin our wait!!!

Immediate Adoption Process Prayer Requests:
*That God’s hand is on the paperwork, that they proceed with not a glitch, getting translated and registered with amazing speed.
*That God brings our newest children home quickly.
*That God blesses us with the funds as we gather them to complete the next step of this process (accepting the referral of the twins when the time comes).

All Adoption Prayer Requests:
Please Pray…..
*For these little ones God has chosen to place in our family…for their physical and emotional health in a difficult place.
*For their biological family…that God has His hand on them and brings them peace in whatever they must face.
*That God has His hand on this adoption, guiding us, bringing peace, and financially providing. That the funds pour in like water in a surge of blessing.
*Last, though it may seem a bit premature, please specifically pray that once we are referred our little ones, that they come home quickly and pass court the first time (many are starting to have multiple court dates and a LONG wait until travel). The Ethiopian government is being very cautious and caring with their wonderful children though and for that we are so thankful.
*Lastly, that we have peace and not stress, trusting God in every step.
________________________

Also, please join us in prayers for four beautiful Christian families and five sweet children who are facing obstacles above and beyond what a adoption process usually looks like. Governments will literally have to move for these older and special needs children to come home. Families are waiting for them and we are SO excited to see God work in these lives and these governments to bring these adoptive blessings home!

Olivia Mame (Ethiopia)-I would like to ask your prayers for a little sweet young girl in Ethiopia named Olivia Mame. There are some very immense road blocks, serious ones, that have to be conquered in order to finish the adoption of this precious young lady.

Jubilee (China)- A Christian family is struggling through major hurdles with their international adoption from China. Please pray for this family and for the government to move to bring her home.

Daniel (Liberia)-A little one with hydrocephaly awaits his family. Please pray that Daniel does not deteriorate farther and that people in authority to move this case feel the passion to see this through quickly.

Ronaldo and Julia (Guatemala)-For years this family has been trying to get their beautiful future children out of Guatemala. Every time it seems close there is another glitch. Please pray with us. Please pray that EVERY problem is resolved and every piece of paper has the perfection only God can give.

I want to say the path to this adoption is unusual for us, but it’s not. It’s all about God and all about following His voice. That’s the only way we’ve known adoption. That’s the only way to expand the limits of imagination, of what we can fathom….following Him.

Though our journey is a step we’ve taken previously, it’s far from normal. Two weeks ago Monday we had $2000.00 with much more needed. Today we had over $7000.00 with a smidgen left over to go toward the next stage. Today we watched as God delivered us a small piece of this miracle we call our adoptive journey.

We see God as a God of big miracles. God is also a God that breathes on our every move, blessing us, walking with us. His timing is always perfect. His will is always the ultimate gift.

We want to thank each of you for the prayers we feel covering us. To each that gave so selflessly to bring these little ones home, we long to share with you the joy of holding them. Most of all though, we praise our most glorious Heavenly Father….celebrating and basking in His goodness. Thank you Father….

______________________________

Though our prayers have advanced, we still have a exciting journey ahead of us. We sit in wait now for the referral (pictures and information) on our future children. Would you please join us in prayer for our little ones and this adoptive journey.

Immediate Adoption Process Prayer Requests
*That God’s hand is on the paperwork, that they proceed with not a glitch, getting translated and registered in God’s timing.
*That God blesses us with the funds as we fundraise to complete the next step of this process (accepting the referral of the twins when the time comes).

All Adoption Prayer Requests:
Please Pray…..
*For these little ones God has chosen to place in our family…for their physical and emotional health in a difficult place.
*For their biological family…that God has His hand on them and brings them peace in whatever they must face.
*That God has His hand on this adoption, guiding us, bringing peace, and financially providing. That the funds pour in like water in a surge of blessing.
*Last, though it may seem a bit premature, please specifically pray that once we are referred our little ones, that they come home quickly and pass court the first time (many are starting to have multiple court dates and a LONG wait until travel). The Ethiopian government is being very cautious and caring with their wonderful children though and for that we are so thankful.
*Lastly, that we have peace and not stress, trusting God in every step.
________________________

Also, please join us in prayers for four beautiful Christian families and five sweet children who are facing obstacles above and beyond what a adoption process usually looks like. Governments will literally have to move for these older and special needs children to come home. Families are waiting for them and we are SO excited to see God work in these lives and these governments to bring these adoptive blessings home!

Olivia Mame (Ethiopia)-I would like to ask your prayers for a little sweet young girl in Ethiopia named Olivia Mame. There are some very immense road blocks, serious ones, that have to be conquered in order to finish the adoption of this precious young lady.

Jubilee (China)- A Christian family is struggling through major hurdles with their international adoption from China. Please pray for this family and for the government to move to bring her home.

Daniel (Liberia)-A little one with hydrocephaly awaits his family. Please pray that Daniel does not deteriorate farther and that people in authority to move this case feel the passion to see this through quickly.

Ronaldo and Julia (Guatemala)-For years this family has been trying to get their beautiful future children out of Guatemala. Every time it seems close there is another glitch. Please pray with us. Please pray that EVERY problem is resolved and every piece of paper has the perfection only God can give

As we are trying to gather the last minute funds needed for Dossier (paperwork) processing, we continue to live in prayer constantly. It’s funny, I have one side of me that is nervous and anxious (not in the optimum way) and another side of me that is so excited and can’t wait to see how God does this. He is just SO cool and it’s neat seeing Him work in our lives. Yes, there is a little trepidation, but we know God is in control and he has introduced us to our future children and placed their footprints right across our hearts. Today Thomas will attempt to sell a couple things to start bringing in the funds. I still have to focus mainly on home school, which starts on Monday. God has got this though and Thomas will work for Him to gather the last $4,700 for this part of our journey. Can you please continue to pray with us as we rejoice at God’s provision and ask Him for continued blessings financially (specifically this last $4,700 for this part of the process). He has been blessing us so richly.

Immediate Adoption Process Prayer Requests (Next 1-2 weeks)
*That God’s hand is on the remaining paperwork and that they proceed with not a glitch, quickly and correctly.
*That God blesses us with the funds to submit the paperwork (dossier) to Ethiopia when the time comes (hopefully in about a week).

All Adoption Prayer Requests:
Please Pray…..
*For these little ones God has chosen to place in our family…for their physical and emotional health in a difficult place.
*For their biological family…that God has His hand on them and brings them peace in whatever they must face.
*That God has His hand on this adoption, guiding us, bringing peace, and financially providing. That the funds pour in like water in a surge of blessing.
*Last, though it may seem a bit premature, please specifically pray that once we are referred our little ones, that they come home quickly and pass court the first time (many are starting to have multiple court dates and a LONG wait until travel). The Ethiopian government is being very cautious and caring with their wonderful children though and for that we are so thankful.
*Lastly, that we have peace and not stress, trusting God in every step

We are down to the wire in some ways :). All we need is the funds to be gathered to send with our paperwork (for this step in the adoption process). Please pray for the funds to pour in the next couple of days! We know this is all in God's hands and His timing and for that we are very thankful.

Immediate Adoption Process Prayer Requests (Next 1-2 weeks)
*That God’s hand is on the remaining paperwork and that they proceed with not a glitch, quickly and correctly.
*That God blesses us with the funds to submit the paperwork (dossier) to Ethiopia when the time comes (hopefully in about a week).

All Adoption Prayer Requests:
Please Pray…..
*For these little ones God has chosen to place in our family…for their physical and emotional health in a difficult place.
*For their biological family…that God has His hand on them and brings them peace in whatever they must face.
*That God has His hand on this adoption, guiding us, bringing peace, and financially providing. That the funds pour in like water in a surge of blessing.
*Last, though it may seem a bit premature, please specifically pray that once we are referred our little ones, that they come home quickly and pass court the first time (many are starting to have multiple court dates and a LONG wait until travel). The Ethiopian government is being very cautious and caring with their wonderful children though and for that we are so thankful.
*Lastly, that we have peace and not stress, trusting God in every step.

I woke up this morning super motivated. I was creating a home school curriculum on Africa/Ethiopia/Amharic today. There’s so much on the internet that I knew I could find what I needed. After hours of work, 18 weeks (1/2 year) of curriculum was created for my younger children. I felt productive! I felt hopeful!

Then a mini bomb hit. Some money we were counting on to help with the submitting of the dossier fell through. $1,500.00 in the over all scope of the adoption process is not much, but since funds are due at each step….$6,700.00 this time…well, this hurt. In tears I prayed. I prayed knowing that God would provide, but (yet again) letting my humanness flourish. I felt discouraged and challenged. Where the discouragement came from is obvious. I felt challenged because I have to see what I can’t see…the funds that will come. I seem to remember a verse about that…it has something to do with faith (smile).

I had to step away from my wallowing momentarily to pick up my oldest at football practice. He’s a blast to watch…all the kids are. We swung by Walgreens on the way home…scrounging around for enough spare change to grab some printer paper (a result of my Africa curriculum insanity). Our home (and air conditioning) awaited….

Even with a Suburban our car looks a tad like a clown car when we are unloading. Everyone stopped to retrieve this or that, items that just couldn’t be forgotten. I wish they’d do a little more of that (with the life forms created at the bottom of sippy cups that are left in there).

Of course as we settle in to relax (Lol lol lol…relax?! This close to the school year?! I made a funny!), I realized that I forgot my drink in the car. My wonderful oldest met the mailman out in front. That is when my day went from amazing lows to amazing highs. Today we received our immigration approval for two children under the age of two. EVERYTHING was perfect on the form. I don’t think I have seen a more beautiful looking piece of paper EVER. It took EXACTLY 14 days including the day we were fingerprinted!

What this means….as soon as the funds are gathered we can put everything together and send it to Ethiopia where we will be placed on the official waiting list!!!!!!

This is so very very good!

______________________________________________________

Immediate Adoption Process Prayer Requests (Next 1-2 weeks)
*That God’s hand is on the remaining paperwork and that they proceed with not a glitch, quickly and correctly.
*That God blesses us with the funds to submit the paperwork (dossier) to Ethiopia when the time comes (hopefully in about a week).

All Adoption Prayer Requests:
Please Pray…..
*For these little ones God has chosen to place in our family…for their physical and emotional health in a difficult place.
*For their biological family…that God has His hand on them and brings them peace in whatever they must face.
*That God has His hand on this adoption, guiding us, bringing peace, and financially providing. That the funds pour in like water in a surge of blessing.
*Last, though it may seem a bit premature, please specifically pray that once we are referred our little ones, that they come home quickly and pass court the first time (many are starting to have multiple court dates and a LONG wait until travel). The Ethiopian government is being very cautious and caring with their wonderful children though and for that we are so thankful.
*Lastly, that we have peace and not stress, trusting God in every step

Adoption is such a wonderful and beautiful journey. It is a journey powered by God. If God’s power wasn’t behind it, we’d never make it through the paperwork, red tape, endless wait and general adoption craziness. Yet, after waiting months or years to meet your little one…in that second…that second you hold them for the first time, that second they reach for you for the first time, or that second you get a glimpse of them for the first time….in that second ALL craziness fades to the background and it is all worth it.

Yet some never make it to that second. That second lies down a dark tunnel that many (especially in today’s economy) fear to tread. The financial aspect of adoption is daunting for most and down right frightening for many. Some look at it as insurmountable…and that second fades into the distance.

The financial obstacles of adoption can be breathtaking. The race you run to attain the funds and bring your child home can test anyone’s endurance.

An average International Adoption (including travel) can cost anywhere from approximately $20,000 to $50,000. These are not funds anyone drops lightly. Many adoptive parents have to fund raise to bring their children home. This is getting to be the norm instead of the exception. The thing is that for every family that says, “It’s too expensive” one child remains in an orphanage and without someone to cherish them.

This is a mixed kettle of fish. On one hand when the money isn’t there, how do you proceed? On the other hand, if you choose not to proceed, a child waits.

This is what it comes down to…faith.

“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” Hebrews 11:1

….faith that God called you to this child ….faith that God called you to adoption…. and faith that God will provide.

Even when you know you are called your faith may waiver, sadly. It’s easy after a period of time to forget that absolute knowledge of what God wanted you to do. I know this from personal experience. Remembering is what is necessary though, God will not lead and not provide. It may not be as is planned, but I love that we cannot put God and His plans inside a box.

I want to encourage all the adoptive parents out there to cling to our ever loving and ever providing God. He does not give up on you DO NOT give up on Him…He is, was, and always will be. There are times when we are tired, discouraged, and emotionally drained…God does not disappear…..He just has different timing than we do.

I also want to encourage (and say thank you personally) to all those who have helped bring families together. You are making a difference. You are helping to bring orphans into the arms of family. You are allowing God to use you to bring hope to the hopeless (which sometimes includes adoptive families).

Lastly, I want to say thank you to God who makes all things possible…even something tedious like money.

__________________________________________

Immediate Adoption Process Prayer Requests (Next 3 weeks)
*That God’s hand is on the remaining fingerprints and paperwork and that they proceed with not a glitch, quickly and correctly.
*That God blesses us with the funds to submit the paperwork (dossier) to Ethiopia when the time comes (hopefully only 3-4 weeks).

All Adoption Prayer Requests:
Please Pray…..
*For these little ones God has chosen to place in our family…for their physical and emotional health in a difficult place.
*For their biological family…that God has His hand on them and brings them peace in whatever they must face.
*That God has His hand on this adoption, guiding us, bringing peace, and financially providing. That the funds pour in like water in a surge of blessing.
*Last, though it may seem a bit premature, please specifically pray that once we are referred our little ones, that they come home quickly and pass court the first time (many are starting to have multiple court dates and a LONG wait until travel). The Ethiopian government is being very cautious and caring with their wonderful children though and for that we are so thankful.
*Lastly, that we have peace and not stress, trusting God in every step.

Thomas and I feel so blessed to have so many friends and family excited and concerned about our adoption process. We’ve recently received many questions as to what’s going on in our newest journey to bring home our twins. I thought I’d set down today and share what little we have at this point.

As many of you know, the adoption journey is filled with “Hurry! Hurry! Hurry!” and “Wait! Wait! Wait!”. “Hurry up and wait” was a phrase (I believe) created for the adoption process. I smile when I say that because it is in God’s hands (of which we are SO thankful!).

Tomorrow is our long awaited fingerprinting date for USCIS. This is US Citizenship and Immigration Services (I always want to say “NCIS”, but since that’s a crime drama….). We are praying that the fingerprints are acceptable the first time since many we know had to re-fingerprint numerous times. Once our fingerprints are accepted, we await the immigration approval for the twins to enter the country. Once the approval occurs we take our stack of paperwork to our state capital to be certified. Next (which is HUGE) we send our paperwork to Ethiopia to be registered. All of these steps have been known to have a snag occasionally, but our hopes/prayers are that everything goes without a hitch.

Immediate Adoption Process Prayer Requests
*That God’s hand is on the remaining fingerprints and paperwork and that they proceed with not a glitch, quickly and correctly.
*That God blesses us with the funds to submit the paperwork (dossier) to Ethiopia when the time comes (hopefully only 3-4 weeks).

All Adoption Prayer Requests:
Please Pray…..
*For these little ones God has chosen to place in our family…for their physical and emotional health in a difficult place.
*For their biological family…that God has His hand on them and brings them peace in whatever they must face.
*That God has His hand on this adoption, guiding us, bringing peace, and financially providing. That the funds pour in like water in a surge of blessing.
*Last, though it may seem a bit premature, please specifically pray that once we are referred our little ones, that they come home quickly and pass court the first time (many are starting to have multiple court dates and a LONG wait until travel). The Ethiopian government is being very cautious and caring with their wonderful children though and for that we are so thankful.

So I’ve officially ventured into a well known avenue called insanity. I’m sorry dear (normal) friends, but I had to go…insanity beckoned. You all know how completely normal I am, right? (My husband now walks out of the room shaking his head).

It has been an interesting week. It’s been full of, well…surprises I didn’t expect.

First I woke up not being able to breathe last Thursday because I was throwing up (I know you all needed to know that and your lives are now fulfilled). I survived and God used this time to show me some things I wasn't seeing (more later).

Then, last night I had my routine, “freaking out over finances during an adoption process.” I wasn’t going to have it this time. I don’t freak a ton over money. I figured if I told myself I wouldn’t freak out during this adoption enough times, it might actually be true (ha ha). I really was at peace for a long time. Satan worked on me this week though and in my humanity I let him. You would think that by now, after two complete adoptions, that I would know without a doubt that God has my back (front, side, upside down, and inside out). He is so good to me and has such patience I sometimes wonder when I am going to learn to trust God. I do, but something is obviously lacking at times when I let things get to me that God has under control. Finances during any adoption can be daunting…are daunting. Yet God let us know he has another two beautiful blessings for us. I don’t think a little thing like money will get in the way.

One of the biggest surprises this week happened when I was referred for a root canal by my AWESOME dentist (PROPS Dr. Berry!). I walked into the specialists office this morning thinking that he would just take a look….BUT NO…this doctor was proactive. He strapped me to the chair…the restraints biting into my flesh (ok, there were no restraints, but it sounded so dramatic). He tipped me back, took a very cool digital x-ray that appeared immediately on the computer (I’m easily entertained), and said, “We have time to do this now!” He said it like it was a good thing! Really? Really!

He put this “jaw prop-er” into my mouth (don’t you love MY English language) and then this form that looked like a popped balloon made into a square and maneuvered it into my mouth. He said they put that in so they didn’t accidently drop these GIANT spikes (that he proceeded to show me) down my throat. I’m thinkin’ that was a very thoughtful thing to do.

Needles don’t phase me, even the long curved ones that you think only exist in horror movies (think again). As he plunged this into my gums I felt a tiny sting. Then the next time he had to maneuver it a tad while STILL IN MY GUMS. This was going to be fun!

I lay there, praying for the doctor…ok, seriously…nothing focuses my mind like prayer, I smell a wonderful burning smell of the drill digging into the “guts” of my tooth. What was that bleach smell? I still don’t know!

I had to laugh (mentally, I wasn’t going to laugh out loud for fear of the restraints ;-)) when he said, “This looks GREAT!”. I thought to myself, “Yes, I often have people tell me my teeth ‘guts’ look hot hot hot!

Unfortunately, the first shots didn’t quite cut it (that’ll teach me to let a broken back tooth go for so long). After a total of eight shots, I find that apparently they had to trim back my gums which were growing over the broken tooth (thus gingivectomy). THEY TRIMMED MY FLESH!

I’m home now. The pain is settling a little, but I have five children…this is nothing!

I’m gonna settle down with a Vicadin soon so that I can sleep. Hey…are these colors supposed to be talking to me?

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*All references to the dental specialist are a tad melodramatic, true, but coming from a person that would rather…ummm…fall down a flight of stairs than get a root canal. He was a good guy that had to put up with a patient that was a tad bit of a big baby!
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On a serious note...
Please continue to pray with us as we bring our twins home from Ethiopia...
Please Pray…..
*For these little ones God has chosen to place in our family…for their physical and emotional health in a difficult place.
*For their biological family…that God has His hand on them and brings them peace in whatever they must face.
*That God has His hand on this adoption, guiding us, bringing peace, and financially providing. That the funds pour in like water in a surge of blessing.
*Currently we are in the paperwork stage in which many issues can occur. Please pray that God has His hand on our paperwork and that it gets done and processed quickly and correctly.
*Last, though it may seem a bit premature, please specifically pray that once we are referred our little ones, that they come home quickly and pass court the first time (many are starting to have multiple court dates and a LONG wait until travel). The Ethiopian government is being very cautious and caring with their wonderful children though and for that we are so thankful.

I feel like the two sides of a coin today. I feel kind of like the clown ( and I HATE clowns) with half my face happy and half sad (really it would be a stressed face, but I’m not sure what “stressed” would look like on a clown). A feeling of being overwhelmed has hit me today.

The first reaction of some will be, “And your adopting two more?”. It doesn’t have a whole lot to do with the children directly. I am stressed over something that I am almost never stressed over…money.

A couple extra expenses presented themselves and I’m at a loss how to proceed. It’s not adoption related, but life related. It’s an expense that is normally an easy fix in a typical year. This isn’t a typical year. Stop laughing that I said ANYTHING about our family is typical.

Any prayers are greatly appreciated.

On the “happy” side of the clown, our paperwork from California (that was supposed to take a long time) came in yesterday. We had only sent it off just a couple of weeks ago and here it sits in our hands complete. Also, USCIS (Immigration) paperwork went out today. This is one of the final steps that allows us to complete the paperwork that goes to Ethiopia. This is a waiting step. We wait for an invitation to go get fingerprints and we then wait for paperwork that says we are approved. This CAN be a long wait…we are praying (very literally) it’s a short one.

So you see why I feel a little like the two faced clown (those guys are just scary).

In all this stress, God spoke to me through a puppet (come on, you always knew I was weird). As I sat at VBS yesterday, I heard the kids youth minister talking to a puppet. Yes, there was an audience…I don’t believe he does that alone very often anymore :). They chatted about how walking around the walls of Jericho seemed like a silly thing to do and sometimes things God tells you to do may seem silly to others, BUT when we listen to God He brings the walls down. A goofy puppet and a hilarious Youth minister spoke to me through a skit to teach children. God has and will bring the walls down for all of us….we just need to listen, act, and trust Him.

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Please continue to pray with us as we bring our twins home from Ethiopia...
Please Pray…..
*For these little ones God has chosen to place in our family…for their physical and emotional health in a difficult place.
*For their biological family…that God has His hand on them and brings them peace in whatever they must face.
*That God has His hand on this adoption, guiding us, bringing peace, and financially providing. That the funds pour in like water in a surge of blessing.
*Currently we are in the paperwork stage in which many issues can occur. Please pray that God has His hand on our paperwork and that it gets done and processed quickly and correctly.
*Last, though it may seem a bit premature, please specifically pray that once we are referred our little ones, that they come home quickly and pass court the first time (many are starting to have multiple court dates and a LONG wait until travel). The Ethiopian government is being very cautious and caring with their wonderful children though and for that we are so thankful.

Ok, again this will be a blog that’s hard to make riveting (cue the dramatic music).  The question has been thrown at us repeatedly by our inquisitive friends, “What is our time line like?”  “When will you bring the twins home?”  However, we probably should shrug our shoulders in total ignorance…..

We really do have no clue when the twins will come home…really.  Our last two adoptions took on lives of their own (or I should say,a life of God’s). 

Max we called our “miracle baby” in an adoption that was supposed to take twelve months from the signing of the contract, took six.  Bekah’s adoption was much of the same.  Her adoption was supposed to take eighteen months, took nine.  We have these crazy timelines that are put in place and God has other ideas.   We know it could easily take much longer (though we pray not), but then God knows much better than us when our little ones will end up in our arms.   I LOVE the saying, “We plan, God laughs”.

 Do we hope it’s quick? The funds? The wait? Court? Travel? Do we hope that it’s like water, pouring into our lives in a steady flow? YES! God knows so much better than we do though.

After all that, I will share with you the basic time line we’ve been given.  Since we know you all have been waiting in intense anticipation (try saying that five times fast…intense anticipation, intense anticipation, intense anticipation, intense anticipation, intense anticipation)….here it is!

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Step One:  Application to Placing agency (Adoption Avenues). (Mailed May 6th)

Step Two: Contract signed for Home Study Agency (Hope International-May 6th) and Adoption Avenues (May 17th).

Step Three: Paperwork chase and online classes for Home Study and actual Home Study (June 5th at 2:00)

Step Four-Paper Chase for the Dossier-Dossier gathered-These are the documents that we register in Ethiopia for the adoption. We will hopefully be done with these two weeks from home study.

Step Five-Fingerprints and Pre approval from Immigration (U.S.). Will hopefully send off this week and will receive invite for fingerprints and approval within 4-6 weeks?  (It took two!  DONE!!!!)

 Step Six-Sending Dossier and Immigration paperwork to Secretary of State to get all documents certified from the State they came from.  This includes Texas and California for us. We sent off one set of papers on June 11th, but need to wait for immigration approval (step five) to send all of the rest of the documents.  We will walk those in ourselves (Woo hoo! Fun trip!).  DONE!

Step Seven- Our Dossier goes to Washington DC to be authenticated. Usually this is very quick. (Dossier Sent!)

Step Eight- Our Dossier gets sent to Ethiopia to be translated and registered. We hear it takes about two weeks from the authentication (step 7)  to registering our documents. 

Step Nine- THE WAIT BEGINS! We now wait for a referral of our twins!  Though this can be a very short wait if no one is ahead of us with the same request, it will probably be at least 4 to 6 months.  Though this is hard, it also involves an enormous loss for another one of God’s children….our children’s biological family (which becomes our extended family).

Step Ten- We receive the REFERRAL!!!! We’ve seen our twins and accept the referral!

Step Eleven- Ethiopian Court- This usually happens about 3 months after referral (though we are praying it will happen very quickly).  We pray to pass the first time!

Step Twelve- U.S Embassy appointment and Travel-Usually about six weeks after court! WOO HOO!

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Again, the question “When?” is all a great guessing game.   God is bigger that any time line man can muster.  Our twins will come home at the PERFECT time J, there’s no doubt about it! 

Yep, no exploding ice cream cones….this time.

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Please Pray…
For these little ones God has chosen to place in our family…for their physical and emotional health in a difficult place.
For their biological family…that God has His hand on them and brings them peace in whatever they must face.
That God has His hand on this adoption, guiding us, bringing peace, and financially providing.
Currently we are in the paperwork stage in which many issues can occur. Please pray that God has His hand on our paperwork and that it gets done and processed quickly and correctly.
Last, though it may seem a bit premature, please specifically pray that once we are referred our little ones, that they come home quickly and pass court the first time (many are starting to have multiple court dates and a LONG wait until travel). The Ethiopian government is being very cautious and caring with their wonderful children though and for that we are so thankful.