Monday, November 29, 2010

Thankful.So.Very.Thankful

I am a few days late, but I would still like to talk about Thanksgiving. It is my favorite holiday because of all that it represents. I love that it isn't an overly commercialized materialistic holiday. As a vegetarian I don't get too excited about the turkey or any of the food really, well, maybe the pie. I love that it is a holiday that celebrates all the things we are thankful for, and there is so much to be thankful for.
My Lord and savior
My amazing husband
My friends and family
God's Promises and Provision
A boy in Ethiopia that will become our son
Our sons birth family
Our home
Jobs
...and so much more

My heart fills with joy and anticipation and my eyes well up with tears when I think about having our precious boy at the table next Thanksgiving.

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Kids, Curiosity, Cocoa, and Conversation.... and Chili too

On a very cold evening at work last week I got to be a part of one of the most precious conversations. J the eight year old boy was wearing our adoption T-shirt. M his five year old sister asked me to read what it said. I told her Providence, Compassion, Ethiopia, Adoption, Family, Love; and of all of words to question she asked, "What does adoption mean?" I started with the example of how their pets needed a home and so their family adopted them, gave them a home and a family. I know that that is nothing in comparison to the life and need of a child but for the sake of simplicity that is where I began. I told her how the tree in the picture was growing its roots in Africa the continent where my son lives. We talked about where it is on the map. He asked why he didn't live with me and she asked if he grew in my tummy. I tried to give the best and most simplified version that doesn't confuse or worry the hearts of kids. We talked about how he has grown in another mommy's tummy and my love for him has grown in my heart. While sipping their hot chocolate they asked questions that pulled on my heartstrings. What a blessing it is to have a family and how heartbreaking to know that there are 147 million children in the world right now who do not have a family. I cherish these moments with children and look forward to God filling our house with the greatest blessings.

Saturday we went to Denver for the LFS adoption family Chili Fest. I made a huge crock of vegetarian chili, yum! We were able to see some of the other families we met during our training in September as well as get to know a few new people. I LOVE the community that is created through adoption. We are blessed to have other friends who have been and are going through this process. It is nice to network together even if it is just online. Glad to be on the journey!

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Biometrics FINGERPRINTING-done

Yesterday we had a Denver Date! We were up early and on the road just after 6. Our biometrics fingerprinting appointment was at 8 an we wanted to be sure to be there! It is complete and we look forward to our approval letter from USCIS. We took a picture outside of the office, since cameras aren't allowed inside. I will try and post it later. Following our appointment we went to one of our favorite bookstores to browse and have a cup of tea. Such a nice break for a Monday!

I don't know how long I can keep it up, but here is another song to match the theme of my post.

Sunday, November 7, 2010

Orphan Sunday

Today is Orphan Sunday. Our church recognized this event and our pastor shared on the topic. Some of the adoptive families in the congregation shared their stories and we were able to talk about how God has called us to adopt.


We were able to sell many of our T-shirts too! Praise God for the blessings and support. It is great to be a part of a church that loves and lives as a community.

We are passionate about adoption and orphan care. I have wanted to talk about how people can get involved, but I don't think it can better be said than how it is in What you can do.
It is a great read

Finally, I would like to share this song with you. It seems appropriate today.

Friday, November 5, 2010

November Waiting List Update

Today we received an email from AGCI. There were a LOT of referrals in the last month. Praise God for all of the children being matched with their forever families.

Our new numbers are...




for siblings and


for a boy!

Thursday, November 4, 2010

We already love you.

As always, you are on my mind sweet child. I think about you so many times throughout the day. My eyes usually fill will tears and sometimes stream down my face as I think of you and how much your daddy and I already love you. We are so ready for you to come home. A bedroom, some toys, two cats, two dogs, and eager hearts await your arrival. God is preparing our hearts as we wait for you. I know that there is so much He wants your daddy and I to learn. The timing will be perfect and just how God has destined it. We pray that your heart will be ready for our love and that that the love of the Lord will heal you from the grief you experience before coming home.

Loving and preparing for you,
Mommy