Well we have a bit of movement! YAY
B's case only needs one more piece of paper and then can be submitted to court! That's a major step in the right direction.
We still have some issues with A's paperwork. Luckily God has placed some some amazing people in place to help. The mountain seems to be crumbling... rock by tiny rock.
It's been such a hard road. It feels like I am dealing with pregnancy hormones, only this is worse cause at least you know after 9 months there is a baby. In this case... we are on month 12, and still no guarentees....
What has been the best blessing is watching the way people have stepped up. We have had prayers from around the world, texts and phone calls from so many friends, and love shared from places we never could have imagined.
Even had a wonderful friend offer to help us fund raise for my March trip! SO cool!! :)
Busy making more Africa's... wait till you see the newest creation... Loving this creative side. :)
Thanks for the prayers!! Can't wait to share the mountain has crumbled! :)
Monday, January 30, 2012
Friday, January 27, 2012
New African Connections Listed
Hey!
It's been so fun making these wall creations!
We have a couple of new creations ... Check them out
Have had most of them sell out as I make them... be sure to get yours as a gift for a fellow adopting parent, for your new child as a gift... as a beautiful addition to your collection of art. ;) ok... I know that last one is a stretch, but the stained one in particular is beautiful in person. :)
Thanks for helping me AND Because Every Mother Matters
It's been so fun making these wall creations!
We have a couple of new creations ... Check them out
Have had most of them sell out as I make them... be sure to get yours as a gift for a fellow adopting parent, for your new child as a gift... as a beautiful addition to your collection of art. ;) ok... I know that last one is a stretch, but the stained one in particular is beautiful in person. :)
Thanks for helping me AND Because Every Mother Matters
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Why am I still here?
I was talking to a man on the phone the other day about my thoughts for the 501c3 I want to start…I have been trying to nail down the concept and information, and was talking about grants and start up costs with him.
He was very intrigued by my idea and then was astounded when I said I had been to Ethiopia 5 times already. Then I was sort of astounded. Really?!! I have been there 5 times? To Ethiopia?! Wow!
Usually when I tell people that I would live there if I could, I get the blank stare. And then the ‘oh really?..... Well that’s NOT for me!” And I giggle.
Today someone said to me that they couldn’t believe I didn’t already live there. And to be completely honest with you, I really can’t believe it myself.
In a conversation with another friend I said to her “WHY?! Why do we want to live in a third world country? Where there are parasites, inflation is CRAZY, there aren’t freedoms there like here, electricity and water are unpredictable and we would be the major minority?” She said…” Cause we’re crazy”
Are we?
Are we crazy?
Perhaps.
But maybe not?
You know what else is there? Beauty. Love. Joy in the little things. Family connections that defy blood relations. There is a pride there that is …. different than what American’s feel which is more entitlement and conceit. The poor help each other.
When you talk to a lot of Ethiopians they would tell you that they may want to visit here, but not live here in America. I think that speaks volumes.
I was talking to my brother T the other day and he asked me why Ethiopia was cursed and so poor? Why had God forsaken them? I didn’t have answer to his perception… all I could give him was mine. That there is so much more beauty and strength in Ethioipa than anywhere I have ever seen. That I have heard from more than one person that they FOUND God in Ethiopia… not that He had forsaken it. I don’t know why there seems to be so much more pain and suffering there than anywhere else? I don’t know why there is such abject poverty. Not that God causes these things to happen… but perhaps in some grand scheme it’s to help people like me and others to realize that there is so much more to life than the car we drive, or the house we live in, or the clothes we wear? Perhaps it’s to help us catch a glimpse of what God wants us to see in others? Perhaps He wants His people to remember to think outside of themselves and at each other?
Logistically I am still here because of E’s meds. Right now they are not available in Ethiopia in the formula we need them to be in, so we stay here. His life is more important than any soul desire I have to live in his country of birth.
When we have A home and stable on meds… and get E on a formula we can travel with we will re-evaluate. I learn more and more that I want my children to know their country, know the beauty, know the hardships and the strength.
Until then, I will pray for those that I miss. I will cry my tears of longing. I will cry out to our Lord for guidance and strength. I will continue to ask for perseverance and wisdom in how to follow Him and serve His people. Right now, clearly my place is here.
In the future? …. As my brother A says… God Knows.
He was very intrigued by my idea and then was astounded when I said I had been to Ethiopia 5 times already. Then I was sort of astounded. Really?!! I have been there 5 times? To Ethiopia?! Wow!
Usually when I tell people that I would live there if I could, I get the blank stare. And then the ‘oh really?..... Well that’s NOT for me!” And I giggle.
Today someone said to me that they couldn’t believe I didn’t already live there. And to be completely honest with you, I really can’t believe it myself.
In a conversation with another friend I said to her “WHY?! Why do we want to live in a third world country? Where there are parasites, inflation is CRAZY, there aren’t freedoms there like here, electricity and water are unpredictable and we would be the major minority?” She said…” Cause we’re crazy”
Are we?
Are we crazy?
Perhaps.
But maybe not?
You know what else is there? Beauty. Love. Joy in the little things. Family connections that defy blood relations. There is a pride there that is …. different than what American’s feel which is more entitlement and conceit. The poor help each other.
When you talk to a lot of Ethiopians they would tell you that they may want to visit here, but not live here in America. I think that speaks volumes.
I was talking to my brother T the other day and he asked me why Ethiopia was cursed and so poor? Why had God forsaken them? I didn’t have answer to his perception… all I could give him was mine. That there is so much more beauty and strength in Ethioipa than anywhere I have ever seen. That I have heard from more than one person that they FOUND God in Ethiopia… not that He had forsaken it. I don’t know why there seems to be so much more pain and suffering there than anywhere else? I don’t know why there is such abject poverty. Not that God causes these things to happen… but perhaps in some grand scheme it’s to help people like me and others to realize that there is so much more to life than the car we drive, or the house we live in, or the clothes we wear? Perhaps it’s to help us catch a glimpse of what God wants us to see in others? Perhaps He wants His people to remember to think outside of themselves and at each other?
Logistically I am still here because of E’s meds. Right now they are not available in Ethiopia in the formula we need them to be in, so we stay here. His life is more important than any soul desire I have to live in his country of birth.
When we have A home and stable on meds… and get E on a formula we can travel with we will re-evaluate. I learn more and more that I want my children to know their country, know the beauty, know the hardships and the strength.
Until then, I will pray for those that I miss. I will cry my tears of longing. I will cry out to our Lord for guidance and strength. I will continue to ask for perseverance and wisdom in how to follow Him and serve His people. Right now, clearly my place is here.
In the future? …. As my brother A says… God Knows.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
A little update
Life has been a little crazy around here... waiting in limbo has been the hardest part.
We are still waiting for news that B's case has moved through the local court and can be set up to move into the federal court and get us a court date.
And we are still waiting to hear that the 2 pieces of paper have been obtained for A's case to know that he will be ours. I think that's the hardest part ever. The not knowing. It's been the hardest part of this journey. Knowing him, having met him, loving him already and not knowing if he's going to be our son.
There are people around the world praying for him and for us... and we know He sets the lonely in families...we just pray that this lonely one gets to be in this family!
A sweet fellow adoptive mom and new friend was there a couple of weeks ago and sent me a videos of both boys. SWEET! :)
I am working on setting up a 501c3 to help families with travel which will in turn help some of the projects we work with in Ethiopia. I am really excited about this. I am ready to move into a new season in life!! I will let you know more as it comes closer.
I am trying to get to Ethiopia in March, praying it will be able to include a court date!! :) But I will be doing some ground work for the 501c3 and going to with BEMM to visit the mom we sponsor.
I have started a little fundraiser that I hope will help. Check it out here,
Thanks for the prayers!! I will be posting some pics and updates on the littles soon! They are growing like WEEDS! :) God is Good!!
We are still waiting for news that B's case has moved through the local court and can be set up to move into the federal court and get us a court date.
And we are still waiting to hear that the 2 pieces of paper have been obtained for A's case to know that he will be ours. I think that's the hardest part ever. The not knowing. It's been the hardest part of this journey. Knowing him, having met him, loving him already and not knowing if he's going to be our son.
There are people around the world praying for him and for us... and we know He sets the lonely in families...we just pray that this lonely one gets to be in this family!
A sweet fellow adoptive mom and new friend was there a couple of weeks ago and sent me a videos of both boys. SWEET! :)
I am working on setting up a 501c3 to help families with travel which will in turn help some of the projects we work with in Ethiopia. I am really excited about this. I am ready to move into a new season in life!! I will let you know more as it comes closer.
I am trying to get to Ethiopia in March, praying it will be able to include a court date!! :) But I will be doing some ground work for the 501c3 and going to with BEMM to visit the mom we sponsor.
I have started a little fundraiser that I hope will help. Check it out here,
Thanks for the prayers!! I will be posting some pics and updates on the littles soon! They are growing like WEEDS! :) God is Good!!
Monday, January 23, 2012
A little piece of Africa
Hey guys!
I know I haven't been here to update much :) I figure you don't want to hear me whining about the fact that we are STILL waiting on paper work. We have had some pretty cool situations happen though that I think will be the thing we need to get the ball really rolling.
Any way... I am going to Ethiopia in March.
Either for a court date for my guys ...or just to visit them cause it's truly been too long to be away from them. I will also be visiting Dessie with Because Every Mother Matters to meet our sponsored mom!
The thing is that we need money to make this happen... surprise!!! :)
SO.... I thought of this fun idea to bring a little bit of Africa to you... although made in America...
Here is the page with all the information.
Even if you aren't interested in purchasing one, we would love it if you would share it with your friends!!!
Thanks so so much!
I know I haven't been here to update much :) I figure you don't want to hear me whining about the fact that we are STILL waiting on paper work. We have had some pretty cool situations happen though that I think will be the thing we need to get the ball really rolling.
Any way... I am going to Ethiopia in March.
Either for a court date for my guys ...or just to visit them cause it's truly been too long to be away from them. I will also be visiting Dessie with Because Every Mother Matters to meet our sponsored mom!
The thing is that we need money to make this happen... surprise!!! :)
SO.... I thought of this fun idea to bring a little bit of Africa to you... although made in America...
Here is the page with all the information.
Even if you aren't interested in purchasing one, we would love it if you would share it with your friends!!!
Thanks so so much!
Sunday, January 1, 2012
2011 In Review
2011 has been a blessed year over all. We had some losses but many many gains... and as it ended last night I was feeling so very excited for what lies ahead for 2012.
Here is a short pictorial of our year. Not in order of event...as the pics weren't in order...lol but you get the gist.
Our sweet Gabriel's heart decided to cease and he went on to doggie heaven. We still miss the giant love!!! 
My little tiny grand mother went on to be with the lord in February. Leaving behind an amazing legacy of service and mission. And my very favorite man... her husband. He's doing remarkably well for an old guy...missing his life long love.
My dear friend S lost her husband, who was our worship leader at church in March to cancer. She and I didn't really know each other before his death... but have become like sister's since his death and have sort of adopted their family. Only God can produce this kind of beauty from those ashes. 
We had fund raisers for our next Mission trip to Ethiopia.... backed goods, Chili cook offs, yard sales... God provided it all.
Took our annual trip to the Outer Banks of NC.
Visited family for Easter.
Had an amazing rap concert at our church. Christian Rappers. Brothers. On fire men of God. Now our new blessed chosen family members!!! God is so good!
Got to experience Ethiopia with both my mom and my S. What a joy to share that with them.
Met some awesome friends in person while in Ethiopia.... love that you can fly across the world and meet with friends that you have only spoke to online in your own country...lol
Got to spend time with my brother T and my friend N.
Had a memorial with the WHOLE family in July to say a farewell to my grand mother. What a wonderful time!
Was blessed by my kids on my birthday!!
Kids started school.
Went back to Ethiopia in November to visit my boys... wish I could insert their pics here!!! But also got to make other wonderful family and create memories that will last a lifetime. Best trip ever!!! :)
Enjoyed Thanksgiving with the family... :)
Enjoyed Christmas with them as well... the ornaments above represent our grandparents ... they were together on Christmas ... even if only in spirit.
We don't have our boys with us as I had dreamt... still not sure when they will come home. I am planning another trip there this year to visit... since the process looks like it will be much longer than planned. I am also hoping to visit with my friend Steffany from Because Every Mother Matters... while there in ET. As I have visited the country more and learned more about it's people, gotten to know them and love them. The more I see the need that this organization fills is the best. It's along the lines of what I have always thought. Stop the orphan crisis before it starts. Instead of building a place for women to live that are HIV+ as I had envisioned.... meet them where they are. Empower them and lift them up! LOVE it!!
Also planning another mission trip in October/November... if you wanna come let me know. :)
I have also begun the makings of a new business myself... one that I pray will help other families while also providing me the opportunity to go back to Ethiopia more often and help sustain some of the wonderful ministries that are already there on the ground. I am working on the business plan now and can't wait to share it with you... check back in.
My one New Years resolution is to start running again. In that last picture up there I can see that I have let myself go too far and need to reign it in. :). So tomorrow... it begins... too tired from last night to start today .... :)
Looking forward to new business... new boys... new adventures ... new me... in this new year!!!
Can't wait to see what yours holds in store too!
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