Latest News - Bummer alert

Well... it's not great. BUT! It's news...

We have been sitting on it for about a week now... praying and pondering...waiting to see if there's any new news to share.... there's not.

We found out last Monday that both boy's paperwork is in a SNAFU situation. Yep.... last Monday ...6 months after we expressed our interest in them. Six Months after I met them in June. One month after I went to ET to see them and meet with the lawyer and say...Hey, Dude, what's the deal? And he said Hey, look there's a problem. Ya THINK!

So.

B's paperwork is more than 3 yrs old and was done originally before MOWA took over affairs, so now needs to be completely redone....in a different orphanage than the one that he's in because of the weird new laws in ET. This could take up to a year... but the hope is that that is not the case.

A's paperwork is a little more complicated. There is the possibility that he will not come home to us. This isn't even fathomable to me. Can't really go into details...but it's a really tough sad situation and it kinda makes me ill. It's not an ethical issue with our agency... I WILL say that.

Our agency in country lawyer is sick and in the hospital. When he gets out we are to have a conference call with him to go over the details and see if there is anything that can be done with A's case. B's ...seems to be good to get done, it will just take time.

We should know something in the next week or so...

Will you please pray with us and for us...and more importantly our boys and the paperwork?

I told them we would be there in Feb for court... that won't happen now, but I am exploring all options to get over there to them then to fulfill my promise.

With Christ ALL things are possible!

Party in My Heart

This morning N said to me “Momma, there is a party in my heart, that’s why I have so much energy!”

After marveling about his choice of words, and loving what comes out of his mouth sometimes I began to think about it more.

Do I have a party in my heart? I WANT a party in my heart.

I of course had to post his funny on FB, and my dear friend said he must have gotten it from me because she thinks of me with a party in my heart.

I have to be honest, I haven’t felt much like a party lately. The pain of leaving behind my family, friends and boys in Ethiopia has really taken it’s toll on me this time. I was afraid it would happen this way… I would go over and it would be harder this time than any other to come home and it has been. Not home to my family, but back here where things are……different.

So this morning as I pondered the partying heart I read this scripture, “The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving.--Psalm 28:7”
Sounds like a party in someone’s heart to me!

Think God’s trying to tell me something? Yeah me too… like stop being sad about leaving… start being happy about being there.

I began to envision my heart being so full of love both from and for so many people that how can it be anything but joyful and thankful? How many people GET to be loved by and love so many diverse people? My chosen family rocks! I GET to go to Ethiopia and love and be loved. I am privileged to have a heart that has been overrun with love for people here AND there.

It’s a privilege to have my heart broken for the children in Koreh, the students in Lafto, the momma’s with hiv and the children still waiting for families. This is national adoption month and on National Adoption day while others were here spreading awareness, I was WITH orphans, loving on them and praying over them and sharing with them how special they are…. What is sad about that?

It was a gift that my family here allowed me to leave them for a week because I missed my family there. That my husband held down the fort and said…”Go”
So today I chose to believe the ache that is in my heart as I yearn for those so far away, is really just an ache from it being stretched so far out of place because it’s so very very full.

Let’s party!

Pics from my trip...

Some pics from my trip... I didn't get my camera out as often as I should have, so there aren't many, but this was the best trip...most fun. I have had so many people comment at the happiness they see on my face... it's cause I was.

Me and AM, my friend and driver...great guy!! Recommend him to anyone who is looking for someone to take them around. He knows where everything is, and speaks great English!

Me with T and Pastor N at the new church in Koreh...there were some issues with the other one that have made it necessary for them to start a new one. God is working here and working hard... so wonderful to see them again. Love these guys!

My other family.... AB, with his wife H and baby girl B. These guys hearts are as beautiful on the inside as the outside!!! Miss them so much!!

At the school in Lafto, can't wait to work more with this school.

Exterior of the guest house AB and H own. Beautiful, quiet, comfortable...family. Best place I have stayed so far!

Do you love this smile??!! My little brother ... Love him!

The infamous Uno game... I have a pic of AM with the boys that is so cute! But of course can't post it yet. Best memories... Thanks God!!!

Direction....

Life has been full of twists and turns over the past several months and I haven't really been able to keep up with them all. :)

I found when I came home from the last mission trip in June, and had met the boys that it was that much harder to come home here. I don't mean to my family, but here to America.

It was harder to reinsert myself into life, and to stop thinking about all those that I love in Ethiopia. I tried...STILL AM! To just let go and let God do his thing. But it's increaisingly harder to do so...lol

So while we waited and watched to see if we would get court dates, then found that we were/are still in this perpetual hold of waiting for the final pieces to come together, I became more and more sure that I needed to go back. Thus the searching for airfare, which I found, and then funding which came forth.

This time being in Ethiopia, on my own, just being able to soak it in, enjoy the time, be with the boys, love on my new 'chosen' family... it was the worst feeling to leave. The thing about Ethiopians is that they love you well. Of course there are those that do not, or are out to prove something or get something....just like here in the U.S... but those that do love you. Love you well. It's a gift.

I was surprised at how fast time went, and how many people I had to see, and how many I missed seeing because I ran out of time.

As I was walking through the streets of Lafto neighborhood with my little brother AB, I was struck by the gift I have been given. Six years ago, if you had told me that I would be in Ethiopia, by myself, walking the streets with a man that I consider my brother...talking about life and laughing so hard my sides hurt.. I would never have believed you. Or sitting in an orphange with my boys and my AB and AM playing Uno, laughing hysterically and filled to over flowing with love... I couldn't have imagined it.

I am more certain than any other time that a portion of my life is to be lived in Ethiopia. Not necessarily taking my whole family there, as it's not really feasible right now... but I think there's a way I can be there more often... still working out the plans, and praying about how God would have me make the changes needed to do it. And have D on board...since it's not his favorite plan to have me gone and him here with the boys. :)

Will you pray with me for direction? Also for my heart as this time I think it was filled with so much love that it's feeling the ache that much more for not being there in the land that takes hold of you and just won't let go. :)

Let's play a little catch up!!

So much to tell you!!!


Just got back from Ethiopia and am trying to re-acclimate!

Yep, I went to Ethiopia. Nope I don’t have boys with me.

The last couple of months had been an exercise in wait training yet again. We sent our Dossier to ET in July and are still waiting on paper work for the boys to get collected so that we can get submitted to court.

While waiting I was playing with airfare prices and times and came across a great rate at the beginning of November. I prayed, then asked family for an early Christmas present, and …. was rewarded.

So October 30, D drove me to DC to catch my flight to ET all by myself!

Seriously, I was scared to death…but SO SO stinkin excited!!!

Got off the plane greeted by my little brother AB, my friend and driver AM, as well as AB’s sister … it was a wonderful reunion!!! Off we went for our adventure week.

The boys were in school during the day so I had time to get things done during the day and then visit with each of them in the afternoons.

Turns out only 7 days in country isn’t enough…. I needed another 7.

I visited friends, played with babies, played Uno with my boys and AB and AM. That was the most fun game ever! Watching the 2 men I love like family, play with my boys and interact and enjoy themselves totally filled my heart. I think it also helped the boys to relax and enjoy themselves with me.

I also got some fun quality time with both boys just me. A is a lover. He is content sitting next to you holding your hand. He’s tiny and in 7th grade. He had some tests while I was there, and says he did well. He likes to color and do word searches. But likes to share the coloring as well. We spent a fun quiet afternoon coloring and chatting quietly.

B on the other hand, while sweet and loving is a mover. LOVES to play soccer, would rather not sit still and color for any length of time. So…I watched him play soccer. He’s really really good! Great little foot work! And he’s so stinkin cute! He kept looking up to see if I was watching, and would just grin. He’s gonna be a lady killer… and perhaps a professional soccer player!

I had so many firsts on this trip…Walking through the Merkato for 2 ½ hours with AB. It was a blast, never would have thought I would be able to do it… but I never had any fear. When we were there 5 yrs ago to get N we weren’t allowed out of the van, and told it was very dangerous. This time… I was alone with AB and had no issues. Even had a blast.

Then went to eat at local joints just me and the guys, or with AB’s wife and baby girl. Places where I was the only Ferengi. 

Went to the Sheraton for the first time. It’s like going to another country, within Addis. Watched a band play with AM, and learned that old white drunk guys seem to be the same in any country. Had a great laugh at that.

Ate Kitfo for the first time. It's usually raw meat, and a luxury for them... mine was cooked!! And it was really yummy!

Laughed more this past week than I think I have in a whole year.

I visited my brother T at his new church and the Pastor N, who hugged me and wouldn't let go. Had coffee ceremony with them.

Had movie theater popcorn...with out the movie.

Learned that we aren’t a ton closer to getting our court date, but was able to talk to the lawyer for our agency and he noticed that there were somethings that needed to happen that had not. Praying that he’s going to now work a miracle and get these pieces together.

I have new family, expanded and strengthened in a way I could never have imagined.

Today my heart hurts.... is pulled in directions that I couldn't have foreseen before I left. But I am full to the brim with love, respect, and joy at all the ways God has blessed me.

What's Up?!

Another week down. Another week no news.

I don't post as often I guess because it would really just me whining and complaining because I REALLY want to be in Ethiopia... or have 2 little Ethiopians here with me. :)

I will spare you this time though.

News on the home front. We got a new dog. Did I tell you that? Didn't take long huh? Our Buddy dog really just is not a single dog kinda guy. He was laying around, not eating or drinking and wouldn't go outside. We were getting worried.
So we went to the SPCA and rescued the most laid back dog ever...lol He is part American Bulldog. HUGE head and snores like you would NOT believe. We have had to have him sleep down stairs because he keeps waking me up with it. :) He's so sweet though, and loving. Love him so much already.

Our boys are adjusting to school.

N has been having issues with getting used to being in a new place. We have already had the teacher ask for a conference. I then went on the Bryan Post site and watched a webinar about kids, defiance and fear. Oh my goodness... it's a concept I had heard some of, but listening to this conference was an eye opener.

It talks about kids with trauma back grounds who are defiant are scared. And the defiance comes from a place of fear. N is defiant in a way that is impulsive. I have written several times here that if there is a button he will push it, a line he will cross it and a rule he'll break it... but he's not doing it in an ugly way...it's like a testing. When listening to the fear being the driving force behind the defiance it was like a light bulb. :) So I am a little slow on the uptake. He had also been having issues on the bus with getting up and kids not liking to talk to him.

So, the next morning I sat with him and asked him if he were scared of school or the bus. The thing is that I knew he was nervous but actually asking him to verbalize it and then talk about the bus it was also like a light bulb for him.

We talked about the bus and how we can't stand up and why. He seemed to get it. So that very afternoon his bus driver made him stop before he got off the bus and said to him "You had an excellent day today, do that tomorrow" Huge accomplishment for him and confidence booster. YAY!

Then his weekly report from the teacher was also improved, and specifically said improved. Progress...just in acknowledging his fears and asking him how he might be able to help himself feel better about his fears. Still work to do, but on the right path.

He's also decided that he loves running. They have a running program at his school, apparently he chooses to run laps and gain miles instead of playing recess with the kids. Even when they 'tempt him' to play :) We will look into a track program for him I think... we shall see :)

Our Ethiopia Mission Team will be presenting tomorrow to the church. I am so looking forward to it! It's always so bittersweet to see the pics and talk about it... makes me miss it more. Praying about a visit trip at the beginning of November. There are some super cheap flights outta DC...anyone have an extra $1000 I could use? :) I would be forever grateful!!

Well, that's about all I have to say right now... hope your weekend is good.

Long Time No Post

Hey ya'll!

All is well. Just working through school beginnings and figuring out how to live the new schedule.

Z started his sophomore year in college and a new job at the same time. He's working for a mortgage company. And so far loving it.

S started her senior year... be still my heart. How did she become a senior already??!! Where does the time go? She is really focusing this year... better late than never I guess huh? Planning her extra curricular and tests that she will need to get into her college of choice, which happens to be close since it has a great PT program.

N started his new school, and so far I think he loves it. We have to get him on the bus at 7am since its a special school that draws from the whole city he has to ride it with kids from all over the place not just our zone. They have a contest in the school to see who can run the most miles. So far he has said he's run more than 10... not sure that accurate but then again... it very well could be!! He said last night that even tho the kids tempt him to play during the recess time he just continues to run. That's my sweet little Ethiopian!! Perhaps he will be a marathoner? :)

E started 1st grade! He has the least amount of change. Same school same hours :) He's loving it too and has some friends from last year in his class. It's so fun to see him come home confident and happy with life.

We still have no word on the boys about court. Apparently B's paperwork is ready, A's is still being collected. I guess there are 2 documents they haven't been able to get. But the word is that they can't be submitted to court while it's closed so this is a little reprieve I guess. They have the time to look for it. Although they are running out of time and it will be opening in a few short weeks.

We have been able to send them some care packages and have another one on the way today. We sure don't want them to think we forgot them. I hate it for A who was having such a hard time about not having a family. :( I don't want him to be sad any more. And I miss B's light and bright smile!!!

I am having MAJOR Ethiopia withdrawls this week. Could be because my friend is heading over with a bunch of stuff for me and I can't go. :( I have been seriously trying to work something out to get over there... but haven't been able to make anything work. Even if just to visit the boys and let them know we love them and miss them. There are some great air fees at the beginning of November. I am praying about that. Depends on when our court date is set. Pray with me?

We are presenting our Ethiopia Mission recap next Sunday and planning yet another trip over... I can't stand it. It will be so much fun to get back there. Probably late next year.... wanna come? :)

I will leave you with pics of the first day of school... well except for Z. He missed out. ;)