Our Family is Growing

 It has been ONE year since we brought Aster home from Ethiopia.  The time has gone so quickly and at the same time we feel as though she has always been a part of us.  There is no doubt that God ordained her as a Porter long before we ever even knew Aster's name.  Many of you helped bring our Aster home and your prayers and contributions have blessed our family beyond what words can express.  Our faith has been deepened and the journey has been so sweet, that we could hardly wait to do it again!

 

Our hearts are full as we eagerly anticipate the adoption of our son, also from Ethiopia.  We look forward to sharing all the details, very soon, but for now all we can say is that he is a little boy, under the age of 5 and we are over the moon with excitement!!  We anticipate being able to share more in a few weeks. 

Between now and then, however, we need to do some MAJOR fundraising.  Fundraising in and of itself makes me very uncomfortable, but I also know that it is a beautiful opportunity to see God's faithfulness to our family, our son and hopefully you, as you witness our story.  In order to say 'yes' to our son, we need to raise $13,000 - by February 7th.  This is a BIG number with a short time frame, but our God is big and I know 'the One I've trusted in can take care of what He's trusted me to do right to the end.' (2 Tim 1:12 The Message).

Among other things, we are once again selling 147 million orphan t-shirts.  We have partnered with this organization in the past and appreciate all they have done to help us bring our children home.

These items are along the right side of this page.  Please let me know if you have any questions or need help with your order.

In advance - please accept our gratitude - our heartfelt THANK YOU!!

Name Change ... Taking Votes

It has become very clear that Mary-Aster only acknowledges 'Aster' but does NOT acknowledge the 'Mary' part of her name - which is funny because most everyone else seems to acknowledge the 'Mary' but not the 'Aster'. So, at home we have her saying "Aster's milk" or "Aster's shirt", and her siblings all call her 'Aster'- but we have others in her life saying "Hi, Mary!" or "Come on in here Mary" and she looks at them like she isn't sure who they are talking to. We've decided it's time to get some consistency and we are probably following her lead and going with Aster. So, now the question is:
Aster Jolene (mom's middle name - don't make fun)
Aster Craig (this is how Ethiopia does names and her legal name now)
or
Aster _______ (your suggestion)

Next question .... how does one handle/announce a name change? Do we send Name Change Announcements? Send a Name Change global email? Or maybe we should register for gifts under her new name and have a Name Change Party!!

Blogging again ....

I have decided to start blogging again - not because I am trying to find things to do with all of my extra time but because it helps me focus on the joys of this season in life and find the humor in the daily craziness. I never imagined how busy life would get with a toddler in the house again - but busy it is.
Quick recap on the last 4 months:
- We officially finished our school year: Hannah completed 5th/6th, Luke completed 3rd, Katy completed 2nd/3rd and Emily did great with her Pre-K/K school work.
- We officially launched our own company - CRAZY!!
- Katy celebrated her 8th birthday (in April)
- We got new pets
- Mary-Aster turned 2 years old
- Luke is 10 years old today


Life is so full of laughter, energy, learning, craziness and joy!!! It is truly a blessed time for the Porters.

Mary-Aster is doing remarkably well. She is adjusting beautifully. Bonding and attachment seem to be going very well, her food issues have gone from not wanting to eat anything offered to eating a crazy amount (so much that we have to tamper it a little bit). She was just moved out of our room into a room of her own YAY!! She is talking TONS and bosses everyone around whenever possible. I love that she still uses a few Amaharic words and LOVES LOVES LOVES her injera. I am amazed at God's sovereignty -- she is perfectly Porter!!

Our most recent adventure is getting 2 baby pygmy goats as pets.   I guess homeschooling 5 children and running our company wasn't enough to keep us busy.  So now the Porters consist of 2 adults, 5 children and 2 kids.  Life is an adventure --- a blessed journey from God!

Pictures - Finally!!

I have been meaning to get these photographs posted for days, but am just now getting my feet under me with all of the transitions.
I know all you really want to see are pictures, so I'll keep the update short.  We are all doing GREAT!!! It is as though Mary-Aster has always been with us - hard to explain, but true.  We are SO SO SO grateful to all be together at home and we are absolutely LOVING our family.  Mary-Aster adores her siblings but not nearly as much as they adore her!  Honestly, it is hard to put into words how joy filled our days are - even with less sleep!!

And now, here are the pictures ....

Create your own picture slideshow

30 hours until together!!

This week has been a blur of emotions, tears, new information, fear -  more tears, hugs, good-byes that weren't supposed to happen, questions needing answers, and lots more tears!  Per our agency's recommendation, Craig and I took Mary-Aster to the US Embassy on Monday to ask them to show us favor and allow us to come home that evening.  We were told that all of our paperwork was turned in and complete and there was a SLIGHT possibility they would let us leave.  On a positive note, we did get to speak with the adoption officer, however, the news he had for us shook me.  The US Embassy was actually going to Gimbie to investigate cases.  I was devastated.  The only thing that kept me from needing to be mopped up off the floor like a puddle was that the officer was informative, sympathetic, patient and kind.  God put that man across from us because HE knew that would get us through this difficult time. 
Craig made the decision that I should take the children home that night on our scheduled flight and he would stay with Mary-Aster in Ethiopia for however long it took.  I don't have words to describe my shock, disappointment and feeling of helplessness.  We went back to the guest house, broke the news to the kids, and began separating our stuff to take home from Craig and Mary-Aster's stuff to leave there.  It was painful and telling her goodbye when we left for the airport was horrible -- but through many tears and sobs we were off for our flight back to Texas.
The older four children are seasoned travelers.  They were SO helpful, sweet and easy.  We waited in SO many lines -- lines for security, lines for ticketing, lines for immigration, another line for security and then lines to get on the plane --- and that was before we ever left Bole Airport in Addis.  We had a 7 hour flight from Addis to Franfurt (the kids slept 6 1/2 of those hours) - then a 5 hour layover in Frankfurt- and a 10 hour flight from Frankfurt to DFW.  We arrived in Dallas Tues afternoon and were met by our dear friends the Orlies who had brought a truck for all of our stuff and my mom who brought a car for us.  They knew this is not how I had pictured our homecoming, and I was sad about it.  It was a real bummer to be coming home without Mary-Aster and daddy and it was a real bummer to not know when they would be coming home.  We walked in our home and felt it filled with love.  Our friends had brought groceries and flowers and notes and comfort food -- it touched my heart and made us feel SO loved and supported!!
Weds morning I woke up and, as I always do, checked my email first thing.  There was an email from the adoption officer at the Embassy.  He said they had concluded their investigation and for Craig to appear at the Embassy for a 1:00  interview the next day.  WHAT?!?!?  Was I reading that right?  He said that Craig could wait and walk out the doors with all of Mary-Aster's Visa/Immigration paperwork the same-day.  This is a modern day miracle of God moving mountains! 
Craig and Mary-Aster will be boarding their plane in 7 hours and will arrive home tomorrow afternoon.  Our family will finally be together at home!!  I can not express my gratitude to God and how miraculous these last couple of days have been.  He moved people and circumstances and red-tape, and changed hearts.  HE gets all the glory!!

2 Samuel 22:15 "Therefore I will praise you, O LORD, among the nations; I will sing praises to your name.

Psalm 9:1 "I will praise you, O LORD, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonders. 

Psalm 28:6 "Praise be to the LORD, for he has heard my cry for mercy."

Party of 7!

Our first 48 hours in Ethiopia were very challenging and humbling -- and in retrospect humorous. Thanks to jet lag and fatigue I can't remember how much I shared in my Gotcha Day post, and I can't seem to go back and view it, so I might be repeating myself here, sorry.
Mary-Aster was quite sick the first 12 hours we had he. She vomited on Hannah on in the car on the way to the guest and continued to vomit and have the worst diapers I have ever seen (even after 4 children). She finally started keeping down small amounts of water and turned the corner. In the meantime, Katy woke up vomiting and Luke followed shortly. We had so many bodily fluids go so many directions I didn't know what to do. We were all still having jet lag issues and was so weary. This is not the adventure and family bonding I had imagined.
It was in the dark morning hours when I couldn't sleep but my body was screaming for it, that Satan attempted to discourage and steal the joy I knew God had for us. I was humbled and cried out to God - is this what you brought us here for? We don't know when we arer going home and everyone is miserable and homesick, and this is what You wanted for us?
And then I had friends emailing and Texting how much everyone was praying for us - sending me scriptures of encouragement - and boosting my spirit with the reminder that God is for us and HE will carry us through. At that moment I realized nothing I did or could do was going to change these circumstances -- I musts rely completely on Christ.
I am very happy to report that everyone is great and popped by quicker than I have ever seen. Luke has enjoyed 'sledding' on bucket lids down a steep ramp on the side of the guest house -- the screams of delight are hilarious. Emily has made friends with the ladies that work here and is their little helper delivering laundry and such. Katy can be found out front kicking the soccer ball around with the guest house guard. And Hannah has enjoyed playing games with me and watching the daily life of the local people. So, you're probably wondering about Craig. Well, as most of you know, one of these things I love most about my sweet husband is his love for life -- he lives it to the fullest and experiences all there is to experience.
So, in typical fashion he has taken Luke 'hiking', to the store to buy sugar cane, and todya they joined some local boys for a feisty game of football (soccer). Last but not least, Mary-Aster is enjoying her new family -- she is smiling and babbling more. We can also she see is enjoying the freedom of walking around and playing with her siblings.
We are blessed and richer for this experience already! We also received some hopeful Embassy news. Please pray the rumors are true and that God will bless us with favorable timing.
I can't post pictures right now, but have some CUTE ones coming.

TOMORROW!!!!

12 bags weighing 50 lbs each, 6 carry-on suitcases full of clothes and shoes, 6 backpacks full of airplane activities, and 6 Porters so excited they can't sleep!!! 
It's bedtime here for our kids and as I tuck them in, pray with each of them, and kiss them good-night, I realize this is the last night I will go through the bedtime routine with 4 children.  It's 6 am in Addis, Mary-Aster isn't awake yet (at least I hope) and she doesn't know that in about 48 hours her life will forever be changed (as will ours).  In 48 hours she will be smothered in hugs and kisses, we will dress her in little outfits, and read books to her -- we will cuddle her close and wrap her in soft blankets -- I will get to play with her hair and whisper in her ear how much I love her!!! In 48 hours both of our worlds will change forever and I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that we will be blessed beyond belief.  The trip we have dreamed of is finally here and I am SO grateful for the journey. 

These are the verse that God gave me that called us to adoption, they still move me as they did the first time I read them:

James 1:27
Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.

John 14:18
I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.

James 4:17

Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it, sins.

Proverbs 24:12
Don’t excuse yourself by saying, “Look, we didn’t know.”  For God understands all hearts, and he sees you.  He who guards your soul knows you knew.  He will repay all people as their actions deserve.

Her day is almost here!!!!!!!

In 4 days we leave to get Mary-Aster... We're not sure how long we'll be gone. At least 2 weeks but it could be more. I have been washing clothes, gathering medication, choosing airplane activities, buying junk food, and collecting formula. Tonight, clothes finally started going in suitcases and formula in trunks - suddenly this trip seems REAL! It has been a busy and long few days. I am so tired and still a bit overwhelmed by all that is left to do. But, the thought of walking out the doors of the Thomas Center with Mary-Aster in my arms keeps me going. Oh, and can you believe this - our "gotcha" day will be my birthday! What a memorable and amazing birthday gift.
Thank you to all who have donated formula or cash for formula!! It is so incredibly important an appreciated by the orphanages. We are continuing to collect formula and need a whole bunch more!!!! Please keep it coming!
Prayer requests:
Please pray Mary-Aster's case is processed through the Embassy quickly without the need for more documentation
Please pray for our children to enjoy this experience and for Craig and I to help them really soak it in and live this time to the fullest!
Please pray that we will have opportunity to touch the lives of others share Jesus' love
And of course please pray the Mary-Aster's transition is smooth and she will feel loved from the beginning

God is good and we are praising Him for this opportunity!

Baby #5

Here she is...... Mary-Aster

 

And here we are the day we met her!!!

 

Happy day!!!  

"Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good!  His faithful love endures forever.  Who can list the glorious miracles of the Lord?  Who can ever praise Him enough?" Psalm 106:1-2

Deja vu ...

Do you ever have those moments of deja vu where you feel like you've read something on a blog post before ....


Do you ever have those moments of deja vu where you feel like you've read something on a blog post before ....


Ha Ha .... really though ... this blog post might feel like deja vu of the one I typed on November 21st (last paragraph) because it is the same story for tonight.
As we sleep tonight, our court case will be reviewed by the judge AGAIN!  We're praying that the 3rd time is a charm, although, I have to honestly say that I am keeping my expectations low and guarding my heart.  I know there was last minute scrambling trying to get just the right document in just the right format and that our agency is doing everything that can humanly be done.  And more importantly, I know in whom I believe  and am convinced that the Lord is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him (2 Tim 1:12).

This past week has been interesting because I have finally quit wrestling with God over this.  I have a new found joy in this journey because I have the opportunity to build faith that can only be built through an experience that causes me to be completely and totally be dependent on Christ.  Like NO OTHER time in my life, I am completely calling on Christ and His power in my weakness.  Thank you Lord for this blessing of building my faith!

I can't wait to post about day 3 of our trip because that is the day we met our little girl.  But, it won't be the same unless I can include pictures of her - which I can't do until we pass court and she is legally ours.

And so, here are the same verses from my friend Sydney that ended my November 21st post (deja vu):

Psalm 91:14-16
Because he loves Me,” says the LORD, “I will rescue him;
I will protect him, for he acknowledges My name.
He will call on me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble,
I will deliver him and honor him.
With long life I will satisfy him
and show him My salvation.”

Rhythm of Life = FAITH

Our family is learning a new rhythm of life - in a good way, but sometimes good is also hard.  It seems as though our family has been in a transition of some sort for 6 months or more. We have had 4 or 5 major family changes in less than 6 months.  They are good changes, but they are challenging changes.  They have been changes that have forced us to depend on God above everyone and everything else.  I am not learning the lesson very well, clearly, because boy can I feel the refining He is continuing to do in me.
We got another call on Wednesday (the day before Thanksgiving) and found out that more is missing from our court documents than we thought - a specific letter with specific information has to be obtained before we can get the recommendation letter (which we are also waiting for).  Our case was rescheduled (again) for December 3rd.  Oh how disappointed I was - and honestly still am!  I had a very hard time finding anything to be thankful for and I spent most of Wednesday questioning God and asking a lot of whys!!  I don't think God is upset with me for being sad, disappointed and frustrated - after all HE made this mama's heart and HE has filled it with great love for Mary-A!  I still don't understand why it is taking so long, why HE has chosen this path for our journey, why we seem to be moving in the wrong direction, why God doesn't move the legal mountains to make this adoption happen by Christmas (which HE could do), I don't know the answer to these and many more whys - but what I do know is... it doesn't really matter WHY - what matters is that God is in control!! God is sovereign!! God is good!! and God loves Mary-A even more than I do!!  I am learning to rest in these truths.

Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
   I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
When you pass through the waters,
   I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
   they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
   you will not be burned;
   the flames will not set you ablaze.
For I am the LORD your God,
   the Holy One of Israel, your Savior;
I give Egypt for your ransom,
   Cush and Seba in your stead.
Since you are precious and honored in my sight,
   and because I love you,
I will give people in exchange for you,
   nations in exchange for your life.
Do not be afraid, for I am with you;
   I will bring your children from the east
   and gather you from the west.   Is 43:1-5

The other transition of our life I won't go into right now, but suffice it to say,  it too is bringing challenges I do not feel equipped to handle.  Our security rug was pulled out from under us and we have been left with decisions that we were not prepared to make and disappointments in relationships we never anticipated.  Beth Moore said "Please set me free from the false security that comes from having more of anything than I really need." (Eccl 4:6) -- when I first read this, I immediately thought of the financial aspect - but as I thought about it and reread it, I realize that God only reveals to me, He only gives me, as much of the future as I need.  If I saw more than what is 3 ft in front of me, it would not require me to have as much faith to take the next step. 
We are faced with exciting opportunities, a beautiful journey of the heart and a tomorrow that asks us to have MUCH faith -- to trust God with our family, our future and our hearts!!  God is at work in a big way, and we trust that He is preparing us for something bigger than we know.  The trials and difficulties we face today and tomorrow are just building blocks for us to be stronger and closer to each other and to Him.
As you think of our family, will you please pray that decisions would be very clear, that God would move in a mighty way so that we may bring Mary-A home soon, and that above all HE would be glorified through our family. 

Sad News

We did not pass court again! Our case has been rescheduled for December 1st.

"Oh, how great are God's riches and wisdom and knowledge! How impossible it is for us to understand His ways!" Romans 11:33

Court travel - Days 1 & 2 - Court Tomorrow

We arrived in Ethiopia on Saturday night. Everything went very smoothly at the airport getting our luggage, getting our shuttle to the hotel and getting checked in at the hotel.
Sunday morning we returned to Beza International Church where we had worshiped with our dental mission team last month. We felt right at home and truly enjoyed our time of worship. We met up with our new friends, Levi & Jessie who selflessly serve and care for the Drawn From Water children.

Before we left Texas, the mission trip team donated Christmas gift for each of the kids at the Drawn From Water house. We were SO excited to deliver the trunks full of gifts to Levi and Jessie. We also returned to Korah to deliver some pictures that were taken on the dental trip and visit with friends we made last month. After a little shopping, we got cleaned up and went to dinner with Levi & Jessie and their sweet kids to celebrate Jessies's birthday. They took us to a great little restaurant and we had an amazing night of fellowship and good food.

Monday morning we checked out of our hotel, loaded up the van and headed out for our LONG drive and journey to meet our daughter. We had been warned about the bumpy, rough roads and about 2 hours or so into our trip, we hit those roads. They were bumpy and rough like I have never experienced bumpy and rough --- it was like pieces of the road were missing. On top of that, the road was about one lane wide, but it was really a two way road (and sometimes 3 cars across), and the sides of the road were lined with locals walking with their goods to market, donkeys, goats, school children and herds of ox.

The scenery and experience of rural Ethiopia was surreal. I can't begin to describe the beauty of the patchwork fields of yellow meskel flowers, purple tef, tan wheat and red soil. The beauty of the people chopping eucalyptus trees, carrying bundles of firewood on their backs, the little boys shepherding the herds of goats and young girls collecting water in jugs.


I loved watching the little children in the doorways of the tukuls that dotted the countryside and the school children holding hands as they walked for miles talking and laughing on their way to school in a nearby village. I felt like I was in the middle of a National Geographic special - it was truly amazing.


After about 10 hours of driving (we did stop for a yummy breakfast) we arrived in Nekemte. We checked into our hotel and then left to tour the emperor's palace and to visit the YWAM Nekemte orphanage.
YWAM does an amazing job at their orphanages of loving on the children, and this was no exception. The orphanage in clean and tidy and the nannies are the best. After a short visit we left and drove a short distance to see the sight of the new Widows and Orphans home that is being finished. It is beautiful and the view from the back is breathtaking.

Now it was back to the hotel to work on a little water issue. When we turned on our faucet the water that came out resembled Coca-Cola. This presents an issue since I have a real issue with showering every morning. It seems that the hotel had been without water for a few days and they were working on getting the water to come out of the faucets clear. Since we weren't sure this was going to be taken care of by morning, my sweet husband bought a case of water and planned to pour it over my head in the morning so that I could have my daily shower. Fortunately, the water was clear in the morning and I was able to take a regular shower. Well, as regular as the showers get in this kind of accommodation. It is really quite humorous -- a square tray in the floor with s shower head coming out of the wall is the shower -- no, no shower curtain. You are close enough to the sink and toilet that you can take care of all of your morning business at one time. It's greatness. But, now I've skipped forward to Day 3 - and this is THE big day. So I'll wait and do Day 3 next time.
PRAYER REQUEST: Tomorrow (Monday the 22nd) is our second court date. As we sleep tonight, our case will be reviewed again by the judge. We are prayerful that our letter of recommendation will be there and we will officially 'pass' court. We should know tomorrow morning, one way or the other.

Psalm 91:14-16
Because he loves Me,” says the LORD, “I will rescue him;
I will protect him, for he acknowledges My name.
He will call on me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble,
I will deliver him and honor him.
With long life I will satisfy him
and show him My salvation.”

(thank you Syd for sending me this verse!)

We're Home

We returned home from Ethiopia yesterday. We met our beautiful daughter on Wednesday and she stole our hearts!! She is precious and God has blessed us beyond what we could have imagined. I plan to blog about our days in Ethiopia and our experience of meeting Mary-A, but for tonight I will just give a quick court update.
Everything went smoothly at court with her birth mother relinquishing rights and for us consenting to the adoption. The judge was kind and gave our case a favorable ruling, but there is one document that comes from a specific governmental department that was not ready. Our understanding is that there have been numerous new people hired in the department and that this has caused a delay in getting the letter of recommendation that is needed to officially 'pass court'. Our case was rescheduled for November 22 and prayerfully the letter of recommendation will be ready and Mary-A will legally be ours.
Thank you for your continued prayers. They carried us through the difficult times of this trip and buoyed our spirits like nothing else could!

"Know that the Lord is God. It is He who made us, and we are His; we are His people, the sheep of His pasture. Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name. For the Lord is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations." Psalm 100:3-5

Ethiopia Here We Come!!

Travel day is finally here! We are walking out the door and headed to the airport. I will send updates whenever possible.
Please pray for safe travel, peaceful hearts, amazing union with Mary-A (Nov 9th), God's blessing on meeting birth mother (Nov 9th), and successful court date (Nov 12th).
Can't wait for everyone to see our beautiful daughter!!

Ethiopian Necklaces

In 3 days we will be on our way back to Ethiopia. My heart skips a beat just thinking about it! I am obviously thrilled to finally be meeting our sweet Mary-A, to hold her, squeeze her, and kiss those adorable cheeks. But, there is also a thrill in my heart to be returning to Ethiopia. This country did something to my heart and I can't forget the beauty and graciousness of the people. I am so grateful that God allowed us to experience our child's birth country prior to meeting her, because I truly believe it gave me a deep desire to keep her connected to her amazing birth country.

Many of our friends and family have purchased a magazine bead necklace from me as a way to support our adoption. We were able to get some of these necklaces in Ethiopia. After being there, I appreciate the colors captured in each of these necklaces because they remind me of the vibrant colors that were all around us in Ethiopia. Each of these beads is hand rolled from a strip of magazine paper and the end result is truly gorgeous. We have decided to sell these ETHIOPIAN magazine bead necklaces as a way to support our adoption and ask our friends and family to continue praying for our family and Mary-A over the next several weeks as we travel to meet her, go to court to finalize our adoption and then return to Ethiopia with our other 4 children to finally be reunited as a family!! 1 necklace is $25 or 3 for $70. I will be happy to deliver them or ship them - just let me know! Thank you for all of the amazing support, prayers and encouragement as we travel this journey God has chosen for our family!

High Highs and Low Lows

We will be on the plane bound for our daughter in Ethiopia in less than 4 days! I am SO filled with emotion there are no words to adequately express what is in my heart.
However, the enemy is hard at work trying to distract and discourage here in the Porter family. We refuse to let him!! We have experienced some unexpected circumstances this past week, but I was reminded of the first verse we learned last year:

Gen 50:20 "You intended to harm me but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives."

We are also holding steadfast to:

Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future."

Satan may have thought he pulled the rug out from under us, but we will land on our feet through the power of Christ Jesus!
We rejoice in all the unknowns that this weeks holds because we know that God is going before us. And we look forward, with sweet anticipation, to all the firsts that next week has in store because we know that Christ Jesus and ordained them from the beginning of time.

Thank you for continuing to pray for our family!

17 Days - but who's counting

We are so grateful that we have already been to Ethiopia because that helps us know what to expect from the air travel, country, and accomodation side of things. There are many other details to be sorted out and put in place!
We will be leaving DFW on November 5th. We are planning to worship at Beza International Church on Sunday and meet with new friends we made on our last trip. Monday morning, we will drive 12 hours on very bumpy roads to meet Mary-A. It will be 3 days round trip as we have to have her back in Addis two days before court. Our court 'hearing' is on November 12th, and Lord willing, we will officially be her parents when we board the plane that night to return home (we will arrive back at DFW on Nov 13th). You better believe that if we pass court there will be the most beautiful picture of our daughter for you to see!!
I can hardly wait to hold her, love on her and kiss her!! I can't really believe it's happening and so fast!! The holidays are going to be so amazing this year - THANK YOU LORD!! We are still praying to have her home with her forever family by Christmas and for my sister-in-law's wedding. What a time of celebration it will be!!

Specific Prayer Requests:
- safe and healthy travel
- God's guidance and words when meeting her birth mother
- court to go smoothly & that we'll pass
- peace as our family prepares for this transition
- Hannah, Luke, Katy & Emily will be blessed and changed by this journey
- we will be gracious, patient and kind
- God will continue to prepare us to be adoptive parents (for the 1st time) and parents again (for the 5th time)
- speedy Embassy appointment after court (to bring her home)

COURT DATE!!!

We got the phone call yesterday afternoon.
We have a NOVEMBER 12TH court date!
We are SO SO SO excited!!

Thank you for praying so faithfully for our family.

God is Good and His timing is perfect!!

Days 1 & 2 (actually it's only 1/2)

Mission Trip - Day 1
We spent our first day at Kingdom Vision International orphanage. This is the orphanage our dear friends, the Alexanders, got their first little boy from. As our vans drove in, the kids were so excited and swarmed around. They ran up and hugged and kissed us - so so beautiful. There are 85 children at this orphanage from infant to teenager and they were all amazing. After handing out Dum-Dums and bracelets and hugs and kisses, it was time to get down to business. Three dentist examined teeth and I got to work with a sweet friend in what we affectionately refer to as the 'hygiene hut'. I got to learn (and try to say) each child's name and then we gave them each a toothbrush, toothpaste and taught them how to brusha-brusha-brusha. IF they brush their teeth it is done on Weds, but since most of them didn't even know how to hold their toothbrush I doubt it happens too often. Their eyes lit up as if we had handed them a treasure! Some of them even walked around the orphanage brushing their teeth they were so excited. Some of the team painted the hallway and toddler room -- other played games of soccer and chase and others did crafts with the older kids and still others held and rocked babies. There was lots of holding and rocking and yes, I shed a few tears too. My heart hurts for these precious children that are so beautiful and so in need of and deserving of love. And my heart hurts because I know our little girl is so close but so far and I want to be holding her. I want her to know that we are coming for her, I want someone to love on her and hold her until we can get there !! It is a heartache that I can't explain --- I hurt for these children with no one to call mommy and daddy and I hurt for our little girl that doesn't know she has a mommy and daddy!! I hope someone with a child waiting at KVI knows that we loved on them until they can get there just as I pray someone is doing for our baby!!
Well, I got half-way through the first day and I haven't even explained the sheep slaughter on this day or touched on Day 2. We'll pick up at the sheep part tomorrow.