Days 2 and 3

Day 2:
After enjoying an American breakfast (with an Ethiopian flare) at our transition house, we headed out for Nazaret. It is a city a couple hours outside of Addis (the capital). Two of the other couples with us had children at an orphanage there. Although it meant we wouldn’t get to spend any time with our kids this day, we were glad to get to be with our new friends as they met their children. It really was an unexpected gift to get to be a part of a special moment for these families- one we will always cherish. You can see in the pictures, how precious this time was!

We enjoyed lunch and a tour of the countryside together which included feeding monkeys at a park. In addition to the bananas, our eyes were peeled along the way but we saw no signs of lions, elephants or zebras- just more cows, goats and donkeys.

The Sweeneys stayed the night in Nazaret to be able to spend one more morning with their baby while we and the Borders came on back to the transition house. We were looking forward to one more visit on Monday before the big day- COURT.

Day 3:
We were so excited to get back to the orphanage where we could spend some time with our kids. Just before we arrived, however, Woudeneh informed us that Chernet wasn’t there- he was in school. We asked about going there or just staying longer at the orphanage so we could see him but could tell it wasn’t a great idea. Therefore, we decided to go with the flow and enjoy our time with the girls. The “no photographing” rule was strictly enforced and we were unable to even take pictures when it was us alone with them. Again, we remembered the suggestion to be polite and not question the nannys or other orphanage workers and just focused on playing with Mulu and Woubet.

We blew up a couple punch ball (balloons), chased after small bouncy balls, shared peanut butter crackers and hershey kisses, and let them have free reign of the pens in my journal (thanks again, Cassie! They loved it!!!). We watched as Mulu shared everything she had with her little sister. We discovered a strong bond between the two of them in the short two hours we were there. It was precious!

The two hours went by so fast and right on time we heard the beeping of the van as it backed into the open gate. We headed back to the Borders kids’ orphanage to pick Lewis and Margaret up then went to lunch and prepared for the shopping excursion.

The consensus over lunch was to try the market where the bartering was more challenging but potentially more rewarding. Thankfully, we had some pros with us- real salesmen, who were up for the challenge. Tim and I decided to just follow their lead. This was our Ethiopian street experience- unforgettable! The best deal was a drum we purchased for Victor. Thanks to Ryan’s bargaining tactics, the salesman begged us to take it for half of the "original" price.

The day was full of once in a lifetime experiences. We saw heart wrenching signs of poverty as beggars approached us asking for money. Many of them children- such an injustice. It reminded us of what a mess sin has made of this world we live in. Thankfully, it is only temporary and our God is a god of justice. Psalm 146 reminds us,

"How blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the LORD his God, who made heaven and earth, the sea and all that is in them; who keeps faith forever; who executes justice for the oppressed; who gives food to the hungry. The LORD sets the prisoners free. The LORD opens the eyes of the blind; The LORD raises up those who are bowed down; The LORD loves the righteous; The LORD protects the strangers; He supports the fatherless and the widow,but He thwarts the way of the wicked."

After this amazing day of sights and experiences, we returned to the transition home to gear up for the purpose of our trip- court (day 4).

Our trip for court (day 1)

Happy New Year!

“If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” 2 Cor. 5:17

We are so thankful for the new life we received when we decided to go all in with Jesus. Sure it was a risk, trusting in something/someOne we couldn’t completely see with our eyes, although evidence of His activity was (and still is) all around. And now, as we enter into 2011, we get to begin another new chapter in our lives as a family of eight. Unaware of the challenges we’ll face, God promises that His “lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning, Great is (His) faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23. Thank goodness! And how exciting!

Our hope and prayer is that God will use our story to motivate others to follow His call in their lives to experience the blessings of adoption. We certainly are examples of how He can accomplish much with little. Evidence of that is in a previous post about our adoption expenses.

The following is the beginning of an abbreviated version of our first trip to Ethiopia. Of course we are still processing much of what we experienced and for the sake of brevity, many details will not be included. If anyone is interested in more information, however, about our process or experiences, please don’t hesitate to ask- we’d love to share!

Traveling:
We were so excited to see our children that we couldn’t relax and sleep on the 12 hour flight. We arrived at 9:30 am Ethiopia time which was 1:30am our time. One of the first things Woudeneh said at the airport was, “no resting today- too much to do.” Thankfully, the adrenaline kept us awake and excited about our first day in Ethiopia.

Day 1 (Saturday):
We went straight to the transition house (a place for West Sands couples to stay where children also stay between passing court and going home- a brilliant idea), and settled in our rooms before having lunch. We then headed to the orphanage to meet our kids. Out of the four couples traveling together, there were 3 orphanages to visit, in two days. We learned that we would all go together on these initial visits. Although it made us look like a documentary crew, we were happy to have friends there taking pictures and videotaping so we could concentrate on enjoying that initial meeting. Obviously, we quickly bonded with the other couples with us!

Ours was the first orphanage the group would visit. The expectations were lowered a bit when just before entering, we were told not to tell the children the purpose of our visit, nor to take pictures of ANYONE other than our kids. This, plus the fact that we couldn’t speak their language made the initial meeting a bit awkward- but forever preciously etched in our minds. You can see in the pictures how hesitant Chernet and Mulu were to our affection. Woubet, on the other hand, had no trouble loosening up. Thankfully, God gave us a peace and joy about this meeting and although we didn’t want to leave, we loaded back into the van only 30-40 minutes after arriving.

(more to come)

We Made It!

Other than the inability to communicate with friends and family through email or our blog, our trip to Ethiopia for court was flawless. Thankfully we could use facebook to send short updates.

Our experience meeting the kids, going to court, and meeting their birth father could not have gone more smoothly. There is so much to tell but we still have a few days of celebrating Christmas and this battle with jet lag, so we'll post a few pictures now and save the details for later.

Thanks!

We made it to DC through the ice and snow and even have time to rest before the flight to Ethiopia tomorrow. God is good!

Leaving the kids was harder than I expected because we discovered just before leaving that Tommy has strep throat. There's not much worse for a mommy than to leave her kids for a week when they are sick! Thankfully, God has given us awesome friends and family who will take great care of them while we are gone. Because of the storm, we took an earlier flight hoping to avoid the delays. Although it gave us peace of mind concerning our flight schedule, it meant one more night away from Tommy, Victor and Vanessa which also made the departure a little harder. Again though, I'm continually reminded that they are in great hands and will probably have too much fun this week to miss us.

Thank you, Cassie, Kerrin, Mom and Dad, Julie ,and Jenny for your willingness (and eagerness) to watch them for us while we are away this WEEK before Christmas!

Thank you, Nicole, for being ready to watch Vanessa, and thanks, Molly, for understanding that now isn't a good time for you or your mommy or daddy to get strep throat! Vanessa can't wait for that overnighter once we're all home.

Thank you, Katie, for taking care of our house and for volunteering to wrap up some tasks I didn't finish, and thanks, Taylor, for caring for our feathered friends.

Thank you, Tom and Loreatha, for keeping Jazzy, transporting our van from the airport, planning to pick us up from the airport, and filling in the gaps that may be created while we are away.

Thank you, Amy, for all you did (and loaned us) to help us prepare for what is to come. As we've said before, if it weren't for your example, we wouldn't be here!

Thank you, Susan, Cindy, and Lesley for the imperative part you've played in this story as our adoption agency.

Thank you Denise, Kelli, Donna, and Nikki for the encouragement and tips from your experiences.

Thank you, Vanessa, for your enthusiasm, prayers and support.

And most importantly, to everyone who has offered to help and/or pray for us in this radical endeavor, thank you! God is clearly hearing and answering your requests to give us strength and peace.

Thanks!
Love,
Tim and Alicia

3 days left!

Proverbs 19:21 says, "Many plans are in a man's heart, but the counsel of the LORD will stand."

Many of you know how I like to organize and plan. I'm so glad we had 2 months to pack and plan for this trip, however, I'm also glad that through trying to remember EVERY little detail, God has reminded me that He's got this covered!

We are about to bust with excitement as we countdown the days to our trip- THIS THURSDAY!!! Thank you to all who have lifted us up in prayer. We certainly feel God's protection as we move into the last leg of this first waiting period to meet Chernet, Mulu and Woubet. It's so exciting to say that our next post will be from the other side of the world (where it's not so snowy)!

Donation to Orphanage

After some of you have asked about taking gifts to the orphanage, we inquired with our agency about what would be the best thing to do. Since we have been blessed with more than enough clothes for all SIX of our kids, we plan to pack 3 of our 4 allowed suitcases full of clothes and shoes for the children at the orphanage. This will leave little room for us to pack additional soccer balls, toys or other gift items. Therefore, if you would like to donate something for our kids' orphanage, money would be the best. As we did while adopting Victor in Ukraine when we bought the reems of fabric for diapers, we will ask the Ethiopian orphanage director what is needed when arrive and then be able to support their economy by purchasing it there.

Thanks again to all of you who are showing your support through encouraging words, prayers and/or tangible gifts. We feel so blessed (and unworthy) to be a part of such an incredible God story!
Love,
Tim and Alicia

Time to celebrate!

We are so happy to announce that our court date has been scheduled for December 21st!!! We will get to spend a full week with Chernet, Mulu and Woubet "Ruby" before returning home to Tommy, Victor and Vanessa on Christmas Eve. Praise God!

Matthew 7:7-11 "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.... Or what man among you who, when his son asks for a loaf, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, he will not give him a snake, will he? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, How much more will your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him?"

Strength will rise as we wait upon the LORD.

While we wait for a court date, God continues to to remind us that He is in control of this adoption and is using the waiting period to give us an incredible longing for these children, but more importantly, to bring us closer to Him. Last week He showed us that we are like the person described in Psalm 65:4: "How blessed is the one whom You choose and bring near to You to dwell in Your courts. We will be satisfied with the goodness of Your house, Your holy temple." We are learning to appreciate this wait and to be satisfied with the blessings God has given us each day as we anticipate the blessings to come. Yesterday, we were reminded of His promises in Isaiah 40:31: "...those who wait for the LORD will gain new strength...". So we will gladly wait.

Good News

Proverbs 15:30 "Bright eyes gladden the heart; good news puts fat on the bones."

As we are getting more and more anxious while waiting for a court date, our agency called yesterday to give us some information about our children's birthdays. This is pretty cool:

Chernet's bday is 3/30/02- that's the same as Tommy's!!! AND it makes him just 2 weeks older than Victor (a little older than we expected but not a problem- Victor is thrilled to have a "twin").

Mulu's bday is 2/2/06- that makes her just about 6 MONTHS YOUNGER than Vanessa (who certainly would have struggled giving up the "oldest sister" position). A perfect age for a playmate though!

Woubet's bday is 6/16/07- the same day as my sister, Sherry's, youngest, Sarah. Woubet is 1 year older than Sarah but having the same birthday will make things easier for Mom and Dad who are going from 12 to 15 grandkids!

Again, God has blessed us with the reminder that He is in control of this adoption and our lives!

Courts re-open on Monday! Finally!!! Our corrected file will be submitted ASAP and we will hopefully get word of a date in the next week or so. We're praying somehow we can get an October date so our kids can come home before the end of the year. We know so many friends and family are praying and feel so blessed because of that! Thank you!!!

A New Van (well, new to us!)

God has blessed us with an incredible deal on a 15 year old 15 passenger van. Through some mutual friends, we discovered a van whose family is moving overseas. They sold us the van just before leaving last weekend. It has some minor issues needing repair but Tim is happy to have a project to keep his mind off this waiting period.

It's one more month until we hear of a court date. The earliest possible date would be mid to late Oct. We'll go and meet the children (and hopefully pass court), then come home and wait another 6-12 weeks before going back to bring them home. The collage of pictures on our refrigerator surrounds the verse from Isaiah 49:23, "...Those who hopefully wait for Me will not be put to shame."

We so appreciate all of your prayers. We are watching and feeling God prepare us in so many ways!

Another Gift!

We were surprised to discover last week that some friends of ours, Amy and Charlie Marcum, were able to see and hug Chernet, Mulu, and Woubet when they were in Ethiopia picking up their adopted kids. We were originally told by our agency that our kids were still in an orphanage in their home town (8 hours from the capital city) but were thrilled to find out from the Marcums that they were actually in the captial city at the SAME orphanage as their kids. Amazing! Through the Marcums we've been able to put personalities on the pictures hanging on our fridge- an incredible and unexpected gift from God!

still waiting for a court date

As we continue to wait, we heard yesterday that the delay is due to a mistake in Chernet's birth certificate. As soon as the corrected birth certificate makes it to the adoption agency, they will re-file us for court. Compared to dates already being issued, the earliest we could go for our first trip will be the end of October. That would put our second trip and homecoming for the kids, late December. We are thankful the mistake was caught now rather than when we are there and denied at court. Our new prayer request is that we get to bring them home before the end of this year. It sure would make for an unforgettable Christmas!

The Gift

Psalm 51:12 "Restore to me the joy of Your salvation and sustain me with a willing spirit."

The adoption gift of $12,000 is the largest monetary gift we've ever received. It doesn't compare, however, to the gift God has given us in sacrificing His son. The gift of $12,000 will pay for our airfare and travel expenses to bring our children home. God's gift of salvation pays for our sins so that we can one day go to our eternal home. It's because of God's gift that we even have the desire to adopt 3 more children into our family. It's because of God's gift that we can be blown away and blessed by the $12,000 gift. Our shock and excitement over our adoption expenses being paid for should pale in comparison to our sins being cleared.

Thank you, God, that "Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow." James 1:17

Psalm 51:12 "Restore to me the joy of Your salvation and sustain me with a willing spirit."

Adoption Expenses part 2

Be sure to read the previous post, "Our Adoption Expenses", before reading this one.

Ecclesiates 11:5 "Just as you do not know the path of the wind or how bones are formed in the womb, so you do not know the activity of God who makes all things."

total needed yesterday to complete adoption = $12,000

total needed today to complete adoption = $0

After reading our blog post from yesterday, some friends who had been asking God about how they could participate in our adoption decided the answer was to pay the remaining fees. We are utterly amazed, full of joy, and soaking wet from the blessings God has poured on us from "His windows of heaven" Malachi 3:10.

Our Adoption Expenses

Psalm 105:1-5 says to “give thanks to the LORD, call upon His name; Make known His deeds among the peoples…Speak of all His wonders…Let the heart of those who seek the LORD be glad. Seek the LORD and His strength; Seek His face continually. Remember His wonders which He has done…” Our adoption story (specifically how God has provided the necessary funds) is one of those wonders. It is also proof of God’s promise in Malachi 3:10 that if we “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse and test God…He will open the windows of heaven and pour out for us a blessing until it overflows.”

After celebrating Victor’s 5th Gotcha Day last October, we began to consider the idea of adopting again. That same month, Tim learned that he would be receiving a bonus from work and although we had been thinking about purchasing another vehicle, we knew the amount would be enough to pay for the first fee of an adoption process. We prayed about it, did a little research and felt the doors were open to move ahead with an Ethiopian adoption. We only had a couple thousand dollars from Tim’s bonus to begin the process and didn’t know from where the rest of the money would come, however, we felt God’s Spirit moving us to forget about buying a truck and pursue adoption, trusting He would provide the rest. So we did.

At the time we thought the adoption would cost about the same as the fees for our first adoption, $15,000- 20,000. In fact, one reason we chose Ethiopia was because of the lower fees and the one week long trip requirement. Early on we also prayed that we wouldn’t have to borrow money from the bank for this adoption as we did for the first. That desire came from the fact that until just recently we have always lived above our means, using any extra money to pay off debt from a home equity loan or credit card bill. Now that our only debt is our mortgage and we feel we are finally honoring God by sticking with a budget and not spending more than we make, we didn’t want to have to get another bank loan. From the start, this was my prayer. Tim wasn’t convinced, however, that God would have us pay for it any other way, so he met with the bank and filled out the application for a home equity loan. A couple days later he learned that we DIDN’T qualify for the loan because of the housing market and the fact that we had recently refinanced (who doesn’t qualify for loans these days!!!). Although my initial thought was, “Then we can’t adopt”, I remembered my prayer that we wouldn’t have to get a bank loan and the verse God showed me during my quiet time THAT MORNING. It was Deuteronomy 33:27, “The eternal God is a dwelling place, and underneath are the everlasting arms.” Tim agreed that God wanted us to trust Him to provide for this adoption and not the safety net of the bank. A few weeks later this was confirmed when we were $200 short of turning in the next home study fee and some friends of ours came up to us at church and gave us a $200 check specifically for the adoption. They had brought it to church to give as a donation for the Haitian relief offering but (unaware of our need) felt the Spirit telling them to give it to our adoption instead.

An interesting side note but certainly the reason we’re sharing this is that the message at church that morning was on Malachi 3:10. After feeling challenged to trust God completely with our finances, Tim felt convicted to increase our giving to a percentage he had wanted to achieve for a while. Although our budget was already tight and we had just begun the adoption process and weren’t sure how we would pay for it, Tim adjusted our budget so that our giving to the church would reflect the conviction he was feeling in his heart. We prayed God would honor this decision and pour out the blessings, and boy, has He ever!

We started looking around the house for things we could sell to raise money for the adoption fees. The kids even made note cards that Dad offered to have printed so we could sell at the yard sale we were planning. Friends and family donated items for the sale and we were blown away that at the end of the day, the total amount raised (on really just a bunch of junk) was double what we expected- not $400 but $800. The amount wasn’t what blew us away; it was the fact that it was twice what we thought it would be. You see, we were well enough in to the adoption at this point to discover that our initial estimate of the cost was only half of what it would actually be ($30,000 rather than $15,000). Two things had changed to raise the cost. One was the new regulation for couples to have to make 2 trips instead of 1. The second was the fact that somehow, our hearts had been opened to adopting two children at the same time instead of one.

In looking over our budget again for something else we could cut, Tim decided to turn in our cable box and give up TV channels for a year. THE SAME DAY he turned it in, Dad came by the house to give us money mom had made by selling the kids note cards. He gave me the $100 from Mom and another envelope from him. I opened it and found a $5,000 check! Once I stopped crying and listened to his explanation, I discovered this was actually from his mom, Mamaw, who had recently passed away and left money for her children in her will. Dad had wanted to give it to my sisters and me a few months earlier (around Christmas) but wasn’t able to until just that week. Tears again welled up as I explained that it couldn’t be better timing!

There’s more! Some friends asked if they could host a fundraising hoedown to raise money for our adoption. Although it was hard to accept because of our pride and discomfort in feeling like we were asking friends and family for money, we felt the Spirit urging us to allow them to do this for us so God could continue to provide what we needed to pay for the fees. We were overwhelmed by the support of friends and family who joined in the square dancing and had a great time with us in a celebration of this adoption. Again we were shocked to learn that $1700 was raised to help pay for the fees.

Some other financial blessings were placed in our laps, including another bonus from Tim’s work and our tax refund, so that currently we have paid $18,000 for this adoption- all without having to borrow from the bank! Our most recent news was of our referral, which was another shocker. It seems that rather than one or even two children, God has chosen for us a sibling group of three. We didn’t even consider the increased cost when looking at their faces in the pictures, but accepted the referral immediately then asked what it would entail. With the extra child, our total costs will be just under $40,000. So, rather than being finished with paying fees at $18,000 (our initial estimate), we were only half way there. We had seen God’s handiwork too much from the start to doubt He would give us what we needed even though we were only half way there! So again we got on our knees.

The week after we accepted the referral, our next fee of $10,000 was due. We had $7,000 in the bank and asked God about the other $3,000. Without a clear answer the following morning, I called the bank to check on another type of loan with which we might qualify- we were desperate and thought that it was good enough to make it to $18,000 without a bank loan and the time had come to inquire. Apparently God, looking out the window of His storehouse, didn’t think so. At the same time I was talking to the bank about a loan, Tim was pulled aside by a buddy at work who (not knowing our need) said he and his wife had money saved in an account they were using for an adoption but didn’t need it yet. If we needed cash with the increased # of kids, they’d be happy to loan us money interest free! Did you catch this was the same time I was talking to the bank?!!! Just 2 days later we received a call from Orphan Care Alliance. It is an organization which helps families with adoption expenses. They informed us that they would be giving us a $10,000 interest free loan. Little by little God was rewarding our trust by providing JUST what we needed exactly when we needed it.

It gets even better! This is the overflowing part. The following day (last Friday), we were shown an article about the adoption tax credit which is now considered a refund. Basically, we will get $13,170 (minus any grant money) back PER CHILD at tax season next year. So for us that means we will get a refund of $39,510 (minus the amount given to us by others specifically for the adoption) - that’s the cost of the adoption. WOW! It was like God was saying, “Okay, it’s time you see that I’ve got this covered like I said I would in Malachi 3:10. Now why not focus on the children instead of how you’re going to pay for this!”

The $10,000 interest free loan will help us pay the remaining referral fee of $5000 and allow us to pay our friend back, plus pay for one of our $2000 airline tickets. We are now waiting to see how God will give us the cash we need to pay the remaining $12,000(mostly airfare and travel expenses) to complete the adoption. We feel better about borrowing from the bank because we know in the spring of next year we will be able to pay it all back with the tax refund. We’re still not so sure, however, that God wants us to go that route. It’s what we’ve prayed from the start, that we wouldn’t have to borrow from the bank and pay interest, and so far, $18,000 into it, we haven’t had to! God is so good and faithful to His Word! We are continually amazed!!!

Malachi 3:16 “Then those who feared the LORD spoke to one another, and the LORD gave attention and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before Him for those who fear the LORD and esteem His name.”

1 Peter 2:9 "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His possession, so that you may proclaim the praises of the One who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light."

Psalm 37:7

"Rest in the LORD and wait patiently for Him."

As we watch God work out every detail of this adoption, our faith is growing. We found out yesterday that it would be less expensive and less hassle in the long run if Tim and I both travel to Ethiopia for the first trip. It doesn't matter so much for the 2nd trip except with three children it would just be harder if one parent were traveling alone. So we've made the decision to both go both times. I'm a little (well okay, maybe a lot!) relieved that Tim will be with me. We also found out that our first trip could happen in July as the agency we are working with in Ethiopia isn't waiting for our approval for 3 (rather than 2) to come in. If it's not in by our second trip we could be delayed but that shouldn't happen. If we don't get a court date for July, we would have to wait until at least September as the Ethiopian court system closes for the month of August. So that's our prayer now, that we could get a date and go before August. We trust God's timing and know that if we don't get to make our first trip until September, it is for a good reason. We keep looking at the pictures of our children, however, and want to bring them home as soon as possible, so we'll continue to ask God to give us a court date in July.

Psalm 52:8-9 "I trust in the lovingkindness of God forever and ever. I will give You thanks forever, because You have done it. And I will wait on Your name for it is good in the presence of Your godly ones."

Answered Prayer

Psalm 140:12-13 "I know that the LORD will maintain the cause of the afflicted and justice for the poor. Surely the righteous will give thanks to Your name; The upright will dwell in Your presence."

Today we are thanking God for answering a specific prayer from yesterday. It had to do with our home study being amended to approve us for 3 children rather than 2. Initially we were told it would be no problem to change the number, however, a few days ago we received an email that explained how our home needed to be inspected again so our case worker could make the determination that we were fit to handle one more child. She had already determined 2 were fine, but one more apparently made a big difference. This questioning caused a bit of stress as we wondered if we would actually be denied this opportunity to adopt Chernet, Mulunesh and Woubet.

In obedience to Scripture, we "casted our burden upon the LORD who never allows the righteous to be shaken" Psalm 55:22, and asked Him to remove this whole scenario of another home visit. He did just that (and more!) After speaking with our adoption agency yesterday afternoon, the president of our home study agency wrote us a letter of apology. It seemed they had us confused with another family with a different home. Once the head of our agency read to them the description of our home from our home study document, they agreed to amend our approval for 3 children rather than 2 without needing a home visit.

Psalm 71:14-16 "But as for me, I will hope continually, and will praise You yet more and more. My mouth shall tell of Your righteousness and of Your salvation all day long; For I do not know the sum of them. I will come with the mighty deeds of the LORD God; I will make mention of Your righteousness, Yours alone."

The two big questions we are being asked now are: "When do you get to bring them home?" and "Is it costing more with three?" The short answers are we're not sure and yes. Once our approval for 3 is final and birth certificates are secured in Ethiopia for our new children, we will apply for a court date. We are guessing that would take a minimum of 6 weeks. That means it could be as early as 6 weeks I (Alicia) travel to Ethiopia for the court date (1st trip). Eight weeks later both Tim and I would return for the Embassy date and then bring our children home. Yes, it is costing more money, but God has provided what we've needed up to this point and we are continuing to trust that He will work that out as well.

Thank you all for your prayers and encouraging words of support! It's what motivates us to continue on this path.

3 x 2 = 6

Psalm 94:19 says, "When my anxious thoughts multiply within me, Your consolations delight my soul."

We are so happy to announce that God has revealed His plan to multiply our family. We received a referral Thursday afternoon and were surprised that it wasn't one child or even two but THREE! It's hard to put into words the joy we are all experiencing at the thought of being able to bring home these 3 precious children. Chernet is (about) 7 and a boy, Mulunesh is (about) 4 and a girl, and Woubet is (about 2) and a girl. Their ages and genders are a perfect match for Tommy (10), Victor (8), and Vanessa (almost 5).

Our heads are spinning as we try to comprehend what this will look like for our family. Focusing on the unknown, however, can become overwhelming, so we are just continuing to do what God has been preparing us to do through the waiting and that is trust that He has it all covered. As a reminder of this, Psalm 94:19 will remain on our refrigerator next to the pictures of these gifts God is giving us.

Tommy's reaction was, "SWEET!". Victor wants to know when we can go get them. Vanessa's first question was, "Do I get to be in charge of the girls?"

Please pray that our process to court and then to bring them home will be quick and without any hurdles. We will post pictures once they are officially Rowes.

Psalm 139:7 "Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence?"

Jeremiah 23:23 "'Am I a God who is near,' declares the LORD, "And not a God far off?'"

Psalm 23:1-3 "The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me like down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake."

Job 22:21-30 "Yield now and be at peace with Him; Thereby good will come to you. Please receive instruction from His mouth and establish His words in your heart...For then you will delight in the Almighty and lift up your face to God. You will pray to Him and He will hear you and you will pay your vows. You will also decree a thing and it will be established for you; And light will shine on our ways."

We wait

After celebrating Victor's 5th Gotcha Day last October, we knew it was time for us to adopt again. On November 27th we mailed in the homestudy application. On April 26th we completed our part of the paperwork process by turning in the documents to be mailed to Ethiopia. Now we wait. Our referral should come any day.

We are so anxious and can hardly stand this waiting to find out who God has chosen for our family. Scripture consistently tells us, however, to trust that He has it under control, "How blessed is the man who has made the LORD his trust, and has not turned to the proud, nor to those who lapse into falsehood. Many, O LORD my God, are the wonders which You have done, and Your thoughts toward us; there is none to compare with You. If I would declare and speak of them, they would be too numerous to count." Psalm 40:4-5. We want to continue to be blessed like this, so we wait. We are praying for God to choose- boy? girl? one? two? We trust He knows better than we do who is to be in our family. After all, He's gotten three right so far! So we wait.