And they're off!

This is Blake, Jonathan, Stewart, and Erika reporting live. Earlier today Dad, Mom, Abigail, and Caleb began their 24-hour trek to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Back on the home front, we are enjoying fun times with Grandpa and Grandma. We plan to keep you updated with the latest news from Africa, so stay tuned!

Flipped...

You've got to be kidding!! Is this really happening?? I must be dreaming!! We're going to Africa!! Next week!! We're going to meet our girls, and we are going to bring them HOME!! I am overwhelmed, and somewhat surprised, with the outrageous stuff going on in my heart. It's hard to explain, but I have flipped. The only explanation for this is...hmmmm...it must be a God thing. I think it happened the moment that I found out that the court hearing went through, and that I became the Daddy. There are just some things that cannot be explained or understood by physics, math, chemistry, or any of our physical senses. My heart is melted at the sight of their glowing eyes and sweet smiles. I can hardly wait to call them by name, and am excited about the thought of giving them new names to go with their Ethiopian ones. For now, though, there is much to do. I must keep focused at work, and I'd like to leave home with things in order as much as possible. So, I keep plugging away, enjoying the anticipation of that first embrace--hoping that I won't scare them! Heidi, you are incredibly beautiful! There is no one else that I would rather take this adventure with! I am crazy about you, and I don't care if my outrageous love for you gets broadcast to the entire planet! Erika, Stew, Abbie, Caleb, Blake, and Jonathan--you guys bring so much meaning, pleasure, joy, and purpose to life. I love being your Daddy. You guys make me feel so young! (Most of the time). Let's go!!!!!!!

"Because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us ALIVE!" Eph. 2.4

We're Traveling!!

Yesterday we received our invitation to travel from the U.S. Embassy in Ethiopia. Our travel dates are for Friday, July 31 and our Embassy date is for the 4th of August. Caleb (10) and Abigail (14) will be traveling with us, while Grandpa and Grandma will be coming to be with the kids at home. We are extremely excited and so thankful that the girls had negative TB tests. Please continue to pray for us as we pack and make final preparations. Thanks!

One Step Closer

I have good news to report. We now have word that the girls each have their Ethiopian birth certificates and passports, and this morning I found out that they were tested for TB yesterday. If those tests are negative, we will be assigned our embassy date. Two days ago we received updated pictures, and the girls look so good. They are both smiling, their hair has grown, and they have filled out with better nutrition. It was wonderful seeing the change and to know that they are thriving. I look forward with great anticipation to the next post being one to announce our travel plans. As soon as we receive our invitation to travel, I will let you know.......

still waiting...

Hello all! This is Erika. I was hoping that this blog post would include pictures of my new sisters, but unfortunately I cannot get the formatting to work. People keep asking when my parents will go to Ethiopia to get the 'girls' and we keep saying that we have no idea! Well, we still have no idea! My mom did find out though that we are waiting for the girls to receive their Ethiopian passport and birth certificate. Once they recieve this paperwork, then an embassy date can be set. And once we know when the embassy date is, then my parents know when they can go!

Meanwhile, we are busy here at home getting ready. Abigail and I have cleaned and reorganized our room. Somehow we are going to fit four girls in that room! There is lots of reorganization and de-junking happening at our house these days. But now we are eager to bring the girls home! Thanks for all your prayers and love towards our family as we continue along this adventure!

But I trust in you, O LORD; I say, "You are my God." My times are
in your hands. (Psalms 31.14-15)