Day 3: Morning has been rough for the boys

Last night went well with the girls. Everyone went to bed without a lot problems and the girls did pretty good after Susan laid down with them.  However, Mom and Dad did not sleep well so we have been struggling this morning.  This morning was rough for Andrew, he woke up not feeling well and couldn't keep anything down for about 4 hours.. He is doing better now but we are going to take it easy today. Travelling around Addis with a sensitive stomach is not recommended given the roads. 

 

William is struggling a bit with the girls, so please pray for him.  I think it frustrates him that they don't understand him, but he is trying.  He is not being mean to them, rather he is taking it out on Mom&Dad which is fine.

 

The staff at the guest home is helping translate and helping Susan with the girls hair.  That is one of the benefits of staying in these guest homes. The staff's are wonderful and very helpful.  

 

Rahel is helping Susan with Tigist which is awesome. They are calling her Mommy and realy bonding with her which is great, and I don't scare them which is good too.

 

Overall, the day is going well.

 

 

 

We Got Them 2 days early!!!!

We are now a family of 6!!  We called the Agency to check in and confirm everything for Monday and they said they are ready now!!! WOW!! They (the agency) told them we were already here.. So we go their clothes and went to the HOH to get them.   What a twist we weren't expecting but glad  it has happened.

Also, NEVER TRUST A PICTURE!! is our new motto.  Tigist is a bundle of energy and Rahel is the shy one which is the exact oppositie of what we had derived from the pictures.  I can't really put into words all of the emotions right now for us, but we are just thrilled we are together and trying to figure each other out.

This has been quite a day. This morning, we saw Edalawit which was emotional for Susan as she finally got to meet her.  She has grown quite a bit since I saw her last year, and she looks great.  Her guardian is really taking good care of her.  The boys were having a blast as well. 

More to come once I can put some more thoughts together.  Susan and I just wanted to let everyone know the news about getting them early!!

We Made It!

We arrived on time today and after getting through immigration/customs we made it to our place where we are staying. Just getting settled.   Going to go out to dinner with some friends.  more to come later..

 

36 Hours to go

Over 2 years after the process started we are 36 hours from leaving.  The boys are excited and Susan and I are excited. Can't wait to get going...

Preparing to Travel

Today we are trying to get all of our packing done. Packing for 4 people who you know everything about and 2 you only know by picture and paperwork is tough. You can not imagine how much stuff(medicine, food, etc) we have to take because in Ethiopia there is no WalMart or Target or even a drugstore. There is lots of pizza places so the boys will at least get to enjoy that.

We ask for your prayers. We leave on Wednesday and arrive in Ethiopia on Friday morning(about 3am Eastern Time). We meet the girls on Monday. Over the weekend, we are going to spend time with friends who we know in Addis Ababa who are working with street children. Susan and the Boys will get to meet our sponsor child who I got to meet last year. Her picture is shown here. Her name is Edalawit and she is young girl who was rescued from the streets a few years ago. She lives with a guardian. Susan and I have been sponsoring her for a few years now. I can't wait to see her and for her to meet Susan and the Boys.

Happy New Year !

Happy New Year to everyone. We hope that everyone has a safe and prosperous 2010. Although 2009 was an eventful year and year full of change for us, there is no doubt that our 2010 will be even more exciting. Our girls will be coming home in February and we are running around trying to prepare the house and ourselves for this wonderful time in our lives.

We are praying that the Lord is preparing them as well as us.

This picture was taken on December 23 at the House of Hope in Addis Ababa two days after the adoption was finalized in Ethiopia. Rahel and Tigist look much different than the first pictures we received in October(pics taken in July) when they were at the orphanage. Tigist looks like a shy one but Rahel is smiling bright! We are so excited. Our plan is to travel at the end of January and return in Early February.

We will be posting regularly up to the trip and during the trip.



"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
Phillipians 4:6-7(NIV)