Praying for Sehin!

I find myself studying the few pictures that we have of Sehin. That's her, in the middle, wearing pink pants and a grey sweater. I love that this picture was not posed... it catches her in a moment of joy.

From what we hear, she enjoys spending time and helping with the younger children. We can imagine her at home with us...maybe playing barbies with Jenna or playing soccer with Kayla. We can't wait to get pictures like this... catching her in a moment of joy... with her new family.

JESUS loves the little children...

I love how Jenna exemplifies Christ-like qualities! She's SO excited for her new sister to come home from Africa.

Home Study

"The adoption home study is a detailed written report of your family compiled and prepared by a social worker. This can take three to six months to finish. The adoption home study requires the prospective adoptive family to gather different documents, answer several questions, and explore their reasons for adopting. Through a series of visits and interviews the social worker can get a complete picture of who you are and what life is like in your family."

We've almost completed our home study. We've met with our social worker three times. We're essentially just waiting to get our FBI fingerprint clearance and then we can proceed on with this process.

This has been a great learning process for me (Amy). I am someone who likes to be on schedule and it has been a time to surrender that desire. I have to know that God is in control of this whole process and His timing is perfect.

*If you are a mom, you would know my heart though; my baby is half-way around the world and I am waiting on paperwork, of all things, to go and bring her home.

"Ye Ganna baal" Christmas Holiday

Christmas is a very important holiday in Ethiopia, since over half of the population is Orthodox Christian. It is celebrated on January 7th.

There are a few key components to Christmas in Ethiopia:

1. Manger scenes always have the 3 maji since it is believed that the king who gave frankincense was King Balthazar of Ethiopia.

2. Frankincense is a part of much of the celebrations.

3. Ethiopians attend a Christian Orthodox church service if there is one nearby.

4. Sing carols and carry candies during and after the service.

5. Eat an Ethiopian meal, usually Doro wat (stew).

6. Play games.


As we approach Christmas in our own home, we pray for of our gift from God about 10,000 miles away.