Bowling

We had a great time bowling this afternoon at Lilac Lanes. Sihin caught on fast and bowled a great first game!

Jolly ol' St. Nick

Oh Christmas Tree

We picked up our Christmas tree and decorated it. Glory loves the Christmas lights and she helped Jenna and I put on the ornaments. What a great first Christmas together!

Glory's 1st Thanksgiving

We have so much to be thankful for this year. Sihin got to celebrate her first Thanksgiving with some of her extended family. She tried her first taste of turkey, stuffing, and pie. She helped make the mashed potatoes.

I am thankful for God's call to adopt. I love my daughter and cherish each and every day that I get to spend with her. She is a tremendous person!

First Snow!

Glory got to experience her first snow! She was VERY cold but enjoyed a walk with her new friend, Hannah and Jenna. They went to the park in our neighborhood. She is looking forward to times when the snow sticks for longer than a day... wait another week or two and she'll be up to her knees in it!

Glory's dream...

Glory: "Mom, I just had the best dream last night. Oh my gosh, it made me so happy!"
Mom: "What was your dream about?"
Glory: "I had a dream that Jesus was King and that we all got taken up to heaven to meet Him."
Mom: "Wow, what was it like in heaven?"
Glory: "Oh, Mom...it was so beautiful. He was there, I could see His face. There were angels on both sides of him. I was just so happy. I can remember that I have never been that happy in my life."
Mom: "That sounds great, maybe He will come tomorrow?"
Glory: "Yes, that would make me so happy!"

...a few moments later...
Mom: "Did He speak in Amharic?"
Glory: "He didn't have to say anything."

"Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious." 1 Peter 3:3-4

This is a beautiful child, inside and out.

Update

Life is good!

The past month and a half has been full of many blessings. I think that the biggest thing that I noticed, upon my return from Ethiopia, is that Sihin's transition into our family was seamless. It literally felt like she had always been there. There was no culture shock, no overwhelming grief, no uncomfortableness...she melded into our already blended family in a way that only God could orchestrate.

Sihin is an absolute treasure and she is a blessing to the many people who have had the privilege of meeting her. She's smart, beautiful, kind, helpful, insightful, God-honoring, funny, hard-working, and brave. I thought this adoption was supposed to be about helping an orphan, but only God would know that it was just as much designed to help me. I am closer now to my Father because of this girl and because of this experience.

Welcome Home!

When we got back to the United States we were greeted with a beautiful sight! Our family was waiting for us with open arms. I cried, with the relief of seeing my loved ones... I cried, with gladness that Sihin has so much love and support from people... I cried, feeling undeserving of this gift that God has given us. Blessed beyond measure, indeed! Our Glory is home.

Our first trip to Ethiopia!

Beautiful Girl!

We got some pictures of Sihin from Ethiopia this week. I just love to see her smile. The agency director calls her a "tremendous young lady" I couldn't agree more!

Fundraiser!!!

We're saving up our pennies for our next trip to Ethiopia! Come by Thursday and Friday and check out the goodies. Adoption t-shirts will also be on sale!

Thanks to those families who contributed! You are truly a blessing!

Three Shades of Beautiful

It is amazing how her mind works. She says how much Zac looks like his dad and how much Jenna looks like her mom. But our hearts look the same... We all love Jesus!

"Fear not, for I am with you!"

I've been reading in Isaiah and am feeling renewed.

Isaiah 43: 13-19

Yes, and from ancient days I am he.
No one can deliver out of my hand.
When I act, who can reverse it?

This is what the LORD says-
your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel:
"For your sake I will send to Babylon and
bring down as fugitives all the Babylonians
in the ships in which they took pride.
I am the LORD, your Holy One, Israel's creator, your King."

This is what the LORD says-
he who made a way through the sea,
a path through the mighty waters,
who drew out the chariots and horses,
the army and reinforcements together,
and they lay there, never to rise again,
extinguished, snuffed out like a wick:

"Forget the former things;
do not dwell on the past.
See, I am doing a new thing!
Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.


I know that God can make a way through this situation...He is FAITHFUL!

Trip to Ethiopia

We had an amazing trip to Ethiopia! Overall, I would say that it was overwhelming. Overwhelmed by the amount of love we feel for Sihin and so saddened by the state of poverty that the country is facing. We were blessed though, to give what we could, to help.

The most eye opening experience was our trip to Korah, which is a local dump where families live. Missionaries built a small school which teaches children about Jesus. The children there were so excited to talk with Americans and they loved to have their picture taken, to practice their English and to hear about Jesus. I never knew how much this experience would change our lives and I cannot wait to go back!

Everyone, no matter what age, should go to do missions in a place like this... Jesus does mighty work through those who have a heart to help His people...it is life-changing!

Mother's Day

Kisses in the Wind
Author Unknown

I hold you in my heart and touch you in my dreams.
You are here each day with me, at least that's how it seems.

I know you wonder where we are...what's taking us so long.
But remember child, I love you so and God will keep you strong.

Now go outside and feel the breeze and let it touch your skin...
Because tonight, just as always, I blow you kisses in the wind.

May God hold you in His hand until I can be with you.
I promise you, my darling, I'm doing all that I can do.

Very soon, you'll be here for real, not just for pretend.
But for tonight, just as always, I blow you kisses in the wind.

May God wrap you in His arms and hold you very tight.
And let the angels bring the kisses that I send to you each night.
_______________________________________________________________

I pray that my daughter can celebrate this last Mother's day with her biological mom and I look forward to celebrating with her as OUR daughter next year!

Keeping my eyes on HIM!

I am reminded of the sovereignty of God.

To say that God is sovereign is to declare that He is the Almighty, the Possessor of all power in heaven and earth, so that none can defeat His counsels, thwart His purpose, or resist His will (Psalms 115:3). During times like these, I am GRATEFUL that He is in control and that His ways are higher than my ways and His thoughts are higher than my thoughts (Isaiah 55:9). I am in AWE of the One who has sworn, "Surely, as I have planned, so it will be, and as I have purposed, so it will stand" (Isaiah 14:24).

Immunizations

Recently talked with the travel nurse for our health insurance. We spoke for 40 minutes about the details (our best guess) of our upcoming trips to Ethiopia. I was amazed at the wealth of knowledge that this nurse had and I was completely overwhelmed by the amount of injections and medications that are recommended.

As a young child, I had an intense fear of needles. There is a story that my family likes to tell of my childhood vaccine trauma. It may have taken several people to hold me down so that I could get the injections. I do not remember this experience personally, so this may indeed be family lore. My sister fondly remembers this experience though, and still laughs about it to this day. (Love you, Jessi)

*Hepatitis A & B (Twinrix): This vaccine is needed at least six weeks before the start of the trip. Second dose of vaccine is needed one month after the first dose, third dose is needed 6 to 12 months from the start of the series. [$117.00 each dose]

*Influenza: This vaccine was discussed; will consider. If you choose to receive Flumist (live, intra-nasal vaccine), it must be given on the same day as yellow fever vaccine or separated by 28 days.

*Polio (Injectable): This vaccine is needed at least four weeks before the start of the trip. Travelers who have received a primary series with either IPV or oral polio vaccine (OPV) should receive another dose of IPV before departure. Available data do not indicate the need for more than a single lifetime booster dose with IPV. [$69.00]

*Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (Tdap): This vaccine is needed at least four weeks before the start of the trip.

*Typhoid (Live), Oral: You will be given 4 capsules. Take 1 capsule every other day with cool water one hour before a meal until finished. Keep capsules refrigerated. Do not start within 3 days of taking any antibiotic. Complete at least 3 days before starting any antibiotic including doxycycline. This vaccine is needed at least four weeks before the start of the trip.

*Yellow Fever: This vaccine is needed at least four weeks before the start of the trip. [$115.00] CDC yellow fever vaccination recommendation for travelers to Ethiopia.Vaccination should be given 10 days before travel and at 10-year intervals if there is ongoing risk. You will receive an International Certificate of Vaccination with this vaccine. This certificate is valid 10 days after vaccination and for a subsequent period of 10 years. Please carry this with your passport. Required when transiting through countries in the yellow fever endemic zone. * Available at Spokane Regional Health District.

*Malaria Prevention: - Doxycycline 100 mg. # 31: Take 1 tablet once daily starting 1-2 days before malaria exposure, during exposure, and for 4 weeks after leaving malarious area. [example: 50 tabs = $18.00] Areas of Ethiopia with Malaria: All areas at altitudes <2,500 m (<8,202 ft), except none in Addis Ababa.

Thanks, Group Health... looks like you've covered EVERY possible scenario :)

We are Waiting...

FOR A COURT DATE!

As of March 23rd, we are submitted to court and waiting to hear when we will be traveling to Ethiopia! It is so encouraging to continue making progress in this process. God is SO faithful and we are praising Him each and every day!

Gripped by the greatness of God!

Ryan and I are currently taking a Bible Study class called, Gripped by the Greatness of God. During this adoption process, we have totally surrendered to God's will. We know that this process is very long and often difficult. We are filled with his peace because we KNOW that this is His will for our family.

There are many great stories of how God has worked through this adventure and today is no exception. Part of the adoption process involves getting permission from the United States government to adopt internationally. It entails getting fingerprints and another background check. Once the fingerprints are taken, it usually takes 6-8 weeks for approval.

Our fingerprints were taken on March 17th and we just received our I-171H approval today...12 days after submission. I know, with my whole heart, that God's hand has been on our family through this process...and I am GRIPPED BY HIS GREATNESS!!!

"She is a treasure"

Just heard from the gal who delivered our care package to Sehin. She said that she was sweet and had a great disposition. She said that Sehin helped translate for them so they could communicate with their daughter. Can't wait to meet her in person!

"I LOVE GOD!"

The other day Jenna, our three-year-old, climbed up on top of the couch and opened the window. I wondered, as I watched her, what in the heck she thought she was doing. She pushed the window open, stuck her head out and yelled, "I LOVE GOD!"

This process has been an absolute roller coaster! Twists and turns, ups and downs.

On Thursday, Ryan and I went in to get our Immigration fingerprints taken. Once again, the computer said that my fingerprints had been rejected due to poor quality. I was so discouraged to see the red letters flash on the screen "REJECT"

Since it takes about 2 month to get the results back, then another month to get an appointment set up, I was estimating that this was going to set us back a good 5 months.

I went down to Immigration this morning to see if there was any way that I could re-take them. I had my corn huskers lotion on hand and was ready to wait until they could fit me in....

The gentleman told me there was nothing that he could do...but I could check with the Immigration office next door and see if they could get me another appointment.

I waited for another 45 minutes and finally spoke to a woman behind a Plexiglas window. I told her my situation and asked if there was any way that she could get me another appointment. She said she thought I would have to wait to hear back, but that she would check.

She punched a few things into the computer and said, "Your fingerprints were accepted!"

If God is for us...who can be against us?

So I am sticking my head out the window and yelling,

"I LOVE GOD!!!!"

Care package has arrived!

Our agency director is in Ethiopia right now. Here are some pictures of Sehin opening up her care package that we sent.

I am overwhelmed: with praise for a God that is watching over our daughter, with emotion for seeing her beautiful smile, with awe at how meaningful it is to see her holding something that I have held and prayed over...

She is a gift that only God knew we needed!