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!!!!"