Suffering Comes Before Glory

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Glory's birthday celebration!

Glory got to celebrate her 15th birthday with her very first birthday party. She felt totally spoiled and loved the amount of work that went into both the party (hosted by my dad and Kris) as well as the thoughtful gifts. She is blossoming before my very eyes!

Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Happy Birthday, Glory!!!

We are so pleased to be able to celebrate Glory Sihin's 15th birthday today. Her fellow students at school even sang to her at lunch. My mom brought over 15 pink roses and we'll celebrate with a small family party this weekend. I missed the first 14 years, but can't wait for the future!

Monday, January 2, 2012

1st Trip to Seattle

Glory enjoyed her first trip to Seattle. We got a chance to introduce her to her Great Grandma Elaine, visit the Aquarium, explore the Pacific Science Center and get a view of the city from the Spaceneedle. It was a great trip and she LOVED Seattle!

Glory's First Christmas

We celebrated Jesus' birthday with a candlelight church service on Christmas Eve. Christmas morning we opened up presents and then Nana and Boppa came over for dinner Christmas evening. It was a great way to spend the holiday!

Friday, December 23, 2011

Bowling

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

Ethiopia Adoption Timeline

September 12th: A call to adopt. We saw Sihin's picture and knew that the Lord had a plan for her and for our family. September 18th: First e-mail from our social worker to start home study process. September 21st: First contact with orphanage director. September 29th: Contacted 1st agency to start adoption process. October 1st: Paid agency fee of $250. October 19th: Agency application accepted. October 19th: Paid home study fee of $1900. October 21st: First visit with social worker. October 26th: Fingerprints November 9th: Washington State Child Abuse Clearance November 15th: Interviews with social worker November 24th: Ryan FBI fingerprint clearance December 21st: Home study visit wih children February 1st: Amy received FBI clearance. February 2nd: Home study complete! February 9th: 1st agency is no longer an option. February 10th: Contacted Celebrate Children International, adoption agency. February 10th: Send I-600A. February 23rd: Received date for USCIS fingerprints (March 17th). March 3rd: Washington State authentication March 8th: Sent dossier copy to agency to be translated March 15th: Ethiopian embassy authentication March 17th: Fingerprint appointment at USCIS March 23rd: Submitted to Court! March 29th: Received I-171H April 14th: Sent more paperwork and agency fee of $5,000 May 16th: Court date postponed July 22nd: 1st trip to Ethiopia July 25th: Passed Court August 11th: submitted to US Embassy September 14th: US Embassy Appointment September 18th: HOME AT LAST!!!!!