Hey everyone,
Just thought I’d update everyone on the adoption status since I get lots of emails and texts asking.
We are still on hold with the US embassy in Addis. Nati is legally ours but we are not allowed to bring him to the US until the embassy approves an immigrant visa, that is what we are waiting for.
At the end of Nov, the embassy issued an alert that there have been instances or rumors of unethical adoption practices in Ethiopia and that they had decided to implement more in depth case investigations prior to visa issuance. We found out the day before Thanksgiving that our case had been selected for investigation. At the time we did not know what this entailed or how long it would take, only that we had the misfortune of being the randomly selected case from our particular agency. There are 26 agencies doing adoptions from Ethiopia, and we have been told that ours is absolutely not one of those suspected of questionable practices. What this entails is that some families somewhere in the country considering offering their child up for adoption (because of sickness, income etc etc) had been reported to have been coaxed that last step by bribes.
The embassy therefore decided to do more in depth checking into how these kids came into the system before sending them off with their new families. Our agency obviously has to undergo the same scrutiny as everyone else, and barring any red flags or question marks, random cases had to be selected. There are two types of investigation, paper and physical. Paper investigations check that all docs are in order, all names match etc and only take a week or two. Physical investigations actually send embassy staff out to the child’s village and find out from any surviving family exactly how the child was offered for adoption and these take longer, between 1-2 months. Guess which type we are
We were set to travel for embassy on Dec 7th, that fell through. We have waited, hoping and praying that this would be resolved for the Dec 21st embassy date, but since I’m writing this from work, we are obviously not on our way to KCI. As of yesterday, our case was still not finished. The embassy said they would notify Bethany when complete and offer the “invitation to travel”. Until then, we wait. The hardest thing to accept is absolutely no answers as to how far they are from the embassy. Too many inquiries about particular cases could bring suspicion, so it is best to stay out of the way and wait for them to reply. We completely agree with the system and the precautionary measures that the embassy is conducting but are really struggling with the fact that we already have the birth certificate and passport and we were only a five minute appointment and a rubber stamp away from having him home for Christmas. Just ain’t fair.
Even though this all sucks, there are some consolations. Our schedules now run two weeks at a time between missing one embassy date and waiting for the cutoff for the next. Two week periods go pretty quick and we are learning to wait gracefully. Nati still has his best bud Samuel at Shalom so they can still hang for a while longer as his parents travel at the end of January. I also paid for a swingset to be built at the orphanage, so the kids have something new to play on. Since all five of us are planning to go get him, hopefully if we go in January, plane tickets won’t be outrageous like they have been the last couple of weeks. We have credit from the five cancelled ones Dec 7th and if we had gone this week, difference would have been another $ 800 per ticket, that’s $ 4,000 not planned for. The next embassy date is Jan 4th and we would leave on Dec 30th , my birthday, so now we count down the days until then. I think Christmas falls in there somewhere ‘cause you wouldn’t know it from our house. We thought we were going to be gone now, so this year, no lights, no tree, not much holiday spirit, just packed suitcases, donated kids clothes and general chaos.
From past experience, these physical investigations take 1-2 months and it will have been a month next week since we were notified. If ours gets resolved soon, we could go Dec 30th back Jan 6th or two weeks later, or two weeks later, or two weeks later and so on and so on. We just don’t know.
That in essence is what is going on with our case.
From day one kneeling at the stage, this adoption was our Father’s idea, He put everything in motion, He prepared us for it, spiritually, physically and financially. Although everything has been quick and smooth so far, we have followed His schedule and His timing. This hiccup is also part of His plan and I am reminded that He is in complete control.
We are blessed to have such great friends who truly care and are concerned enough to want to be up to date. We know that you guys are as excited for Nati to be here as much as we are (well almost). They are still processing embassy visa’s so that is good news and it’s one less month of Kansas winter he’ll have to endure so it’s not all bad.
Keep praying for us and that no loneliness or “where’s my dad” feelings enter Nati’s heart as he continues to see others leave the orphanage.
Not sure how often we’ll bump into each other over the next few weeks, so everyone have a wonderful Christmas and I’ll let everyone know when we hear something positive.
Step by step
Love
Jeff & Becky
Monday, December 20, 2010
Monday, November 1, 2010
Posts from Addis
Glad to be home, but even more grateful for the incredible amazing week we have been honored to be a part of.
36 days and counting !
Alice Reinking Swanson - You go back in 36 days? So he will be here for Christmas. Wow.
Lori Barr - Glad it went well and hopin' those days fly by.
Pamela Groff Johnson - So happy you're home safely. I think the additional time will go by quickly and before you know it, you'll all be flying out to get him! :o)
Kim Stewart Coker - Glad you are home safe. Will be praying for you to adjust to being back on Kansas time and peace as you get through the next 36 days. Many blessings to you!
36 days and counting !
Alice Reinking Swanson - You go back in 36 days? So he will be here for Christmas. Wow.
Lori Barr - Glad it went well and hopin' those days fly by.
Pamela Groff Johnson - So happy you're home safely. I think the additional time will go by quickly and before you know it, you'll all be flying out to get him! :o)
Kim Stewart Coker - Glad you are home safe. Will be praying for you to adjust to being back on Kansas time and peace as you get through the next 36 days. Many blessings to you!
Posts from Addis
Home at last.
30 hours since being dropped off at Addis airport.
By time we got home Sunday night it was like every hour someone had added one more bundle of sticks, one more jug of water to our shoulders. Barely able to stand we hit the sack. Hopefully, next stop, 10:00 am and refreshed.
Yeah right !
Woke at 4:45 just like every day this week, swore I heard the daily call to prayer echoing through the early morning skies. Ooops, just Becky also up catching up on Fox news unpacking suitcases and starting the laundry. She was up early too.
Oh well, it might take a few days for our bodies and minds to get back on this Kansas schedule.
30 hours since being dropped off at Addis airport.
By time we got home Sunday night it was like every hour someone had added one more bundle of sticks, one more jug of water to our shoulders. Barely able to stand we hit the sack. Hopefully, next stop, 10:00 am and refreshed.
Yeah right !
Woke at 4:45 just like every day this week, swore I heard the daily call to prayer echoing through the early morning skies. Ooops, just Becky also up catching up on Fox news unpacking suitcases and starting the laundry. She was up early too.
Oh well, it might take a few days for our bodies and minds to get back on this Kansas schedule.
Posts from Addis
Time to go !!
Selam chow
Michelle De La Isla - Hope your arrival was comfortable and uneventful. We are praying for you guys so that the next few weeks zip by and your hearts have peace as God works the rest of the details till we have the kid home where he belongs :) Much love to you, Becky and the kids.
Brad Barr - May Gods Peace be with you both as you ponder your recent time and let those memories with your new son give you joy until you bring him home for Good!!!
Tracy Rowe - Have a safe trip home!
Selam chow
Michelle De La Isla - Hope your arrival was comfortable and uneventful. We are praying for you guys so that the next few weeks zip by and your hearts have peace as God works the rest of the details till we have the kid home where he belongs :) Much love to you, Becky and the kids.
Brad Barr - May Gods Peace be with you both as you ponder your recent time and let those memories with your new son give you joy until you bring him home for Good!!!
Tracy Rowe - Have a safe trip home!
Posts from Addis
There's so much to share but FB is not the place so it'll be great to be home and share this amazing experience with you all. We have amazing pics and videos.
Love to everyone and we'll be back in Ttown Sunday night about 7.
Love Jeff & Becky
Saturday at 10:35am
Just one more post while waiting to go to airport.
This morning was tough on us, we sat and talked through a translator but he knows whats going on. He knows we'll be back and he knows next time he will go with us.
Saturday at 10:35am
Michelle De La Isla - We are praying for you guys! We love you!!! Everything will be fine :)
Kathy Payne - It has to be so hard to leave him, and so hard for him to see you leave! My prayers are with you all for this time of waiting, and rejoicing that he is yours. God is so good.
Love to everyone and we'll be back in Ttown Sunday night about 7.
Love Jeff & Becky
Saturday at 10:35am
Just one more post while waiting to go to airport.
This morning was tough on us, we sat and talked through a translator but he knows whats going on. He knows we'll be back and he knows next time he will go with us.
Saturday at 10:35am
Michelle De La Isla - We are praying for you guys! We love you!!! Everything will be fine :)
Kathy Payne - It has to be so hard to leave him, and so hard for him to see you leave! My prayers are with you all for this time of waiting, and rejoicing that he is yours. God is so good.
Posts from Addis
Last post. Tommorrow is last day. We will visit the orphanage again one last time, say our goodbyes and tell him we'll be back in 6-8 weeks to take him home. This will be a tough day, we have had such a wonderful time with him, it's gonna be hard to leave without him. Pray for safe travels and somewhat empty flights. 7... hrs, then 10hrs then 2hrs. Should be home late Sunday night.
Love Jeff & Becky
Friday at 2:01pm
Lyndsey Grace - Praying for safety as you travel and comfort through the emotional temporary goodbyes. Next time there is no good-bye!
Rd-amy Cogswell - Praying, praying:)
Gerra Damman - WILL KEEP YOU IN OUR PRAYERS!
Alice Reinking Swanson - Hope for a good, safe flight. Steve and Missy fly home from Germany this weekend, also. Lots of family in the air. It has been so much fun following your adventures. See you soon.
Tracy Rowe - Can't wait to hear all about your adventure! Praying for a tender day tomorrow and for your safe journey home.
Steve Johnson - I can't imagine how hard leaving Nat will be, but hopefully the 6-8 wks will fly by. See you soon.
Pamela Groff Johnson - Looking forward to seeing you both! How difficult it will be to leave him behind (this time) but oh the rewards coming!!! How sweet that will be for ALL of you! Safe travels and God's speed! :o)
Love Jeff & Becky
Friday at 2:01pm
Lyndsey Grace - Praying for safety as you travel and comfort through the emotional temporary goodbyes. Next time there is no good-bye!
Rd-amy Cogswell - Praying, praying:)
Gerra Damman - WILL KEEP YOU IN OUR PRAYERS!
Alice Reinking Swanson - Hope for a good, safe flight. Steve and Missy fly home from Germany this weekend, also. Lots of family in the air. It has been so much fun following your adventures. See you soon.
Tracy Rowe - Can't wait to hear all about your adventure! Praying for a tender day tomorrow and for your safe journey home.
Steve Johnson - I can't imagine how hard leaving Nat will be, but hopefully the 6-8 wks will fly by. See you soon.
Pamela Groff Johnson - Looking forward to seeing you both! How difficult it will be to leave him behind (this time) but oh the rewards coming!!! How sweet that will be for ALL of you! Safe travels and God's speed! :o)
Posts from Addis
Have vid of us arriving today at gates. Becky's turn for the tornado greeting. Like a family dog that greets you when you've been gone for a week. Jumping, waving and when he got the go ahead to step out side the gate cause he saw us coming, WATCH OUT ! You get the picture. Pure joy !!!!!! Full speed leap into your arms, wow... !
October 28 at 1:59pm
Rd-amy Cogswell - So glad Becky got the huggin leap this time!!! Just what a new momma needs:)
Tracy Rowe - I prayed and thought about you ALL day today! I am so glad things went well!!
Debbie Farmer-Cook - That is so cool!!!
Chelsea Artzer - Jeff and Becky, I have enjoyed reading all of your posts so much! My thoughts and prayers are with you and that you have a safe rest of your trip. Can't wait to meet the new addition to your family!
Steve Johnson - How awesome. It won't be long till he is in T-town. Love to see him in person.
October 28 at 1:59pm
Rd-amy Cogswell - So glad Becky got the huggin leap this time!!! Just what a new momma needs:)
Tracy Rowe - I prayed and thought about you ALL day today! I am so glad things went well!!
Debbie Farmer-Cook - That is so cool!!!
Chelsea Artzer - Jeff and Becky, I have enjoyed reading all of your posts so much! My thoughts and prayers are with you and that you have a safe rest of your trip. Can't wait to meet the new addition to your family!
Steve Johnson - How awesome. It won't be long till he is in T-town. Love to see him in person.
Posts from Addis
Now wait for second appointment at embassy either end Nov or in Dec, have three chances before Christmas to come and bring him home.
He is so precious, little guy, full of energy and confidence. It will be an adventure to watch him grow. I picture him being a mischievous little thing.
October 28 at 1:56pm
Rd-amy Cogswell - Can't wait to meet him in person!
He is so precious, little guy, full of energy and confidence. It will be an adventure to watch him grow. I picture him being a mischievous little thing.
October 28 at 1:56pm
Rd-amy Cogswell - Can't wait to meet him in person!
Posts from Addis
Spent a couple of hours with him today. Great time playing, high fives and listening to his voice say names of his brother and sisters.
nannies had the kids, about 20, give us a little performance that was so cool.
Singing, clapping and dancing.
Lots of pics, lots of video, even more indelible images and stories but will not share until we return.
nannies had the kids, about 20, give us a little performance that was so cool.
Singing, clapping and dancing.
Lots of pics, lots of video, even more indelible images and stories but will not share until we return.
Posts from Addis
Today's excitement.
Went to court this morning. Place was packed and we were asked to return later in afternoon. We did and still packed, just wait, bite nails, wait, bite some more, coffee, bite, wait.
Called in and asked some pertinent questions by the Judge.
Last thing said was "He's yours, thank you"
...Irreversible legal decision, he is now ours.
Scott Smith - Awesome!
Britt Swanson Trier - Jeff and becky, words can not describe how exciting and emotional it is hearing about your trip. We're all so happy for you and can't wait to meet nathanial! Thank you so much for your updates. :)
Lyndsey Grace - Praise God!!! Sounds like all is going well!
Rd-amy Cogswell - He's yours, totally gives me g.bumps and tears. Luv the irreversible legal decision - he has been yours in your heart since you first saw his pic:)
Pamela Groff Johnson - Ohhhhh! I'm so happy for you Jeff and Becky! PTL! :o)
Amy Edwards - Wow. Truly a living Gospel illustration. God redeems us and we are His. It is done. We're excited to meet Nathaniel!
Kim Stewart Coker - Amazing!!! But how painful not to be able to bring him home NOW!!! Hugs and prayers to you.
Michelle De La Isla - Yaaaaaaaaaaaaay God!!!!! OMGosh this is WONDERFUL!!!!!
Brad Barr - God is SO AMAZING !!!
Eileen Porubsky - Yeahhhhhhhhhhh! We are loving your updates!!! So looking forward to meeting your son!!
Karen Hunter - WOW!!! Thank you Jesus. Thank you for Jeff and Becky's heart and your leading in their lives. Thank you Lord for Bringing this family together with such joy and anticipation for the future. You are so good and your reach is endless. Thank you for the blessings we all have recieved through this walk with you and Jeff and Becky and Nathanial :0)
Gerra Damman - Praise the Lord!!!! We are so exicted for your family!! Can't wait to meet your new son!
Natalie McVay Holdren - OHMYGOODNESS! I can hardly think how amazing this much be for you...praying, like the rest of your siblings here in Topeka. Thanks for sharing your amazing journey w/us!
Tracy Rowe Can you post some pictures?
Rachel Clarke - BRING MY BROTHER HOME NOW!! i want to meet him sooooooo bad :)
tell him i love him :)
Gerra Damman - Jeff and Becky thanks for being the example to all of us being the hands and feet of Jesus Christ. To God be the GLORY!!
Went to court this morning. Place was packed and we were asked to return later in afternoon. We did and still packed, just wait, bite nails, wait, bite some more, coffee, bite, wait.
Called in and asked some pertinent questions by the Judge.
Last thing said was "He's yours, thank you"
...Irreversible legal decision, he is now ours.
Scott Smith - Awesome!
Britt Swanson Trier - Jeff and becky, words can not describe how exciting and emotional it is hearing about your trip. We're all so happy for you and can't wait to meet nathanial! Thank you so much for your updates. :)
Lyndsey Grace - Praise God!!! Sounds like all is going well!
Rd-amy Cogswell - He's yours, totally gives me g.bumps and tears. Luv the irreversible legal decision - he has been yours in your heart since you first saw his pic:)
Pamela Groff Johnson - Ohhhhh! I'm so happy for you Jeff and Becky! PTL! :o)
Amy Edwards - Wow. Truly a living Gospel illustration. God redeems us and we are His. It is done. We're excited to meet Nathaniel!
Kim Stewart Coker - Amazing!!! But how painful not to be able to bring him home NOW!!! Hugs and prayers to you.
Michelle De La Isla - Yaaaaaaaaaaaaay God!!!!! OMGosh this is WONDERFUL!!!!!
Brad Barr - God is SO AMAZING !!!
Eileen Porubsky - Yeahhhhhhhhhhh! We are loving your updates!!! So looking forward to meeting your son!!
Karen Hunter - WOW!!! Thank you Jesus. Thank you for Jeff and Becky's heart and your leading in their lives. Thank you Lord for Bringing this family together with such joy and anticipation for the future. You are so good and your reach is endless. Thank you for the blessings we all have recieved through this walk with you and Jeff and Becky and Nathanial :0)
Gerra Damman - Praise the Lord!!!! We are so exicted for your family!! Can't wait to meet your new son!
Natalie McVay Holdren - OHMYGOODNESS! I can hardly think how amazing this much be for you...praying, like the rest of your siblings here in Topeka. Thanks for sharing your amazing journey w/us!
Tracy Rowe Can you post some pictures?
Rachel Clarke - BRING MY BROTHER HOME NOW!! i want to meet him sooooooo bad :)
tell him i love him :)
Gerra Damman - Jeff and Becky thanks for being the example to all of us being the hands and feet of Jesus Christ. To God be the GLORY!!
Posts from Addis
Court date tomorrow morning.
Lots of stories, place is incredible.
People are so beautiful !
October 27 at 2:32pm
Rd-amy Cogswell - Awesome! WIll be praying for the court date. Can't wait to hear more about him!
Tracy Rowe - We cannot wait to hear all about this adventure! Praying for your court appointment tomorrow!! We love you all!!
Lots of stories, place is incredible.
People are so beautiful !
October 27 at 2:32pm
Rd-amy Cogswell - Awesome! WIll be praying for the court date. Can't wait to hear more about him!
Tracy Rowe - We cannot wait to hear all about this adventure! Praying for your court appointment tomorrow!! We love you all!!
Posts from Addis
Would climb up in your lap, wrap his arms around you, colored, played, so affectionate, never stopped smiling, smart, cute, knows trick shots with soccer ball (he's gonna be good) knows some words in English, counts, body parts etc. The day could not have gone better, GOD IS SO GOOD !!!
October 27 at 2:31pm
Michelle De La Isla - PRAISE THE LORD! I am so thrilled. God is amazing!!!!
Rd-amy Cogswell - goosebumps!!
Tracy Rowe - BIG GRIN!!! YAY!!
October 27 at 2:31pm
Michelle De La Isla - PRAISE THE LORD! I am so thrilled. God is amazing!!!!
Rd-amy Cogswell - goosebumps!!
Tracy Rowe - BIG GRIN!!! YAY!!
Posts from Addis
Talk about a lump in your throat. He was so thrilled to see us, I can't explain it.We spent the next three hours playing soccer, piggyback rides, looking at pics, saying Mommy, Daddy Hannah, Rachel, Ian and Sparky, he knows 'em all.
October 27 at 2:22pm
Hannah Clarke - He knows my name??!! Oh my gosh! I can't believe it went so well! Give him all our love! We miss you three :)
Anita Miller - Oh my gosh, I've got tears in my eyes and goosebumps. Amazingly wonderful that he has such love for you already. You've been blessed.
Rd-amy Cogswell - Luv it! Luv that he knows the siblings names - wait, Hannah, till he sees your beautiful face! He is going to melt:)
Alice Reinking Swanson - Jeff, that gives me chills. How wonderful!
Lyndsey Grace - Praise God!!! How wonderful, can't wait to hear more stories.
Tracy Rowe - I am teary now! Sending hugs to everyone!
Megan Boaz Hayes - Amazing! Too bad he can't come home with you now... just a few weeks and it will all be official. Safe travels and God bless.
Kim Stewart Coker - Wow!! Hugs to you! Will continue to pray!
October 27 at 2:22pm
Hannah Clarke - He knows my name??!! Oh my gosh! I can't believe it went so well! Give him all our love! We miss you three :)
Anita Miller - Oh my gosh, I've got tears in my eyes and goosebumps. Amazingly wonderful that he has such love for you already. You've been blessed.
Rd-amy Cogswell - Luv it! Luv that he knows the siblings names - wait, Hannah, till he sees your beautiful face! He is going to melt:)
Alice Reinking Swanson - Jeff, that gives me chills. How wonderful!
Lyndsey Grace - Praise God!!! How wonderful, can't wait to hear more stories.
Tracy Rowe - I am teary now! Sending hugs to everyone!
Megan Boaz Hayes - Amazing! Too bad he can't come home with you now... just a few weeks and it will all be official. Safe travels and God bless.
Kim Stewart Coker - Wow!! Hugs to you! Will continue to pray!
Posts from Addis
OK, coolest day ever !
Arrived at the orphanage to spend 3 hrs there and went inside the gates. Before we had time to realize we were finally there, without warning the front door opened and this little 3 foot tall tornado came flyin' out full speed straight at Daddy. You shoulda seen that smile and those big brown eyes.... He jumped up arms around my neck and planted a big smooch right on my cheek and wouldn't let go.
October 27 at 2:22pm
Karen Hunter - Ok The women are all in agreement here. That does bring tears to the eyes. Jeff and Becky I am so happy for you too. That couldn't have went better!!! I know you cant wait to get him home!
Debbie Farmer-Cook - Wow, that is how I had hoped it would be for you. We are going to an adoption seminar tomorrow, Saturday Oct 30th. Looking forward to meeting up with you and Becky in November to hear about the whole experience. God is Awesome!!
Rd-amy Cogswell - Kids and I woke up with goosebumps thinking of you and Becky with sweet boy! Just imagning him looking at these 2 Americans now mommy and daddy and envisioning you playing with him, watching him with his friends.....totally awesome!!
Tracy Rowe - We are so excited for you and your family!!
Brad Barr - Excited to hear how God IS moving and HAS moved today :-)
Michelle De La Isla - At the concert, when Max Lucado mentioned Ethiopia, my eyes filled up with tears and as they showed the pictures of the beautiful children my heart overflowed with joy knowing you and Becky were headed there chasing after God's heart. What a blessing you are to all of us as you live His will. Thanks for allowing us to ...come for the ride. In a few hours you will hold your son in your arms. YAY GOD!
Natalie McVay Holdren - YES! YES! I did the same thing!
Carolyn Platt - So happy to hear that you arrived safely at your magical destination! How incredibly exciting that you will meet your new son in the morning! Love to all of you
Steve Johnson - Thinking of Becky and you getting to meet your new son. What an awesome experience and blessing.
Rd-amy Cogswell - Sounds awesome! Will be thinkin of nothin but you all meeting him - hug your wife for me! Whoot Hoot!!!!
Arrived at the orphanage to spend 3 hrs there and went inside the gates. Before we had time to realize we were finally there, without warning the front door opened and this little 3 foot tall tornado came flyin' out full speed straight at Daddy. You shoulda seen that smile and those big brown eyes.... He jumped up arms around my neck and planted a big smooch right on my cheek and wouldn't let go.
October 27 at 2:22pm
Karen Hunter - Ok The women are all in agreement here. That does bring tears to the eyes. Jeff and Becky I am so happy for you too. That couldn't have went better!!! I know you cant wait to get him home!
Debbie Farmer-Cook - Wow, that is how I had hoped it would be for you. We are going to an adoption seminar tomorrow, Saturday Oct 30th. Looking forward to meeting up with you and Becky in November to hear about the whole experience. God is Awesome!!
Rd-amy Cogswell - Kids and I woke up with goosebumps thinking of you and Becky with sweet boy! Just imagning him looking at these 2 Americans now mommy and daddy and envisioning you playing with him, watching him with his friends.....totally awesome!!
Tracy Rowe - We are so excited for you and your family!!
Brad Barr - Excited to hear how God IS moving and HAS moved today :-)
Michelle De La Isla - At the concert, when Max Lucado mentioned Ethiopia, my eyes filled up with tears and as they showed the pictures of the beautiful children my heart overflowed with joy knowing you and Becky were headed there chasing after God's heart. What a blessing you are to all of us as you live His will. Thanks for allowing us to ...come for the ride. In a few hours you will hold your son in your arms. YAY GOD!
Natalie McVay Holdren - YES! YES! I did the same thing!
Carolyn Platt - So happy to hear that you arrived safely at your magical destination! How incredibly exciting that you will meet your new son in the morning! Love to all of you
Steve Johnson - Thinking of Becky and you getting to meet your new son. What an awesome experience and blessing.
Rd-amy Cogswell - Sounds awesome! Will be thinkin of nothin but you all meeting him - hug your wife for me! Whoot Hoot!!!!
Posts from Addis
Picked up at airport and brought to guest house. we will be picked up tomorrow morning and get schedule for week and then to orphanage.
We will meet our little guy tomorrow morning.
Prayers please that everything goes well, we are so psyched, hope we can sleep tonight. More later.
October 26 at 1:26pm
Pamela Groff Johnson - Many thoughts and prayers for you both! So glad you arrived safely. The waiting is the hardest part. It will be SO worth it. God is blessing you right now. Thanks for your updates. Love to both of you during this incredible journey!
Brad Barr - Awesome. Godspeed on your wait.
May the peace that passes all understanding guard your hearts and minds in Jesus!
Eileen Porubsky - Praying for you all right now! Thanks for updating us on your journey! Love and blessings- brad and eileen
We will meet our little guy tomorrow morning.
Prayers please that everything goes well, we are so psyched, hope we can sleep tonight. More later.
October 26 at 1:26pm
Pamela Groff Johnson - Many thoughts and prayers for you both! So glad you arrived safely. The waiting is the hardest part. It will be SO worth it. God is blessing you right now. Thanks for your updates. Love to both of you during this incredible journey!
Brad Barr - Awesome. Godspeed on your wait.
May the peace that passes all understanding guard your hearts and minds in Jesus!
Eileen Porubsky - Praying for you all right now! Thanks for updating us on your journey! Love and blessings- brad and eileen
Posts from Addis
Looks like blog site is locked from here so will do what we can through FB.
Here OK, long flights, 2 hrs then 11 hrs then 7 hrs. Flew over Mediteranean, Egypt and saw Nile. As expected, pretty strung out. time diff is 8 hours later here.
Here OK, long flights, 2 hrs then 11 hrs then 7 hrs. Flew over Mediteranean, Egypt and saw Nile. As expected, pretty strung out. time diff is 8 hours later here.
Posts from Addis
WE ARE HERE IN ETHIOPIA !
Lyndsey Grace - What great news!
Steve Johnson - Awesome. Have some Java for me.
Lyndsey Grace - What great news!
Steve Johnson - Awesome. Have some Java for me.
Posts from Addis
On our way to Ethiopia :)
October 25 at 12:08pm
Lori Barr - We are praying for safe travels and beautiful sights.
Lyndsey Grace - YEAH!!!! May God be with you all through out your travels.
RD-amy Cogswell - YEAH!
Tracy Rowe - Our prayers are with you!! Keep us posted!
Kim Stewart Coker - We will be praying!!!!
Karen Hunter - Praying for you all the way Jeff and Becky :0) I am so excited for you guys!! Can't wait to hear all about it!
October 25 at 12:08pm
Lori Barr - We are praying for safe travels and beautiful sights.
Lyndsey Grace - YEAH!!!! May God be with you all through out your travels.
RD-amy Cogswell - YEAH!
Tracy Rowe - Our prayers are with you!! Keep us posted!
Kim Stewart Coker - We will be praying!!!!
Karen Hunter - Praying for you all the way Jeff and Becky :0) I am so excited for you guys!! Can't wait to hear all about it!
Monday, October 25, 2010
Officially on our way.
Next stop Houston, then Frankfurt Germany, then finally after 24 hours Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Concert last night was fantastic, what a great way to start this trip with powerful, heart felt worship, wonder why I am so hoarse this morning.
My highlight was when Toby Mac had finished, the lights went down and out of the darkness came Mac Powell singing God of Wonders.
I turned around and he was 5 feet away. Way cool.
More posts to come.
Next stop Houston, then Frankfurt Germany, then finally after 24 hours Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Concert last night was fantastic, what a great way to start this trip with powerful, heart felt worship, wonder why I am so hoarse this morning.
My highlight was when Toby Mac had finished, the lights went down and out of the darkness came Mac Powell singing God of Wonders.
I turned around and he was 5 feet away. Way cool.
More posts to come.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Officially started packing tonight.
Making piles, printing to do lists, and shopping lists.
Also have begun making contact with some of the other families that are travelling the same time as us.
Can't believe we leave next week.
It's gonna be such an emotional weekend with Sunday worship then the Third Day / Toby Mac / Michael W Smith show and to hear Max Lucado talk of his passion for African orphans.
Then we leave for Ethiopia the next morning !
Making piles, printing to do lists, and shopping lists.
Also have begun making contact with some of the other families that are travelling the same time as us.
Can't believe we leave next week.
It's gonna be such an emotional weekend with Sunday worship then the Third Day / Toby Mac / Michael W Smith show and to hear Max Lucado talk of his passion for African orphans.
Then we leave for Ethiopia the next morning !
Thursday, August 19, 2010
COURT DATE !!
We have a court date scheduled for Oct 28th in Addis Ababa.
Time to book travel arrangements.
All of a sudden, the time is upon us, it's not in the distant future anymore.
Time to book travel arrangements.
All of a sudden, the time is upon us, it's not in the distant future anymore.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Court date applied for.
Likely travel and meet little guy early November.
News of his new family brought smiles to his face and tears of joy to ours when we saw the pics of him looking at the scrapbook of his new family.
His reaction was such a blessing. We cannot even imagine what thoughts must be going through his head.
Another Hep A/B shot today, ouch.
Likely travel and meet little guy early November.
News of his new family brought smiles to his face and tears of joy to ours when we saw the pics of him looking at the scrapbook of his new family.
His reaction was such a blessing. We cannot even imagine what thoughts must be going through his head.
Another Hep A/B shot today, ouch.
Friday, August 6, 2010
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Timeline to date
Slumdog Millionaire
A great movie that pulled on our heart strings.
The Blind Side
Another great show that stirred up feelings of selfishness within us.
Jan 12th 2010
Haiti Earthquake
Sunday Jan 17th 2010
Our pastor made an announcement to prompt us to ask God how He could use us to help the people of Haiti in the midst of this tragedy. There was a way, ask Him to reveal it to us. This was the day I decided to ask God for a little direction and I can honestly say that I was not prepared for His answer. I thought a monetary donation or at most to participate in a mission trip would happen. Boy were we surprised.
Over the next few weeks, my wife and I prayed, discussed, talked out loud to ourselves and to each other, questioned God, even argued with Him. Needless to say, we lost every time. There was no excuse or reason that was acceptable to Him not to move forward with what was becoming increasingly clear. His plan was for us to expand our family.....
Our hearts had been softened and changed. It became all consuming and we had no choice but to obey and follow where He led.
Jan 26th 2010
Initial contact made with agency to discuss our plans.
Feb 3rd 2010
Homestudy preparation begun. Various forms to begin filling out, information to gather etc etc.
Started scanning various agency waiting children lists.
Feb 12th 2010
Preliminary application with agency
February and March consisted of completing the homestudy, checking out waiting child postings, making copies, filling out forms, more copies, emails, getting various certificates, more copies, clearances for financial, criminal, medical personal etc etc.
Apr 6th 2010
Found little boy that we were interested in.
Apr 8th 2010
Formal application with agency
Dossier packet with all requirements received, homestudy requirements pale in comparison.
Apr 19th 2010
Homestudy completed and submitted
Apr 22nd 2010
Conference call to go over numerous details and next step details. Call ended with us being told that our family was chosen as the best fit for this 7 year old boy we were interested in.
We cried and laughed, laughed and cried. We have a new son.
Jun 1st 2010
Last thing for dossier done today.
Fingerprints for imigration approval done. Now we wait for immigration approval.
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