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!

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.

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!

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.

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)

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.

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!

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.

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!!

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!!

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!!

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!

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!!!!

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

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.

Posts from Addis

WE ARE HERE IN ETHIOPIA !
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!