Another Bump in the Road

Well, our court date came and went and we did not get through. The clearance papers came in, but no one could sign them or something like that. I wasn't very clear on what the reason was, but we're still waiting for clarification. There was no news today, which made it even more difficult. None of the waiting families from our agency passed either. Our agency thought we could still make it through this week and then the travel dates would remain the same, but if we hear nothing, how would we know? I'm not sure why we're not getting daily updates from Ethiopia, but there's nothing I can do to prepare until I know we passed court. It's been a very frustrating two days, not knowing if I should start packing to go in two weeks or if things will get moved back...

Waiting for Big News

Tomorrow's the big court date, which we don't know if it will actually happen because we never heard whether the clearance papers came in or not. It's a big day one way or the other. I hope the news comes in early so I'm not sitting in front of the computer, willing it to send me a message all day. We had a family day out in Yellowstone National Park today, which was a much needed break. Whatever happens is out of our hands now so we'll only hope for the best.

The Mad Dash

Ok, so I've been on the phone and on the computer the last two days trying to figure out flights, dates, etc. Apparently August is a terrible time to be traveling, especially coming back to the U.S. But what would our experience be like if it wasn't complicated every step of the way? Finally I think I found the travel agency that can get us there and back. A dear friend has offered to go with me, which is incredible. It's mostly for sure. Now, if only we could hear about those clearance papers and whether court will go through Monday or not... Like I said, there's no real experience without drama and complications. I'm still trying not to let my emotions run amok with the thought of holding those precious girls in my arms. With all that has happened to make this even a near possibility shows WE WANT THEM!! Let no one with all their doubts and concerns even question that any longer. We welcome all who want to share in our lives to do so and the rest--well, you'll miss out, but it's your choice. We will not ask for approval; this is our family and that's it, end of discussion. Whatever your reservations are, please leave them at YOUR door because frankly, we're done trying to make other people feel better. It's our turn to be happy and to bond as a family and we don't have the time!!!

Speedy Descent

Well, after months of uncertainty, waiting, bad news, more waiting, our roller coaster ride is coming to a rather sudden end, it seems. We received news today that our court date is now July 21, which is NEXT MONDAY! The only snag would be if they do not receive the clearance papers on the girls in time. If they do, and we pass court, we will be getting the girls in about three weeks! We are in shocked disbelief at this point that our dreams are finally becoming real. My mind can't quite even wrap itself around this news. I thought I had three months to gather things and pack, and now I must move at lightning speed to prepare. I may be the only traveler, but maybe someone will volunteer to come with me, as I can't imagine bringing the girls home alone. My heart is still very guarded, though, and I'm more stressed now than excited as we wait for the official word by Monday. Do I dare hope?

Good News

Well, it looks like courts will resume next week. Several families have court dates now before the August closure. We now have a court date of October 6, so we could potentially plan to pick up the girls about three weeks after that. It's a relief; I was despairing we would not travel until December. Just having some idea of when things might happen gives me a huge lift. Two of our online friends are in Ethiopia--one on her way, actually--and are spending time with our kids, as well as their own. Nancy, our friend from our same state, decided to stay on with her baby beyond her scheduled visit and now may be able to bring her home with her in a few weeks. It's hard on her family to be without her, but what a great thing it would be for her to come back with the baby! Nancy's husband sent us pictures and we received some of our little one. She really is a tiny thing when we see someone holding her. Kistet is in another facility so we did not get pictures of her, but we will get updates next week. We did receive some verbal messages about her that were very encouraging. Things are looking up, although we don't dare get too excited.

Child Profiles

We finally received the child profiles on the girls last weekend. We feel relieved that the baby is okay. Both of them have some issues, but nothing we weren't prepared for and nothing we're not willing to face. They were both abandoned this spring so their birth dates are estimated, which is sad. Now that we know what they need, it makes the waiting even harder. Another family is in Ethiopia this week visiting their daughter and also doing a humanitarian project. They were supposed to have been there to bring her home this week. Still no news on when we could get court dates. Our girls' abandonment periods will end in a couple of weeks. I really hoped these other families can get court dates before August, but I highly doubt it now. Another family who was supposed to have picked up their child this week has decided to visit him in a couple of weeks. Our new group of friends are all very amazing and so strong. They've been very supportive and we all know what each other's going through so they've brought a lot of comfort. We just look forward to more pictures and news. These families who have traveled have given our kids lots of love, which we are grateful for. I would go visit in a heartbeat if I could.

A Little Lift

Today we received pictures of our girls from another family who picked up their daughter last week. They were better than the few we had received with the referral. It was a much needed lift. Yesterday we heard our child profile reports with the medicals won't get to us for another week and that the little one had to have additional tests. No one knows what they are for. We can't get any information until those profiles come. I thought for sure we'd have all of their information last week; now we have more to worry about. Not knowing what to expect, we fear the worst. Looking at the pictures, though, I have a hard time imagining she has anything major--she looks so good! Any little thing can turn scary in Ethiopia, though, so I can't judge it based on what would happen here. I've had little sleep in a week; I'm so anxious for any word I check our e-mail incessantly, but there's little. Looks like we definitely won't be able to bring them home before winter, if even then. We're a little sad lately.

Food Crisis in Ethiopia

Please view these short videos, 1)http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/7428936.stm, 2)http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/7444998.stm, and 3)http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/7449722.stm on the food crisis in Ethiopia. After watching these, I realize I have absolutely no complaints. Please pray for the people of Ethiopia and help in any way you can; if nothing else, be thankful! Especially pray for the children that are suffering.