Adoption Update- Two Trips

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose" (Romans 8:28).

ETHIOPIA TIMES TWO

It's official. We were recently informed that adoptive parents will need to appear in court in Ethiopia. This came as a surprise to many. We were hoping that there might be a chance that we might squeeze in before that rule applies, but that won't happen as it applies to any files that are sent to court after April 9. Families are made aware of court dates usually two weeks after a referral is made and court dates are being scheduled approximately three to five weeks after a file is received by the court. Once a court decision is granted, our baby girl will be legally our daughter, but she will not be able to come home with us until a Visa is granted which could take several months. Therefore, we will get to visit her birth country twice.

There are mixed feelings associated with this new rule. First of all, we'll get to travel to Ethiopia sooner than we expected!! However, I can't imagine how painful it will be to say good-bye to our little girl. I know that obviously there is nothing that we can do about this, so again, we leave it in God's hands. Oh, I pray so earnestly for patience and for the ability to trust completely in Him.

One Thousand Gifts (Continued)

"Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and be glad and give Him glory!" (Revelation 19: 6b, 7a)

#401) turkey dinner outside



#402) breakfast outside



#403) outside dinner for the first time this year


#404) party helpers

#405) party planner/organizer (a boy after his mother's heart)

#406) party snacks

#407) successful birthday party

#408) Easter dinners with family

#409) gorgeous weather

#410) lunch to celebrate sister's birthday

#411) Easter assembly at school

#412) Nicole's excitement to recite part of an Easter poem

#413) safe arrival of my snowbird in-laws

#414) the cross

#415) the empty tomb

#416) this whole weekend and the meaning behind it- Christ's resurrection and His death on the cross for me-a sinner

#417) forgiveness

#418) fantastic musical at our church

#419) the many gifts and talents of the members in our church

#420) hours of volunteering and dedication involved in the Easter presentation

#421) Jesse's enthusiasm to help prepare for his party today

#422) school friends

What's in a Name?

"She will give birth to a son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins" (Matthew 1:21).

People choose names for their children based on a wide variety of reasons. Sometimes it is for the tradition a passing a family name on to the next generation. Sometimes, a name is chosen based on its meaning and sometimes a name is just chosen because parents like it.

We've had over two years to think about the name of our baby girl. We are considering African names, a grandparent's name, names we just like, and names with special meanings. One day, my oldest and I were looking on the Internet for African baby girl names. This one struck us the most: "Ekenesenarhienrhien"! Is that not the longest name, ever! The meaning of it, however is quite special, "acknowledge that which God has given". Maybe we could shorten it??? Some of Jesse's fav's were: "Jojo", "Sisi", "Tale", "Yaa", etc. Was he being silly or what? Some of my top picks were/are: "Jendayi" (give thanks), "Jamilia" (beautiful), "Jahzara" (Ethiopian for Blessed Princess), "Mariama" (gift of God), "Desta" (happiness), "Joanna" (God is gracious/grace/gift of the Lord), "Melesse", "Alitash", etc. Of course there are the names that we just like such as, "Lillian", "Lynelle", etc. We would also like to keep her birth name. Needless to say, we have not yet decided on her name. Hopefully, we'll need to make up our minds very, very soon.

"...And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace" (Isaiah 9:6).

Throughout the Bible there are numerous names/attributes given to our Lord. Such names/attributes include: Abba, Most High, Yahweh, I AM, Creator, Potter, King, Righteous One, El Shaddai, Alpha, Omega, Shepherd, Provider, Healer, Counselor, etc. etc. The list goes on, but the one name that means sums it up for me, especially as we celebrate Easter this weekend is "Saviour". Thinking about what Jesus did for me on that cross makes me want to cry out and say as the hymn says, "Hallelujah! What a Saviour!" We were blessed by that song last Sunday and tonight at our church's Easter performance, "Believe". It was very hard to keep a dry eye as the choir powerfully sang, "Man of Sorrows, What a Name"

Man of Sorrows, what a name

For the Son of God who came

Ruined sinners to reclaim!

Hallelujah! What a Saviour!

Bearing shame and scoffing rude,

In my place condemned He stood,

Sealed my pardon with His blood;

Hallelujah! What a Saviour.

Lifted up was He to die,

"It is finished," was His cry,

Now in heaven exalted high,

Hallelujah! What a Saviour.

When He comes, our glorious King,

All Hs ransomed home to bring,

Then anew this song we'll sing,

Hallelujah! What a Saviour.

One Thousand Gifts (Continued)

"...but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character, and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out Hs love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us"

(Romans 5:3-5).

#388) new seasons

#389) sharing crackers with toys

#390) puppet shows

#391) actors taking a bow

#392) "Celebration of Hope" dinner with our adoption agency

#393) meeting other adoptive parents (to be) and making new friends

#394) more referrals last week!

#395) prayer support from church family

#396) special GEMS (girls everywhere meeting their Saviour) service

#397) our extra ordinarily gifted pastor

#398) the reminder, "Prayer-No Worries"

#399) Christ as our example in suffering

#400) creation glorifying the King

Final Four! (adoption update)

The NCAA tournament is in full swing! Last weekend we had the privilege of attending two of the games in Buffalo. We had a great time and great seats! The teams we chose in our pool even won!

As it comes down to the final four, Paul's friends made the analogy of us being in the final four too. We are now number four waiting for our referral! There were more referrals this week, and we're getting closer! We keep praying that we'll make it to the finals real soon!

'"Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear,' says the LORD"

(Isaiah 65:24).

Adoption Update

"I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in His word I put my hope" (Psalm 130:5).

As we continue to wait, I pray for patience and renewed hope. God continues to answer my prayers as at least three more referrals were made since yesterday. We're getting closer! Now we're #6 or so! I continue to pray for patience and for me to trust in God's timing. May His will be done.

One Thousand Gifts (Continued)

"Let everything that has breath praise the LORD" (Psalm 150:6).

#368) imaginary houses made from paint

#369) fashion fauxpas


#370) an avid writer

#371) rocks

#372) clean bill of health from the doctor today for our daughter

#373) Nicole packing her Bible for while we wait at the doctor's office

#374) sibling hugs

#375) wearing shorts in March

#376) visiting with old friends over March Break

#377) visiting with new friends over March Break

#378) dinner guests

#379) watching March Madness LIVE with my hubby

#380) lots of sibling play time over the break

#381) sharing and trading amongst siblings

#382) a referral was made today (we're getting closer)!

#383) fellowship

#384) listening and seeing my (favourite) pastor on Sunday

#385) fond childhood memories of my childhood pastor

#386) the Light of the world

#387) renewed hope