Ethiopia

Mourning has taken our family deeper into our walk with Christ and trust in Him. I apologize to my readers for taking so long to update here and thank you all so very much for your prayers.

We have watched several Haitian children get their passport and visa (like Jedd was waiting for) and come home to their forever families. I admit it is so hard, yet so happy.

So, here we are, with a completed dossier for Ethiopia (yes, it was remarkably easier than Haiti). We are waiting on a referral for a child/children and this will all happen by the first of the year. God works in mysterious ways, is so true.........
A week before Jedd died we were at a friends home celebrating a birthday. One of the other families there happened to be here from Ethiopia (on a lottery visa). I ended up spending about 30 minutes talking to the father of this family about what the country was like, what his dreams were for going back to his country to help others, about the people of Ethiopia and the great needs, etc... At the time of this conversation, I was certainly moved by his country, but didn't realize what God had in store for us. We were waiting for Jedd.. Then the news of his passing into Jesus' arms...

Then, the adoption agency calls us and sends their condolences and offers to do an Ethiopian adoption for us for free....

Next, the local agency that does our homestudy interview calls to offer their condolences and invite us to update our homestudy for another country for a huge discount...

At first, I was totally not ready, Kelly always felt that we were supposed to move forward. He pointed out that God must have brought us through all of this to show us His amazing plan.. Then on Jedd's birthday, I embraced Ethiopia... Only by the grace of God..

Meanwhile, some of you may know that we are a foster family... We got a call from DCFS (Division of Child and Family Services) with a child.. His name was Jelou Jean-Francois.. Whoa! I said to the placement worker, "He is Haitian!" He said he didn't know that.. Yes, this child that I am holding is Haitian. It is so amazing to look at his beautiful face. I know and love this country so deeply. Since he is a foster child, we don't know how long he will be with us, but for now, it is very sweet to hold him and pray over him. He reminds me that I can never stop praying for this country..

As soon as God chooses a child for us, I will post again.. Stay tuned for another chapter in the beautiful life God has blessed us with..

http://www.celebratechildren.org/