For THIS child I have prayed....



So, we've been home for 11 days, and I'm just NOW getting to updating this poor, neglected blog.   Mostly because by the time I put it all on FB and send pics to our families, I feel like I'm done, but I think there are 1 or 2 of you who still check this thing...so for YOU....here it is!

Our time in Ethiopia meeting  Samuel was wonderful....we passed court which was the primary reason for the trip, and so we are thrilled to introduce our son to you!

 

Here is our first look at him...We had arrived in Ethiopia on Monday morning....we'd been up a long time, but this little guy was totally worth it!

 

 

 

 Getting my hands on him...he's so, so tiny!

(Check out his on-backwards pants...they are 3-6 month pants that fit like capris - ha!)

 

So happy to be together!

 

 

 He's going to fit right in around here...he's fun, energetic, and just a little bit ornery!

 I have no idea what this face is about, but hey - we're all together!

 

 He's B.U.S.Y.

 

 Playing hide and seek...he loves to engage in throwing balls (or anything else), or any kind of game.

 

I LOVE HIM.

 Samuel and  Daddy.

 

 Whatchoo talkin' bout?

 

 Gettin' some love from one of the nannies...

 

He LOVES ball.   Loves it.

 

 

We are missing our boy, but trying to keep busy while we wait for him to come home....that's not too hard with 7 other kids at home.    We are anticipating about a 3 month wait to bring him home.  It seems so long, but Nathan reminded me that in the big picture of his life, it's just a snippet of time.    

Going to meet our boy!!

Yep - that's right!  We're leaving tomorrow to go meet Samuel!!    We are so excited!

On Sunday evening, we received an email from our agency rep telling us that we had a court date on November 14...which meant we needed to be in country by the 12th...which meant we had to leave THIS WEEKEND!   Craziness.    This adoption has certainly not happened on the time frame we thought it would - it's left our heads spinning a bit (or at least mine!).   Don't get me wrong - we are thrilled - but with international adoption it's usually much longer than you'd hope - hardly ever quicker than you expect!

So, this week has been a flurry of making arrangements for the kids (Thanks, Mom!), running the endless errands that seem to accompany a trip like this,  packing, and just our usual schedule with 7 kids! 

We would appreciate your prayers for our family this week.  I always struggle with leaving the kids...something about getting on a plane to fly 8000 miles away and leaving 7 of my children behind goes against every maternal instinct I have!  I know they will be fine, though...it's just hard to leave them behind.

If you feel so inclined to pray for us, we would appreciate prayers for:

• Sweet Samuel...that his heart would be prepared to meet us, and that he would adjust quickly to his new surroundings at the transition home.  This is where he will stay until we can bring him home in a few months.
• Safe & smooth travels for us...and for good health (no altitude sickness this time!)
• Our children at home...that the littles would feel secure and have a good time while we are gone.  For our bigs that they would handle extra responsibility well and have a great week.
• For everyone playing a part in caring for our kids.
• For God to use this trip to further change our lives - open our eyes - give us a heart for the things of his heart.  

THANK YOU FOR PRAYING WITH US!!



 Do not be afraid, for I am with you; I will bring your children from the east 

and gather you from the west.

Isaiah 43:5