I've got birth certificates!

Exciting news for today: I received the children's birth certificates ~ they will turn 9 years old in June ~ and my official confirmation of my Embassy date on April 1st! I was so happy to get both!! I was dying of curiosity to see when their birth date would be set at, and I have been flying on FAITH with my travel plans. The news today is a total prayer praise for the supplications I was making last night! Now I can breathe easy (or easier) in these final few days before heading off on our trip. "Give thanks to the Lord for He is good!"

All my bags are packed, I'm ready to go

" 'Cause I'm leaving on a jet plane ..."

I have my suitcases all packed ... one for the kids with another duffle bag packed inside to return with souvenirs, one for me, and one full of donations. (My sister is only taking one so we are still only at two per person). CWA shipped me a baby scale, five pairs of little shoes and a pile of socks to take; I found some flip flops at Walmart on clearance for 75 cents apiece so bought a pair for each of my kids (which might be their size) and six more pairs to donate. My sister works for a dentist so we have 150 toothbrushes to bring, and we also have about a dozen bars of bath soap, 6 jump ropes, 6 boomerangs (another 75 cent bargain!), 600 balloons, 100 packages of four color-crayons (like the restaurants give to the kids) and 10 packages of 20 colored markers. I would love to take more but ran out of space.

We leave one week from tomorrow on Monday March 24th! We'll arrive in London on Tuesday morning, stay with some friends for a few days for my final hurrah at a vacation for a long, long time and depart there on Saturday evening. We arrive in Addis Ababa early Sunday morning. My sister's church supports a missionary team with Christian Missionary Fellowship in Addis Ababa, and a lovely couple (whom we met several months ago when they were home to visit family) have graciously offered to meet us at the airport - even though an adoption agency representative will be there as well - and take us to church with them and then to lunch. What a nice welcome! Hopefully later that day I will be able to pick up the kids. Wow! It is so surreal to think that soon I will be the mother of two 8 year olds!

I am also completely thrilled to find out that one of the women whom I met last fall at an adoption training class in Washington state will be in Ethiopia at the same time we will be. We are making plans to meet and spend some time together. I just love her and her 14 year old daughter and am looking forward to spending some time with them as they pick up her new 12 year old son. Their being there at the same time is just one more sign that God has a perfect plan for all of our futures.

In addition, another new wonderful friend I met at an adoption class here in Colorado, is traveling to pick up her new 8 year old son from Rwanda and may be passing through Ethiopia when we are there as well. She is an amazing woman who who is the founder of He Knows My Name, a ministry which raises banners throughout Africa and the entire world proclaiming Jesus as King of Kings, and Lord of Lords. The Holy Spirit uses her in a powerful way, meeting personally with political and military leaders to work towards peace. I count it as an honor to be included in her circle of friends. I encourage you to visit their website and pray for peace and this ministry.

"Don't know when I'll be back again ..."

Okay, yes I do ... we leave Ethiopia Saturday April 5th, and after a grueling 16 hour flight from Addis Ababa to Washington DC, and an 8 hour layover there, where I'm hoping we can all hop a tour bus to see some of nations historic sights, we will arrive home Sunday afternoon, April 6th.

Court is a thing of the PASSED

I got my call about 10:00 this morning ... I passed court. Yah! Bouncing off ceiling; have to come down to get to cloud nine!!!!

Based on the recent experience of others, our Embassy date should be about 3 weeks after court. My estimate is April 1st (kinda funny, huh?) as CWA has theirs on Tuesdays. I was told the firm notice is only about 10 days before the actual date. Since I want to travel to England on the way, I took a leap of faith and booked a flight leaving March 24th -- the day after Easter. I will probably only find out if that is indeed the day on the previous Friday. Why I want to put myself under even more stress, I do not know! But if I have to push it out a week, I'd rather pay the change fee than stress over not having a reservation (spring break already has flights getting scarce) or making something at a moments notice.

And now I can legally post photos of the kids on my blog! ... here are my angels ... 8 year old twins, Josiah & Naomi ...

A visit to Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Kidane Meheret Church

While I'm sitting here hyperventilating over my impending court date (only two days away, but who's counting?), I thought I'd share my experience visiting one of our local Ethiopian churches with my friend, Abeba, who emigrated to the U.S from Ethiopia 16 years ago.

According to Abeba, the service begins at 8:00 a.m. with two hours of prayer, followed by an hour of Bible study. So she told me to arrive at 10:00. The first time I went, I had no idea what to expect. I walked up to the door and could hear a kind of sing-song-chanting as the service was being performed in Amharic. I peeked in the door and saw a sea of white robes! Uh oh!

Getting up my courage I slipped through the door eliciting only a few stares. I noticed that the men were on one side of the room and the women on the other. There were also piles of shoes at the doorway where everyone had removed them prior to entering. As I was a few minutes early I hoped that my friend had yet to arrive, would come in through the door, find me and all would be grand. This did not happen. As I watched, I noticed that several people had gone out a side door and returned with the white head coverings. I thought perhaps there were "extras" out in a hallway so went to explore. No such luck. As I wandered to and fro looking a bit lost, a nice young lady asked if she could help me. I told her I was looking for "Abeba with the twins" (she had told they would know who that was). Indeed, the girl knew exactly who I meant and took me to one of the ladies in the white robes. Ahhh! My friend!!!

I felt it gave me a small taste of what my children might feel coming to this country where they couldn't understand the language, didn't know the customs, and didn't know quite what to do or how to act. I think God gave me this experience so I could in a small way relate to that feeling.

The second time I visited, just last week, I asked Abeba if she could bring me a white scarf, the traditional "natela" to wear. This time when I arrived I was met by Abeba's cousin, Tsehai who fetched the natela that had been brought for me, and again found Abeba in the expanse of white -- I don't know how they do it! The church was packed as it was a special day for them, the anniversary of their founding. I arrived about 9:45. Between prayer and the "service" all of the the children file in for communion. It was so crowded we did not have a seat and were standing in the back. When the kids crowded in it was very crowded indeed! Rather than the 10 minutes or so communion took on my first visit, this one probably took 1/2 an hour! Then there is song and dance performed, which is wonderful with flags twirling and rhythms kept on large kettle drums. It's my favorite part! After the music, the pastor delivered an animated service with witty comments here and there, apparent by the laughter from the congregation. I would say that I didn't understand a word, but about halfway through he said a single sentence in English. Why he choose that one I don't know. And we should never complain about our protestant services going longer than the hour or ninety minutes they typically last. The service did not get over until 12:30! I stood watching and listening for almost three hours.

The long service was made all worthwhile by the delicious potluck style dinner which was served afterwards. Of course, once again it was packed. After a gracious woman offered to get a plate of food for me, I moved to sit with someone else I knew and wondered to myself if she would still be able to find me when she brought the food back. Silly me! I was the only white skin visible amongst every shade of caramel, tan, brown, and black. I was an easy target to pick out.

Finally about 2:00 p.m. I bid my good-byes, but only after being persuaded to take home a huge plate of leftover food. I hope to attend the church with my kids perhaps once a month or every other month after they are home. I'd go more often, but for one I don't understand the language and have a hard time using that time to learn more about God and deepen my relationship with Christ, and for two I love and adore my own home church. But I feel very welcome and appreciate having them in my and my kids' lives.

A Shower of Blessings

My awesome, wonderful, amazing friends Darla, Kayla, and Patti threw an adoption "baby" shower for me on Saturday. They worked so hard and I am so blessed by their love and support. I was overwhelmed with generosity. My best friend, Suzette flew all the way from Arizona just to be here for me. My new children and I truly received a "shower" of blessings.

           

WOW! We are sooo blessed!

I HAVE A COURT DATE!

I just found out today that I have a court date for March 6th .... only two weeks away. I am beside myself with joy! I cannot stop emailing and calling and thinking and praising Jesus! I am praying for no delays, complications, failures, or rescheduling. If all goes well that means an Embassy appointment potentially April 8th or perhaps the 15th (my agency has slots on Tuesdays). Since I plan to stop in London to visit friends on the way over, that means a departure of March 31st or April 7th. I have so much to do! I have to stop typing and go PACK!

He Reigns!!!

Just what I've been waiting for

I finally received the results of the medical exams that I have been waiting for. Praise the Lord! The kids appear healthy so the next step is getting a court date. I was really, really hoping to travel in March, but the latest timelines posted by someone on a Yahoo group state:

"Your paperwork and the children's paperwork will be reviewed and approved by MOWA (Ministry of Women's Affairs). They will complete the paperwork and your attorney in Ethiopia will file the case in court. Once filed, it takes on average 4 - 6 weeks to be heard. If it passes, the kids are legally yours and you should get an Embassy appointment for your children's Visa within 6-8 weeks. That is when you travel! Keep in mind that there are a growing number of agencies and cases. That means things can take longer."

I think I am at the point where we can file in court. I think, but am not sure, that I have already been reviewed by MOWA. That still means 10-14 weeks. I am still optimistically hoping to travel in early April. I appreciate your prayers!

If the medical reports are accurate, my kids are growing fast! Comparing my current medical report to the one I received last October. Naomi has gone from 45" to 47" and 46 pounds to 53. Josiah has gone from 46" to 49" and 53 pounds to 55. The report also states their ages at 8 (no birthdate yet) and their grade in school as Grade 2 -- at their interview in September the ages given were 8 or 9 and they were in Grade 1. So I am happy about the latest information. Hopefully not quite as much catching up to do in school.

I found a really cute cartoon to insert here, but it is copyrighted. Drats! See it here.

Love & Blessings,
Nancy

Faux pas

Oh my goodness! I've recently discovered that it is actually against Ethiopian law to post photos of the children prior to completing the court process and becoming the legal parents. It is for the children's protection and does make sense. Many things can go wrong in this process and they do not want these kids exploited in any way. So even though it is hard as a waiting parent not to share them with everyone, I have removed all photos and references to their Ethiopian names until after I have passed court. Thank you to the kind individual who pointed this out to me or I may not have known, and could have jeopardized my adoption.

On the bright side, my twins have been moved from the foster home in Soddo to the care center in Addis Ababa, their final stop before coming home to the U.S. Now they need to get another (more thorough as I understand) medical exam and then we can submit our paperwork for a court date. I am praying for a smooth process and to pass court on the first attempt. I am still hoping and praying for an Embassy date in late March. This waiting business is hard!!!

Thinking about names

I've been really thinking about names. Earlier I talked about changing my last name to my children's Ethiopian surname (see Josiah & Naomi posted 11/27/07), which according to their traditions is their father's first name. I wanted to honor their heritage and family. But the more I talk to people and the more I think about it, I am now leaning again towards giving them my last name instead. There are many reasons, but I have given it much thought and prayer and it seems like the better decision. So I am a bit reluctantly, but peacefully letting go of that desire.

Computer woes

Well, my computer had been running increasingly slower and slower and finally died completely on 12/29/07 - just after my last post. I'm not sure if the hard drive gave out or if it was victim to some virulent virus (my virus scanning software said "0 viruses" but I'm not sure I believe it). After growing frustration with my PC the last year or two, I made the switch to a Mac and am still working on learning its unique nuances. I was hoping to simplify my life a bit and resolve this area of frustration prior to my new venture in motherhood, but alas, it is yet to be resolved. And with the switch some of my diligent backing up of files may have been for naught as not all are compatible with the new Mac. Perhaps someone is trying to tell me to let go of some of my computer obsession, so I'll have more time for these precious children!!

I'm still waiting for an update on the twins. They were to have been moved from the foster home in Soddo to the CWA care center in Addis Ababa around 1/3/08, but to my knowledge that hasn't happened. Once there, they will get another medical exam and then the court date can be scheduled. Nonetheless, I am still estimating traveling to get them sometime in March. Time is moving so fast and so slow both at the same time!

Another step closer

I got my I-171H immigration approval today! Yeah! Another step closer. So that means I should know within the next few weeks when my court date will be. I am so excited ... and scared and nervous and a hundred emotions I can't even name!

Please say prayers that the rest of the process goes smoothly. Thanks!

Melkam Yelidet Beaal (Happy Christmas)

GENNA

Christmas in Ethiopia, called Lidet or Genna, is not the primary religious and secular festival that it has become in Western countries. Falling on January 7th, it is celebrated seriously by a church service that goes on throughout the night in ancient churches carved from solid volcanic rock and also in modern churches that are designed in three concentric circles. Men and boys sit separately from girls and women. The choir sings from the outside circle.

The day before Genna, people fast all day. On Christmas Eve the city is crowded with pilgrims from all parts of the country. They remain outdoors all night, praying and chanting. The next morning at dawn, everyone dresses in white. Most Ethiopians wear a traditional shamma, a thin, white cotton wrap with brightly colored stripes across the ends. The shamma is worn somewhat like a toga. Urban Ethiopians might put on white Western garb. A colorful procession makes its way to a nearby hilltop where a service is held. Three young men march at the head of the crowd, lashing whips from left to right to keep the people in line. People receive candles as they enter the church. After lighting the candles everyone walks around the church three times, then stands throughout the mass, which may last up to three hours.

After the service is over the rest of the day is spent dancing, playing sport and feasting. Traditionally, young men played a game somewhat like hockey, called genna, played with a curved stick and a round wooden ball, and so Christmas has also come to be known by that name. Food served at Christmas usually includes injera, a sourdough pancake like bread. Injera serves as both plate and fork. Doro wat, a spicy chicken stew might be the main meal. A piece of the injera is used to scoop up the wat. Baskets decorated beautifully are used to serve the wat.

Genna and Timkat are not occasions for giving gifts in Ethiopia. If a child receives any gift at all, it is usually a small gift of clothing. Religious observances, feasting, and games are the focus of the season.

TIMKET

Timket, the feast of Epiphany is the greatest festival of the year, falling on January 19th, just two weeks after the Ethiopian Christmas. It is actually a three-day affair beginning on the eve of Timket with dramatic and colourful processions. The children walk to church services in a procession, wearing the crowns and robes of the church youth groups they belong to. The grown-ups wear the shamma. The priests will now wear their red and white robes and carry embroidered fringed umbrellas.

The following morning, the great day itself, Christ's baptism in the Jordan River by John the Baptist is commemorated. Ethiopian men play another sport called yeferas guks. They ride on horseback and throw ceremonial lances at each other. Since October and the end of the rains, the country has been drying up steadily. The sun blazes down from a clear blue sky and the festival of Timket always takes place in glorious weather.

Melkam Yelidet Beaal (Happy Christmas)

With Love,
Nancy

Behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy

The latest news (received 12/20/07) ...

AMEN!
The [caretaker] of [the children] are bringing them tomorrow - they are saying their farewells in their village. They also live far away from Soddo. All is well!
Blessings,
S.

The only surprise there is that I had thought my kids were from Soddo and now it seems they are from "far away from Soddo." Crazy!!! But I'm thankful and feel blessed for any tidbit of information I can glean. For some of the children nothing at all is known.

Plop plop, fizz fizz

Oh what a relief it is!
(In case you're wondering what the heck I am talking about, that jingle is part of an old Alka-Seltzer commercial) ... anyway ... I received this email today ...

Subject: Merry Christmas News!

Nancy,
I have just received an email from Soddo that our social worker was able to make contact with the family and the children are going to come to the orphanage as soon as possible this week. Our volunteer says to put your heart at ease and she will let us know as soon as they have arrived.

Big sigh of relief! Thank you Jesus! Now "cautiously" bouncing off the ceiling.

Kinda nervous

Last week I was told that my children had been moved into the CWA foster home in Soddo. This was rather bittersweet, as to me that meant leaving what is familiar to them, but also meant they were safe and well cared for. Today I was apologetically informed that there had been a miscommunication and the woman providing the information was caught in the midst of multiple tasks (sound familiar?) and momentarily confused my kids with another sibling group in the same phase of the process.

As far as my kids' status, they have been sent two messages "inviting" them to the orphanage /foster home. I'm not sure if they didn't respond or just haven't come. Nonetheless, a case worker is being sent to their town this week to speak with them. This makes me really nervous, as it is a very tenuous situation ...

Until they are in the adoption agencies care, anything can happen: Communication in third world countries is difficult and the people can be sometimes transient. The agencies don't "lose" the children, per se, but sometimes after initial contact it becomes difficult or even impossible to regain it. Or, guardians may change their minds or other relatives may step forward that wish to care for the kids.

The CWA motto is "We Believe That God is in Control of Our Agency and Your Adoption." I know this is true and I have complete faith that God has mighty plans to bring my perfect children to me. I have also worked very hard at guarding my heart ... "Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life." ~ Proverbs 4:23. With an international adoption from a third world country you really have no guarantees until you actually have the children in your arms. I'm sure everything will be fine, but I am praying for God's grace and covering.