More delays

New pictures came today of our little girl. She's sitting up!! I'm thankful because she's doing so well in the orphanage devolpmentally. But, I don't like missing all these firsts!

Isn't she just the sweetest little thing?

With the pics came bad news. The Ministry (MoWA) did reopen last Thursday as planned after a two week training. However, the secretary, who is responsible for writing the letter for our birth certificate, decided to take a vacation. Yes, a vacation after 2 weeks off. So, we're waiting again. We're not sure when she's coming back. To say this was difficult news is an understatement. I'm so frustrated right now. I know God has a plan, but why did it have to unfold like this Lord? I have to repeat what I've told people so often so I can remind myself. God has called us here and He will provide.

God's children

Getting ready

Still waiting on the birth certificate to come in so we can get a travel date. In the meantime, we're getting ready.

Look who's in a big bed! I was really dreding this because Cole is so busy and I just knew he'd be out a million times at bedtime and nap time. BUT, he has done so good. I told him the crib is now for Jada and he gets a big bed. He laid right down, sucked his thumb and went to sleep. Every morning of that first week in his big bed, he'd come in our room in the morning and say, "Mom, Jada be home 5 minutes?" Oh I wish buddy.

And here's the new crib bedding. I wasn't going to buy new bedding just to save money. But, my blue and green bedding from 9 years and four boys was just worn out! And you just can't beat Target. So cute and PINK!

Here's Jada's drawers all full of clothes for the trip. Hoping the size is right and I take enough.

And some fun accessories. Hairbows! I never really thought I was a big headband fan, but I just think little Ethiopian girls look so cute in them. We have a local kids shop in town who sells them. I took in a few outfits and matched for some bows. Too fun. Let's hope she'll keep them in!

A sweet friend bought these for Jada. Aren't they adorable?? Thanks T! Love them.
We haven't started packing yet because I think it's still going to be a month. But, I am starting to think about what to take and donations for the orphanage. I have had a couple people ask me about donations so I thought I'd list a few things on here. If you'd like to buy some things and bring them to our house, we'll deliver them to the orphanage when we go. They really are in desperate need of essentials and the kids love the extra fun stuff too!

Donations needed:

1. Formula! (Similac is closest to their formula and the single serve packets are really easy to

pack!

2. Diapers. All sizes are needed.

3. Lice shampoo.

4. Antifungal cream for ringworm.

5. Antibacterial hand wipes.

6. Clothes of all sizes.

7. Toys, games, or snacks for older kids. (ie, stickers, coloring stuff, balls (deflated w/ a little

pump), bubbles, suckers, stuffed animals, etc.)

Thanks!

Witnessing a miracle

Last night we went back to the airport to welcome home another family changed forever by adoption. The Cramers and their beautiful new daughter, Hana.

We met Scott and Jena because we were both adopting girls from Ethiopia through Christian World Adoption. They are such a neat family and we're so happy that they're now complete! Hana was born on the other side of the world in a completely different culture and yet God knew her destiny. "...bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the ends of the earth" Isaiah 43:6 God handpicked Hana to be here. "For I know what I have planned for you, says the Lord. ‘I have plans to prosper you, not to harm you. I have plans to give you, a future filled with hope. Jeremiah 29:11. He has a plan. A good one.

They also came home with news about Jada! They were able to hold her, kiss her, and love on her for us. They said she's doing great and is very well cared for. Music to this mommy's ears! Soon baby girl!!

A fun weekend and disappointing news

We took our boys to the Dunes on Lake Michigan this past Saturday. It's not too far from my parents and our boys have never been to the beach so it was ideal. The only bad thing was that Kade and Cole were sick. And still are. (But I won't go off on a tangent about the details and tell you that they had high fevers, terrible sore throats, ear infections, and have just been miserable and how this just isn't right in the middle of summer!) Anyway, we had a great day.

Hiking up the summit. Another sign around the bend said "Warning strenous trail to summit". Not so strenous, but a nice little walk up to a beautiful view.

Here we are at the top. This really doesn't do it justice, but look down by the beach. See those little ants, I mean people!

We took my niece, Emilie along too. Thanks for coming Ems! I think we were going for the scenery here, not the faces....obviously. :)

Playing in the water. It was really cold, but so fun. They loved the waves and it was even better than the ocean because you didn't have to worry about salt in your eyes and mouth.

Again, this doesn't look very high but it was a huge sand dune and the guys had so much fun running and jumping down. Please ignore my commentary.

Then it was back to my parents to celebrate this little guys fourth birthday. A smile even when he's sick. The boys did a lot of this ...
...while I did a lot of this (sitting doing nothing!)....

...and the guys did a lot of this. Adding a screened in porch to thier patio.

We got home Monday night. On Tuesday I get an email from my case worker that said our case is in limbo because the Ministry of Women's Affairs (MOWA) closed for training for two weeks. After passing court (2 weeks ago!) the MOWA was suppose to write a letter and submit it to the office who issues Jada a new birth certificate and passport. These have to be done to get an Embassy appointment which is where we appear at the US Embassy in Addis Ababa and get her visa to bring her back to the US. Well, apparantly, the MOWA didn't get our letter done before they closed. So, now we're waiting on them to reopen, write the letter, and then we wait some more for the birth certificate. Once we have her bc we'll get a travel date. I'm guessing it will be late August. So sad. Hope this all makes sense. It just really means more delays.

But, then I got another email from my case worker and got these new pics. Isn't she just a doll?! I hate it that we're being delayed for travel, but she looks really good and she's growing. I'm thankful she's being cared for and loved.

Strong winds in todays forecast

I guess this is fun. ?!?! Never know what to expect around here. :)

July 4th

Bart's first cousin, Luke, and his family came out for the fourth. They live too far, we don't get to see them often enough. We had a great weekend and loved every minute of being together!

Kicking off the weekend at my in-laws for the annual camp out. Grill out, hang out, camp out...so much fun.

Too many fun things to do at Grandma and Grandpa's. The golf cart is always a hit. Luke, Saige, Jaxson, and Carson.

Carson and Jaxson are great buddies. They're so much alike...as long as it's sports, they're happy.

We even got in a small town firework show before the camp out.

Back home again. These kids are so good and have so much fun together. That's a lot of stinky-rinkys.

Pool fun! Love this pic. Thanks Jamie.

A little indoor baseball. Brinlee was the catcher. Too cute. :)
And, I just had to post this pic of my Kader. Jamie took it (her camera's just a little better than ours) :) and I just love it. He turns 4 this week. What a fun little guy he is. Thanks Luke and Jamie for making the effort...again! :) We had a blast. Jamie, can you believe the only pics I have of you are at the pool and eating. Didn't think you'd want those on here. :) Until next time...

Our story so far...

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Something girly

I just couldn't resist changing my blog, yet again. I keep trying to find the perfect background. Just a little something, enough to look good. Well, I think this would qualify for a lot of something and very busy but it's just so girly, I had to do it. :) At least till I'm sick of all the flowers.

Last night I dreamt of this sweet girl. It was so real. Then I woke up. Wish I wouldn't have. I wanted to see and hear more. What did she sound like? How did she feel? I didn't get to see her big eyes light up with a smile. I didn't get to hold her. Soon. Yet not soon enough. Just so you know, the court in Ethiopia has to issue a new birth certificate for Jada. She will no longer be Eyerusalem unknown. She has a family. That paper process could take anywhere from 2-4 weeks. After the new birth certificate comes in, we'll get a travel date roughly 2 weeks later. Bring her home soon Lord!

And the boys of course. They are lovin' summer! They'll be great big brothers.