We are still here!

It has been too long, I know. My how much busier life is with a two year old! I woulnd't have it any other way. Miss Kami is continuing to blow us away with her larger than life personality! She is talking so much and putting together three and four word sentences. It is crazy how fast she learns! She is a very observant little one. She studies details of things. She is quite the helper too! Her favorite chore to help me with is laundry. She identifies each piece of clothing that passes from the washer to the dryer by naming its owner! One of her favorite new activities is cheering for her brother and sister at their soccer games. She is such perfect for the McKibben family! I know I keep saying it, but I still stand in amazement of it all! We serve such an amazing God!

I have to admit that I kept holding on tight, waiting for the bump in the road. It hasn't come. I am not saying there won't be bumps. I am not saying this is true for everyone's adoption story. I am not saying this will be true if God calls us to adopt again. I am just saying, "Thank You, Lord Jesus!!!!"

Okay, so there might be two tiny little bumps, maybe just rocks in the road. Haircare and two year old temper tantrums. I have become obsessed with googling African hair care and hair care products for kinky hair. I spend lots of time moisturizing and combing out knots...she only has about half an inch of hair on her head, but it is growing. I am getting to know her hair and anticipating our first puff ball on the top of her head! :) The tantrums have been part of our adventure from day one. First, we were in Ethiopia, and she didn't even know us, so I didn't really discipline her. Then we came home, and I'll just admit it, she is too darn cute. It is hard to discipline her, especially with a straight face. We moved from little to no discipline to counting to three in order to prompt her to follow a command. This cute little girl can just dig in her heels and refuse, landing herself in some time outs. As I mentioned earlier though, she is one smart cookie. Her latest tactic is to wait until I reach 'three' and get up from my comfortable position, then she will obey. John's grandmother captured it best when she said, "She has to see the devil coming before she will obey." So I have upped the ante...if I get to three with no obedience, she has to go to time out. Last night was our first night on 'crack down'. There was lots of crying and tears in our house last night. :)

Oh, how we love our Kami Jane!

I love....

A friend asked me the other day, "What does she do that you love the most? -Something that just melts your heart?"

Where do I begin?

I love that she just sat perfectly still with labored, concentrated breathing as I painted her fingernails and toenails.

I love to hear her say "Mommy", still with her cute little accent.

I love that she chants Collin's name over and over. Her 'l' sound is sooo cute!

I love that she calls Mallory "Sissy".

I love how she lights up and grins from ear to ear everytime her daddy enters the room, and she says, "Hi, Daddy."

I love that she will give us unsolicited kisses, sweet juicy kisses that she plants on both cheeks and then sometimes follows with one on the forehead.

I love the way she puts her arms around my neck and plays with my hair.

I love the way she snuggles in to me as close as she can get when going to sleep.

I love to watch her walk on her tip toes...a new trick.

I love that she loves shoes and clothes and bows.

I love the way she says no, using her new Kentucky accent and sign language.

I love to watch her eat.

I love how her eyelashes curl.

I love that her skin feels like velvet!

I love how she busts a move whenever she hears my musical ringtone.

I love to hear her say "Halelujah" and "Jesus"

I love the way her coarse curls feel against my lips when we are snuggling.

I love the way she giggles when she toots!

I love the way she loves other kids.

I love to hear her say her name.

I love to watch her in the water, even though she scares me half to death with her lack of fear.

I love to hear her talk and sing in her native language, even though I have no idea what she is saying.

I love the way she takes off her shoes before she climbs on furniture, any furniture--even at the doctor's office.

I love the way she commands an audience everywhere we go, because it gives me a chance to encouarage others to adopt.

I LOVE HER! I LOVE HER! I LOVER HER!

I love how loving her, once an orphan, reminds me of My Father's love for me, once an orphan.

Seventeen Days Ago

What a whirlwind the 17 days have been. I am going to attmept to provide a recap of all that has happened...hold on tight!



On June 14,at 7am, we left Lexington's airport and began our own amazing race! After layovers in DC and then at JFK, we were supposed to get to Cairo, Egypt for our 11 hour layover which would allow us to tour the pyramids. Well, things didn't go exactly as planned. Our flight was delayed over 3 hours, and by the time we arrived in Cairo, got our visas and met up with the tour guide, the gates were closing at the pyramids. We managed to squeeze in some adventure still. Our tour guide took us through the Egyptian museum, which was very neat. Then we stopped at a pharmacy for some meds. I was feeling quite under the weather with sinus issues...no problem....a zpac for only $10 and no prescription was just what the doctor didn't have to order! Our next stop was quite the comedy of errors. We were taken to a perfumery--a place where they mix essential oils. John and I, being the goofy tourists that we are, had somehow missed her explanation of this stop. We thought we were at a restaurant, at first. Well, they began to show us all these oils and rub them on each of our fingers. We are just having a good time, drinking our free colas and sniffing away. Finally, it all starts to make sense as we are presented with an array of gift packages and price points. Yes, we are suckers and did come home with some lovely essential oils! Then we raced off to look at the pyramids from outside the gate. Luckily, there was a camel there and some very nice gentlemen who took our camera and took pictures of us for a nice tip! Finally, we stopped for some Egyptian food--some tasty sandwiches, then back to the airport...only 4 hours from Addis Ababa!





Before we left our house, I told John, "Just get me to Ethiopia, and then I will know what to do." True to my word, I managed to get us through the VISA line, to the baggage claim, and then to meet our driver who had to come out at 4 am to get us! By 5 am, we were snuggled in on our box springs at the guest house listening to the morning call to prayer! After a few short hours of sleep, we were off to get our baby girl!

While it was not a shock for me this trip, it is still sobering to see the poverty everywhere you turn as you drive through the city. We really have no idea here in the US what being poor is! Even the poor here are rich compared to the poor in Ethiopia. Our money does not bring us peace or joy, because you can see more of that on the impoverished streets of Ethiopia than in most places here in the USA.

I digress...

Being back at the transition house was very surreal! We went upstairs to the room where Kamise stayed. It was obvious that her sweet caregiver had prepared her for us. She was sqeaky clean and all dressed up to meet us. My first thought as I saw her again was a little bit of shock at how small she is. I am not sure how or why, but I was convinced she would be bigger. Actually, I do know why, her personality is bigger than life, so I believe this gives the illusion of her being a much bigger child. Kamise was very loved and doted on by all of the nannies at the transition house. I cannot begin to express enough gratitude and appreciation for what they do! What heroes they are, to love and train these children, and then to let them go to their forever families. It must be emotionally draining. I would expect them to keep themselves detached, but they don't at all. I LOVE THESE WOMEN!!!! After a couple of hours, we departed the transition house with our sweet, scared little girl. She fell asleep in the car on the way back to the guest house. She was really somber and quiet when she awoke. I cannot imagine how scared and confused she must have felt when she awoke in this new place away from everything that is familiar. By bedtime, she has shared some smiles with us though.

On Thursday, June 17, we went to the US Embassy for our appointment. All went well, and I shed my first tears as the US official congratulated us on our new daughter. (I know you all must be surprised that my first tears weren't shed until now...I told you it was all surreal.) We finished our day by celebrating with the other families at a traditional Ethiopian restaurant. Kamise loved it. She ate her weight in food, dancing and charming her way through the whole meal!

On Friday, the honeymoon came to an end. I don't even know how to explain the chain of events, but I ended up sitting on the sidewalk crying, being comforted by the doorman at the Hilton of Ethiopia while Kamise is throwing the temper tantrum of all tantrums, and John is rightfully panicking about the upcoming 30 hour plane ride home. As the doorman explained to me, "The mind is a powerful thing. Give her space." This worked after what seemed like an eternity. My cute baby girl was covered in grit and grime from the parking lot where she threw her fit, but she was back...well pretty much. It was so heartbreaking to watch her grieve and not be able to fix it.

Saturday was our last official day since our flight left at 4 am on Sunday, June 20th. We ventured away from the guesthouse and to a mall and supermarket for some delicious lasagna, some Ethiopian coffee to take home, and a few more souveniers.

Our trip home was exhausting to say the least. At the airport in Addis, Kamise was one unhappy camper. I know she must have been scared and still grieving. She screamed and cried and screamed and cried as we waited to board the plane...not a pretty sight for people who are boarding a plane at 4 am. It was very trying and difficult, and unfortunately, we were the only adoptive family around, so it felt very lonely. With each of our next 3 flights, things got a little better. I think she was able to relax and realize we weren't going to leave her--you could see her trust increasing. At one point, I think on our 3rd flight, she looked at John and I smiling. She turned our heads toward one another and made a kissing noise. She wanted us to kiss, and after we gave each other a peck, she planted her own big sloppy kisses on our cheeks. It was a precious, precious moment! I won't go into details about our JFK fiasco, but just know that a 3 hour layover is NOT enough to get through immigration, customs, and to your gate. I ran like I have never (nor ever) run again! I think the poor stewardess thought I was going to drop dead as we entered the plane after being whisked there on a bus! Who knew two red faced, sweaty, smelly white travellers with a black baby could get such service!

Our arrival home was magical, though! Despite the late hour, we had a great turnout of family and friends to welcome Kamise home. She did remarkably well. It is a sweet memory that I will always chrerish...a moment I had daydreamed about many many times...coming down the escalators with a baby in my arms. Thank you, Lord!!!

I will have to continue at another time about our days since we have been home. It has been a wonderful transition. A friend and I were talking the other day about how surprisingly smooth the transition has been. My friend stopped to say that we shouldn't be surprised because these moments have been covered in prayer. What a sweet reminder! And so it is like it has been with each of our kids, we look up one day and wonder, "What did we ever do without her?"

Home sweet Home

I feel like I could write a book, but my brain needs to catch up and process through the last week's events. We are home after a whirlwind trip. Kamise could not be more perfect! I don't even know where to begin... People stop and notice her everywhere, several commenting on how "clever" she is! She is fast asleep still. It was so fun watching her open her closet last night and play with her toys and love on her brother and sister. We were blown away to have a big crowd at the airport to welcome us home--even at 11:30 pm! She was a sure crowd pleaser! I will begin processing all and posting more about our trip and more pics of our special miracle! I thank the Lord who brought us home safely and is bonding us together!

mani or pedi?

My fabulous childhood friends are hosting a fun event this weekend in Bowling Green. We are having a mani/pedi party, and all proceeds go to help bring our beautiful baby girl home. It is going to be so fun!

I met my neighbor's boys from Ethiopia. They just got home this week. It will be so cool to see how they all react when they see each other in the US!!! Only God could arrange for them to be roomates in Addis and neighbors in Nicholasville! They seem to be doing very well!!!! What a blessing that they will all grow up together!

We are ready to get our girl!!!! God is GOOD!!!!

Look!!!

I stand amazed today...again! Our flights are booked. Kami's furniture is up in her room. Clothes hang in her closet. No, I am not packed yet, but give me a break! Friends, I stand amazed because we are leaving to pick up our daughter only FIVE months and FOUR days after I first boarded a plane for Ethiopia. Isn't that crazy?!? In five months, our world has been turned upside down by a country that I fell in love with and a little girl who captured my heart. Has it been a whirlwind? Yes! Have I been frustrated at times? Yes! Have I wondered, "what am I doing?" Yes! Has God been faithful? Yes! Only God- only a sovereign, personal Lord could orchestrate details like these. Look at how God gave me the gift of traveling to Ethiopia with a friend. Look at how I met my daughter, believing she belonged to another family and having no clue that I would ever adopt. Look at how God moved in my husband's heart at the perfect moment. Look at the generousity of family, friends, and even strangers who have helped us to raise money to pay for the adoption expenses. Look at her bedroom full of beautiful clothes and furniture that were freely given to us. Look at how fast this process has moved.

I am not sure if I have shared this detail or not, but this is an incredible testimony to God's plan... We have neighbors who live about 3 doors down who are also adopting from Ethiopia. It gets better. Shortly after learning that Kami would have fellow Ethiopian neighbors, we find out that she is sharing a room in Ethiopia at the orphanage with these sweet boys who will be her American neighbors. Kami will live in our small town in KY with four kids (the 2 neighbor boys and the 2girls I traveled to get in Jan.) who she also lived with in an orphanage in Ethiopia. Look for God! You will find Him! All we have to do is walk in obedience. It may not make human sense. It may not seem possible. But DO IT! Look for Him and then walk with Him! I have never experienced Him in this way, and now I never want to experience Him in any other way. I want to keep looking and keep walking with Him, because He will work out the details and He will provide. Look for Him...He is there!

Ready to Travel

We have received the go ahead!!! All of Kami's documents are ready. We have an embassy date of June 17, so all we have to do now is book our flights and lodging. We are going to get our sweet baby girl! I could barely sleep last night!

A new McKibben!!!!

Our court case passed!!!!

The Lost are Found

I received a glorious email from our adoption agency today. No message...just a subject line that read "Kami's father has arrived in Addis!" The reason we did not pass court before was because he could not be found. Well, he has been found and made the 14 hour jouney to the capitol of Ethiopia, Addis, where court will be held in the morning. In a few hours, Kami could officially be a McKibben. I am overjoyed that he was found. I pray for him as he faces the "end" of his decision. I am thankful that he loves her enough to want to provide a better life for her. Please pray for him and for Kami!

I have to confess that God spoke very clearly to me this weekend. I was cleaning the house and my mind was wondering. I began praying for Kami's birth father to be found. Bam...God pops a thought in my mind..."Are you praying this fervently for lost souls, because Kami will come home when it is My time?" Can you say conviction? This waiting game is so hard. I am not saying it is wrong to pray for our adoption and the details of it, but God reminded me, once again, that He is in control! He knows best, and I need to be as fervent in my prayers for lost souls as I am for having details in my life work out the way I wish.

Yippy Skippy!!!!

We received our I7-- something something, whatever from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services today!!!!! They have ruled favorably and believe John and I are fit to parent an orphan. That was our last hoop. Now on to May 18. I need all my prayer warriors praying the Kami's birth father can be found and appear in court so that we can get my baby girl home.

We received a video of her last week. She has grown so much. She looks so healthy compared to the first pics of her. She is talking quite a bit in the video. At one point in the video she grabs a little cup and says something. Several have said it sounds as if she is saying "I've got a cup." It does sound like that, but I don't think she would be speaking English. She also calls out the name of her nanny who cares for her. I am so thankful to this precious woman who takes such amazing care of these babies and loves them so well! I have to confess that I did have a little pang of jealousy too though. I know that is crazy. Of course, I am immensely grateful for the love she is receiving. I would never wish that she was loved one ounce less. I guess I am simply wanting to hear her voice in person and not on video. I guess I am longing to hear her call for me. Selfish, maybe. True, 100%!

Mallory and I had to run some errands today. We had fun checking out the toddler toy section and the baby department of Target. I must confess that we broke down and bought Kami a pair of flip flops. I am taking a wild guess at the size, but it sure is fun to picture them on her chubby little toddler feet.

John and his dad are outside today digging holes for a fence. I need to give a shout out to my wonderful inlaws. They have generously bought the materials so that we can build a fence. What a blessing that Kami will have a safe place to roam!

Try again...

Our court case was not passed today. The birth father was not found, and he has to appear in court in order to relinquish his parental rights. I am a bit disappointed, of course, because I want her here with us. I do know, however, that God's timing is perfect, and He is in control!!! He is also personal and sweet. After that disappointing news, I arrived home from work to find a new video of our sweet girl. She is looking as cute as ever. She has on blue jeans, and she puts her hand in the front pocket. So sassy! She is also talking on this video, which I have never seen her do on other videos. Smart girl! She looks very happy and healthy, and I am thankful for the wonderful care and love she receives at the transition house where she waits. Our new court date is May 18. Please pray for the birth father to be located and make it to court. Also be praying for our I 171H to arrive...without that we cannot be given an embassy appointment anyway. More time for more fundraising now....

Loaves and Fishes

I have been joyfully pondering the success of our tea fundraiser...all that keeps coming to my brain is loaves and fishes. I am telling you, God's word is so true, and His principles are still the same today as yesterday! He gave a friend the idea for this tea, and He blessed her obedience. He took $25 from four of my dear friends and multiplied it!!! He took the work of my friends/neighbors/coworkers and blessed it! He took an afternoon of fellowship and hard work, and He made it a JOY filled time. He allowed me to serve my sweet, generous friends who are supporting our adoption! Thanks so much to everyone who had a hand in this day: Carrie, for opening your home and for your beautiful prayer and warm hospitality; Brooke,Carrie,and Tracey for working your fingers to the bone makin' those sandwiches; for Cissie, Susan and Kayleigh for baking those delicious cakes; and to every single person who has supported us with your prayers, donations, and love. I am blessed beyond measure!!!! We sat down after cleaning up, exhausted, yet beaming from ear to ear. As we began to open the envelopes, you cannot imagine the tears and laughter that were flowing! Well, if you know me at all, you probably can imagine it, but just multiply that by a few degrees! Jesus always takes what we give Him and multiplies it!!! It is a win-win with Him!!!!

I have to share about some of the day's sweetest gifts. They came from kiddos! Kiddos who emptied their piggybanks and gave all that they had to bring our Kami home! I am so honored to have friends in my life who are raising kids who get it! This is not about me or Kami or our fundraising effort. This is about kids who know how to love and to give better than me. They are like the widow who gave her last coins, and they did it cheerfully! My heart is exploding with love and admiration for these little ones. I feel overwhelmed to think about Kami already having such dear friends.

just sayin'....loaves and fishes....give Him something, and stand back to see what you end up collecting at the end! God is SOOOOOO SWEET and GOOD!

Well, Bless My Socks Off!

We have had our socks blessed off! We were blown away this weekend, as God continues to show His love through the generosity of others! To all of our friends and family who have prayed, donated money, donated clothes, etc.--THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF OUR HEARTS.

Our big push now is to raise money to go towards Ethiopian fees included in our adoption expenses. I was waivering a bit in my faith, and worry was setting in on Saturday, but God, of course, had sweet gifts and plans to ease my mind and put my attitude back in perspective. I don't know where all of the funds will come from. My flesh would like to plan it all out and find a solution for every detail. God is reminding me of something very important: HE IS SOVEREIGN AND IN CONTROL OF ALL!

Today, I have felt an especially strong sense of missing Kami. It is hard to make that make sense... She hasn't ever physically been with me, except for our brief meeting in January. But, I want her here so badly. I can almost feel her on my hip. It is like my hip is aching to hold her. Crazy sounding, I know, but true!

I am also wondering what our second meeting will be like? I CANNOT wait to hold her again! I cannot wait to be back in Ethiopia, taking in all the sights, sounds, and smells. I am, however, dreading the long flights and the jet lag. It will all be worth it though!

Our court date is now only 20 days away! That is less than three weeks. This has all moved so swiftly. Please be praying for all paperwork to make it to our file before the courtdate.

Our first official fundraiser is now only a week and a half away. We still have plenty of room for more! Won't you consider coming and bringing a friend for tea? April 24th from 11-1 or from 2:30-4:30, you can attend a tea with your family or friends and support bringing Kami home too! If you are interested or know of someone who might be, message me. Reservations are a must. I am more than happy to send you a flyer with the details!

Court date!!!!!

Seriously, I just went back and re-read the email...I am still in a little disbelief! I have been laughing and crying and my fingers are flying as fast as they can type... WE HAVE A COURT DATE!!!! I mean, I haven't even made my blog all pretty yet! That is okay, pretty blogs can wait, let's get that baby girl home!!!!! I also found out that Kami weighs 9.6 kg, which is about 21 pounds. I can't wait to squeeze all 21 pounds of her!

Spring Has Sprung

I love Spring. My sinuses, they are not feeling the love, but I do love the changes that Spring brings...the hope. I love Spring Break too! This year, we had an especially good Spring Break.

We were all (minus Kami) able to go to Jacksonville to visit my mom for Spring Break. It was wonderful to have a quiet, relaxing week with my husband and kids and to spend time with my family! Kami was not physically present, but she was close in our thoughts and hearts! We were able to travel to the Orlando area where our adoption agency, Celebrate Children International, is located. It was neat to have a face to face visit with the people who are helping our family to grow. What a special treat it was to hear from Sue, the agency director, about her interactions and impressions of Kami from her last two visits to Ethiopia! We are told that she is very social! Hmmm... do you think that sounds like anyone you know? :) She loves to dress up. We viewed some especially adorable and hilarious pictures of her wearing a hat, large sunglasses, and a purple necklace. The girl knows how to work it!!! Sounds like her big sister! Sue also told us that Ms. Kami is very smart. While Sue was there, she sat each of the children in a plastic chair to take pictures. A few days after this, she returned to the house. When Kami saw her, she went and got the plastic chair! What a smart girl!!!! I know a boy who loves to pose for pictures too! It is amazing to see how much of a "McKibben" that Kami is already! We also we able to see pictures of Kami with her birth father the day that she arrived at the orphanage. I am so thankful to have these. I know that it will be very special for her to have such pieces of her past.

Our first fundraiser is right around the corner, on April 24th--a Tea. If you would like details about this special event, leave me a comment and I will get back to you right away!

Ethiopia or Bust!

In honor of Spring Break which begins tomorrow as soon as the school bell rings, our dossier is Ethiopia bound! How exciting! I am grateful to CCI, our adoption agency, for catching and correcting a couple of minor details before it headed out the door. We are also looking forward to our spring break! Can't wait to see my family and have a week of no activities for the McKibben's!

Jumping Hurdles

Our dossier will be fed ex-ed tomorrow to Washington DC, where a courier will take it to the Dept. of State and then to the Ethiopian Embassy. From there, it goes to our adoption agency and then to Ethiopia. Please pray for everything to go smoothly and get into exactly the right hands. We are trying to beat a possible deadline which will prevent us from having to travel twice.

We also received our appointment to go get our fingerprinting done in Louisville.

I feel like these are two big hurdles that we are jumping. I know there will be others, but we are moving forward in the race!


Speaking of hurdles, I am going to jump one right now. This is hard for me to bring up, because it is hard for me to ask for help sometimes. But you see, help is what we need to bring Kami home, and I will give God the glory for every bit of help we get, because all this is through HIM and by HIM and for HIM! So I will swallow my pride and just put it out there. I pray that He is evident in all of this, and that you can understand why we are adopting--to share HIS love and walk in obedience to what HE has called us to. I think I know why HE called us to this even though our bank account says we can't afford it. He did this so that I can take no credit for this plan, and so that the GLORY of GOD will be revealed. He has filled our cup to overflowing. We have a beautiful home, a great support system, amazing family, and so much love to share. He created me to nurture and mother, and this is a way for me to walk in fulfillment, using the gifts He has given me. John is such a great dad, and God sees that his gentle ways and providing spirit are perfect for Kami, and Collin, and Mallory (who will be amazing siblings for Kami).

God blows me away! I love HIM!!!! Everytime I am feeling doubtful about this whole process, HE is so sweet to send something special my way. My 'special somethings' HE has been sending me lately include some awesome (and I mean awesome)gestures from friends. I am so blessed by my friends and how they are supporting us! Everyone is quick to oooh and ahhh over my sweet pic of Kami I carry around! My busy friends have taken time from their schedules to write us letters of recommendation. Several are planning to host parties for us or donate proceeds to us. I could go on and on! I am just plain blown away by their generosity and compassion.

You have to check this out: sweetms.wordpress.com. One of my dear friends, who is also an adoptive parent, is spending countless hours creating and sewing adorable bibs, burpcloths, and clothes. She is selling these goodies on her website and donating to our adoption fund! Now that is selfless.

Another group of my friends are hosting a Mother/Daughter/Women's Tea on April 24. Mark your calendars now. This will be no small undertaking, and it will probably prove to be stiff competition for Martha Stewart. The menu looks fabulous! These neighborhood gals are sacrificing their dollars and time to pull this off! To beat it all, one of them is opening her home for this event. Now that is hospitality. I hope you will all consider coming and bringing your mom or daughter or even "adopting" one for the day.

I am thankful to my friends. I am thankful to my family. I am thankful that God calls me His child. I am thankful that God adopted me into His family. I will end today with words from John 14:18-- "I will not leave you as orphans. I will come to you."

Scarlett Fever and Ethiopia

I am at home today with Collin, who has scarlett fever. Sounds scary, hu? He has had two doses of antibiotics and seems to feel better already. The doctor said he could return to school tomorrow. The only memories I have of scarlett fever are from Little House on the Prairie. My memory could be failing me, but I think Mary lost her eyesight after scarlett fever. Thank the Lord for modern medicine and antibiotics. It seems all Collin will lose is one day of school!

On the adoption front, it has been a busy week. Ethiopia has changed it's rules, and families have to travel twice now. We are trying to beat the deadline and avoid this. Our agency is working so hard to help families beat this deadline too. What a job!!! I thought I was overwhelmed.

We managed to gather most of our dossier papers, get all notarized, get them authenticated, and then to get a seal from the secretary of state. Our homestudy has been completed also. If I understand everything correctly, I am waiting on two letters from our adoption agency, then we will have everything we need to complete our dossier. After that, we get a courier to take the dossier to Washington. Finally, the dossier will head to Ethiopia.

We covet your prayers for Collin's quick healing, for Kami's overall well-being, and for all papers to move quickly and effortlessly through this process.

Collin is wondering why I am writing about scarlett fever, and he informed me that i need to change the title to scarlett fever and ethiopia. Done. Thanks, boy child!

Where do I begin?

It is difficult to know where to start...I think the adoption seed was planted in me over ten years ago. We suffered a miscarriage with our first pregnancy, and they found that I had fibroid tumors. This is usually not a huge deal, but I was young and naive, and wondered if I would ever be able to carry a pregnancy to term. We attended an informational adoption meeting at our local library. The seed was planted. Soon after this, I was pregnant with Mallory. Three years later, I was pregnant with Collin. Our lives were full and busy, and our adoption questions ended as quickly as they had begun; however, my eyes were opened to a need. My heart and emotions were stirred.

Fast forward a few years. Our lives intersect with the lives of several families who are adopting. We become close friends with these families, sharing life with them through church, small groups, and Bible study. My heart stirs again... I begin to talk these things over with God. I receive no direct answers. There is no writing in the sky. The stirring increases in me... I keep praying and even begin pushing the subject a little with John. Finally, I decide that I will know it is God's will if He places the same desire in each of our hearts. I stop pushing the subject with John. I assume I have my answer.

A little more fast forwarding...I am on the computer one night, and I receive an instant message from my friend. "Do you want to go to Ethiopia with me to pick up the girls?" My answer, "Sure." Then, "Are you serious? How long would we be gone?" I ask John what he thinks. He immediately and unselfishly says, "Sure." One short instant messaging session and God moves in His mysterious way, in His perfect time. I felt I had received a sweet gift from God. I felt this was His way of letting me experience adoption.

Fast forward a few months...I am standing in a transition house in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, staring at a beautiful, chubby faced little girl with the darkest skin I have ever seen. I was compelled to touch her, to hold her, to elicit a smile from her somber face. These were my only thoughts. After all, we were at a transition house, where children are waiting for their adoptive parents. After all, God had provided my answer by allowing me to travel with my friend.

Upon my return,I shared everything with my husband about the beauty of Ethiopia, the poverty of the city, and the sweetness of the children. I tried to adequately capture all that I had seen and experienced. Then the unthinkable took place, my dear sweet magnificent husband said that we could begin looking into adoption!!!!!

Another instant message from my dear friend, "Guess who was just put on the waiting list?" The beautiful, chubby faced, somber little one that I had been so attracted to was indeed on the waiting list. I contacted the adoption agency and spoke with the director. Understandably, we were told that they needed a paper ready family. We began the application process, gathering documents, filling out forms, and getting references.

A few weeks and many forms later, she was put on hold for us!!! There is no person who could orchestrate such a huge thing and get all the details right...ONLY GOD could put together this masterpiece!!!

And so, this is where we are...we can't wait to see how it all unfolds!