Timeline

Well, I obviously have not kept up with this blog for day-to-day updates, but now I'm going to have to buckle down. Hopefully I can use this to keep all of you informed on our wonderous journey to pick up our sons. How exciting! As a run-through for where God has brought us:

Last week of March our paperwork was finally turned in.

First week of April our paperwork reaches the right people in Ethiopia.

April 6 - Both Andenet and Dagim arrive at the orphanage.

July 20 - I got a sink and dishwasher in my kitchen. Greatest accomplishment so far on this kitchen remodeling project. Then I got a call while out shopping at Target - our agency has 2 boys they would like us to take a look at! Amazing! What a day! Burned into my mind forever!

August and September (and half of October) Ethiopian courts are shut down for the rainy season.

October 14 - first day the courts reopen is our court date. Yeah! Unfortunately dad is in surgery for his leg. The stress of waiting for 2 major life issues is a little wearing. Dad pulls through with flying colors, we get no word - not positive or negative. Learning yet again that we just need to rely on God.

October 15 - finally get news. WE PASSED! On the first try! Wow!

October 30 - hear that some families are heading out the 9th of November. Wow! That's soon! but our immigration update (to bring kids into the US) is not in Ethiopia yet, so we can't go with that group. Sigh.

November 18 - I learn that though our National Visa Center sent it the week of November 9, the e-mail somehow never made it to our embassy in Ethiopia. Aaargh! Spent a few hours that day and the next getting it re-sent

November 20 - our paper is there and we have permission to travel! Hooray!

So here we are now - packing frantically and getting ready to fly out on Wednesday. Praise God!