Finally!

10 long weeks of waiting following our court decree, we have been officially submitted to the US Embassy! 

Praise the Lord....One step closer!

Updates

Wow...it has been awhile since I last posted on this blog. We have been trying to squeeze in summer fun, final fundraising projects, and home improvement into the last final weeks of summer.

Lacey's Backyard Pedicure Party was a hit! Great turnout and thanks to all who were able to attend, and to those who couldn't attend but purchased the pedicure sets.

Averi didn't want her picture taken :)

iPod Giveaway.....And the Winner is.....Mary Jensen! Congratulations Grandma Mary!

Camping Trip......While Elli was stuck home not feeling well with mono I took Averi and Danny camping for a few days at Ashley Lake...We had a blast!

Home Improvement......I put off this ugly task for months, but with Mamush coming home soon I forged ahead with finishing the 'basement project.'  Lacey and I are now enjoying our new bedroom and window. Digging and cutting out a window in a 9 inch concrete wall was very challenging but I finally finished the project.

Finished....Finally!

i-pod Giveaway!!

To help support our final adoption travel costs we are excited to announce we are giving away a brand new 4^th generation 8GB i-pod touch! This is not a raffle, however, if you would like a chance/s at this i-pod giveaway you can choose one or more of the following:

Make a Donation to the Bertrams (July 18, 2011 – August 4^th, 2011)

(Each $10.00 donated during the time window above gives you a chance at the i-pod)

Mail checks to: 686 1^st Ave EN, Kalispell, MT 59901

                   or

Donate online via our PayPal site...use the link in the toolbar on the right side of this blog

Buy an Adoption T-Shirt....click here for details! (July 18, 2011 – August 4th, 2011)

(Each t-shirt order during the time window above gives you a chance at the i-pod)

Attend Lacey’s Mary Kay Backyard Pedicure Party 

(August 4^th, 2011  Bertram’s House).....click here for details!

   (Each attendee at the pedicure party will receive a chance to win the i-pod.

The i-pod will be given away at the pedicure party on August 4th

Need not be present to win :)

Questions: Please call us at 406-250-5686

or E-mail us at bertraml@sd5.k12.mt.us

The Story of Thirsty

Today I was watering the lawn

taking a shower

and had the dishwasher running 

all at the same time. 

Then 

I watched the video below

Now

I sit here humbled and wondering why I am so blessed?

Life is so unfair for so many!

Prayers for Elli Jean!

Elli, our 9 year old, was just diagnosed with Mono. My first thought was isn't that the kissing disease? Our health provider did say that nine is very young for the disease. She is very sick and at this point is basically just laying on the couch or in bed. What a bummer summer for her! Your prayers for a speedy recovery are welcomed. Elli is already stir crazy but with the sore throat, aches, vomiting, and tiredness she is miserable and stuck in bed. They say the first two weeks are the worst, but that the majority of symptoms could drag on for 6 weeks...ugh! Oh Miss Elli we love you and feel so bad that you are so sick...Get Well Soon!

Sharing Our Heart

Lacey and I had the opportunity to share our adoption story today in church. Thank you Pastor Jim for the invitation! I tried to share our heart for adoption, as well as the biblical "call" for all to care for orphans and widows. I have recently come to the conclusion that the "call" to adopt Mamush, which was so overwhelming and emotional for both Lacey and I, has always been there and is there for all who are believers and look  to God's word for instructions. Such and eye opener for me and my family that we need to look to the bible in all facets of our lives for wisdom and guidance. I hope I was successful in  challenging our congregation to seek through prayer how they might be led to support adoption and orphan care. I look forward to seeing what God does in the hearts of this faithful group of believers we have the privilege to fellowship with at Faith Alliance. Below are some pictures from the service and our pastors and families in those awesome Bertram adoption t-shirts!

Pastor Jim and Family

Pastor Todd and Family

Reunion of Sorts

Today was an awesome day! We traveled to Condon for my Grandmother's 80th birthday party. We were able to share our videos and pictures of Mamush from the court trip in June. On our way home we stopped in Bigfork to meet the Hill family from Missoula at the 3 on 3 tourney. The Hill's adopted Mamush's close friend from the orphange in Ethiopia. Mamush and Tebarek spent almost a year together in Addis, as well as some time in another orphanage prior to Addis. So great to meet him finally as we had seen many pictures of the two boys together in Ethiopia. He was very excited to talk about Mamush and kept asking when we can go get him. Such an amazing blessing to have these friends from a world away in forever families 2 hours away from each other.

Some of the Grand and Great Grandkids

Tebarek