Kisses From Katie....Wow!

In the front door!

After 17 weeks of waiting after passing court in Ethiopia our file has successfully been submitted and initially accepted by the US Embassy. Not sure yet what else they will ask for moving forward, however, we are in the front door and once step closer to our son! Cherishing the small victories.....God is faithful and just!



One small step forward

On Wednesday we were told that our agency now has our much needed sibling document in hand.  Next step translation.  We would love for everyone to join us in prayer this week for a speedy and accurate translation, and that the US Embassy will accept our document next Wednesday October 5th. 

Mamush's new look.

We had heard a couple of weeks ago that Mamush had been to the eye doctor.  We have known since the beginning of this process that Mamush would need medical follow up on his eyes. The glasses look a little big but I bet he's stoked to see things more clearly. Miss Him!

Waiting.............

We recently learned that we aren't actually officially submitted to the US Embassy. The Embassy reviewed our paperwork and turned it back to our agency saying they needed another document clarifying whether Mamush has siblings. Our paperwork from the court said he does not, however, the Embassy for whatever reason wants additional documentation of that fact. The frustrating part is our agency knew this three weeks ago and is just now sending a social worker to the village where Mamush's mom lives to get the required documentation. That document will then need to be translated which delays the process even more. We are unsure how many of these final stumbling blocks we will encounter. We are no longer even discussing timelines because every timeline that we've had has been wrong.

Our excitement and anticipation has unfortunately turned into frustration and anger. I pray with the girls every night before bed...and our prayers always end with a petition to the Lord to be with our son and keep him safe and happy while he waits. Recently those prayers have turned into pleas for the Lord to intervene and bring him home soon. It breaks our hearts knowing it has been over 16 weeks since our court, and a year since we started this journey. Our son has seen so many children come and go from the care center while he waits...and waits.

In the midst of the frustration and anger I ran across the verse below and was convicted:

 Romans 5:3-5

Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.

Lacey and I have felt all along this was a "God thing." God loves adoption and cares for the fatherless. The waiting will be worth it. God has a masterful plan. 

Lord God, Help us to be patient in this waiting and suffering...help us to glorify you through all aspects of this adoption. Love and care for our Son! AMEN



Back To School

Bittersweet return to school this fall. Very excited to have Elli and Averi at my school this year! Very excited to have Daniel starting Pre-K! Very disappointed and sad not to have Mamush here yet to join his siblings in the excitement of the "First Day"! Mamush will join kindergarten hopefully later this fall and I will be able to complete the posting of the Bertram first day photos.

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!