Now that we have a referral (that means we have files, a few photos, and muffled paper work) for our kiddos, many of you are asking what comes next?
Good question!
When you adopt from Ethiopia, you have to make 2 court trips instead of 1. The children will be taken to a Preliminary Hearing by an official, but we will not be there for that. We are currently filling out a bunch of papers so that the courts can begin gathering all the information that they need in order for us to travel and to officially adopt them. This process takes longer than you can imagine. Remember...we are talking third world...and Africa.
We are HOPING to make our first trip this Fall, and to have all our family under one roof for Christmas. Just imagine the largest game of charades EVER at our house for the holidays!
We also have chosen their American names, and after seeing their photos...we think they are very fitting. Join us in praying for them by name...
MILES and CHARLOTTE KATE
We would LOVE for you to also join us in praying for these specific things...
- That our family would face this new adjustment with love and grace and mercy.
- Any time there is adoption, that means that there has been great loss. Pray specifically for our children, that God would heal broken places in their hearts, and heal wounds of mistrust and fear.
- We are not adopting babies, and these sweet siblings will soon be leaving everything they have ever known (language, smells, tastes, people, etc...). Pray for their hearts.
- Begin praying that they will know that they are children of the Most High King! That we love them, but how their heavenly Father loves them so much more!
- At the time of referral, we had enough money saved to accept ONE referral and had started saving for our travel expenses (2 plane tickets, 2 visas, 2 passports, in-country lodging and travel, etc...). Accepting a referral for 2 kiddos meant a lot more money was due at referral and we are now back to square one in saving for travel. We are CONFIDANT that our God is ABLE and WILLING to provide for our every need!!!
Several have asked what is the best way to give to us financially. We are ALWAYS humbled when people choose to support our adoption by selflessly giving of their finances.
Do you see that button that says DONATE at the top/right of this page? We have an account with Lifesong for Orphans, where you can make a tax-deductible donation in any amount and it and will be put in a specific account just for our family. That button provides a direct link to our Lifesong account. If at any time you feel like God is calling you to partner with us in our adoption financially, you can use that link. They will send money to our agency as we need it.
THANK YOU for journeying with us. We are grateful for the prayers that go up on our behalf and praise God for the village that He has placed around us.