COURT DATE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

God moved the mountain alright! We got word this afternoon that we have a court date for August 2nd. Yipee!!!!!! We have to be in ET by July 31st. Talk about craziness! Less than two weeks until we meet our son. My heart is so full, PRAISE THE LORD!

"Mountain Mover"

" I tell you the truth, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain , 'Go, throw yourself into the sea, and it will be done. If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer."

Jesus Christ

*Matt 21:21-22

Keeping Busy......

Post referral.....I'm trying to remain busy. I have updated all my CIS documents, applied for passports for the girls, printed and framed pictures of our little man, signed referral documents and checked them twice, and am now starting on IBP's (initials) room. This week I sent off a small care package by way of a fellow adoptive Mom, that will be traveling to ET next week. Rosie picked out the clothes for "Bubba." I had to convince her that blue was a better option than pink. I printed off pictures of the family and placed them in an soft infant photo book, in hopes that IBP will become familiar with our faces. Of course, we had to include something soft to snuggle. Buying "boy stuff" was really fun and a new experience for me. I look forward to the days he will be riding in the cart, shopping with me. Until then......I will continue to pray and keep busy.

"Hands and Feet"

It's been three weeks since the referral. Three crazy busy weeks! School is now out for the summer and we are in full swing. The ending of the school year was bitter sweet. I tend to always get "reflective" at the end of each year. It's fun to see how each child has grown and matured within the year, thinking back over the highlights of the year.... the ups the downs. I always wonder how a school year can be gone in the blink of an eye. It truly makes me want to make the most of every opportunity. At the starting of the school year, we all were thinking that we would have our little man home for the summer. Boy, did we miss that one! We were told that when you are dealing with adoption, especially international, delays and set backs could occur. Well, they did! So here we are today continuing in the wait. Waiting for a court date. Preparing to hit the "rainy season", which could delay us 6 or more weeks. I relish in the fact that I have a sweet face that I can call by name. I find myself pouring over the pictures and studying all his features, getting to know him from afar. Praying like I have never prayed before; trusting God and releasing all expectations and control. To be honest, I'm not really sure how I would score if I were to be graded, but I am continuing in the process of trusting and releasing. Throughout the year, my prayers have changed. I am focusing less our timeline and more on God's. Sure, I pray like crazy to get him home sooner than later, but I have been more focused on HIS will and not my own. Has it been hard? You bet it has! It has been a daily reminder to release the control. One of my prayers has been that God would PLEASE bring people (ANYONE) that would be the "hands and feet" to hold him, love him, calm him, and tell him that he is precious. Something so sweet happened over the last two weeks. We have a family friend, Matt, who traveled to ET to do a documentary regarding orphan care. He was able to go and hang out with our little guy- to be the "hands and feet." He took lots of beautiful pics and even recorded a video. It was great to be able to ask him questions like: Does he have teeth yet? Is he happy? Does he sit up? You can only imagine my questions! ( As a side note, he couldn't say enough about the care that Gladney gives to the children. Absolute wonderful care! ) Our friend gave us a play by play of our little man..recalling every detail he could remember. It was such a sweet gift to us. Once again, I am amazed and reminded that God has got this!

"The Call"

Wow, where it begin?????? It was Wednesday afternoon around 2:15, and my phone rang. It was my sweet friend who is adopting from ET using Gladney, as well. We began our "daily/weekly process" about our adoptions, new emails received from Gladney, changes in ET, etc. (Adoption therapy, if you will.) As our conversation came to an end, we had resolved (as we always do) God is in control, release the time line, trust, and pray. I hung up the phone; Rosie and I quickly headed out the door to pick up Kenzie from school. As I was driving, the reality was setting in that this long process could indeed get only longer. I must say I was a little discouraged, but had determined that I was not going to let the unknown consume me. My gears quickly shifted....Life. One daughter called to let me know she had arrived a friends house, one sent a text wondering why I was late for pick up, and the other (seated behind me) wanted all of my attention. I proceeded along as normal, picked up Kenz, and began to hear all about her day. My phone began ringing once again, but this time it was the coveted 817 area code. Immediately my heart started pounding, my hands began shaking and Kenzie and I started screaming with excitement. I composed myself and answered the phone. All I could say was ..."No Way." Kristin, our case worker, laughed and replied, "Yes, your referral is ready and HE IS ADORABLE!" I quickly called Scott to tell him the good news and make arrangements. I was really hoping for the "Norman Rockwell Referral." You know the one....the whole family gathered the computer, video camera rolling, music in the background, excitement, tears, a perfect moment. Well, this was not going to happen. Scott was in Joplin, Missouri helping out with the tornado relief. Furthermore, he had patchy cell phone reception, no computer, and was not going to be home until much later that evening. After talking with Kristin and Scott, we decided that the girls and I would preview the pictures and I would hear his story that afternoon. When Scott got home, we would process the information and ooh and awe over the pictures together. Everyone was happy with the plan. Once picking up Meme from her friends house, we called Kristin and settled in front of the computer. Waiting for the email to open felt like an eternity. Finally, it opened! Staring right at us was the most beautiful "little 7 month old boy" I have ever seen. No seriously... he is so cute! It was love at first sight! The girls and I squealed with excitement, as we looked through the pictures. He has big, brown, almond shaped eyes and the cutest smile. We were so encouraged because in most of the pictures he is grinning from ear to ear. You can just tell by the pictures that he has such a big personality. He and his daddy will be like two peas in a pod; those of you who know Scott will agree! Our little guy was perfect! Hours later, Scott pulled in the driveway. We couldn't wait to share these moments with him. Tears, excitement, joy all over again. Daddy would agree...true love and connection immediately. We now have a name and a beautiful face. It's completely surreal. I have heard others say that; now I know what they mean. Our sweet doctor came over to review his files and share in the excitement. I couldn't wait to email Kristin and tell her "We ACCEPT!" From 7:30-10:00 that evening family and friends entered our house and shared in the joy of seeing our son. The child we have all been praying for, dreaming about, and pursuing. The child we will continue (no matter how long it takes) to pray for, dream about, and pursue. Little man, you are well worth the wait!

Oh Happiness!!!! Referral!!!!

We finally got "the call" today!!!!!!!! The most beautiful 7 month old little man I have ever seen! Love at first sight-truly!!! There really aren't words to describe it. There will be more details in the next day or so, I promise. Until then.....my cup overflows!!!!!!!!!!

We just finished celebrating Scott's 40th b-day in the "Windy City."( Thanks to all of our friends and family that helped in planning and keeping this a surprise. Lying for the sake of surprise doesn't count, right?) We started our trip with an over night visit with my sis in St. Louis. Early the next morning, we jumped on the Amtrak that took us right into the heart of Chicago. We took up residence, for 4 days, in a most modern 40 story hotel where everything imaginable was at our fingertips. The yummiest restaurants and most trendy stores were in walking distance. ( I have never eaten so much and walked so much in my entire life. Loved it!) Each day brought something new an exciting...... Cubs vs Cards at Wrigley Field, the Art Institute, the Magnificent Mile, Garrett's popcorn, bike rides along Lakeshore Dr, Lincoln Park, crazy taxi rides, Navy Pier, Lake Michigan, riding the "L", Millineum Park, and so much more. It was just what the doctor ordered: energizing and refreshing! During our stay, we crossed into the 13 MONTH marker of waiting. Truly, I never thought we would be here with NO referral, but we are and there is absolutely nothing I can do about it! So... I reside to wait with joy and pray with anticipation of the future and what's to come. I don't want to miss out on the blessing of my amazing husband and beautiful children under my roof. Perspective....that's what I feel like the Lord has given me right now and I am thankful!