# 6

Yesterday marked our six month of "waiting". Time is slowly, but surely ticking away! I would really love for this process to be a bit shorter! Of course, I have a timeline of how things would look if it were up to me. However, I know I can't see the big picture. So I will rest in the Lord and try to be patient. I am reminded of Proverbs 16:9..."In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps."

"Show Some Love"

We are so excited that our shirts are in! It's so easy- you can click the size and color on the left side to order. We will gladly deliver your "T'" or ship it, if necessary. In selling these shirts, we desire not only to raise funds to compensate the new travel laws in Ethiopia, but to tell several stories. The story of our son who represents 1 of over 160 million orphans, along with the beautiful story of adoptioin. When thinking through the design of our shirts, I was reminded of an image that I see daily. Last year, one daughter painted a picture of the Ethiopian flag for one my Christmas presents. I have proudly displayed it on my kitchen counter, along with the sweet faces of my girls. This serves as a reminder that soon the flag will be replaced with the face of our son, when he joins our family. What a great day that will be! Our shirts were also inspired from the very simple, yet powerful command "LOVE." The front of the shirts display this word written in the Amharic Ethiopian language. Jesus is our ultimate example of this love. He lived it out and gave it #1 and #2 ranking in commands. LOVE GOD AND LOVE PEOPLE. "Show Some Love" is scripted on the back as a reminder that we have the opportunity to demonstrate love to those both near and far. We can be the voice for those who cannot speak for themselves. Of course, the color choices of red, kelly, gold, and aqua symbolize the colors in the Ethiopian flag. A heritage that will always be on our hearts. We dream of a sea of Ethiopian colors at the airport, when he meets all of you for the first time. This thought brings tears to my eyes! We truly appreciate your support and covet your prayers. YOU MAKE THE DIFFERENCE!

The Unexpected Gift

Scott and I feel extremely blessed to be surrounded with such amazing people here in NWA. We have a great network of friends, who love us and support us in so many ways. Furthermore, we are blessed with a community of friends who are like minded in raising our children. First, our desire is to raise them in a manner that will cultivate a love for God. Second, we want them to not only love others as much as themselves, but also view others in that manner. I have several other "Mommies" in my life that I feel privileged to glean wisdom from when needed (which is quite often). It is encouraging to know that they are praying for my children, as well as playing "another mother" role in their life. I wanted to take some time to share the heart behind one of these families, both parents and children. My oldest daughter, Kenzie, was invited to a birthday party for her friend Mary Katherine. (Everyone calls her MK) MK was turning 13 and wanted to have a pizza party with games, fun, and friends. This was not a typical birthday party, however. Most 13 year old girls would be concerned with ipods, cell phones, gift cards, clothes, and money. Not MK! In fact, she was thinking of someone else; she was thinking of Kenzie's little brother in Africa. You see, at the bottom of the fun, festive invitation it read: "NO GIFTS PLEASE. IN LIEU OF A GIFT, MARY KATHERINE WOULD LIKE TO BLESS MACKENZIE PAGE'S FAMILY, TO HELP BRING HER BABY BROTHER HOME FROM ETHIOPIA." Tears, right! How amazing is that! She not only sacrificed her desires for the good of someone else, but allowed her friends to be involved. What a beautiful gift from a beautiful girl! Our hearts are forever changed by such unselfish love. We can't wait to share this story with our son. He is already loved by so many!

Happy Birthday, Rosie!

Our sweet little "Rosebud" is turning two today. It brings happy and sad tears to think how my baby has grown! What a blessing she has been to our family. My prayer for you, sweet girl, is that you would "love the Lord with all your heart and seek His face always!" I can't wait to see how God uses this little girl for His glory.

5 Months!

Yesterday was the official marker of five months of waiting. Kenzie made all of us, bracelets in honor of "our little man." Each bracelet was woven with colors that represent the Ethiopian Flag. Until then....we are five hands praying, hoping, and ready to love!

Junk Posse!

Throughout our adoption process, God has brought along people that have been a source of encouragement to our family. Tracy at "Junk Posse" is one of those sweet individuals. From the first moment we spoke, I was overwhelmed with her heart for the orphan. Furthermore, I can't say enough about her beautiful works of art; each piece is unique and personal in every way. This is a woman who is truly using her gifts for God's glory! Recently, I had Tracy design a necklace for me. One that I can wear daily, close to my heart, a reminder of our son in Africa. It has the Amharic word for "love" stamped with a sweet charm of Africa dangling in front. I had the word "agape" inscribed on the back as a reminder of God's gracious love. This is such a treasure!

Tracy has extended an extremely generous offer to our family. She will be donating 30% of her sales to our adoption! Amazing, right? We are humbled and honored that she chose us. So here's how it works. You can buy any piece from Tracy (except the already designated pieces that she has up for non-profits or another specific family) as long as you include "Page Adoption" or "Page Family" in the notes when ordering. Beautiful jewelry for a beautiful cause! Click on the "Junk Posse" picture on the side bar to head over to Tracy's store so you can check out the rest of her amazing work. Don't see anything you want? Consider doing a custom piece! A bracelet, a ring, a key chain, etc. Sky is the limit!! Tracy is so talented; you will not be disappointed.

Here are a few of my favorites to inspire you!

Tracy discovered that Ethiopia looked similar to an angel wing. Only a true artist would recognize that! So creative!

Love the simplicity of this piece!

Beautiful!

This one is precious. Everyone wants to show off their kiddos, right? Especially the Grandparents!

Purchase with a purpose; love it! Check out "Junk Posse." You will not be disappointed.

# 4

"Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles, they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint." Isaiah 40:31

Four months on the wait list are now down. It is hard to imagine that much time has passed, we are so excited to think about the thought of him being home with us. We are also anxious about the months ahead; however, we will find our strength in the Lord. We are so thankful for the community of people God has surrounded us with during this journey.