Monday, April 9, 2012
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Family of 6
Well, it's been almost 2 months since we've been home from ET. Isaiah Biruk is doing absolutely wonderful. He is transitioning well into this crazy household. We are all so in love with our little man. He truly lives up to the meaning of his name..."blessing." We will continue to pray for the adoptive families that are still in this process. It is soooooooo hard but sooooooo worth the wait.
Thursday, December 15, 2011
IBP Homecoming
I'm so thankful to be home and a family of 6! It's been over 10 days since we've been home. Everyone is transitioning well with the exception of a serious "tummy bug" that swept through part of the Page household. Luckily, Isaiah was spared and has only suffered from a double ear infection. (Poor little guy, that plane ride home must have been miserable). Everyday I am overwhelmed with humility and thankfulness that the Lord has united our family. Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
Friday, November 25, 2011
ET Update
Opps...I just realized that I have been updating Facebook, but have neglected my blog. So here's the lowdown...I arrived in ET on Late Thursday night (Nov. 17th). Thankfully only one bag was lost and was recovered in less than 24 hrs. Isaiah was able to move into the guesthouse with me on Saturday. I was a bundle of nervous energy before he arrived. As soon as the car pulled up, I ran outside to greet him. Sweet boy was completely asleep. Nevertheless, after some good snuggle time he was ready to play. He is such a happy little guy; full of life and joy. He is constantly laughing, smiling, making boy noise, and is always on the go. And Oh can this boy eat! 
I am amazed at how well Isaiah is adjusting to me and a new environment. He has been sleeping great each night (12+ hours) and taking good naps during the day. I am learning so much about him like what makes him laugh, the foods he likes, that way he likes to held, cues to know when he is tired, etc. He has a cute way of telling me that he is hungry by the way he smacks his lips. He sucks his thumb when he's ready to fall asleep. And he has a super silly, squishing face he makes when he's REALLY happy. Too cute!
On Monday afternoon, I payed the Embassy a visit. I asked to speak with Esther so that we could discuss the hold up of our case and to see if there was anything else we could do it speed this process along. She was very nice and professional. She gave me the standard answer, "It just takes time. We need to complete the process by interviewing the police officer in Gonder. I will let you know when a decision is made. Yada yada yada." I wasn't discouraged, but I wasn't encouraged either. Prayer, prayer, and more prayer.
Little guy has been sick for a while. He's had a yucky nose, eyes, and cough. We've spent many hours walking the grounds attached to one another. I'm so thankful for my Eurgo, otherwise my back would be killing me. On Wednesday (Nov. 23rd) we ventured out to the care center to pay the doc a visit. It was so good to have a change of scenery. (MOWA has put some regulations in place in ET about taking your adoptive children in public. You really can only go to privately owned businesses/homes.) We saw the doc and got some meds for his eyes and congestion. After the doc, Belay and Genet met me at one of the houses and allowed me to take part of another family's coffee ceremony. There's nothing like fresh, roasted, Ethiopian coffee. I can't wait for Scott to join me for our coffee ceremony next week. Yep, Scott's joining me on Monday because we CLEARED EMBASSY!!!! ( I can't wait to see my hubby.) I got the email late Wednesday before Embassy closed for the rest of the week, for Thanksgiving. We are hoping to get an appointment on Tuesday or Wednesday to get IBP's visa. We'll head back to Arkansas on the following Saturday, Dec. 3rd. I'm so excited for our family of 6 to be reunited. I've missed my hubby and girls so much!
On Thanksgiving day, Genet and the BJoe ladies prepared a wonderful meal for the families staying at the guest house. Roasted chicken with veggies, mashed cheesey potatoes, mac-n-cheese, gravy, fresh salad with mint, and dessert. Funny story....I was in charge of mixing and baking the brownies. I mixed the batch and told the girls to turn on the oven to 350 degrees. Genet said, "Well, our oven only goes to 250 degrees." I assured her that it would eventually cook and it would take a little longer. I went on to change Isaiah's diaper. I made my way back to the kitchen and noticed the brownies were burning and completely hard. We were all puzzled, but didn't think much about it. At dinner we were talking about the brownie incident and realized that I was talking Fahrenheit and the oven here is Celsius. Needless to say we had "brownie brittle." Thankfully, the Robbin's had ordered 2 cakes to enjoy after our meal. This wasn't the first Thanksgiving dessert that I have ruined.
I've missed Scott and the girls more than I can truly express. It has emotionally and physically harder than I expected. I've never prayed so much and cried so much. However, I wouldn't change our decision for a minute. I know without a doubt this is where I need to be, with our son. I feel like I am making up for lost time. This time of bonding has been such a gift. I am so thankful that there is an ending in sight for the Page's. Please continue to pray for our family this last week. Pray that all involved will have the strength that only the Lord can give. And I can't help but ask for prayers of strength for the families that are yet to complete this process. My heart goes out to them. I know "He is faithful and He will do it.".
I am amazed at how well Isaiah is adjusting to me and a new environment. He has been sleeping great each night (12+ hours) and taking good naps during the day. I am learning so much about him like what makes him laugh, the foods he likes, that way he likes to held, cues to know when he is tired, etc. He has a cute way of telling me that he is hungry by the way he smacks his lips. He sucks his thumb when he's ready to fall asleep. And he has a super silly, squishing face he makes when he's REALLY happy. Too cute!
On Monday afternoon, I payed the Embassy a visit. I asked to speak with Esther so that we could discuss the hold up of our case and to see if there was anything else we could do it speed this process along. She was very nice and professional. She gave me the standard answer, "It just takes time. We need to complete the process by interviewing the police officer in Gonder. I will let you know when a decision is made. Yada yada yada." I wasn't discouraged, but I wasn't encouraged either. Prayer, prayer, and more prayer. 
Little guy has been sick for a while. He's had a yucky nose, eyes, and cough. We've spent many hours walking the grounds attached to one another. I'm so thankful for my Eurgo, otherwise my back would be killing me. On Wednesday (Nov. 23rd) we ventured out to the care center to pay the doc a visit. It was so good to have a change of scenery. (MOWA has put some regulations in place in ET about taking your adoptive children in public. You really can only go to privately owned businesses/homes.) We saw the doc and got some meds for his eyes and congestion. After the doc, Belay and Genet met me at one of the houses and allowed me to take part of another family's coffee ceremony. There's nothing like fresh, roasted, Ethiopian coffee. I can't wait for Scott to join me for our coffee ceremony next week. Yep, Scott's joining me on Monday because we CLEARED EMBASSY!!!! ( I can't wait to see my hubby.) I got the email late Wednesday before Embassy closed for the rest of the week, for Thanksgiving. We are hoping to get an appointment on Tuesday or Wednesday to get IBP's visa. We'll head back to Arkansas on the following Saturday, Dec. 3rd. I'm so excited for our family of 6 to be reunited. I've missed my hubby and girls so much!
On Thanksgiving day, Genet and the BJoe ladies prepared a wonderful meal for the families staying at the guest house. Roasted chicken with veggies, mashed cheesey potatoes, mac-n-cheese, gravy, fresh salad with mint, and dessert. Funny story....I was in charge of mixing and baking the brownies. I mixed the batch and told the girls to turn on the oven to 350 degrees. Genet said, "Well, our oven only goes to 250 degrees." I assured her that it would eventually cook and it would take a little longer. I went on to change Isaiah's diaper. I made my way back to the kitchen and noticed the brownies were burning and completely hard. We were all puzzled, but didn't think much about it. At dinner we were talking about the brownie incident and realized that I was talking Fahrenheit and the oven here is Celsius. Needless to say we had "brownie brittle." Thankfully, the Robbin's had ordered 2 cakes to enjoy after our meal. This wasn't the first Thanksgiving dessert that I have ruined.
I've missed Scott and the girls more than I can truly express. It has emotionally and physically harder than I expected. I've never prayed so much and cried so much. However, I wouldn't change our decision for a minute. I know without a doubt this is where I need to be, with our son. I feel like I am making up for lost time. This time of bonding has been such a gift. I am so thankful that there is an ending in sight for the Page's. Please continue to pray for our family this last week. Pray that all involved will have the strength that only the Lord can give. And I can't help but ask for prayers of strength for the families that are yet to complete this process. My heart goes out to them. I know "He is faithful and He will do it.".Thursday, November 10, 2011
Weathering the Storm
Well....... after weeks and weeks of prayer Scott and I made a crazy decision. I am getting on a plane next Wednesday, Nov. 16th, heading to ET. (We have good friends, the Robbin's, who are traveling to court, I'm jumping on the plane with them) You guessed it, I'm going to be with our little man, Isaiah Biruk until we clear Embassy. It's been 3 1/2 months since we've held him and it's been almost 2 months since he's been legally ours. Yep, we both agree- it's time for him to be with his family. We bought me a one way ticket, with no return! Scary thought, but I have an complete peace! I know God is at work and I am going to step back and let Him do His thing. One reason I am going over early is are to take custody of Isaiah. He can move into the guesthouse with me. So Exciting! We'll be able to start the bonding process and maybe even work through some of those "initial issues and struggles" before we venture home. Another reason......Embassy. I will be willing and available for whatever they need to help this process along. After all, they look to both me and Scott as his parents. Why shouldn't one of us be there with him, right? The hope is for Scott to join me sometime after Thanksgiving, when there is progress made and we can come home. It hurts to think I could potentially be away from my 3 girls and hubby for 1, 2 , 3 or 4 weeks. However, I know God will use the time to strength all of us and build our faith. That's exciting! We have 2 sets of wonderful grandparents that live locally and a community of friends that have risen to the occasion to help. I feel so blessed to live in community with these people....they all are like family! I know when Scott meets me in ET, the girls will be in good hands! Until then, please keep our family in your prayers. Pray for Scott and the girls that God's peace and joy will sustain them as the days get long. Pray for strength for me, I know I will eventually come off the "adrenaline rush" and get weary without my family, especially my sweet hubby. Please pray for Embassy's favor on our case. I know this last bit of the race may get tough, but it's all worth it. It is definitely all worth it!
Thursday, October 20, 2011
"Showered with Love and Kindness"
Sunday was such a special day! It started with the morning, at community worship, where we were asked to introduce our little man and share where we are in the adoption process. After sharing, there was a special time of prayer over our family as we finish the last grueling leg of this process. (Boy, do we need it!) The afternoon consisted of a beautiful shower celebrating Isaiah Biruk. Friends and family showered me with gift cards, notes of encouragement, endearing hugs, compassion, and gifts for Isaiah. My sweet friends hosted the most wonderful celebration in honor of our little man. The personal touches were heart warming. In the center of the delicious table of food were Africa shaped sugar cookies glazed with (my favorite) turquoise icing. Scattered among the house were enlarged black and white pictures of Isaiah. A variety of world globes were present as a reminder of his heritage. A cute plaid "A line" tent was pitched in the living room to hold the gifts (this was made by my dear, talented friend Corrie). Cuteness! Rosie has already informed me that when bubba gets home they will have a "sweep over in that cute tent." Did I mention how talented and creative my friends are? They had everyone sign and decorate a globe for his room! The globe was laced with verses, signatures, sweet words, love symbols, etc. So, so special! Thank you to my wonderful friends and family for showering our family with such love and kindness.
Delicious!
A prayerful reminder that he will be in our arms again
Love this!
Three generations (Rosie was napping) of girls:
"Gigi" Sallie Fleming, Mollie Fleming Page, Kenzie Page, and Meme Page
Monday, October 10, 2011
Happy Birthday IBP!
Happy 1st birthday to our sweet, Isaiah! Oh how it kills me to not be with you today. I am comforted to know God is watching over you every minute of everyday. He has given you a group of wonderful ladies to take care of you, until you are in our arms. Your "special mothers" care for you deeply; I am so thankful for them. Your life, sweet boy, has given us a greater understanding of God's love. You see, we are all adopted sons and daughters of our Heavenly Father. My prayer is that others will see God's love through your story, as well. As you grow, I pray that you will understand that you are wonderfully created and that God has a beautiful plan for your life. I pray that you will know how deep, how high, and how wide is Christ's love and that you will walk intimately with God all the days of your life. Isaiah Biruk Page, we love you and can't wait to get you home. This will be the last birthday that we miss, I promise.
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