Happy Birthday, Rosie!

Happy Birthday to the sweetest and sassiest 3 year old I know! Your ice blue eyes and rosy cheeks melt my heart. You have added a whole new dimension to accessorizing. Beads, bows, bags, and bling....you are the ultimate princess. I pray that you will understand the depth of God's love; the sacrifice that Jesus made for you, so that you could be HIS princess. I love to hear your prayers to "Gosus" (A special name created by you for your Creator. FYI...cross between God-Jesus) and I know HE loves to hear your prayers even more than I do! It warms my heart to see you reading and "highlighting" in your Bible, just like Daddy and Mommy. I pray that you will treasure those words in your heart and be bold enough to share them with others. I want you to know that you bring so much joy to my life; it is a privilege to be your Mommy. I love you with all my heart, Rosebud! Happy Day!

It's Officially Official!

We got the call today (at 3:44 to be exact) that WE ARE HIS AND HE IS OURS! We are the very proud parents of Isaiah Biruk Page. Within minutes of meeting him, our hearts were in love and forever connected. We love you, IBP, and can't wait to bring you home!

On My Mind......

AND OF COURSE..........

Raw and Reality

It's been nearly 2 weeks since we've been home from ET. Since our return, we have been focusing most of our time on the girls. Swimming, school shopping, games, snuggles, a trip to the family farm, etc. Oh how we missed the girls while we were gone! School is now in full swing and the craziness of life begins once again. However, this Fall season my perspective has shifted. My life is forever changed. As I type the words, tears stream down my cheeks. (FYI....I cried everyday in ET and everyday since I have been home. Ask my hubby, I'm not a crier.) I wasn't crying for my son because I know he is in a good situation, in a care center where people are loving and caring for him. I know IBP will be with us one day real soon; we all can't wait for that day! You see I was crying for the multitude of people that I saw. The ones that appear to have no help or no hope. It's overwhelming, it's so overwhelming! Here is just some of what we encountered.....

make shift houses

sick, hungry children begging

women with their babies living on every street corner

disabled and elderly begging

the smell of exhaust

gentle, friendly people

people sleeping everywhere

public urination

orphanages with no grass, no carpet, no toys

orphanages that smell like vomit and urine

children asking me to be their mommy

a trash city that houses 75,000 people

a trash dump used as a food source for many

lepers

aids victims

women carrying heavy loads of Eucalyptus

hurt

desperation

children longing for affection

adults longing to be accepted

filth

deep loss

devastation

It's still very raw to me. The sights and the smells. What is raw to me, is reality to these people. Where as they may not know the difference, I do! I know the difference! Once again, I am firmly convinced that the Lord has blessed us so that we can be a blessing to others. We are not rich compared to the "Western World's" standards. However, I am feeling quite wealthy compared to the "Rest of the World's" standards. For the Page's, we are praying that our family will be used in ET for HIS glory. We want to be apart of something bigger than ourselves. While in Et, Scott and I were able to meet some amazing individuals who want to make a difference in the lives of their community. I love that they have a passion for the country of ET and their people. These are the people I want to come behind and support! They are changing one life at a time. They are true heros of this age!!!!

A quick update: We have seen God's hand in this adoption process every step of the way. IBP is and will be such a blessing to our family. (In fact, once in ET, we learned that our son's name actually means "Blessed.") We received word this week that our MOWA letter has been issued and is at court. However, we don't know what type of opinion MOWA issued on our behalf and the judge was unable to review our case before courts closed. So we wait......we were told that we may not hear anything until after rainy season. I'm still praying for a miracle. I would love to have our little man home before his first birthday in October. Regardless...it's about perspective. My perspective is forever changed.

Beyond Words

There really aren't words that can correctly describe our time in ET with our little guy. I will attempt..... Our time with IBP was priceless. From the moment we saw him, he smiled, laughed, hugged, and smooched us. We were overwhelmed with such an affectionate welcoming from our little man. We were able to visit him three times that week. We treasured every minute of the visits. ( FYI...his cheeks are irresistible, I could not stop kissing them.) We filled our hours with play time (he loves little piggies), snuggles, feeding, and more snuggles. Our final visit, on Friday, was more than difficult. As Scott prayed over our son, the tears started flowing for both of us. As I looked up, his Special Mothers were completely touched by our emotion and love for this little guy. They did not comfort us with words but with a sincere embrace and a compassionate demeanor. I was reminded once again that the universal language that all understands is LOVE. Without a doubt, I know he is loved deeply by his Special Mothers. They kiss his hands and cheeks, calling him by a special nick name. It did my heart good to see this first hand. It gave me peace as I walked out of his room on Friday. I look forward to the day that we can hold that chubby hand again. I'm praying without ceasing that it will be much sooner than later.

And We're Off!

In just a few hours, we will board a plane that will take us across the world to meet our son for the first time. It's finally hit...I'm a bundle of nervous energy. Physically I am totally exhausted but emotionally I am completely energized. Bags have been strategically packed, including humanitarian aid, weighing a little under 50 pounds each (that was a tricky). Documents have been notarized and passports are in place. The kids are taken care of (thanks to my sweet sister, grandparents and friends), the camera is charged. Yep, I think we're ready! I can't wait to snuggle him, kiss his sweet cheeks, and hold his chubby hands. Our court date is August 2nd. I'm really hoping that MOWA will issue a positive opinion on our case and many others before August 2nd. How great would that be? Regardless, the Lord continues to show me that He's got this. I am forever grateful.

Birthday Gift

Have I ever mentioned what precious friends I have? Well, they are amazing! They each know how crazy my life has gotten since the news of the court date. (2 days until take off! Woohoo!) At 10:00 pm they came to my house, cake in hand, in hopes of celebrating my day in such a special way. You see while it's 10:00 pm in Arkansas, it's the start of a new day in ET. The morning of 7/27, which is my birthday. This is an important day in ET. Today our file will be submitted to MOWA. Today IBP's birth mom is scheduled to appear before a judge and relinquish her rights to her son. My heart hurts for her. When I begin to think of all the details that actually have to fall into place, I start to get anxious. My friends know this. So after cake and coffee, we got on our knees and prayed for what's to come. We prayed boldly, with faith and confidence that the Lord will hear our prayers and answer them accordingly. We know He is faithful and will do this! Thanks to my sweet friends for such a special gift. Love ya'll!