February 28, 2009

7990 Miles to Ethiopia!


Last night we met an AMAZING group of adoptive families here in Springfield! A friend of a friend invited us to this group and it was so awesome to meet other families that have already made the journey and many who are right where we are. I am just so excited to know that there are so many families right here, real Ethiopian children...lol! I know that sounds hilarious, but after watching so many photo montages, videos on blogs and forums, it's so cool to see real live adopted children from Ethiopia. And the families were so great, did I say that yet?

So here is a shirt that someone was selling for a fundraiser. Brandon bought me one, my first! So our journey will be 7,990 miles from Springfield, MO. If you are one of the families from Springfield, please comment so I can add you to my blog list and keep track of you too!

February 18, 2009

A Happy Day - Month 7!

Today is a happy day. We have been officially waiting for our daughter for 7 months. Of course, we have been in the actual waiting process for three years. This day, I am much more optimistic. I have experienced almost every possible emotion during this time.
When we talked about adoption as a way to add to our family I was anxious, anticipating the outcome. I have felt the pain of possible placements that didn't happen. I prayed over pictures and life stories of over 30 children that were "available" through our countries foster care system, hoping that one of these children would be ours. Hopeful is what I felt when we decided to adopt internationally through Ethiopia. When we first turned in our application to our agency, I was elated. As time progressed and paperwork took forever, I felt discouraged. I watch families come home with their children through video montages on blogs and forums. I feel hopeful again. I long for the day that I get to pick my sleeping child up for the first time.
I haven't allowed myself or Brandon to really prepare for this child. I know she's coming, but to save myself from overwhelming emotions, I haven't prepared. I AM prepared to parent and love this child like you would not believe. But she may be naked...lol! I'm just kidding. When we receive our referral, I'll prepare a little more. She has a crib, a high chair and a family that loves her so much, what else does she need, right?
So Happy Seven Months to us! May our call just be weeks, or days away!