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going back to the ol' blog since some people have had problems viewing this from internet explorer, think of it as a game of hide and seek... thanks for staying with me peeps...

Almost a Year in the Process

Next month marks a year since we signed up with the adoption agency. Our dossier has been in Ethiopia since September. In many ways I feel further away from her then when we started. I remember the weeks of intense prayer and excitement as we decided on beginning the process. From morning until night that’s what consumed our thoughts. I would even wake up in the middle of the night to pray about it. God answered our prayers with several confirmations and led us to Ethiopia. It still consumes our thoughts but in a less urgent kind of a way. (most of the time) I know she will come home to us in God’s perfect timing. Now that we are getting closer we are beginning to organize our fund raising efforts, especially in lieu of the newly added second trip. It seems like with each holiday that passes I find myself looking to the next and hoping she’ll be with us then. So the next one is Halloween. Come home to us sweet JJ so we can dress you up and your brothers and sister can show you off around the neighborhood. We look forward to you completing our family.

Our Trip Becomes Two

The Ethiopian government has officially changed the requirements so it looks like we'll be heading their twice. Not what we wanted but we knew all along that we're not in control and there would be many ups and downs. Next month marks a year since we started officially with our agency. Our dossier has been in Ethiopia since September and we hope and pray for a referral any day now. The kids are all eagerly waiting too. They pray for her and talk about her everyday. We just recently celebrated Dason and Ky's birthday, along with Easter. Good times and a reminder to not want to speed anything up but just to enjoy every moment with our family. Brett is a lot more patient than me (shocker I know) throughout this whole process. I love his excitement to meet his new daughter too and can't wait to go over their together. What an amazing journey that will be! Perhaps if you're reading this you may be thinking that maybe God has adoption in your plans as well. Just pray about it and see what happens. Watching God work is one of the most inspiring, amazing things that we can do on this earth. I long to hold our baby girl but I know God will be holding her until we get there and I know He'll keep her safe. Thanks for your prayers!

A Taxing Season has Begun Again....

I am transitioning to this new blog because the other one is crazydevries5 and soon we will have six in our family! I hope to update this more as we get further into the adoption process. Right now we are still waiting for a referral (picture and info) on our baby girl. The Ethiopian government is discussing making the adoptive parents come to the court hearing. Right now it is a one trip- one week process to pick her up. This would turn it into two trips. Aside from the financial burden of a second trip, I really don't know how I could leave her in Ethiopia after meeting her and holding her! We are praying they don't change this. Life around here is getting crazier as Brett starts tax season. So I am putting up this peaceful picture from summer at Lake Tahoe to put me in a different state of mind. The boys just started taekwondo and it is so cute! I mean tough. Kylin is learning some moves too but mainly she dreams of becoming the next American Idol. She is singing a made up song right now as I write this with a two-stringed guitar and her pink princess dress on. She makes up lots of songs; different words, very similar tune... I am currently writing this drinking my third cup of coffee and in my ridiculous footed pajamas (as horrible looking as they sound). Hoping my day, and yours is filled with gratefulness and patience.