Update on Embassy

We heard from the Embassy yesterday that they need 3 additional documents before we are cleared.  Our agency said there is no set timeline on how long this takes.


Update!

 This morning our agency said they have found 2 of the 3 documents and are working on the 3rd!  There is a chance that our paperwork could be submitted again for review tomorrow.  Praying that we will clear and be able to book tickets to get Jordis.  

Submitted to the Embassy

We were submitted to the US Embassy for review on June 22!  This process can take 1-10 days for them to  communicate to us that we have cleared or that they need to see more documents.  We have friends who have cleared in 4 days and friends who have waited months.  It is very hard not to get a little bit anxious!  Please join us in prayer that all of our documents would be there, so that we can go back to Ethiopia to bring Jordis home.

One Step Closer

Yesterday our paperwork was submitted to the U.S. Embassy for approval!  The checklist of things to do to "bring baby sister home" is almost finished.  We are praying and hoping for a quick approval of our paperwork so that we can go back to Ethiopia to bring Jordis home.  Can't wait!

A picture is worth a thousand words...

Well we have been back a week and a half and are slowly getting adjusted back to our time zone.  I have never been so tired, but I can't wait until we get to make the next trip to bring our sweet Jordis home!  There are not many reasons that one might get excited for such an exhausting trip...she is one.

It is said that a picture is worth a thousand words.  Here are some of the words that this picture represents.

-Finally

-I can't believe it

-We are finally here

-She is amazing

-I am so humbled that God has allowed us to be a part of this little angel's life

-I would rather be no other place than right here, right now

-My heart breaks that there are so many kids in this position

-God planted a dream in the heart of a little girl more than 25 years - and now he is completing it.

- I am so happy

-I can't wait to see this little angel grow up

-We waited for four years for this day, it is more than I ever anticipated

-I am so amazed at how God has orchestrated things and provided for us so that we could be here now

-I want to savor this moment forever

Ethiopia Day Six

Today we went up Mount Entoto, which rises several thousand feet above the city.  Here are some of the sites that we saw.

Orthodox churches.

Goat market.

Emperor's palace from 1888

Overlooking Addis Ababa

These ladies carry twice their body weight 5 miles down 7% grade for $3-5

Ethiopia Day Five

Court day!  This morning we went to appear before a judge.  We did not pass because Jordis' birth father has not come to give his final consent.  He has been assigned a new date of June 7.  After he comes to court we will "pass court" and Jordis will be ours!!

Then back to the Transition Home to see our angel.  She was very happy to see us and we had another great day of fun.  Every day we leave she cries.  It breaks my heart, but this is evidence that she is bonding with us and a relationship is beginning to grow.  God has answered our prayers!

15 passenger van - Ethiopian style

view from our room at Yebsabi Guest house

Ethiopia Day Four

Transition home again.  While we were there an afternoon rain rolled and revealed to us that Jordis loves the water.  Can't wait to get her home to the sprinklers in the yard.  She is beginning to become more verbal with her soft little voice...it melts our hearts.


Back to the guest house to rest up for the big night.  For dinner tonight we went to a traditional dinner and dance!  We had injera (a sponge like crepe), various types of meat and sauces, honey wine and coffee that could double as motor oil.  After dinner we got to see traditional dances from around the country - wow!  Not quite sure how the human body can hold together while doing what they do.  Part of the show is to pull people from the audience up on stage to "dance" with them...I must tell you that we tore it up!  So fun.

Ethiopia Day Three

Today was independence day in Ethiopia.  We woke up to the sound of loudspeakers on top of trucks broadcasting celebrations of freedom from the communist regime that fell 20 years ago.

We went to the outdoor market today to do some shopping.  Shopping in a third world market is fun for some, stressful for others and entertaining for all.  We walked away with some great mementos of this amazing country and got back into the van for another wild ride across the city.

As we arrived at the transition home today, a picture was etched into my mind that will be there for the rest of my life.  We drove thru the gates into the courtyard and as I stepped out of the van, Jordis ran squealing with arms outstretch into my arms.  A little girl that I have only known for two days has ran to me and began to trust me.  I have fallen in love with her.  Another great day of getting to know her.

Addis Ababa fun fact of the day - Addis is the political capitol of Africa and is home to the African Union.

Ethiopia Day two

Today after breakfast we went back to the transition home to see Jordis. Again when we arrived she was timid and reserved but quickly warmed up to us. She seems to be a "girly girl". We brought a little purse, necklace and bracelet - wondering if she would know what to do with them. Without a thought she put the necklace and bracelet on and threw the purse over her shoulder. She started repeating english words and is calling us mommy and daddy already. We met with the doctor today to be brought up to speed on her health. She has made great progress since coming to the transition home in November and received a clean bill of health!

We have met some amazing families that are also here to meet their children. It is amazing how much you can bond with other people when you are experiencing life changing moments with them. We are so grateful for the relationships that we are forming.

Addis Ababa fun fact of the day - you can build scaffolding that is 20 stories tall without one piece of metal.

Ethiopia Day One - "Meetcha Day"

Today we arrived in Addis Ababa. It is a city of 5 million people with a density of over 14,ooo people per square mile. People everywhere! And some of those people are driving very distinctive blue and white taxis that drive in a very distinctive manner! This is something that takes a bit of getting used to, and after that becomes very humorous and fun.

After checking in at the guest house and getting settled we were off to lunch with 5 other families who were in Addis to adopt as well. Lunch in Addis Ababa is a 2 - 3 hour event - not for someone who is in a hurry...

...And hurry is what we were in. This was the day that we had looked forward to for 4 years. This was the day that we would meet a beautiful little angel who would soon be our daughter. A little girl we had dreamed about and prayed for. Yes, we are in a hurry. Back into the van and off to the transition home where we would meet our daughter. This day in adoption speak is called "meetcha day" and we were so excited. We arrived and stood on the front porch with so many thoughts and emotions racing through our heads. And then out of the front door came a sweet little girl. Those emotions racing through our heads finally boiled over and tears flowed freely.

We spent the next few hours with her getting to know her and playing with her. She was very quiet when we met her, but only 20 minutes later her smile appeared. Liz unpacked a few bags of toys we had brought for her and we quickly saw she is a girly girl. She loves jewelry and purses and knew just what to do with them. Seeing her picture on the back of the camera brought the first smile. She continued to let more and more of her personality out as the afternoon progress and it was amazing. She seems to be fairly soft spoken but is very engaging and has already started to repeat some english words.

WOW, what a day. We have prayed so long for this day and for this little girl, what a blessing to be able to meet her. Can't wait for tomorrow.