Hair Day

We received a picture of our girls this morning. (What a great way to start the week!) It brought a huge smile to our faces. Mary T. explained that the picture was taken on hair day, a day when the kids get their hair washed and styled. Just had to share a bit of the photo. This picture is of Y and M along with one of their friends. Less than two months until the court date!

Star Struck in Fort Worth

Yep, that's me.  Star struck.  By Gladney folk, of course!

We were so glad to travel to Fort Worth last night for an Ethiopian meal at the Gladney Center.  There are so many heroes and stars in the adoption community and it was so wonderful to get to meet a few of them.  Stars like Rebecca, Jana, Lori and Jami.  And also to see Eli and Rebecca again!  Eli is fast tracking to rock star status himself as the "cover model" on a new Gladney video of Ethiopia.

And then there were the stars and heroes that we met like Belay Tafesse and his family, along with Travis and Joanna Norwood.  We introduced ourselves to Belay and he knew right away who our kids were without us saying their names.  This is a man who works with hundreds of people in Ethiopia and he knew the connection between our children and us.  He sure knows how to make a person feel special!

And last, but not least, was the wonderful Mary T.  Mary has been so completely professional, prompt, helpful and honest with every step of our adoption process.  However, last night we saw her love and passion for Ethiopia's children in living color.  She is the real deal.  We researched agencies and all of our studies and reading led us to Gladney.  We initially thought we wanted to work with more of a faith based agency, but are so glad that we get to share this adoption experience with the people of Gladney.  To see Gladney staff tear up over the Ethiopian video really touched Dustin and me.  These people work in adoptions every day and yet it doesn't feel like it is just a job to them.  Sure, it's work and work isn't always fun but we saw hearts passionate for children to become loved by forever families.

So yes, we were star struck by those people with whom we share a common bond and heart for Ethiopia and for adoption.

Posting from the Hospital

Crazy day today.  Madison is in the hospital with a kidney stone.  All of her symptoms led doctors to believe she had appendicitis.  After a CT tonight, it's a kidney stone.  We're waiting on pain meds and hoping she passes the stone tonight.

We were all prepared for surgery and even though a kidney stone is no walk in the park, we're thankful that Mad doesn't have to have surgery.  We would be so thankful for any prayers offered on her behalf.

Thank you, God, for your love and peace in all things.

Gladney Update and Corrected Court Date

Gladney sent an update on the kids today:

"Y, M and H are all doing well.  They love attention and run up to visitors.  They are also always excited to have their picture taken.  They love to pose and smile for the camera.  The girls make sure that their brother gets into the picture and is seen.  They are all doing well in school."

We love hearing that the girls look after their brother.  It warms our hearts.

Also, our actual court date is May 20th rather than May 19th.  There was a little mistake in converting the dates from the Ethiopian calendar to ours.

Not sure exactly what this scripture has in common with this post, but I it comes to mind:

"Though the cherry trees don't blossom

and the strawberries don't ripen,

Though the apples are worm-eaten

and the wheat fields stunted,

Though the sheep pens are sheepless

and the cattle barns empty,

I'm singing joyful praise to God.

I'm turning cartwheels of joy to my Savior God.

Counting on God's Rule to prevail,

I take heart and gain strength.

I run like a deer.

I feel like I'm king of the mountain!

                                                 --Habakkuk 3:17-19 (MSG)