Yes, we received our referral call on Friday!! What a surprise! We didn’t think it would come that soon! AWAA called to offer us siblings: a boy-4 years old and baby girl-3 months old! God had put almost those exact ages on our hearts when we applied! They are beautiful—“button cute” as Michael says! We can’t post pictures or any more information yet till we pass court and they officially belong to US! 🙂
Because of Ethiopian court closures in August and September during the rainy season, we probably won’t get a court date till about mid-October. But my good friend, Deanne Mott, is already over there with her girls for a month, so she can love on them for us while we wait! And I have been to the Transition Home and have seen how well the nannies care for and love on the children, so I am confident of our babies’ care until we can bring them home. After we pass court (which is not always on the first try), then it will take another 1-3 months while they gather paperwork for the Embassy and we go back and bring them home. We are hopeful to have them home before Christmas! (What a cold winter welcome they will receive!! 🙂 )
We have a lot to do between now and then, including me (Suzanne) trying to finish a 75-page MA thesis on God’s Heart for the Fatherless in Scripture. Please pray for 3 things: diligence and supernatural quickness on the research and writing, health and emotional comfort for our kids while they wait, and funds to continue to come in for the rest of the adoption. We are amazed at God’s grace and intimate hand on our lives through this whole process, and we pray He is glorified through it all!
Here is a picture of us showing our other 3 kids the photos of our new additions:
I’m really excited for you guys, praise God.
Suzanne, I know you can finish your thesis, I’ll be starting mine in the Fall.
Our prayers go out to you and to your new children.
David
Congratulations!! I can’t wait to see pictures of those sweet babies – – how wonderful that Deanne can get to know their little personalities while she’s there! I’ll be praying for supernatural focus and writing skills so you can travel to Eth without a thesis hanging over your head!!
YAY YAY YAY YAY!!! I am so excited for you guys! I cannot wait to see the new additions to your family:) AUGH! SOOOO happy for you guys! Want to come celebrate with you soon!
Love,
Michelle
God’s timing is perfect! I know that this news will only inspire you to finish quickly Suzanne and for Michael to do all of those “honey-do’s” while on sabbatical. You are in my prayers. Blessisngs,
Karen
Congratulations! Mark and I are so excited for you all!
Congratulations on this step! My heart is so happy for your family!! 🙂
So excited for you guys! Wow! What an awesome gift for you guys (and for the new additions to your family as well!). We will continue to hold you up in prayer.
Jennifer
So excited for you guys! Cannot wait to meet the newest additions to the family!!!
Congratulations! 🙂
I was linked to your blog by 2 friends of yours who also read my blog. I figured after the second link, perhaps I should write you and say hi 🙂
Anyway, I have enjoyed reading about your journey thus far. We just started the process of adopting from Ethiopia and we currently live in China with our 2 daughters and teach at an international Christian school.
Congrats on your referral! I hope the rest of the process is smooth!