God's Grace and Love

Today, I have been overwhelmed by the promises of God. At 9:15 a.m., I saw my child for the first time. I received a referral call letting me know I am now officially a mom, and then I immediately looked at my email following the phone conversation (I sobbed through most of the phone call, so I guess it technically wasn't a conversation). When I opened up my daughter's (I love the sound of that) photos, literally my breathe was taken away. Gazing at my baby for the first time, made my heart ache because it was filled with so much joy. As cliche as that may be, there is no other way to describe that initial feeling. It was an incredible experience that is difficult to put into words.

Legally, I can't go into a lot of details about my daughter, not until she has passed court. I can share with you that I will be referring to her now as "B". "B" is a precious and beautiful 4 month old who has the biggest, consuming eyes. She will melt your heart when I finally get to share her pictures with you. Trust this mama when I tell you that.

Thank you, Father, for your grace and love you have shown me through your promise of allowing me to become a mom. Father, grant me the wisdom and guidance I need to be the mother you would have me be.

Summertime is Flying By

Tomorrow will be the last day of summer school. It seems as if June is just flying by. I was talking with another teacher a few days ago, and she made the comment that after the 4th of July, summer is basically over for teachers because of conferences, developing next year's lesson plans, and setting up the classroom. I laughed because I have to agree. I am making some adjustments to that schedule this summer though. Instead of July conferences, I am going to be setting up the baby's room. :) That is my priority this next month.

As for the adoption, I haven't heard any news in a couple of weeks. I am #3 in line for a girl according to my yahoo group. I carry my phone with me everywhere I go just in case I get the "call". Hopefully, when I get the "call", I will have access to a computer, because my agency will send me any information they have about her and a PICTURE.

So many times, I have tried to envision what she looks like. I think most moms do that. Sometimes I see her as an infant, not even ready to sit up, yet other times, I view her as being older and walking. A few months ago, I had decided to contact my agency to change my age request from up to 24 months to much younger. I had an email ready to send, and I couldn't send it. God has brought me this far, and he knows my child as he knows me. That wasn't a change I felt I was supposed to make. I truly will be ecstatic if she is 2 months or 22 months, because she is God given.

Enjoy your summer and don't wish it away. I just read my friend's blog about living in the present and enjoying life's little everyday gifts through family and friends. Okay, so if you live in the Midwest like I do, you may want to enjoy these moments inside, in the air condition. It has been a HOT June. :)

A Little Sentimental

Sometimes I don't express, as I should, my appreciation and love to my family and friends. If you know me, you know I don't have a difficult time expressing my opinion or thoughts about any given subject (whether or not it pertains to me). When I was younger, my mom would say that if I found a situation to be unjust, I would give my opinion, even at the expense of getting in trouble. I still have a tendency to do that. :) In my world of finding justice, I sometimes overlook life's everyday blessings. These blessings come individually wrapped...one family member or friend at a time.

If I forgot yesterday or forget tomorrow, I want to let you know tonight how much I appreciate and love you all.

A special "Thank You" goes out to some FABULOUS family and friends who helped serve A LOT of pizza last night (and I can't forget the ones who ate all of that pizza). Words cannot express my utmost appreciation.

#5!!!!

According to the spreadsheet on my Ethiopia adoptive family YahooGroup, I am #5 in line for a little girl. Whoo-hoo! That makes me nervous. :)

I ask that you remember in prayer the following needs as I get to this point in the adoption.
-Give me guidance and understanding as a first-time mom
-Keep Baby Hope out of harms way and healthy
-Lead me in getting the rest of the finances in order
-Continue to direct MOWA (Ministry of Women's and Children's Affairs) in Ethiopia as they
continue their investigation into illegal practices
-Continue to guide the judges when these children come before them

I am "ON DECK"

Today, I received an email from my agency informing me I was "on deck". This email indicates I will get a referral for a little girl within the next one to two months. I thought I would be getting this notice soon, but I still felt pleasantly surprised (This phrase is probably an understatement).



When I receive a referral, that means I will get information and picture(s) of my little one. After I accept the referral (I have about a week), then I wait two weeks to a month to get a court date in Ethiopia. Generally, court dates are set 8 to 16 weeks from the time of the referral. If my child passes court the first time, then my mom and I will fly out about 2 to 4 weeks later. Of course, I have learned through my journey, there truly are no set timelines for international adoptions...just estimations. I have definitely experienced changes in the "schedule", along with many families I have met going down this same path.

Hopefully, I will be able to post about having a referral by the end of July. That is my wish and my prayer.