Garage & Bake Sale THIS SATURDAY!!!!

I feel as if I have been living under a rock for the past week - well not as much a rock as just a MOUNTAIN of stuff! The garage sale I have been telling everyone about for the past few months is finally here....why am I not more prepared?!? I have never seen my apartment in such disarray but that will soon be taken care of, hopefully. :)

This Saturday, August 7th, I will be having a GARAGE SALE & BAKE SALE at Grace Reformed Baptist Church (3930 Glade Valley Drive in Kingwood - right in between Walmart Neighboorhood Market and Kingwood Park High School). Everything must go!!! It's scheduled from 8 am - 12 noon and there will be signs directing you to the church along Northpark Drive.

I have to admit I'm a bit of a pack rat so I've accumulated quite a bit of "stuff" over the last 24 years and most of it I can't really fit into my suitcase to Ethiopia....SO, come enjoy the great deals and yummy goodies too!! There will be lots of

• electronics (TVs, pocket PCs, video games, cameras, VCRs, etc)
• designer shoes & purses (BCBG, Jessica Simpson, Gianni Bini, Steve Madden, etc)
• furniture
• movies (200+ DVDs & 100+ VHS)
• home decor (picture frames, mirrors, lamps, signage, candles, vases, etc)
• kitchenware (appliances, glassware, mugs, tupperware, etc)
• linens (pillows, blankets, etc)

...and much more!! All sales and donations will go towards my work in Ethiopia starting in September. Hope to see everyone's beautiful face on Saturday morning!

Inspiration to Uganda...& the World

When you hear the word "Uganda", it evokes many different responses from people. Most are negative - war, famine, corrupt, poverty, unsafe, death....all of which are true. Thinking of Uganda only brings one thing to my mind though --- Katie Davis.

Katie is a 21 year old, resident of Uganda, lover of Christ, mother to 14 girls, orphan advocate, and a true example of what being the hands and feet of Jesus looks like. If you have never heard of her or her ministry, Amazima Ministries, you MUST read about it!! I've been reading her blog for a while and always feel inspired with every new post. It's amazing how the Lord is using her, even though most of the world would disregard her because she's so young.

"Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in purity." -- 1 Timothy 4:12

One of her most powerful entries was the story of her call to Uganda (she was only 18), the intense struggles she faced while doing so, and how her obedience to God has drastically altered her own plans....and made her life so much richer than she ever dreamed. Read the entry here.

Here is a short look at her ministry and life in Uganda. Watch and be inspired!

Support Letters....CHECK!

FINALLY! They are mailed. It's been a long time in process, and I'm so glad to share with everyone all the crazy things that have been happening in my world over the last few months. I also made my blog public so I guess I now have to really keep it up-to-date....a little intimidating, but I'm ready for the challenge! Here is the photo card I sent in the letters:

As of today, it is T-minus 7 1/2 weeks until my plane leaves American soil!! The time is definitely flying by - just like everyone told me it would.

This week has especially given me a dose of reality since my amazing friend, Rachael, has officially moved and is now "settled" in Addis Ababa. She left Texas on July 5 with a church group from Austin to do mission work in Zeway, Ethiopia for about 10 days. Everyone in her group returned home to the US on Wednesday (7/14), while Rachael stayed behind to begin her 2 year commitment in ET. She will be running the Cherokee Guesthouse in Addis, helping volunteers from around the world get involved with various humanitarian efforts throughout Central Ethiopia. I am so blessed to be able to have met her only a few short months ago and for us to have become such fast friends - a friendship that will only continue to grow while we are in Ethiopia together....SO excited!! One more reminder that the Lord knows what He's doing...:)

"are you going to paint your skin brown before you move to Africa?"

...oh, the adorable, RANDOM questions of a 5 year old! I was fixing Scarlett Paige some lunch and chatting with her when, out of the blue, she turned around and asked me this. And she was totally serious!! Still laughing hysterically...:)

This week has been awesome....my first week officially unemployed, being able to focus on only the important things before the move, and spending time with my family. These last several weeks are so precious, and I am cherishing the sweet and funny conversations, questions, etc - especially from the kids about life in Ethiopia.

Isabella (8 yrs old): "What are you going to eat over there?"

Me: "Well lots of the same things as here - chicken, beans, bread, pasta, spinach..."

Isabella: (pause) "But i thought they were starving in Africa because they didn't have food? Where are they hiding all the stuff you just said?"

LAST day as a recruiter...BRING IT ON

Today, I take the plunge OFF the corporate ladder into the valley of the unemployed....and I am thrilled! I mean, I've had a fairly good experience and learned a lot in the last 1.5 years, but there's no job satisfaction like the kind when you work with "the least of these". I'm sure there will days in Ethiopia where I will wish for a desk job again - during the kids' temper tantrums, when I have to learn how to ride mass transportation, or when I have food poisoning from vegetables that haven't been bleached properly. BRING IT ALL ON!!

It still doesn't seem real though. It doesn't really feel like my last day or that I'll never be back in this office. I guess it just hasn't fully hit me yet...probably will have to wait until Monday when I realize I don't have to go into work. The rejoicing will probably begin about that time. :)

Thanks ABC...it's been great, but on to bigger and better things!!

Happy July 4th Weekend!!

Solomon is HOME!!

He's finally home!! It's so strange to think that he's just a few states away from here and not halfway around the world...it feels so surreal that the miracle has finally happened!

Solomon's story is something so unique and special that hundreds of people have now heard it. It all started over 2 years ago with an adoptive mother traveling to Ethiopia and her encounter with a 17 year old orphan named Solomon. Since then, this incredibly strong mother has done so much for orphan advocacy in Ethiopia, especially those older girls and boys who are often forgotten once they hit 8 years and older. Read her blog here for their whole story.

Solomon was the first boy I met when I went to Kolfe Orphanage in September 2008. We immediately started talking and asking lots of questions to each other while he led a tour (with tons of boys following) around the Kolfe grounds. He was such a gentleman and just one of those people you meet that you can never forget!

It has been amazing to watch his journey unfold, and I am so thrilled for him that he is finally home with his family in North Carolina! He will also be attending college and seminary on a full scholarship starting in the fall! Praising the Lord for his provision and faithfulness in ALL things! Here's the news clip that aired on the local news in Wake Forest tonight about Solomon and the Mestas family:

September 6th...More than just Labor Day

It's the day I leave for Ethiopia! That's right - the votes are in, tallied, and September 6th it is! It's the perfect date - right before Ethiopian New Year and the children in Gladney's program will only have to wait about 2 weeks for me to resume the reading program and begin the rest of the child development activities, instead of a month like originally thought. So instead of spending Labor Day like this.....

...I will be doing this...

...and this...

SO EXCITED THOUGH!!!

the ABC countdown has begun

It's official! My days of working a desk job are now numbered...10 days to be exact. :) I gave my 2 week notice today at ABC....WOO HOO!!!


I can finally talk openly about me moving to Ethiopia and not have to act like I am climbing the corporate ladder...not being able to talk about it has been killing me! My boss said he wasn't surprised, considering he had read some of my personal emails over the last few weeks and had figured out my plan....I know, I think that's a little sketchy too. Anyway, this chapter of life ends on Friday, June 2. Can't really say that I'm disappointed because I'm so excited for what's to come!

(FYI: I love Ace Ventura Pet Detective...just in case anyone didn't know where the picture came from...)

What does a Termite look like?

Pretty much like this....

And why is this important?

Because they are literally eating through my walls!! (in 4 different places)

So far, the apartment bug death toll is at 19....and counting:

• 7 termites
• 3 roaches
• 2 beatles
• 6 spiders
• 1 (very large) unidentified species

...and I am on day 2 at the new apartment. Apparently, they heard I was in town and were curious about their new neighbor.

God definitely has a sense of humor in getting me ready for life in Ethiopia...

Moving Day....6th time is a charm!

Yes, 6th time...in the last 3 years! I should be total pro by this point and yet I still have trouble getting everything together. This move did take a little different spin though, knowing that I will be moving to Ethiopia just 6 months from now. Since I just moved literally around the corner, I'm a little embarrassed to say that it still took 3 hours to get it all over here...maybe because the truck held a slight resemblance to this...



As soon as I walked in the new apartment with my first load, I was greeted by a HUGE roach crawling across my wall. Um....not cool. Of course, my neighbors got to know me really quickly as I let out a blood-curdling scream. I should probably explain that I have a bit of an irrational fear of roaches. Not sure why...maybe because my dad used to catch them when I was little, chase me around the house, and then throw the live bug on me. Thank goodness my friend Toni's husband was helping me move and was immediately recruited to take care of the intruder...he was laughing hysterically the entire time. I found absolutely no humor in the situation! I guess having roaches is the payoff for getting a 1st-floor apartment. All I can say though is that the exterminator will have me as a new best friend very soon. :)

Other than the bug trauma, the move went really well! The Lodge apartment management has been wonderful and so accommodating! They actually agreed to pay for the entire move - moving company, utility transfer fees and slashed $100 off my rent each month!! I was shocked! I shouldn't have been, considering I have been praying the last 2 weeks for my monthly expenses to somehow be reduced so I could better prepare for Ethiopia....never expected my prayer to be answered this way though! It's sad that I still act so shocked when the Lord comes up with a totally brilliant way of answering my requests...His way is ALWAYS so much better than mine!

My next goal is to get everything set up in the apartment in the next few weeks, and not months. I have a bad track record of completely unpacking before about 4 months of living somewhere. Thanks Toni for all your help (and dragging Doug along too!)...Couldn't have done it without y'all!!

Compassion Video

So I totally stole this video from my friend Amy but it really hit home with me when I watched it. She is really involved with Compassion International and actually just went on her first trip to Ethiopia in March with a group from Compassion. The video is talking about Compassion and the impact they have had on lives throughout the world over the years. The whole video is wonderful, but what really struck me was in the last minute...one thing I really struggled with when I first started emailing with Tamrat was the whole age thing. I thought, "How on earth am I going to be able to mother a 12 year old?...I'm 24!" Despite that initial thought, I knew I was so incredibly blessed with the opportunity to be a mother to this precious boy, but I was afraid of what others might think of this "unconventional" situation. I quickly got over my insecurity about it, but this video was refreshing to watch. Just proves that it's ok to go against the grain and do something a little untraditional when you're young...

what are you waiting for...?

So Kimberly introduced me to this new song (well, maybe it's not new, but new to me) that is absolutely amazing! It's called "Walk on the Water" by Britt Nicole. I so could have used this song for the last 2 months, but am so glad I have now added it my playlist of "songs to put on repeat indefinitely." :) It really emphasizes faith and your willingness to "take the first step into the unknown", promising God will be with you through all of it. It actually has the lyrics of "don't be afraid to move"...um, hello! I'm moving! :) Probably not the original intent of the phrase but still very cool.

I feel like the Lord has been slowly working on my heart, especially over the last few weeks, and showing me what true faith really is and how He is the only constant in life, my Everything. I think sometimes Christians get caught up in "waiting on God" that it becomes a crutch for never doing anything. I definitely believe the Lord does make us wait on His perfect timing, but if it's Biblical, you're actively seeking God's will, and Christ has laid a passion or desire on your heart, then go for it! Just do something! This is a concept that took me a while to learn. It has definitely been an emotional rollercoaster since deciding to move to Ethiopia, but I know the end result will so be worth it! This song has definitely been an encouragement (and I'm sure will continue for a long time to come) and literally took some words out of my mouth...weird! And to top it off, the song played on "Biggest Loser" tonight (one of my favorite shows!). I guess it was meant to be...here are the lyrics:

"You look around, it's staring back at you, another wave of doubt. Will it pull you under, you wonder. What if I'm overtaken? What if I never make it? What if no one's there? Will you hear my prayer? When you take that first step into the unknown, you know He won't let you go. So what are you waiting for? What do you have to lose? Your insecurities try to alter you. You know you're made for more, so don't be afraid to move. Your faith is all it takes, and you can walk on the water too!

So get out, and let your fear fall to the ground. No time to waste. Don't wait, and don't you turn around and miss out. Everything you were made for. I know you're not sure. So you play it safe and you try to run away. If you take that first step into the unknown, He won't let you go. So what are you waiting for? What do you have to lose? Your insecurities try to alter you. You know you're made for more, so don't be afraid to move. Your faith is all it takes, and you can walk on the water too!

Step out, even when the storm hits! Step out, even when you're broken! Step out, even when your heart is telling you to give up! Step out, when your hope is stolen! Step out, can't see where you're going! You don't have to be afraid.

So what are you waiting for?"

Didn't you know I hide men in my closet??

So, apparently I hide men in my apartment - at least this is what I am told by the woman who lives in the apartment below me. I myself was not aware of this fact, but she swears "it's true!" I think this thought might have been part of the underlying reason for some of the events that unfolded last night.

Let me first say that the woman who lives below is me lives by herself, does not own a car (or clothes that were made after 1974), and is really protective of the 3 potted plants on her balcony. She has made these "noise" complaints on me every couple of weeks since I moved in, but they were always so ridiculous (typically she said they were at times when I wasn't even home) that I never paid much attention. She definitely got my attention last night...

At 1am, I was awoken out of a coma to pounding on my front door. Now anyone who knows me knows that I am a very sound sleeper and do NOT like to be woken up. So as I stumble through the darkness to see who it was, butterflies already in full flight in my stomach, I look through the peephole, but no one is there. I stood there for a moment, confused, as the banging starts again right against my face! (Hands now shaking.) I immediately called my sister to make sure she wasn't standing outside my door playing a practical joke on me, but she answered her home phone. (Definite feelings of panic.) I ran to my bedroom as I whispered to her that someone was trying to get in my house, also while I was reaching in my bedside table for my gun - the first time I've ever even thought I'd have to use the gun for its intended purpose. Kimberly told me to call the cops, so I dialed 911 and talked to a very rude dispatcher. I told them the situation and said I just wanted an escort to my car so I could get the heck out of there. The banging right as I called subsided, but it still freaked me out thinking that there was someone just sitting outside my door. So I quickly packed a bag and got my dog (who, by the way, didn't make a peep during the banging....I guess he's not guard dog material) and waited in the darkness of my living room for the cops to show.

About 10 minutes later, I get a call from 911 asking for the code to my apt gate....for real!?!?! I mean what if I was dying or the intruder had come in my house by this point? Would the cops not show because of not knowing the stupid gate code?! Anyway, another 2 minutes passes and I hear some familiar banging on my door. I opened the door and saw 3 cops standing outside. The closest one to me very rudely explained that HE was the one originally banging on my door! And then he proceeded to yell at me for not answering the door earlier!! He never identified himself as a cop, wasn't standing in front of the peep hole, and was about to beat my door down even though there was clearly no noise coming from inside...totally sketchy!! Basically, the woman downstairs had called the cops on me for being too noisy, even though I had been asleep in my room for 3 hours....yeah, she's crazy. She had told them that her walls were vibrating and my noise was making her bed shake so she couldn't sleep. WOW. I think she has way too much time on her hands. So then the cop tells me that I need to keep it down and then leaves with the other 2 cops, looking quite confused, following behind him.

I was ticked. And then started crying after they left because I was so rattled and frustrated with the whole situation. This is the last straw from the insane woman downstairs.

So, for my next announcement.....I am officially moving in 2 weeks! I'm just moving to a different apartment in my same complex but hopefully this will clear up the continual misunderstandings for my crazy neighbor. Bizarre, huh?

Waiting...

Oh, I am so NOT good at this waiting thing...

I keep trying to tell myself that everything will work out in the Lord's timing but honestly, I continue to get frustrated when my timing is not His timing. Sometimes I just wish the Lord would lay out the "big picture" of my life (more specifically, journey to Ethiopia) so that I could just be reassured of the end result. What's funny is that that is so not like me! I hate knowing the endings before they happen - to stories, movies, pretty much anything. I love surprises, so this waiting game should be right up my alley.......apparently not.

I found this verse on someone's blog around the time I finally decided to move to Ethiopia. I know it is a pretty popular verse in the adoption community, especially waiting for the referral, court date, travel date....actually, I guess every part of that process. Anyway, I loved the verse and knew that it would be crucial for me down the road. I had kind of forgotten about it over the last several weeks. Well, guess what just happened to pop up tonight out of nowhere.....

"For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end - it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay." Habakkuk 2:3

God is so good!!

We're Going Back!!!

...to Ethiopia, that is! OMG, I am so excited!!!!! The idea has been thrown around the last month or so but now it is a definite YES. Kimberly, Brad, myself, and a few others from our church will be making the trip in June (specific dates to be determined but will probably be leaving June 4th). I never thought we would be going back this soon...but since I will hopefully be moving there in September-ish, what a wonderful opportunity!

Ethiopia is such a beautiful country - not in just physical beauty but in culture and beauty of the heart. It is so exciting that others want to experience Ethiopia but also that I can be a part of it with them! I don't know what the Lord will have for us on the trip....I'm sure it can be nothing short of intense, yet amazing adventures. This second time traveling will probably take on such different emotions for us, with it being almost 2 years later and the kids not being in tow. I can't wait to help plan the itinerary and hopefully do some of the things we weren't able to last trip - like ALERT leprosy hospital, lunch at Dreamland, and Gladney's cultural dinner. Illness and stressful emotions seemed to get in the way a bit of engaging in all the activities planned for us back in September 2008.

I have to admit though....I think I'm most excited about seeing my Tamrat again! He has changed SO much since I first met him, and I can't wait to throw my arms around him again...in fact, I think I might have a problem letting go when I actually do see him!! He is just the most precious thing ever, and I couldn't feel more privileged to be called his mom. What can I say? I'm a proud mama. :) I mean look at this face...

"We are the World"....take 2

Like everyone else, I loved the original "We are the World" collaboration in 1985 and was so excited when I heard that they were going to remake the song! I think some of the artists they chose are a little random, but I was definitely not disappointed with the outcome. With all the new developments in my life, the song itself and the purpose for recording it have taken on a whole new meaning for me. Coincidentally, the Hope for Haiti benefit concert aired Friday, 1/22 - the exact night I decided I would probably move to Ethiopia. I had just made the decision, turned on the tv for a brief distraction, and this video had just started playing. I immediately fell back into tears, to say the least!

The Weaving of a Tapestry...1 Year Later

A LOT happens in a year! Especially when you try to chronologize life during that timeframe. Atticus and Scarlett Paige (my nephew & niece) had been a part of our family for 1 year on September 8th, 2009. This is the date that we call "Tapestry Day". Basically, we commemorate the kids' joining the family and becoming a part of Kimberly (my sister) and Brad's family tapestry.....hints why Kimberly's blog is named Our Family Tapestry.

She made this INCREDIBLE video for Atticus and Scarlett Paige's FIRST "Tapestry Day" and shared it with the rest of our family and friends during their Tapestry Party in September 2009. You have to watch it....it really is so awesome!!

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Once Upon A Time...

...there was a little boy and a little girl living in Ethiopia. They lived in a village named Yirgalem - a town 6 hours south of the country's capital city, Addis Ababa. The children were growing but not realizing how the destitute conditions in which they were living affected them. They were just babies. Babies with many more burdens that we can even fathom. More burdens than any child should endure.

At the same time, there was a couple living in Kingwood, TX - a couple praying for ways to expand their family. They had 2 biological children already but knew that the Lord had predestined more children to join their clan. Adoption had always been a desire of their hearts. The timing of it, however, was a little more complicated. They finally began their adoption journey in 2006, deciding that a little girl from China would be the next addition to their family. The wait began for their baby girl....1 week, 2 weeks, 6 months, 1 year....

During this very difficult and seemingly bleak time, God slowly began changing their hearts, leading them to consider African adoption. Despite many obstacles and after much prayer, the decision was made to move forward with adoption - but from Ethiopia, not China. They had no idea how much this decision would alter the course of their lives (and those around them) forever.

Many months continued to go by...VERY slowly...as the couple ached to bring their children home - they had now decided to adopt 2 children (either gender) instead of just 1 daughter. Finally, in July 2008, they received the most anticipated call of their lives. Their adoption caseworker from Gladney Center for Adoption had amazing news!! There were 2 Ethiopian children (a boy and a girl - both 3 yrs old) waiting for their mommy and daddy to come get them in Africa!

September 6th was THE day....the couple and the wife's sister (the official trip photographer) all took a 16 hour plane ride to Dubai and then a 4 hour ride to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. And on September 8th, the same children from Yirgalem - now toddlers and the first children to be adopted from this region of Ethiopia - could no longer be called "orphans".

Take a look at their adoption journey from the couple's point of view below. By the way, I'm so glad that I can call these precious children my nephew and niece!!

Make photo slide shows at www.OneTrueMedia.com