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