Adoption Support Group

One of the many blessings of this adoption journey has been the many families we have been able to connect with. When we first decided to look into adoption we knew very little. But OCA hosted a seminar at our church. We felt led to go and knew immediately afterward that this was definitely something we were ready for. We attended seminars that focused on adoption: both international and domestic; and we met others who had already walked this path. We figured out quickly that having that type of support is necessary during this process.

Throughout our adoption we have been blessed to be a part of OCA.  They have provided us with educational  opportunities to enhance our understanding of adoption and the gospel. We have also been provided with financial assistance through a matching grant which has helped to cover some of the financial aspects of our adoption fees. Now we are so excited to be able to be a part of OCA's new support group Connect. This group is open to all families who are thinking about adoption, in the process of adopting, or are now home with their children! It is a great opportunity to connect, share resources, information, and provide support for others who also feel the burden for the fatherless of this world. If you are interested, the event will be held monthly and will start on October 10th at Calvary Christian Center located at 10710 Taylorsville Road, Louisville, KY 40299.  

If you are interested in adoption at all, I pray you will look into this opportunity. When we finally decided to open our hearts to this amazing opportunity our hearts were forever changed.

Today I am dreaming of...

holding these children for the first time...
being able to kiss their foreheads,
and comb through their hair.

I dream of changing a diaper,
holding a bottle,
and singing a lullaby.

I dream of getting on an airplane, getting in a car, and driving down an unknown road in an unfamiliar land to meet the babies I feel like I already know in my heart. I know I have never been so excited to travel for 2 days straight without showering or sleeping in a bed. I don't care how uncomfortable I may be...All I want is to be in Africa.

I pray I can be all I need to be for them. I know tomorrow will be exactly 6 weeks until we leave. I am so excited and I fear that my excitement wil make the days move slower. Oh how I am so ready to meet them. I am trying to prepare myself for Ethiopia. I know it will change me forever. I know that my experiences there will shape my future.

50 days or 7 weeks

It is 50 days until we leave for Ethiopia or 7 weeks until Ethiopia. It seems so long but I have already had a lot to do in order to prepare for this trip. We have booked flights and our stay at a guest house in Ethiopia. I am working on packing lists (as there are quite of unusual things to think about when traveling to Africa) and getting baby stuff ready so we can care for our kids some while we are there.  We have some paperwork to prepare for our trip as well and I am trying to settle things for work. I even went last week to the Little Treasure's Consignment sale and bought some cute clothes for these sweet boys.

I guess this is sort of like nesting. I can't help it, I am just so excited about this trip. At the same time I am trying to remember that this ride has been bumpy and to be prepared for changes if they were to come about. But just thinking about what those moments will be like to finally see the faces I have stared at daily in pictures gives me chills and makes me teary eyed. I just love them so much. There are still some issues that need to be resolved for Judah due to his orphanage that was closed. I am just praying that all will be taken care of and that our court date will be for both of these boys.