Kate in the back yard

One week ago tonight we boarded a plane in Addis Ababa and began our long journey home - with Kate. Today, as we played in the back yard that reality sort of stunned me. She just fits with us so well! I love it that the kids don't see her color or the fact that she didn't come from my body - they simply see a sister.

And my oh my do they protect her like one, especially Henry! Out of the three he seems to be the one with the greatest affection for her. I will catch him caressing her hair randomly throughout the day and if she cries you better believe he is the first one there to soothe her. It's absolutely incredible to see.

Here are some shots from today. The first one is a sight we see often. It happens whenever I walk away from her or she can't see where I am. It's a bit tricky but it is part of the process you know. I scoop her up and remind her that I am her mama and that I am never going to leave her again..... She'll get it soon..... I hope :)

Building life

Do you know what the most incredible thing about being parents is?...

Building life together.

We are like grand architects drawing up plans, choosing materials, and constructing the most incredible structures.

and as a bonus - we actually enjoy one another so the process is for the most part, fun.

We live in a world that completely devalues the gift of parenthood and really having children all together. Hec, our culture doesn't even like marriage that much anymore. But, for those of us who have been redeemed, we know better! We've come to understand that children are a gift and marriage is a glorious reflection of Christ's love for his bride - the church...

And, if given these two things, we should build them up with all passion, drive, and energy - knowing that the one who gave them to us expects nothing less.

because, when the rubber hits the road, we are doing it for him ultimately.

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I am praising the Father today for my very full home. Each little mouth I am feeding, the little arms that wrap around my neck, and the beautiful husband who encourages me with his constant love and affection. Lord you have given me more than I deserve. Praise you for your endless mercy and grace toward me!

One Proud Mama!

The trio is completely knocking my socks off these days! They are loving on their new little sister like fierce mama bears - even Jonas is doing a great job!

My heart is just swelling!

We're home....

(Mourning in Ethiopia. March 2012)

.....And adjusting to life with four kids. Having grandma & grandpa around cleaning up after us and playing with the kids is making this a lot easier than it would have been if we were solo - so thankful for them.

So yes. We are home. A little wrecked with exhaustion. But. Happy.

It was a long week in Ethiopia. Turns out Kate was not so keen on having us around,and staying in the same place as her nannies and those who have loved on her for her whole little life only made it worse. After the end of day one we realized that we are now on the most difficult part of this journey and that the paper work and waiting were small little ripples in comparison.

Bonding and attachment are tricky little buggers but we are pressing in and leaning on Christ. Each day she does get a little better and as we learn her more and more we are loving what we find. But, it isn't easy always. This process sort of reminds me of the physical difficulty of Georgia as a newborn (she was high maintenance :) and the emotional difficulty I felt with Henry - bonding and feeling connected. I am grateful to have those two experiences as a reference point for me now and am encouraged over the fact that in time all will be well.

More photos and stories ahead. Stay tuned!

Dear Kate

This is the first photo we received of you (on the left) laying with your buddy Hadassah back in August. We couldn't believe how beautiful you were and found ourselves feeling this terrible ache inside of us to be near you.

It was instant.

In December that ache was soothed as we flew all the way to Ethiopia to meet you. We were blown away by the depth and height of Christ's love enabling us to see you and love you instantly as if you had come from our physical body. Because my sweet girl, in that single moment, when we first held you, we claimed you as our own and never looked back.

Nearly 12 weeks have passed since that day and that familiar ache we experienced back in August has been intense. But as the feelings have risen up to overtake us - we were comforted by the faithfulness of that same God who gave to us the greatest, most biggest, most beautiful love for you.

Tomorrow, we begin our journey back to you and this time - we will have you forever. You are our family - our daughter, our sister, our granddaughter.... The baby we have longed to have for so long.

Tomorrow, we bring you home.

Praise to the one who is able to do far more than we can ever hope or ask for! Praise him, Praise him for by his hands this great work has been done so that others may see his power and give thanks to the Father!

Praise him!

25 months later....

We are picking our girl up!!!!!!!!!

We emailed the embassy yesterday to find out what the deal was because they have yet to issue us a date for our visa interview.

This morning they issued us a tentative appointment for MARCH 5th! Pending our paperwork gets there.

Our paper work must be there, seriously!

So, we are booking flights today and hope to be on a plane Friday or Saturday. We will fly back home the day after her appointment.

OH MY!!