Mommy and Uncle in Ethiopia

I sent over a photo book for Yosef about 4 weeks ago. It was so neat to see photos of him looking at the pictures. Here is a picture of me and my brother Larry. We will both be traveling over to get Yosef when the time comes. I wish you could see the look on his face. One day I will be able to show you the whole picture.

He turned 10 months old this past week. The latest news given to me is that all cases that have not received a court date yet will get one in 3-4 weeks. Over a week ago I had to get a new form notarized for three different Power of Attorneys. I hear that the lawyer that was working on the cases had been making some errors. I hope that this fixes the problems. I am still concerned that Yosef's paper work is not fixed. Only God knows when this is going to happen and I am resting in that confidence.

This past week was also my dad's third year anniversary of passing away. It was nice looking back on the memories with him. I miss him terribly, but would not want him back in the condition he was in. I am so thankful for the example that he left me and my family on how to love and treat others. I do not take for granted, the gift of Godly parents. As I get older and my friendship circle broadens I see that not everyone has had this gift. I respect my mom and the courage that she has to live on her own and not give up on life. She lived with dad for almost 65 years I believe. I often wonder when I will stop missing dad. I think the answer is....never.

God is good!

Small World and Chubby Feet

I must have said the phrase "What a small world we live in" a hundred times the other night. My friend Shannon organized a dinner party with other families who are adopting from Ethiopia last night. It was such an enjoyable time. I met some wonderful people and had so much in common with one particular lady. It is amazing how God brings complete strangers into your life who will soon become fast friends.

The night was brought together by a common thread of adopting from Ethiopia and we all walked out having learned just how much we have in common. I think knowing that others are going through the same trials as yourself seems to make it just a little easier to bear it all. I feel so blessed to have met these new friends. Our next meeting will be downtown Charlotte at an Ethiopian restaurant with everyone's family. Should be a lot of fun! Thank you Shannon!

On to chubby feet! Yosef has the cutest little feet. A family in my agency traveled over to get their son over a week ago and they took some great photos of Yosef. It is so hard to just show parts of his body, but I can tell you this much, he looks healthy. They say that he is very happy and the nannies are taking good care of him. It appears that he has two bottom front teeth. My photo album continues to grow.

This week Laurie is traveling over the Ethiopia to help with the paperwork issues. We still have not heard word from Shimiless on how things are going over there. This will be his third week over there. Hoping to receive some good news soon. Thank you for praying for Yosef and his protection. God is good!