Sent in Application

So earlier this week I officially sent in our application and beginning paperwork to our agency along with a copy of it in an email. We already hit our first "bump". There were 5 pieces of paper that we needed to get notarized, however, not a single notary would accept my Power of Attorney to notarize me signing for my husband. So I had my signature notarized and my husband had his signature notarized by someone in Afghanistan and emailed it to our agency. The Ethiopian director is currently on vacation so I won't hear from her until Feb 7th as to what is the next step. I trust that it will all work out in the end with the move and everything coming up this summer. Next round will most likely involved tracking down certified copies of tons of stuff. I'll keep you updated!

Do we take the kids?

So my husband and I were discussing whether we should attempt to take the older 3 kids to Ethiopia with us for the 2nd trip. I know we have time to decide but we also know that means another couple of thousand extra (mainly airfare as lodging shouldn't change). I plan to talk with our agency and see what tips or ideas they have. I know it is a long trip, about 20 hrs long but I desire the kids to see how poor others are and how richly blessed we are. I want them to see that even though these people are living in poverty, that our God richly loves them the same as us. I want them to be thankful for things we take for granted such as clean running water. I want them to see the birthplace of their sister. I want to see God cultivate missions in their hearts and a desire to love the least of these by visiting a country that is in so dire need of God. The people of Ethiopia need to know that God loves them and is not punishing them. I want my kids to have a desire to help others that have less than them. I do believe that going to Africa, my children will see these things and it will become real and personal to them. I hope we can make it work for my children to experience all of this.

Decided on an Agency

So this week we narrowed down our adoption agency to Love Beyond Borders based out of Denver, CO. I received an email with numerous paperwork things that we have to start going through to get started. I plan to work on some of it this weekend and then officially mail in our application shortly. I know it will be a long process and maybe even a little tedious. However, I know it will be well worth it in the end! I can't wait until the end when I get to hug, hold, and tell my daughter how much I love her!