Waiting...

Well, to say that it’s been an interesting several months is an understatement….We probably should have blogged more often during these turn of events, but time just got the better of us.

Our family has faced some difficult times, along with moments of celebration during these past several months….  In September, we had to say goodbye to Jeff’s father, who passed away from a painful battle with Melanoma.  Very soon after, Jeff’s mother was diagnosed with lymphoma.  She is currently undergoing some difficult treatments for that, but doctors are very hopeful.  However, she is experiencing some tough side effects!

We were able to make it back up to Indiana to have thanksgiving with our family and attend the wedding of Nathan (Jeff's brother) & Misty in November, which was a very nice and musical celebration.    

Just after Christmas, we had to say goodbye to our sweet dog, who had been a part of our family for almost 13 years.  And not long after, we got a call from Becky (Jeff’s sister -yes, wife and sister share the same name!) that her husband John wasn’t doing well.  He passed away with his wife and parents at his side just a few days later.  We just returned from his celebration of life.  We’re so happy that we were able to see John in September and at Thanksgiving, as we had no idea it would be the last time.   

Regarding our adoption, the great news is we have ALL of our paperwork submitted for the adoption process!  So now it’s just a waiting game… A very difficult waiting game!  Every time we get a new picture and see those two sweet little faces, we long to see them in person… to hug them… to hold them… to love them… At this point, we could be looking at about four more months before we can travel to see them.  We are praying for sooner, but trusting in God’s timing!  It just seems so far away…

Would you please join us in praying for our family?  Please pray for healing for Jeff's Mom!!  And praying for healing for Jeff’s sister’s heart, as she grieves.  We’ve had to make 3 unexpected trips to Indiana (yay for Jeff's airline miles!), and we’re trying to conserve as much capital as possible for this adoption…. So we’re just praying for good health for our family overall!  And we're praising Him for providing for us along the way!

And please pray that the rest of this adoption process goes smoothly – that all the paperwork will be processed quickly, and that we won’t run into any more obstacles (adoption-related or otherwise).   More paperwork needs to be gathered from Ethiopia, so we are praying that can happen quickly as well.  The waiting is really hard! 
 

But God has orchestrated some really strategic and timely connections!  We were able to connect online with the adoptive mommas of our little girl’s two best friends.  Each of our families are in different stages of the process.  One of which has recently traveled to Ethiopia and has met her new daughter along with OUR little ones!  She sent us a slew of pictures of our kiddos playing with their friends.  The pictures, along with our new friend’s eyewitness account, have given us wonderful insight into their personalities.  That helps ease the pain in waiting…and yet makes us long for them more – God is undeniably amazing!  Lord, help us be patient for your perfect timing! 

Colossians 1:11-12a - We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father.



**We still have bracelets available, if you're interested in purchasing any.  All proceeds go to our adoption fund! - See the 'Fundraising' tab above.