We're Back

Hi everyone,

Sorry for not posting while we were in Ethiopia. For some reason, I couldn't get any internet connection (even the "high-speed" connections) to pull up the blogspot website.

However, we have made it back safely and our little man is doing great! He was so excited when we landed today. He is happy to be an American! Well, we just got back home and we are very tired from the 2 day trip, so I will update later with more info and pics (once I download them from the camera)... ;0

Thanks for all the encouraging words and prayers. God has truely answered our prayers!

In His Service,

Matthew

Small problem...

Well, I guess it was inevitable that there would be some problem at some point. We've come this far without any real isssues, Thank God!

We heard from Mary @ Gladney today. Due to some backup issues with MOWA getting some paperwork completed, our Embassy date was pushed back a week from Jan 16 to Jan 23.

In terms of problems, this is a pain, but not that major. We had to push our departure back by 3 days and there was a small change fee involved with changing Henok's plane ticket (mine and Renee's changes were FREE!!) So now, we will return from Ethiopia on Jan 27, instead of Jan 24.

Hopefully, we will be able to stay at Addiskidan another few days, otherwise we will have to find another place to stay the last few nights.

All in all, we praise God that this was such a minor problem. It really could have been worse.
Well, take care and I will update everyone soon.

In His Service,

Matthew

It's a Boy...

He's is officially our Son.... The court date went through perfectly and we are now the proud parents of our sweet little Henok!!!!

Next: We leave for Ethiopia on January 13th! I'll update soon.

In His Service,

Matthew

One more day...

Well, our court date is just 1 day away, and we are really anxious and nervous about it. A few of the families in our area that also adopted with us had some paperwork problems that delayed their court date (totally throwing off thier travel plans).

Please continue to pray that everything will go well with the court date tomorrow and that Henok will finally be ours! Also, please pray that our fears and anxieties will fade away as we rely on our Faith for strength and comfort.

As expected, we are running around like frantic chickens without heads trying to get everything in order before we leave for Ethiopia on the 13th. Trying to get all the last minute details ironed out is very nerve-wracking. However, we know that it's all worth it in the end when we have our sweet little Henok here with us Forever!

On a side note, I wanted to take a second to thank everyone that has been a part of this Adoption with us. First and foremost, I want to give thanks to God for bringing this amazing little boy into our lives. To our families, friends, church family, new adoptive family friends, Gladney, and each and every one of you that have laughed, cried, and prayed right along with us at each step; Whether you know it or not, you have been a big part of God's plan to bring this child into our life. No matter the contribution you made to this adoption, you have helped bring Hope to the life of a young boy who didn't have much Hope. Thank you from the bottom of our Hearts.

In His Service,

Matthew