19.4.08

Another

Rob and I spent yesterday evening, over cheese and fruit, with a family with whom we were acquainted, but did not know well. They too are adopting from Ethiopia and so we wanted to get to know them better. We had a fabulous time and are hopeful that our families will be friends in the future... all initiated because of the children we don't even have yet. Isn't that funny? God, thank you for being the Maestro.

I've added a link off to the right for their adoption agency, which has a lot of nice information about Ethiopian adoptions.

12.4.08

A piece of Ethiopia


Some dear friends, with whom we dined this past week, gave me a beautiful wrap from Ethiopia. Their mother (in-law) brought it back recently, and they made it a present to me. I need to learn how to wear it properly, Ethiopian-style. I can make it look like a lot of different places, but not like Addis Ababa yet. I'll learn.

A miracle

So, Rob and I needed the reference letter from our friends in Chicago notarized... in Wisconsin. First, this meant that our friends had to come and sign their letter in Wisconsin, which meant that they had to sacrifice time and gas. Second, this meant that we needed to find a notary in Kenosha, on a Saturday, before noon.

Rob dropped me off at Starbucks, in order to wait for our friends, while he went around checking at banks for a notary. He was not having any luck, as every bank said that we "had to be members" in order for their notary to take 1 minute to sign and stamp our papers. Once our friends arrived at Starbucks, I began telling them the dilemma, and then... out of nowhere, the employee greeting customers at the door said, "My wife is a notary. Do you want me to call her?" I started to cry instantly, and our friend took over, making the introductions and asking him please to call his wife.

This wonderfully kind woman took time out of her Saturday to come over and sign and stamp our paper. Thank you to her! Thank you to her eavesdropping husband! And, thank you to God for orchestrating the entire affair.

8.4.08

Another one bites the dust... or, carpet.

Yes, that refers to me. I went to the doctor for an updated physical for the new adoption, and shortly after being jabbed for the TB test, I bit it. Hot, dizzy, cold, shaking, sweaty... then the buzzing comes. Once the buzzing starts, I know fainting is next. Black. Blue carpet in my face. Ugh.

7.4.08

Old Caesar and Pale Irish-Norwegian

Ato and Weizero Readers,

Did you know that most everyone in Ethiopia still uses the Julian calendar, which is around 8 years behind the Gregorian? At least this is what the book I'm reading is telling me. So, when we get a referral with a birthyear of 2000, we must remember not to freak. (I may need reminding.)

And, did you know that the name 'Ethiopia' comes from the Greek for "land of the people with the sunburned faces?" I should fit right in.

Weizero Amy

4.4.08

Interesting Ethiopia

I can't get over how beautiful the nature of Ethiopia is. Unfortunately, Rob and I most likely won't get to see it, but we should get a good taste of the city.

3.4.08

Help going out.

Here is an interesting link to what a well-known aid organization has done/is doing in Ethiopia.

Hillary?

Check out the clothing link I have over to the right, and tell me if that is not Hillary Rodham Clinton modeling the first outfit!

2.4.08

Pre-approved

We've had to begin the entire process over, starting with the Bethany pre-application. So far, we've been approved there and given the go-ahead to move on to the next step, which is the formal Bethany application. Fortunately, because we've done this before, we know that we can and should combine some of the elements of the formal application with the dossier to save time. Our first step on that is tomorrow with Rob's doctor's visit. We're quite pleased with how all of this is going so far, so thank God. Please pray that it all continues to go smoothly and quickly... that my head can arrange everything, that my eyes catch any mistakes, that no mistakes are made (That's better!), and that Rob and I continue to prepare ourselves for this change. Thank God!