And two shall become one ...

This is a message to my husband. I sit and frantically pack and get ready to pick up our new daughter - the daughter that God drew to your heart before mine was ever opened. How did we get here? Only by God's grace and mercy did we make it through these years to where we are. I am so sad to leave you, even for this short time. This is the longest we have been away (crazy I know), and I am sad it is now. You are my rock, my life, my everything. Knowing you will be there when I return is the strength that will keep me going.

I am such a blessed woman to know you and to have you as my husband, my leader, my friend. How did I become so blessed. You are an awesome father, son and husband. God sees your good works and you will be glorified in heaven. You are a light to me when I am down. I will pray for you as I am gone.

What other husbands allow their wives as much freedom as you have done. Thank you, thank you. I have been given such an opportunity to bond with our daughter and to bring her home while you care for the others. They love you so much. You are such a role model and just knowing you they will also know how much their big Father in heaven loves them.

I love you, my dear, now and forever. Thank you Lord for sending me this husband. God, watch over him and bless his time with our children here. Thank you Jesus for his life in mine. Thank you for our bond and love we have. Lord protect us as we are away. Keep our eyes on you and the prize you have died for. Lord, bless our journey and our homecoming. Lord you are an awesome God WE serve. Thank you for everything.

My sweet prince, I love you. Watch over our children and love on them as you always do. I will miss you.

Your sweet princess.

Beautiful Chaos

For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:38-39 (KJV)

Through our love for God we are blessed with so much. During prayer time last weekend with some close friends, my hubby mentioned how our weekend was a beautiful chaos. We had 4 families staying at our cabin outside of Yellowstone Park. There were about 18 people to one bathroom and 2 1/2 beds. :) It was AWESOME. These other families also adopted from Ethiopia and for the first time I got to meet them. God is so awesome to provide us this blessing of meeting. Here are some pictures of the weekend. It was a great time, and I can't wait to try again next year!

This was the highlight for me. I grew up here and yet I still am in wonder of the glory of bears.


Hanging out at the paint pots. It was hot, but the kids all did great.


Yes, this is my son. But oh, the little girls LOVED him!


Here is another shot of the bear. No zoom here, just up close and personal!


After lunch we all waded in the river, but it turned into an afternoon swim!

Oh, Nick, you are SOOOO funny!

These three guys were inseperable. I think Ms. H and A should move west. :)

What post isn't perfect without daddy and his little girl.

And what weekend of families with Ethiopian children is not complete without roasted coffee!

These two are made for each other. Thankfully, my wonderful friend KT has to pay the dowry to marry my son. Awww, it was love at first laugh. I think Caleb has found his life time partner. She is so him!

Oh, Daddy, you are the coolest!

Didn't I say these guys were inseparable?

Alden just came home from China and it was such a blessing to meet him. These women were wonderful and I am so happy I have them. I only have a few more families to go until I meet the whole crew!

In case I don't post before I leave, check back. I will try while in country to post, but we will see what email is like.

Love,
Sandra

One year ago today...

So, one year ago today God made His promises just. I received the wonderful blessing of 3 new little ones! I will try to post pictures soon, but honestly folks, I am exhausted. We just got back from 5 days in Montana visiting with friends and I am frantically packing to leave next WEDNESDAY!!!! So, as I reflect on my journey last year, I have a whole new one this year! The day I leave for our new sweet Ethiopian princess is the day we landed on US soil with our first three little ones. God has been awesome through all of this. I am truly amazed at his provision of strength, joy, love, grace, mercy and finances. I am amazed at how blessed I am today. Tonight we went to dinner for Nick's birthday. It is next week, but I will be gone. What a special treat to have yet another reason to celebrate.

There has been so much going on, but I need to get to bed. I will try to write tomorrow or this weekend.

Love,
me

Seriously - Are we there yet?

I am so ready to travel - and get it over with! This anxiety stuff is old! I have worked so much to get caught up that if I never sit in front of this computer I would be ok. Well, except to check emails for updates.

I leave in 16 days and 7 hours. Crazy. I mean really crazy. I leave Thursday afternoon for Yellowstone. While there I get to hang out with many of my friends! Praise GOD!!!! There are going to be 3 maybe 4 families that have all adopted kids from Ethiopia. Words cannot describe my excitement about finally meeting these women I have been in fellowship with for almost a year! God is so good.

For those of you who have done this there is so much emotions that go into it. Excitement, fear, anxiety, love, fear, finances (still need $3500, but who is counting?), leaving my family behind, unknown health of Nafkot, etc. etc. It is so exciting, but am I seriously ready to care for another? Can I handle 4 kids this young?

With God's provision and STRENGTH - YES!!!!

Please pray for us over the next 2 weeks. You guys are awesome!