Back into the Waiting Game

I don't really want to talk about the adoption anymore.  Seriously.  I love it that my friends and family are interested and concerned about the adoption, but I'm tired of talking about it.  Dennis joked that we need T-shirts that say, "We hope to have him home by the end of June."  I'm not ungrateful for the prayer support we're receiving.  As a matter of fact, I crave it!  It's answering the same questions that's causing the fatigue.  At the base of this is this simple truth:  We're not in control.  We don't have solid answers because we can't control the process.  Our next "milestone" will be when we receive an E-mail saying that we've been submitted to the U.S. Embassy.  Right now D's passport, birth certificate and medical testing are being done.  When that is finished, our "case" will be submitted to the Embassy, and we'll wait for the next step in the process to be finished. 

I've uploaded one of our "goodbye" pictures.  I can't show his face, yet.  When that time comes, you'll probably get tired of all of the pictures!

We passed court!

Today our adoption was made official in the eyes on the ET government. That was a great moment; however, what will stick with me from today was something much different. On the way to court, our HH driver stopped to pick up two families who are on the other side of the adoption equation. They were going to court to officially relinquish their children and clear the way for other AGCI families to adopt. After our court approval, we had to wait around a bit for the birth families to finish. On the ride back, I asked our driver to tell the birth families "thank you..." and that's about as far as I got before tears took over. Dennis was also emotional but was able to tell him to say that the children would be very loved in the U.S. I don't know if that message was delivered, but I think it was important for me to have those van rides with those families. I'm not sure if we'll meet D's birth father on our second trip; it's possible. We've been given a CD of photos that were taken when he came to HH after his court appearance. We left a photo album and letter for him just in case we are never at HH on the same day. I can honestly say that I don't know whether or not to hope we do have that chance to meet.

Rainy days and Mondays

Monday was spectacular! We had a marvelous time with D, did some shopping, and had our cultural dinner experience. Since I can't yet get pics on here, I'm not even going to attempt much explanation. Everything we did, we did as a group of six whites and our HH drivers. Today the other two families have their court and goodbye day. While Dennis and I are at HH with D, the other adults will be asking the Ethiopian courts to approve their adoptions. Then, they'll come back to HH to say goodbye. I'm trying to imagine this: three children with non or limited English skills; four parents who have to get across the idea that a "tomorrow" visit isn't going to happen, but that they WILL be coming back (they just don't know when). Trust us; we're going to be together as a family, soon. I'm praying for my new friends, but I'll also be watching because I need to be a quick study. Our court day is tomorrow. Our goodbye day is Thursday.

Day one in Addis

We've just spent our first 24 hours in Ethiopia. It's been an amazing experience. We were blessed with great flights and found two other couples at the hotel who are also meeting their kids, this week. We met D, this morning. He was prepared for our arrival and warmly greeted us. The transitional house (which I'll refer to as HH) is alive with happy, playful children and "special mothers." I can't do it justice in words, and can't yet upload pictures, but it was all more than I had hoped for in terms of where D is spending this part of his life. We got to see a full-on pout when we had to tell D "no" about something, but he quickly forgave us and resumed his good attitude. And, he can throw a decent spiral. Always important in Nebraska. Back at the hotel, we ate lunch, rested for a bit, then walked around the hotel area with our co-adopting friends. We got caught in a rain storm, and were the focus of a lot of Ethiopians, but enjoyed the experience. I only saw one mom pointing out the "ferengi" (whites) to her daughter, but everyone took notice of us. My body seems to be handling the time change and altitude. Thank you for your prayers! Julie

The Big Week

I call it a big week, today, and it is.  However, since reality hasn't set in, I still don't grasp the "big-ness" of the week.  This week we travel to Ethiopia to meet our new son and go to court for the right to adopt him into our family.
This begins a new life for all of the Florom family, certainly not just this precious little guy who has no idea what's about to happen to him.
And it's Easter!  The day we celebrate new life because of Christ's defeat of death and the grave. 
Many people have asked me if I'm excited.  I am, but as I said, the reality of all of this hasn't set in.  The preparations certainly have, but not the reality.  Both of our big suitcases are packed.  Our carry-ons are loaded... Now, how many times this week will I re-pack and re-load?  Only time will tell. 
I'm so thankful for the many friends who have offered to help us with the older 3 while we're gone.  We are blessed so much more than we deserve.

Ethiopia, Here we come!

Last Friday we received our court date and will be in Ethiopia mid-April.  I'm not going to give any more details than that just in case you're the type who will come to my house and rob it.  Since Friday we've been looking for the best air routes to take us to meet our son, scheduling home study update visits, scheduling education phone calls, and making arrangements for our older kids for when we're out of country.  It seems weird even saying that:  out of country. 
Finally, after over a year, we're going to meet our son.  I've so enjoyed the pictures we've received after fellow-sojourners have returned from HH.  He appears to be well and even thriving.  Now it's time for Mama to check it out, herself.

Every week for my job, I publish a newsletter for the ministry department I oversee for our church.  On the 2nd page, I try to include a personal reflection.  This is what I included, today.  It has nothing to do with the adoption.  It is, however, in relation to something deeply personal that's happening in a relationship outside my family.  Namely this:  My best friend is moving away.  We've lived in Lincoln for about 10 years, and she's the best friend I've made in that time.  I adore her.  And God's moving her hours away from here.  I'm almost at the point where I can say it outload without tearing up.  Almost.  This type of writing is helping me process my emotions.  Thanks for your understanding.

Then Job stood up, tore his robe, and shaved his head. He fell to the ground and worshiped, saying:

Naked I came from my mother’s womb,
and naked I will leave this life.
The LORD gives, and the LORD takes away.
Praise the name of Yahweh. Job 1:20-21

Corrie Ten Boom said it well: Hold everything in your hands lightly, otherwise it hurts when God pries your fingers open.

That’s the type of quote that we can all read, nod in agreement, and say, Yes, she’s so right.  That’s the right attitude, Corrie. Way to go, Sister. 

Until it’s from us that God takes away.  Can we say it when it’s us?  Can we both tear our robes and fall to the ground in worship?   I’m amazed by Job 1:20-21.  Perhaps, however, even more amazing is Job 1:22:
Throughout all this Job did not sin or blame God for anything. 

He didn’t blame God?  The LORD took away… Job mourned; he cried; he suffered intensely… and yet Job didn’t place blame.  He worshipped. 

I did a quick search on biblegateway.com to verify this assumption, and I think it’s true:  Worship and sacrifice are VERY, VERY tied together.  When we can still worship at a point of loss, that is truly a sacrifice of praise.   

Some other really smart person said: All things belong to God, absolutely, to be given as a gift, not a claim, to be taken back without wrong. There is no talk of human 'rights.' The Lord is the sovereign owner of all, and Job rejoices in this wonderful fact.