Update

Well, we got our fancy schmancy, cost way too much, computer back today. The hard drive had failed and had to be replaced. Which means LOTS of data was lost....well, maybe. We are going to attempt to send the old hard drive to some 'magic people' who claim they can recover lost data from damaged hardware.
I know that may not seem like urgent or important news, but really, all of Mitch's work related invoices, budgets, bids, etc...plus ALL the pictures I've taken over the last year and a half could all be lost forever. We would both be heartbroken. But, we are hoping for the best.

So, like I said before, I lost my super organized spreadsheet of tshirt orders when my computer decided to get sick. So, if I am a little slow getting your tshirt to you, please be patient with me. I promise it will get there and never mistake my slowness for lack of appreciation for your donation and support! We are so grateful for those of you who have been more than gracious to us. God continually shows me His mercy and providence through the most unlikely people. And I am amazed at the obedience those people have showed in doing what God has asked of them to help bring an orphan home.

So.....

update on the process....

We were advised by our agent at our agency (which is All God's Children International....I don't think I have ever mentioned that before) that we can't move forward until our addition on the house is completed. The first step in this whole process, after the application part of course, is the home study. And they want to see our "home" finished. So, Mitch has been working his booty off nights and weekends to make progress on it. And he has made leaps and bounds compared to just a month or so ago. He is awesome.

Our goal is to be completely finished by Christmas (inside and out) so we can have our home study in January. Once that is completed, the long paper work process begins. Then once that is done, we wait for an official "approval" from our agency and the Ethiopian government. Then, we wait. And hopefully that won't be long, but it will more than likely be at least 6 months before we get a referral for a child. Then the travel planning begins.....then.....she can come home!!!

Wow. Does that seem like forever to you too? Sometimes that part can just be so discouraging. But, I have to believe that it is all in God's timing. Cause I know for sure that that is not my timing at all. I have to remember that there is a work God is doing in our hearts during this season of waiting.

So, please continue to pray for us. For an abundance of time for Mitch to finish the house. For an abundance of finances to make it possible. For patience for this pretty impatient mama who is ready to get this ball rolling. For our children's hearts. For God to help us reassure them that there is enough love in our family for them and another little one. (I told Addie tonight that she was my favorite little girl, and she said "what about when the new little girl comes??....."). Pray for our fundraising efforts and that some ideas we are hatching would come to fruition and be successful. But most of all, please pray for that sweet child out there and her mama that will either have to make an extremely hard decision soon, or maybe already has.  And pray protection over that sweet little one's life and heart.

Thank you for your love and encouragement. It is so good to hear sweet words from people who believe in what God is doing. There are days when life seems overwhelming, but when I receive an email or a comment or a kind word I am reminded that we are not doing this alone, and God restores my heart.

I love you all.