it could be worse

A woman and her child at a Red Cross Red Crescent centre in the Wolayita region in the South of Ethiopia.

The Red Cross Red Crescent is treating families of malnourished children as a priority and provides food relief to 40,000 people in southern Ethiopia.

Damot Pulasa and its neighbouring districts in the South of Ethiopia have been severely affected by unusual weather patterns in 2008. The previous year heavy rainfall destroyed crops. 2008 a drought has left people with empty bellies. Ato Mengistu Godana, vice-administrator of Damot Pulasa, says: “This district is usually known for producing surplus crops but this year we are facing an unprecedented drought. All 23 villages in the district are affected. Mothers and children suffer the most.” Photo: Jose Cendon/IFRC (p18269)

We found out on Tuesday that our court date has been postponed, but as you can see our "problems" are nothing compared to the reality that faces many Ethiopians.

The Ministry of Women's Affairs in Ethiopia(they oversee all adoption court cases)moved to a new office space this week, so they decided to not hear any cases. This was hard news to hear, but we are trusting in the Lord's timing and know that He is in control of it all.

At first it wasn't really shocking to get the news because there seems to be no rhyme or reason to the way they do things in Ethiopia in regards to adoptions. But now that the actual day that would have been our court date is upon us, it's really dissappointing. We are all pretty bummed out that things seem to be at a stand still again. Grace has really been struggling with going to bed at night. She says she is lonely in her room and misses her sisters. She just cries and doesn't understand why that can't be here. All we can do is pray.
Hopefully we will get news soon of a new court date.

Please pray with us....

My sweet friend Nancy wants to pray for us every day this week at 8:30 p.m. What a blessing! We are in the final days approaching our court date and all we can do now is pray!
Here is the email she sent to get people prayin! Will you join us?

Hi everyone, I thought I'd send a reminder about the prayer request raised about Chris and Becky's upcoming court date, which is this Friday. I thought it would be a good idea if we could collectively pray for the Vlaming's adoption everyday this week at 8:30 pm. I asked Becky if there were specific areas that she'd like covered in prayer and this is what she said


1 - That the judge and the court would be satisfied with all the administrative details. That all the paperwork would be in proper order. That those who have been working on the paperwork have put it all together properly.


2 - Pray that they would all be mentally and emotionally prepared for the HUGE transition that is taking place in the family. Pray that Chris and Becky would be ready to be parents of four children, pray that Grace and Jack would be prepared to have 2 older sisters. Pray that M and G will also be able to handle the transition as best as they can leaving their home and their country their native language etc. They are leaving all they know. Pray that the Lord will prepare them. Becky's hope is that there will be a Supernatural love and bond among them that is only possible from the Lord.


3 - Pray that whatever the outcome on Friday that they would have a Godly peace that surpasses all understanding. We know God is in control and does all things in His time.


4 - Finally please pray the Lord would provide all the rest of the finances they need for travel expenses and the final agency expenses which amount to approximately $5k.


Brothers and sisters, my prayer is that we can storm the gates of Heaven with our petitions and support them as they go forward in obedience to Christ . Praise be to God who hears and answers the prayers of his people.


By His Grace and for His Glory,
Nancy Myer

We are humbled and so grateful for friends that come along side us during this anxious time. We are literally counting the hours until Friday. Thank you in advance for your prayers!

We will keep you posted!

come on already!

we are in the single digits folks.
Only 9 more days until our court date. and this is what I feel like.





No-- I am not physically pregnant, but after 9 months of physcial pregnancy it is not fun anymore. (that's me at 9 months with jack in the oven!) The "cute" maternity clothes are not so cute. After over one year of waiting for the girls to come home we are so done waiting! My tummy may not be growing, but my heart has been filling and growing with love and it is about to burst!

We have waited so long, and in only 9 more days we will possibly be the parents to two MORE beautiful children. I get butterflies just thinking about it!

We are praying that in 9 days our waiting will end. Only God knows and we are trusting Him. Pray and trust with us.

EEEK! WE ARE SO EXCITED!

three boxes

Grace and Jack snuggling in the coveted "top bunk"!

As we have been nesting in preparation for the girls homecoming I have found myself experiencing waves of emotion. Relief, that we are almost at the end of our long wait. Anxiety, not knowing how they will fit into our family or if they will even like us! Joy, pure raw joy knowing that I will have two more children to love and raise in the way they should go. Sadness, for what they will leave behind. Love, for two precious children who I have never met.

Part of our setting up of the rooms was making a special place for three special boxes. These aren't just any old boxes. These are pretty wooden jewelery boxes, each with their own beautiful song and made with the best kind of love. The love only a grandfather can give.

You see, when I was a bratty teenager (and I was VERY bratty), my dear father made me the most beautiful jewelry chest. All curvy and smooth, velvety on the inside with an inlaid wood design on the top. It is really pretty. At the time I didn't much appreciate it. Now it is a treasured item that always gets a special place on the dresser. I store my most treasured possessions and trinkets in it that have been and will be handed down from generation to generation.

When my little Gracie was born my dad made her a special jewelry box of her own. It too is curvy and velvety on the inside- but has a beautiful inlaid shell on the top and plays a sweet tune when opened. A few weeks ago I was admiring it as I was helping Grace to bed and the thought crossed my mind that M and G will also need a special box to call their own. But it was a fleeting thought and I didn't think much more of it.

Christmas morning arrived and under the tree at my parents house sat two wrapped presents. One for M and one for G. I didn't even think about the jewelry box. I thought it was probably something practical. The girls don't even have shoes for heaven sakes! Chris got to open one and I got to open the other. We tore into them like children and when I realized what they were I just lost it like a baby. Even now as I write my eyes are welling up at the thought of my father creating these beautiful boxes for the granddaughters that he has never met. Not only were there jewelery boxes, but tiny golden cross necklaces waiting inside.(we left those to be unwrapped by the girls!) One box plays "Amazing Grace" and the other "How Great Thou Art". It was the best moment I have had so far through all this waiting. Knowing that it is not just Chris and I that feel love for two girls on the other side of the earth. My family has embraced them as well and is waiting along side us, preparing and longing to love and hold them.

So- the girls room is finished. Walls freshly painted. Bunk beds up. Bedding washed and beds made. Three wooden boxes sit side by side. One is full and already collecting memories. Two are waiting to be filled with love.
Thank you Meme & Papa. We love you.

and the winner is......

Cheryl S. from Arizona!!! Congratulations and THANK YOU!!!

We have spent the past few days making preparations for the girls. Painting, switching rooms, setting up bunk beds, you name it. It feels like we just moved! We are still in the thick of it all but had to hook up the computer to let everyone know who won the Wii! We video taped the exciting moment, and will upload it when we get a bit more settled around here!

Thank you to ALL who donated. We can't thank you enough. It means so much to have friends, family and even strangers come along side us in our effort to bring these girls home. We are so very humbled and grateful.

It is finally January and the countdown is on! 30 more days until the girls become legally ours!!!! We can't believe the time is almost here. Keep on prayin!
Love to all and Happy 2009!

A Christmas blessing.....friendship!

Some will criticize what we are doing by adopting older children, but the Lord has given us peace and even blessed us with people who share our heart for adoption, Ethiopia, and orphans. Back in the summer we just "happened" to meet Yodahe. She is a student here at the local University in town and has been in the US for 3 or 4 years. Her father and mother made the decision to move their family here in order to provide a good education for their children. Yodahe is a beautiful lady, inside and out. She loves the Lord and has a passion for her home country and a desire to someday open an orphanage! Only the Lord could line up this meeting! She speaks Amharic fluently and English as well. She will be a true blessing to have around when the girls arrive. I am sure she is one who they will turn to in times of homesickness or sadness and confusion. I am believing and praying that the transition and adjustment when the girls come home will be an easy and smooth one. With that said, we know there will be rough patches and feel that God has given Yodahe to all of us! We are looking forward to getting together with her to learn the ways of Ethiopian cooking, heritage and the language. Last week we were able to share a meal with her and some of her college friends and it was so nice getting to know her and ask about a million! questions about Ethiopia, food, language, hair... you name it, I asked it! Thanks Yodahe!! I pray that our relationship grows and she can feel as though she is one of ours as well!

Thank you to all that have donated thus far. Every penny counts. Truly.
We didn't meet our Monday challenge goal...but we got over half way there! Good enough for us!

8 more days to participate in your chance at a Wii and make a difference in the lives of two precious little girls.

CHALLENGE!

We are blessed! When we think there is no way, God provides it. On paper, things seem impossible. But some how, some way, He always makes it work. We have been crunching some numbers and figured out that we really only need $3000 to reach our financial goal for the girls adoption! That amount will go towards all of the US VISA costs, medicals for the girls and travel costs.

SO- here is the challenge!

We want to raise $1000 by Monday-December 22. That's only 40 people donating $25 each! 10 one hundred dollar bills. Easy peasy!

Have you always wanted to do something to make a difference, but felt too small? This is your opportunity! Twenty five dollars might not seem like a lot but it will give two girls the chance at a life they couldn't even dream of having. Mom, dad, sister, brother, dog, cat, grandmas, grandpas, aunts, uncles, cousins, education, church family, friends, home, LOVE!

If you don't feel comfortable using the Internet to donate, we will have a table set up this weekend at Crown Sports Center. We will be there from 10am to 2pm. Stop by to see us!