as you can see -we're packed and ready to go ~you can even see the scale on the left...been weighing and re-weighing each bag to maximize space and get as close to 50 pounds as humanly possible! we're checking 5 bags -1 over the limit that will most likely come at a hefty price...please pray the airlines have mercy on us and waive the fee. 90% of what is in our checked bags are donations for the people in Ethiopia. All of mine and John's clothes and 1/2 of the boys' are in the 2 small carry-on duffels you see on the right. Those carry-ons are right at their weight limit too!
SO-the airline we're taking is slowly ramping up operations and the flights we need to take on Friday and Saturday look to be fully operational today..so hoping and praying they stay that way!
In case you're wondering :)...our itinerary is as follows:
Friday -leave home EARLY AM
Saturday -arrive in Ethiopia in the evening
Sunday -rest in the morning and visit Kolfe Boys Orphanage in the afternoon
everyone often forgets the older children that are orphans. When most people think of adoption, they want a baby or toddler....the older children are often referred to as "the forgotten". There is a ministry we are involved in with Kolfe...the gist is that we are a penpal family to a young man there. He has never known a family -being placed in an orphanage as a baby. There are over 130 boys/young men at Kolfe....and we are beyond excited to go meet these boys and spend time with them -if only for an afternoon! If you want more info on Kolfe -just Go*ogle it ~Tom D*avis of Children's Hope*Chest is just now starting to get involved there too!
Monday -we meet Eyob and Biruk!! Not entirely sure what our day entails, but I know there is some paperwork and hopefully, a sweet fun time with our new sons.
Tuesday -Embassy Day
Wednesday -looks like a full day for us ~a party at the Thomas Center (where our boys have been for roughly 8 weeks) and traditional Ethiopian dinner!
Thursday thru Saturday -we should get the boys visas on Thursday...we have opted to stay an extra few days in Ethiopia in order to meet the boys' family, shop, and spend time with some of the ministries YWAM is involved with over there.
Wednesday -looks like a full day for us ~a party at the Thomas Center (where our boys have been for roughly 8 weeks) and traditional Ethiopian dinner!
Thursday thru Saturday -we should get the boys visas on Thursday...we have opted to stay an extra few days in Ethiopia in order to meet the boys' family, shop, and spend time with some of the ministries YWAM is involved with over there.
Saturday -leave Ethiopia for the US
Sunday -arrive home in the early evening....FINALLY a family of 7!
We ask for continued prayers for the flights, for our safety and health, for our bonding time with the boys....and for my parents as they are graciously watching the 3 we leave here at home.
as for blogging ....we're told internet is sketchy at best over there..SO, I have asked my nieces and nephew to keep this blog up to date if they can. We are intending to call home to my parents as often as possible~so they will pass the info along to my nieces and nephew so they can blog. :)
We would love comments on the posts so one day I can print them out for the boys and they can see how many friends and family followed along on our journey to them!!
Thanks for hanging in there with this long post...and for everyone's prayers and support on this adoption journey!!!
11 comments:
VERY VERY EXCITING!!! SO happy for you. I can't wait to see pictures.
I can't believe it's finally here! Praise God! Praying for all involved, especially the boys as they begin their new life with there new family! Praying for wisdom, peace, guidance, a sweet time of bonding and attachment, for fears to cease and that the enemy will not get a foothold into one single second and moment of your journey. I love you dear friend and I am just so thrilled for you all!
I hope you have a safe journey and that the boys will have a good transition into your family. That picture of your three is stinking cute! I can't wait to see your new boys in there too.
So excited for you! Can't wait to see you with the boys!
Yahoo!!I'm so excited for you all!!! trina
Oh Jeanette, the day has finally arrived. I am SO, SO excited for your precious family. I will be checking your blog every day and most importantly praying every day as well!
That was Pam who posted above!
I am glad that everything looks like a go! We are praying/
Wow!!! Your travel date is here!! Woohoo! Will be praying for your family and all the details!! Will pray for God to continue to prepare your hearts and theirs for the changes that lie ahead. Will look forward to following your journey. We hope to be following in your footsteps SOON!!!
I have thought about you all week, Jeanette. The great part about a blog is that your joy and additions to your family become OUR joy too. I will continue to pray for ALL that will transpire in the next week, months, and years! Cannot believe Friday is here... hooray. xoxo
I am so happy to hear that our prayers opened the skies for you! :) Can't wait for the updates.
Melissa
Post a Comment