Wow! time goes so fast and yet so slow

We have been home over a year now and it seems like we have been together forever, accept......  when we miss Ethiopia.  That happens frequently.  We have had conversations that no parent should have to have with a child and most parents don't have with their kids when they are adults.  Every day we are reminded of what life was like for our boys before America.  Every day we try to put ourselves in their shoes and we fail miserably.  God reminds us daily that we were chosen to parent and Love our sons and yet at times it seems an unsurmountable choice.  Then I have a day like Tuesday and Today and I try to place them in Ethiopia as they are and my mind gets lost with the wonderment of who they are and the amazing kids they are becoming as well.  I give Thanks daily to our Father and to their father in Ethiopia.  I ask for blessings on their Ethiopian mother and pray she is watching down on them, and us, smiling.

This year we have met and Loved two special tutors Teacher M and Teacher T who helped Fikadu get to first grade.  Without them it wouldn't have happened.  We have played soccer, baseball, and football.  We have learned about the Wii and we have talked about our Ethiopian family.   Our oldest son and I have had lengthy discussions on Heaven and who we think is there.  The conversation started about mommy's horse, Salty, being in heaven.  Then it proceeded to her daddy and then their mommy.  The conversations are frank and honest and very raw, yet so amazingly blessed.  We have talked about hurts, fears, bad dreams and they have asked if it hurts when a baby comes out.  (That was a doozer of a conversation).  Yet, in the wisdom that our Father has given me, I seem to come up with the right answers.  The answers that are so brutally truthful they hurt, yet so touching and filled with Love they heal.

My prayer for this next year is continued healing, continued bonding and continued wisdom.  I pray this for all of our adoptive families and their children as well.  Our journey to have children has been nothing less than a miracle and nothing my wildest imagination could have dreamed up.

Two Fathers that Love you Very Much

Life continues to be wild and crazy.  We had the boys dedicated at the church on Saturday night.  It was an amazing ceremony and the Love from our congregation, family and friends was felt throughout the church.  The boys were exhilerated but somewhat apprehensive to be up on "stage" in front of so many people.

At times Fikadu, our oldest seems more distant.  Mostly when he is tired at the end of the day.  He keeps his photo album close at hand and looks at the pictures frequently.  The other day while they were playing at Grandma's, mom saw him looking at the pictures and asked him about them.  (She already knew most of them) but then he got to the small obscure picture of Daddy Asayda.  Mom asked him about it and he told her who it was, the discussion went something like this, "it's o.k. to miss Daddy Asayda but you are such a special little boy to have two Daddy's who Love you so very much."  He smiled, put up his photo album and once more he was reassured he was safe and Loved.

And Life continues in the Ewing household.

  

Home sweet Home

We arrived home as a family of four on January 28th.  Delays in the Embassy kept us in Ethiopia a week longer than planned but we knew it was all in God's timing.  We miss the precious friends we have made and are trying to stay in touch with them.  The boys speak frequently of their friends from the transition house and guest house.

We have been so blessed with two precious boys.  They have settled in well, have completely gotten over their fear of the dogs, to the point they torment them now.  They sleep in their own beds and are not afraid to.  They have already seen so many "firsts".  It is difficult to even put them down in writing.

Monday they start school.  Fekadu is very excited and wants to continue working with his English, and Abinet, well, what can I say about a three year old in school.

Fekadu had his first dentist appointment and we will be starting on his extensive dental work the first of March.  Abinet has his first dental visit scheduled about that same time but we aren't sure he will be able to sit still long enough to let the dentist look at his teeth.

Last weekend we spent at the cabin with some precious dear friends and their two daughters.  It was the first time the boys had been in the snow for any length of time.  We couldn't get them in the cabin at all even when they were wet and cold!  The first words before breakfast in the morning were boots, coat mommy boots, coat mommy!

All is well, what a change.  Blessed are we, Thank you Lord for the gift. 

Six days and counting

We have made our final travel arrangements to pick up our sons, Fikadu and Abinet.  Although we have not been "officially" cleared for an Embassy appointment we are taking another leap of Faith and showing up.  The Embassy will have had our paperwork for two weeks.  We pray this is enough time for them to approve and issue their visas.  My husband and I have never traveled with children.  This is going to be an interesting and absolutely marvelous time.  It will be a learning experience for all four of us.  We know that God's hand is in this and we will be protected through the time.
It is difficult to pack personal things for the boys.  We were only able to spend 15 hours over 5 days with them a month ago.  It was a start to get to know them but so much more to learn!  Clothes are the easy one, toys? not so easy due to limited space books, lots of books and coloring things.  Boys, here we come!
This is a venture God has designed and blessed.  It will be a  lesson in trust and faith for each and every one of us and in the end, all four of us will be forever changed.  

January 19th is going to be our magical day

Today we received our sons birth certificates and passports.  At least copies of them.  This means they will be submitted to the U.S. Embassy in Ethiopia tomorrow and we will have the next available Embassy appointment.  It should be January 19th.  In just over two weeks we will have our sons in our custody and will be starting our family of four.  Fikadu, your black dog is waiting for you to come home.  Abinet, your kitties, (plural by 12) are waiting for you!  Mom and Dad are coming.

Just catching our breathe

Just catching our breathe vs. just taking our breathe away!  Our trip to Ethiopia was amazing.  We met the most special people.  All of the employees at the guest house, David our driver (very experienced) Job, Jonas, and so many others I can't even single them out. Thank you all!
We arrived in ET on Monday morning, were picked up at the airport and shuffled to meet the other families.  Then off to the transition home to meet our boys.  Fekadu, our oldest, really liked the fact that daddy would play with him, soccer to boot.  Chuck will have to learn the rules but they had a great time together.  Abenet, just wanted to be held.  We swang and went down the slide and he spent just a lot of time looking at my face.  It was incredibly difficult to leave and go back to the guest house but I knew we would see them the next day.
The second day we delivered our care packages, took pictures and delivered our donations.  While we were delivering care packages, the nannies were keeping all the kids in the back of the transition home.  When I looked up here was Abenet and Fekadu peaking around the bush to see if we were there.  When they "spied" us their smiles were just huge!  had to take a break and go kiss and hug on them.  We also met with the teacher, Dr. and psychologist and got some good information.
The third day, Abenet just seemed like he was exhausted.  As exciting as everything was for us, imagine a three year old and the stimulus his little brain had.  He fell asleep in my lap but he wasn't letting go of his photo album and water bottle.  Both highly prized posessions of his.  Their teacher, approached us and asked about a "black dog".  Fekadu was telling everyone he had a black dog!  Then we were able to show her pictures of Miss Pug and sure enough, he has a black dog.  Abenet was very interested in the kitties! so I think we have a couple of animal lovers that will fit right in.
The fourth day was difficult.  We had court and it was very emotional.  Not all the families passed court.  Peter and Christine Coffaro and we passed court.  The others are waiting for "a letter" to be issued and then they will pass as well.  At least there was no need for a deeper investigation.  Fekadu met with his birth father for the final time.  The psychologist was present and we discussed his emotions.  Abenet, ran from his father and would not allow a picture to be taken with him.  I can only imagine the heart break of his father.  The boys mother passed away a year ago November.
The fifth day, was our final day to spend with them as we left Addis late on Friday night.  The psychologist had already prepared the boys for our final visit and their demeanor had clearly changed.  They were almost clingy which made leaving even that much harder. Neither of the boys wanted any of the other children around us and actually went out of the way to isolate us from the other children.   Jonas and Job were quick to assure them we were coming back and we were able to leave a "talking" story book for each of them.  They will be able to hear our voices every day until we return and then they can see our faces as they are listening to our voices when we arrive back in Addis.
So, we left Ethiopia with memories of our two absolutely precious boys, three suitcases, (we took four), an injera basket (Thank you David) three carry ons and one upper respiratory infection.  We landed in San Francisco with an added food poisoning, (didn't hit until we got to the hotel, Praise God) and all of the above.  

Headed home this morning to share our magical news with friends and family.

Perspective

We met our sons this week.  The changes in their smiles and acceptance changed every day.  It was an amazing amazing incredible week.  The boys were nothing less than terrific, right down to the two year old temper tantrum.  We also had the pleasure of meeting the birth father.  His story of just survival is heart rendering.  We learned things about the boys we would never had been able to tell them if we hadn't been on this journey.  The tears, the smiles and the laughter of this week have given us an entirely new perspective on life.  It doesn't matter that we don't have the Christmas tree up or the house decorated or the gift shopping done.  Somehow, the every day events of "keeping up with the Joneses" is no longer important.  Our priorities have changed and God has given us clear direction for those priorities.

Addis here we come

Well, we departed Boise this morning at 6:00 a.m. to have breakfast with our dear friends and family.  What a great send off.  Tonight we are in San Francisco waiting to board our flight tomorrow which will take us to our boys.  We have talked about them for two days.  Praying about them for two days.  It is all in God's hands now.  I guess it always has been.  So, in 48 hours we will meet our sons and our lives will forever be changed.

We are off to Ethiopia

I think there is a song, Oh, our bags are packed we're ready to go, I'm standing here outside your door."  We are packed, one bag weights in at 52 pounds, it can only be 50 lbs. three are at 42, 45 and 40 respectively but no budge room.  Not sure what we are going to do but we will manage.  Both carry-ons are over 15 lbs but I think I can wiggle mine and put something in my "purse" to distribute it a little differently.  We are doing everything we can not to have to pay extra baggage fees.

I usually have the house decorated, tree up, lights on, stockings hung by the chimney with care.  This year, no tree, no stockings, no lights.  Just no time!! Next year the best year ever.

We are so excited to see our boys.  We pray they are excited to meet their new mom and dad.  Pray for a safe trip for all the families traveling now and for our children to stay healthy and be safe.

May the traveling angels have mercy on us.

Eight days to Ethiopia

We leave for Ethiopia and our boys in eight days.  This morning I decided to cancel my lecture and continue to prepare for the trip.  I will be packing, unpacking and repacking.  I have checked our travel documents and will check and recheck probably at least 12 more times before we leave.  I just get a tingling in my scalp when I think about the momentous trip coming up.  We received an update on our sons yesterday with pictures.  I can not even begin to describe the emotions I feel when I read the updates and stare constantly at their pictures.

In their pics they are wearing shorts, we have 12 inches of snow here so I don't think that is going to work! I'm thinking Miss Pug, our cocker spaniel, will have competition for the front of the fireplace!

Please continue to pray for the families and the kids.  Please pray specifically for their safety, continued court appts. and embassy appts.

19 days and it's going fast!

This week is Thanksgiving.  This will be the last Thanksgiving we will not have children at our table.  There are so many lasts in our lives and yet the "firsts" that are about to come are so welcome.  We leave in 19 days to meet our children in Ethiopia.  We have watched the videos that friends have sent, we have starred at pictures and blown them up and framed them.  We are preparing their bedroom and the house and yet we turn to God daily to help prepare us and to ask for his help in preparing them.  During this time of year we have so very much to be Thankful for.  May you and your family have a very Happy Thanksgiving and may you remember your blessings as well.

The Reality Is!

We traveled to Portland this last weekend.  Me to work and Chuck to visit some friends he hasn't seen for quite a while.  We realized this would be our last weekend to travel without children.  We tried to imagine what it would be like to pack a 3 & 6 year old into a car for an 8 hour trip.  The funny part is we have "no clue".  The really laughable part is we are thoroughly looking forward to it.  We saw a little girl with no front teeth and realized again we will have that same chapter in our lives times 2.  We both instantly thought of the Christmas song all I want for Christmas is my two front teeth and wondered if we could sing it in Amharic?  The dentist appts. the ER visits, the soccer games, the school meetings all of the things we should have done when we were in our 20's & 30's.  We were chosen to do these in our 50's, albeit early 50's. Our God does have a sense of humor!.  We know our God has chosen us for this very special time.  We are his warriors and this is a new journey which we look especially forward to with great humor and Love.

41 days

Today I was feeling sorry for myself.  We haven't met our boys, two other families have and they waited even longer than we have to meet their own children.  I was wishing I weren't self employed, I was wishing I could walk into my employers office and say I need a month off to spend with our boys.  Then the Lord spoke to me and reminded me of all the blessings he has showered upon me.  I am truly thankful for those blessings and was feeling much better about being self employed and teaching at a University level. Somehow, I was reminded of the really important things and not the trivial things and the day was a great start to another weekend.
41 days and counting

43 days

Yep, 43 days and counting down daily.  Chuck as pulled the reins in just a little with my spending, shoppng, as we found some bags of donations I forgot we had.  I think he thinks I'm not a "collector" but starting to become a "hoarder".  LOL  I Thank God daily that we have been blessed enough to provide so much.  Yesterday after I heard from the Laughner's I cried.  I cried for two children who have lost so much, I cried for their father, and brothers and sisters and I began to doubt my ability to be a good mom.  My most precious friend reminded me the only thing needed to be a good mom was to be able to "Love".  I was reminded immediately of God's Love for us, and for the orphans.  Somehow the day got better and I am now just anxiously awaiting more pictures.  Chuck is my steadfast.  He wakes up every morning and says "I can't believe we are going to be parents".  We see our boys toddling through the house, Chasing the dogs and cats and each other.  Somehow, becoming a mom isn't so hard to visualize and the complete and total change in our lives is welcome.
Yep, 43 and counting and so excited for December 10, 2009 when we leave and begin the real journey to our sons.

Day 43 and Counting

Today is day 43 and we are counting down.  So much to do so little time and we can't wait to meet our boys!
Stay tune for any updates.

December 16th, 2010

Somehow today when I awoke it was different.  It was the same time as I usually rise, same routine, feed the dogs, feed the cats, fix coffee, turn on the news.  A voice told me to keep my cell phone close, so as I went in with my first patient I set it on the stand by my computer.  At 10:00 a.m. it rang and it was a (703) area code.  The same area code our International Adoption Agency would be calling from.  Yes, it was from Kristen and we have a court date.  It is December 16th.  We will meet our boys on the 14th and I hope we will be able to see them the 15th and the 16th as well.  I spent the lunch time checking airfares, they have gone up just a little from November fares.  The question is do we want to leave from San Francisco or Washington DC.?  What kind of weather are we going to have?  All these details, yikes!!!  Exciting, frightening and oh, sooooo exciting!! did I say that already.  Boys, here we come!  We can't wait to wrap our arms around you!

Despite the fact that today is a very happy day for us there are still many families who have received and accepted their referrals but have not gotten court dates yet.  We ask for your continued prayers for those families that they may soon be united with their children as well.

New Mom and Dad

So, the last two mornings we woke up as "mom" and "dad".  This morning as I am overseeing my class taking an Anatomy & Physiology exam I am humbled by the gift my sons mom and dad have given us.  My sons were born of another mother and another father  in another country probably without medical care.  They have seen things and been a part of things no child should have to experience.  Somehow in the middle of their losses our Lord lifted them up and said to us "take my precious children". 

My prayer is that we be the parents Our Lord wants us to be.  I know when we continue to follow in his light we will always be protected and Loved, and that includes our sons. 

We will be patient until we can meet you and wrap our loving arms around you.  Please do not fear for we are here, and we are on our way soon.

We have our sons

Yesterday was a roller coaster day for us.  We received a phone call from Caitlyn and she wanted to know if we would consider adopting two unrelated children.  We had discussed this but really hadn't come to a final conclusion.  So we sent it to our amzing and wise Yahoo Group of friends and to our facebook friends.  This morning I woke up at 3 (not by choice) and could not go back to sleep.  Around 10 I started to think about completing the application our International Agency requires to non-related adoptions.  I just couldn't get it started and the Lord had not given me a clear direction as of then.  At 11:56 a.m. exactly my phone rang and it was Caitlyn.  America World has two brothers who have been in the transitional home since June.  They are 3 & 6.  Since I am not sure what I can share and can't share, I will tell you we evaluated their medical records, social and health history and said "Yes" these are our sons.  So today, 13 days following our dossier to Ethiopia, we are now a complete family.  Barring any complications we could have our sons home by Christmas.  What an amazing Christmas blessing!!!!!

Our Dossier is in Ethiopia

Our dossier made it to Ethiopia on Sept. 4, 2010.  We tracked it through Paris and Dubai and finally to it's destination at Addis.  There are so many things going through our heads.  Will the house be ready, (remodeling is a nightmare sometimes).  We are prepared, but are we really?  Only the Lord knows about our preparedness. My sister, brother-in-law, two nephews, and great niece and nephew were here for a visit.  It's amazing how quickly they grow up.  They are as excited as we are to have our children home, safe and sound.  So, the wait continues.  We are patient, (sometimes) and we continue to pray for not only our children but all the orphans of the world.

Waiting patiently

Our dossier got to Virginia to America World Adoption.  Our case worker Caitlin e-mailed and said all was well and it would be on it's way to Ethiopia.  Then the panic set in.  The house wasn't painted, the new floor coverings were not in and we are nowhere near being ready to purchase a bedroom set for our kids.  Then the calm set in because I realized it is in God's hands.  This journey has always been His intended journey for us.  We patiently wait for word that our children are ready to come home, come home to the place they were intended to be safe and Loved forever.  That in itself was enough to continue the calm in the midst of the storm.