Update

In my last entry we had just found out that Amani Baby Cottage had received our affidavits....

Well, shortly after that, we found out that our affidavits had one too many signatures and because of that, it could not be filed with the courts. So we had to do that part of the process over! We had to reprint the affidavits, sign and re-fedex (another $130)!! The most discouraging part was that it would take another week for the affidavits to arrive in Uganda. It felt like we had just wasted a week. I have to remember that there will be hiccups along the way--that's a given! It's amazing how many circumstances God can use to continually remind me that He is in control, His timing is best, and patience, patience, patience!

Our papers finally arrived last Tuesday, Jan. 22. The affidavits were filed with the high court on Wednesday, Jan. 23. We rejoice that this part of the process is done. We are officially waiting for a court date. One of the other families in our group got a Feb. 11 court date, so we are praying for a Feb. date as well. But again, God is in control, His timing is perfect, and He has a day appointed already, and it will not be delayed from that.

We also found out recently that Amani had to increase their prices for adoption. We now need to come up with an additional $3000. Again this was discouraging news, but this is no surprise to God. When we heard this news and shared it with some close friends, God began bringing his purposes to light. God gave an idea to our friend Erryn, and the motivation to bring it to completion. That night Erryn brainstormed and developed plans for a dinner and silent auction fundraiser!
This Saturday, February 2nd, we are having a "Crazy Chili Cookoff Dinner" at Hope Church on 56th and Grand from 5 to 9 pm. It is $5 per person, all you can eat chili, drinks and dessert. We will be having a silent auction and raffles. We have had an enourmous response from businesses who are lavishing us with support and generosity for this event. Our goal is to raise $5800 which will cover the increased adoption fees, travel expenses for me and the children, and costs while in Uganda.
We believe God has big things planned for this event Saturday. This is about God accomplishing His purposes and may all the glory go to Him. He is wonderful!

This journey has been long (two years in April) and we are tired. The finish line looks so close but we know that it requires a great deal of emotional and physical endurance. Please pray for us that we finish well. We want to be willing and obedient to God wherever and whenever he chooses to direct us.
We appreciate your prayers, support, encouragment, and friendship. God has richly blessed us through you. We are rich indeed.

WooooHoooooo!!!!!!!!!!

Another milestone...
It's amazing how one email can just make our day...we received news that Amani Baby Cottage received our signed affidavits--2 days earlier than expected! These papers should be delivered to the lawyer today, then he will file with the court by Friday! Then we wait to receive our court date!
Keep praying!!!
We also got some encouraging news...Siouxanne, the nurse at Amani, started requiring that Katie drink water four times throughout the day. (We had been concerned that she might be dehydrated which is critical with sickle cell anemia). The report has been good. There seems to be a noticeable difference in her energy level and health, so much that Siouxanne wants to make this mandatory for all the children.
We praise God for this!

GOT MILK?

Yippeee!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We received our affidavits! They arrived in our email inbox this morning, we printed off copies, got them notarized, and Fed Ex'd them off to Uganda! The documents should arrive in Uganda on the 17th. The lawyer will then take the signed affidavits to the Clerk and file a court date for us! This is a major milestone that we have been waiting to reach! We are so excited...things are moving forward. We have seen God answer so many prayers.

We continue to pray...
*that our affidavits will arrive intact at Amani Baby Cottage on the 17th or earlier
*that the lawyer will continue to be reliable, efficient, full of integrity, and bold
*that we will receive a court date in February
*that God raises up the last bit of adoption money
*that God makes it clear who He wants to travel with us
*that God gives us the energy to finish this adoption process well
*and last but not least, that God continues to receive the glory!

We have been reminded of the Scripture verse Ecclesiastes 3:11, which says, "He has made everything beautiful in its time."

I want to write about all we learned in Africa, but it will have to wait. Today I am only posting pictures--and they are great ones! These are off of Rachel and Arielle's Blog, two long-term volunteers at Amani Baby Cottage. These girls are AWESOME! Thanks for the pics!

We have made it safely home and are slowly adjusting to the quick pace.
I am posting some pictures from our trip. Once we are caught up on sleep and I fight this cold, we will write more.

yikes! scary hair!


learning the art of balancing



Here's tech support!







Tell this stork to hurry up and deliver our babies!

Land of the Free, Home of the Brave

We have never been so thankful to be an American. After landing in JFK Airport and going through Customs, we were greeted by an offical who said, "Welcome Home!"
Todd said he wanted to reach across the counter and kiss the guy--we were so happy to be "home" in America.

We are still travelling...we are now going on 49 hours since we first boarded our plane in Uganda. We made it to Salt Lake City Airport lastnight and found out that we had missed our connecting flight by about 40 minutes. Once again things did not go as hoped or as expected, but God continues to reveal himself to us in the midst of these circumstances. He allowed us to form a relationship with another travelling passenger--a divine appointment to accomplish His purposes. We also got to stay in a very nice hotel for a very minimal price. It was wonderful! And the pillows were so cozy and soft... I think I raved about the cozy bed and pillows for 1/2 hour.
One thing I can say for sure...our appreciation for life, family & friends, and things has definitely changed. We are so richly blessed, rich indeed.

After we reach home, we will post more pictures from our trip and write about some of the lessons we have learned from being in Africa.

Thank you for coming alongside us in this journey! God is writing an amazing story...and it's not over yet!