Okay, the bad news first. (you didn't really have a choice.) We found out on Monday that barring a miracle from God, there is no way that our boy Bear is going to have a successful court date before the end of the month when the Ethiopian courts close for the rainy season until sometime in October. Even if the court date took place tomorrow, getting a new birth certificate printed pushes us past court closure. And we still waiting on the ever-ellusive last bit of paperwork, with no real end in sight.
We are SO SAD! When we accepted our adoption referral back in March, we never imagined that we would miss getting a successful court date in before the yearly rainy season court closures. Yet that is exactly how it is. He's there. We're here. Still waiting for him to become our son. So frustrating. So heart-breaking. So hard to accept that he will come to us in God's perfect timing, yet resigned to and comforted by that fact.
The sadness and frustration is only tempered by the good news...
WE'RE GOING TO ETHIOPIA TO GET OUR GIRL!
That's right. We have a confirmed Embassy date (to apply for a US visa to bring her home) on August 7th, so we're flying out of here in the wee hours of the morning on the 4th. And while we're there we'll at least be able to see our Bear.
So without further ado, may I present to you, LemLem, the newest member of The Production.
Last month, we got these updated pictures.
And on Monday, attached to our Embassy instructions we found her new birth certificate - we're her parents! Am I dreaming?
If you're so inclined, we could use your prayers as we get ready for this trip. There is just so much to do as I have to prepare for an international trip and also see to the care of the five children we're leaving at home.
29 comments:
Oh ANN! I am so sad and happy for you, nearly in tears and yet you get to bring Lem Lem home!
And she is beautiful - what a lovely child. I will keep your family in my prayers.
Oh my word. What a gorgeous chunk of sugar that one is!
Be heartened, your boy will be yours in God's time. He created that blasted rainy season to begin with, so we just have to trust this all in His hands.
Praising Him for your girl!
Oh my, she is gorgeous and blessed to be with a loving family!! Congrats to you and your family, it will be a heavenly reunion soon with your Bear as well.
I bow down to you and your hubbie for such big hearts and patience!!
Wow, your situation has been so strongly on my heart this week. I am so happy you are going to get your daughter. She is so gorgeous. I am praying for Bear, and that God will make his way home smooth.
(((Hugs)))
Renee
I'm jumping up and down with joy to finally see her sweet little face! She's BEAUTIFUL!! And I'm so sorry to hear about the complications in getting Bear home at the same time. How completely heartbreaking -- but I'm so glad you'll be able to love him up when you're there.
Hugs all around!
Congratulations! That's so exciting.
I've been lurking around, hoping, praying and waiting to hear good news for you! She is just beautiful! Congratulations and I will be keeping you and your family in my prayers!
That is SO wonderful! I'm very happy for you! She is beautiful!
Wonderful!!!!!!! Congrats!!!! We will be in the sky at the same time!!!!
Mary, bringing home two daughters in August
Ann! She's smoochable perfection, I bet you're standing at the door with bags packed!
Many prayers for a smooth flight/visit/appt/return and that Bear will be home before you know it.
Oh yes I am so inclined! You've got my prayers Ann, for your upcoming exciting trip, and for that miracle. Hang in there. God knows what's going on.
Lemlem is just the sweetest little bit heaven! Her little picture with eyes big and tongue sticking out made me laugh. I can see a little bit of an imp waiting to show itself in that one! :v) So cute.
How bittersweet!!
Your new daughter is just beautiful..many prayers as you go gathering your family! :))
Lisa
I'm not sure whether to say Yay or I'm sorry first. I hate that you won't be able to bring him home this time, but PRAISE THE LORD you are going to bring your precious girl home!!! And how cute is she?!?! The little tongue out picture makes me think she is going to be rather mischievious. :) So excited for you guys and I'll pray for little "Bear".
Congrats! Those eyes! What doll. What a lucky girl, and lucky parents.
And sorry for the delay in your Bear. You are still his parents, even if it's not official yet. The love is what makes you his parents.
Oh this must be so bittersweet! To know you're going to Ethiopia to pick up your daughter, and see your son, but not able to bring him home quite yet. I'm so sorry things didn't work out - paperwork wise - that they didn't have everything ready for the court date and all of that. How frustrating that must be.
But congratulations on your upcoming trip to bring your daughter home! How very exciting! I bet the days can't pass quickly enough for you! She's gorgeous!
OH!!! Your sweet LemLem! Such a darling. 8^)
I am sorry about your boy, but trust that our God is faithful.
Enjoy your trip. Try hard not to let all the details distract you from the true purpose and beauty of the journey. Bon Voyage.
Your family will be in my prayers.
She's such a cutie, but then all our kids are! In my humble, completely unbiased opinion, of course (IMHCUO?)
I miss you Princess.
Hi Ann,
Congratulations. LemLem is a pretty girl. I love her eyes. May she bring laughter and more meaning to your lives.
Sorry to hear about Bear and hope that things can be arranged soon so you can finally be together.
God bless your family.
She is beautiful!!!!!! You are in my prayers, safe travels.
Carol said it best...in God's time. LemLem is a corker! You've got personality-plus on it's way to your house!
~~~Blessings~~~
ANNNNNN!!! AH, I just want to eat her up! She's precious!!!!
I'm so excited for you. THanks for popping over and letting me know. I would have been at least til tomorrow before I got here. My feeds are out of control after being off line this week.
Praying for a safe flight- and that Bear comes home soon, too.
Ah- man, God is great. I'm tickled to death!
Oh, I totally missed this! What an incredible blessing! God is GOOD!
I'm sorry to hear that Bear may still be a while coming, but my goodness...LemLem is adorable! You just want to hug her.
She's beautiful! Congratulations and I hope you get good news about baby Bear soon.
Oh my gosh, oh my gosh!!!! She is precious!!!
Congratulations! I will look forward to reading about your trip and uniting with your daughter.
Your boy will be in your arms soon. I am glad you will get to spend some time with him while picking up your daughter. Give him a big Texas smooch from me!
ooohhh shes the cutest girl!!!! on my Hubbys side of the family there is 7 boys! no girls! we have 2 boys and we want to have another baby. I have told him after we have our last boy lol we need to adopt a girl! Hers is so cute! God has blessed you!
I cried when I saw her. She's beautiful. I want to hug her!!! ;) I'm going to continue to read so I can know all about your family.
It's the 26th so, I'm not sure what's going on with your family or with LemLem but, a prayer is never wasted!!
WOW! I'm just catching up with all my bloggy friends since I got home from vacation. and look at that beauty! honestly took my breath away.
Sending my prayers for your family and for Bear and Lem Lem. God is good, indeed.
She is so incredibly beautiful! I'll bet you cannot wait to get your arms around her!!! Congratulations. :)
I'm so sorry about your son. It must be difficult. I'm glad you will get to see him and let him know you are still coming!
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