28 July 2010

Three wonderful notes from Ethiopia this morning:

10:30 a.m., local time
Good morning,

The boys both had some strong cough medicine last night and both slept better. Augustine is still waking up choking and coughing (which is awful!), but it was certainly better than last night. There is an American children's occupational therapist (who knew that was a thing) staying with us at the guest house and she is helping me to observe some of the funny things the boys are doing and try to help them.

Last night we got to hear Moses chat for the first time. He woke up in the middle of the night and just talked and talked. I do love to sleep, but it was dear to hear his words.

I just learned this morning that Marsha Blackburn's office has so far been unable to even get in contact with the Embassy here in Addis. Sobering. I have emailed every contact I have at the embassy this morning. I wish we had gone to the Embassy with the group this morning, but we just didn't have any idea. Hopefully Sheka did us right and turned in the documents for Mamush and requested an early appointment for him.

Rebecca

12:30 p.m., local time

Dear Ms. Faires,

We just completed the expedited screening of Mamush’s case and everything is in order. We will be happy to process visa interviews for both of your children tomorrow.

Sincerely

//AF//

Adoption Unit

U.S. Embassy

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia



2:30 p.m., local time


It's done! Everything is going to work out! We are going to bring them both home! I just got an email from the embassy and they are planning on doing visas for both boys tomorrow!

Sheka, our Ethiopian CWA liason, wanted to see the email to be sure it was true. When she saw it, her eyes got big and she looked at me with a look of surprised congratulation. I am so grateful for the prayers of God's people.

Sheka also told us the CWAE would pay for the embassy fees and we could reimburse CWA when we get back home. This is such a relief because getting cash here (USD or birr) was going to be pretty complicated, expensive and time-consuming.

Now there is nothing for us to do but wait and snuggle these sweet boys.





Thank you, Jesus!


Also, many of you have asked how old the boys are. Moses (named for the African Saint and for the Biblical Moses who was also adopted) is 16 months old and Augustine (named for Saint Augustine of Hippo) is 14 months old.

31 comments:

House of Collinsworth said...

That news was a great start to my morning!!!! Congratulations to all of you!!! :o) And thank you God for your aweseme power and presence in these circumstances!!!

Mrs. H said...

Praise the Lord! I know your sister and brother in law are so excited right now! Can I ask you how old the boys are?

rachel e. said...

This is great news! What a wonderful way to start the day! So excited for your family. God is certainly a GREAT God!!

Christine said...

YAY!!!!!!

So. Freaking. Excited.

Cheryl said...

Praise God!! So exciting!

Mary Michal said...

YAY! That brings such joy to my heart! I've spent some time in Ethiopia in the past. I know how amazing the people are, but I also know how slowly everything can move there. This truly is such an amazing blessing!

Hannah said...

Praise the Lord!!! He is good and faithful and meets our needs in such a timely manner. Congrats on your new nephews!

Susan Graham said...

Praise God from who all blessings flow! We are hoping to meet these little guys in Amish country! Luke will be thrilled to have some more little boys to run around with!

Jen said...

Oh, that's wonderful news! Praise the Lord!

Leigh said...

wooohoooo! praise God!!!! so happy for your family!

The Buchanan Family said...

Great news. Praise God is right!

Mateya said...

Great news!

Becky said...

Fantabulous!!! I am thriled for you all!:):) Can't wait to "meet" these sweet boys I've prayed so much for!!!:)

P.S. Gotta start readng your blog BEFORE I put makeup on!;)

AubreyTeagan said...

Such great news!

Robyn said...

How wonderful!! I'm so happy they get to come home complete!

Laura D said...

I'm looking forward to the rest of the emails this week. I have cried after reading each one (tears of joy and thanksgiving!). Can't wait to see pictures of your two nephews and their sister together!

Meghan said...

PRAISE GOD! What a blessing.

Julie said...

I have tears in my eyes as I read this post. How exciting!! Praise the Lord!!!

Cecilia said...

Hurray!!

Kate said...

That's wonderfully amazing news! I can only imagine the relief and utter joy your family must be feeling right now! Congrats!

Anonymous said...

Oh Raechel,
I have read your blog for a long time, but don't think I have ever commented before. I wanted to tell you that I sat here and cried and cried tears of joy for your family! We are in the process of adoption from South Korea, and I am continually amazed at God's faithfullness as you go through this process. I fully beleive that if it is God's plan, then mountains will fall and seas will part to make it happen! Congratulations to your family and it's newest members!

Kate said...

That's wonderfully amazing news! I can only imagine the relief and utter joy your family must be feeling right now! Congrats!

Kate said...

That's wonderfully amazing news! I can only imagine the relief and utter joy your family must be feeling right now! Congrats!

Erin said...

AMAZING!! TRULY AMAZING!

Chelsa said...

PTL!!! that's awesome!!! so so happy for your family!

Molly @ Me and Madeline said...

Praise the Lord!!! Such great news!

Amy... said...

Wonderful news!

Please let me know if clothes or anything else is needed. I have two little boys and would be happy to pass things along.

Blessings!
~Amy~
biglittlemiracles.blogspot.com

Tracy said...

aweome, awesome, awesome news!!

Melanie said...

Wonderful! God is good.

Ross & Nicole said...

Does your sister have a blog. This is so inspiring!!!!

Mockabee Seven said...

Wow, what an incredible situation...praying for that *now* family of five!