TRAVEL DATES!!

"Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, "The Lord has done great things for them." The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy." Psalm 126:2-3

So, we passed through court on August 5th, but since so many other families were passing through too, our caseworker told us she would have to call us the next day to give us our Embassy date. Basically, Atticus Knox and Scarlett Paige are officially ours from the Ethiopian government's perspective and they can be brought out of Ethiopia, but could not (at this time) be brought into the United States until we go to our Embassy appointment.

Yesterday, Brad called around 2:45pm to tell me that our caseworker had called with our Embassy date and we will be traveling:

AUGUST 22-AUGUST 30!!!!!!!

"As cold water to a weary soul, so is good news from a far country."
Proverbs 25:25

We leave in TWO WEEKS!!!! We are incredibly joyful at such a quick travel date, but for many of you who know me, I am now in quite the panic mode!! We are trying to work out all the little details while our heads are still spinning; however, we will have both of the children in our arms in TWO WEEKS!!!! I have been waiting to hold and love these babies for so long even when the Lord had yet to reveal them to us, it is beyond surreal for us right now!

We have so much gratitude to our Lord who has guided us through this incredible journey and who will continue to guide our every step! We give the Lord all the glory!

Many of you have asked how you can pray specifically for us so, I have listed several things that need prayer. Please pray for:

1) Kinetibeb and Yalfal...that their little hearts are being prepared for this new and radical transition into a new world, culture, home, family and that they would bond with us, quickly feel safe and secure with us as their Mommy and Daddy.

2) Quick and efficient travel preparations, travel mercies and health for all during travel

3) Isabella and Elijah's very first day and week of school while we are away

4) Our Embassy date on August 27, 2008 that everything will be completed and run smoothly

5) Our financial obligations towards the adoption to be paid in full

6) Brad and I that we may be able to demonstrate our love to Kinetibeb and Yalfal in a way that is accepted and feels safe to them. Please also pray that we would remain dependent on Him while we travel and as we navigate this new and unknown transition/ chapter in our lives

7) The children's grandmother and her health that we might be able to meet her (and possibly other family members)to express our love and assurance of the children's safety. Please pray that we might be able to deliver a few items to the family including an Amharic Bible and that it will be accepted

8)The transition of two new precious children into our family, their acceptance among family and friends, and that the Lord would receive ALL the glory!

Thank you all for bathing us in prayer as we especially need it at this time!

"The LORD is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion. Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the LORD has been good to you." Psalm 116:5&7