Once upon a time....

Flash back to 1999, we were a family of four. Happy in our new roomy house and comfortable in our ways. A few years later, the Lord blessed us with an additional little package, little boy #3. Now we were a family of five and sure that would be the end. As time moved on, so did we. The Lord used the time that passed to open our eyes to His will. Several years ago, Bob and I individually heard the call to adoption. It has been a long "pregnancy", but during this incubation time, the Lord has brought us to where He wants us to be. Spring 2010, we traveled to Ethiopia where two little angels were waiting for the Lord's timing - to become our children. Now we are home and can't imagine life any differently! What a blessing to be in His will.

Galatians 4:5 says "God sent Christ to buy freedom for us, who were slaves to the law, so that He could adopt us as his very own children." We are just following his model. A Perfect picture of salvation.

Saturday, February 27, 2010

Hanging out/ playing with playdoh





Playdoh is our friend and TV is fun too!

Friday, February 26, 2010

Ethiopia - a land of beautiful people





The short week we were in Ethiopia, we came to love the people. They are diligent, hard working people. They love children and will give what little they have to those around them that don't have. Here are a few pictures of life in Addis Ababa. The first picture is of two women standing at an intersection - one has a baby strapped to her back. The second picture is of school children. The last two pictures are of a woman and child walking on the street and a group of people outside a "store".

Most of the streets are dirt and not named/labeled. Less than 1/3 of the children are able to attend school due to required fees and uniforms. Toilet paper is a luxury and running water is often contaminated. However, those that have jobs take great pride in their work. They work tirelessly from before the sun rises until after it sets. They don't complain and they don't sit down to rest. Many of them know and love the Lord ~ particularly the ones working for Children's Hope International ~ you can see that their ministry means the world to them. It's all about the children!

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Home at last!




We landed at KCI airport on Monday evening. We were exhausted and very glad to be on midwest ground! Yes, the girls were a bit shocked by the cold weather and sight of snow. Nardos touched the snow and got giggling...that's her default! Beti is more reserved and often shakes her head at Nardos' demonstrations. We are slowly acclimating into the American way of things. The girls are doing well, although the language barrier does limit our ability to explain why we do things or when something is going to happen. I do have to brag on their ability to play together - cooperatively - for hours. Of course we do interact also, but they are content to play with their toys. This is particularly handy when we are doing things like posting on a blog or calling insurance and such. Ok - so I want to post some pictures and you can ooh and ahh for a while until I have a moment to post some more.

(The first picture includes the in-country Directors for our agency - Almaz is in traditional attire).

Blessings,
Audra