Having faith to jump out of the boat!

So, here I am in Ethiopia again! I have to say the more I am around these amazing Ethiopian people the bigger my heart grows. I have learned what true beauty is, and that is something I will never forget! My mom and I picked up Loza yesterday from the orphanage and stayed for hours playing with all the kids. I love these kids so much. I hope that someday we can be reunited again in heaven, because my heart breaks every time I have to say goodbye. They have definitely stolen a little piece of my heart!

Loza is amazing! It was very hard to take her from the orphanage because she is so bonded with the nannies. The nannies are amazing and love her so much! They all kiss her and said goodbye thousands of times. My heart broke because I can't imagine taking care of a baby for 8 months and then one day she is gone!I owe them so much!

I have a new respect for mothers because it is so much work taking care of a baby, especially in a third world country. But everytime Loza smiles at me I feel one step closer to bonding. I did have a huge moment last night. I went into the other room to grab a diaper and Loza started to cry and I ran back in the room with tears in my eyes because it was the first time i felt that we were bonded! I am totally in love with her and the more I get to know her and her sweet spirit, the bigger my heart grows. I can't wait for everyone to meet her!

So God has really been teaching me to have faith, blind faith. We came early to Ethiopia before our case has been cleared by the embassy! So, my mind was filled with doubts the whole flight here. I was reading and the story of Peter walking on water and it hit me like a ton of bricks! God said...you of little faith, why do you doubt me? I was very humbled and had to apologize for my horrible faith factor. So, with all that said. I am having faith that the embassy will clear our case this week and we will be able to bring Loza home next week!

Thank you for all the support and prayers! It is felt all the way across the world! Here is praying for good news tomorrow!

An Orphan Prayer...must read!

An Orphan's Prayer
I am waiting...somewhere far...far...away on the other side of the world. I may not know who you are or what you look like, but some how deep in my heart I know you are out there. That one day you will come and find me. It's a long journey,and it takes a lot of time... I wish it could be easier. But I know that the ones who come for me will not count the cost. They will only see the joy of finding me. For now I abide in the fields of the fatherless. Day by day wondering why I was born here and not somewhere else? Asking....why my life couldn't have been different.
It is so lonely...Even though I am surrounded by hundreds of other children, I know something is missing... I know in my heart I need a place to call home. My arms long to be wrapped in a father's embrace..I long to be saved by a mother's love...
Gazing out the orphanage window I offer a prayer of hope,"Oh, God, please help them come quickly." Even as I lay there in the darkness each night somehow I feel assured, that no matter how lost I appear I am not alone,
Holy hands guard my steps, sacred fingers wipe my tears, touching my lonely heart. The one who made me, the God that knew me before I was born, hears me every time I call. He whispers his promises in my ear. I listen with hope to His voice.
But what I worry about most is that no one wants to look for me. The fields are vast and there are so many scattered all over the earth. I wonder how one little child, so lost can be found?
Yet he calms my heart and assures me,that He will find you. That he will make sure that you hear His voice clearly. He has promised me that He will make a way through the fields. That he will personally cut a path,and lead you right to my orphanage door.
My prayer is... When he speaks... Please don't forget to listen... When he calls don't be too afraid to go. For I am waiting somewhere, far,...far...away, on the other side of the world... TO COME HOME.


 Thank you to my friend Kristen for posting this on her blog.

Loza...here we come!

I heard great news today! The document that we have been waiting for the past weeks was obtained today! Praise God! My mom and I are flying to Ethiopia next Friday august 26th! Our case will be resubmitted on Monday. Thank you for all your prayers...they have been heard. Now I am running around crazy trying to get everything ready! Your prayers for safe travel would be greatly appreciated! Love you all!

Prayer Please!!

Hello all of our friends and family! Well, I promised I would write with an update when I received one. The US embassy has requested more information. Our agency is currently trying to obtain some additional information to proceed with our case. All of this is very typical for adoptions, but obviously it is very hard to wait when we want Loza home with us so bad! If everyone could pray very specifically for the paperwork to be obtained and processed in the next week that would be so great! We serve a HUGE God and I know that He has a plan for Loza and knows when we will bring her home! We are so blessed to have such an amazing baby in our lives! I will let you know of any updates when we receive them!