While we were in New York I finally called our family coordinator to get an update on our adoption. I knew we were nearing the top ten or so but I wasn't sure what to expect as we were getting closer. I kind of wondered if we would hear more often from our agency and I just wanted to hear from her what she thought about our request for two children at such a young age. I was excited to hear that we are currently #1 for siblings!!!!!!!! It has taken 6 months to get to this spot. But that means we NEED PRAYERS!!! We are asking for 2 children under the age of 2. This is extremely, extremely, extremely RARE. Our agency has never seen twins or a sibling group of that age. Please pray with us that the Lord will work a miracle and bring the right children to our family.

Our coordinator said that it is likely they will refer to us a single child because she just hasn't seen two young children yet. In that case we'll have to pray about it and if we still feel the Lord directing us to adopt 2, we'll have to say No to that referral. We'll still stay #1 for twins/siblings 0-2 but we could wait....for however long! :)  I know beyond a shadow of a doubt if the Lord has two children for us He'll bring them in....the thought of having to say "no" to a referral is just heart breaking. Jacob and I are praying the Lord will give us a referral we have a peace about the first time around.

Even if we DID get our miracle referral, we would actually still have to wait 4+ months to have our court date and travel to get them. Things in Ethiopia have been really slow due to drought and other things. Power in the country has been rationed and that means communication is shut down, papers don't get to courts, referrals and medical information can't get out as quickly, etc. PLUS, the courts have recess from Aug 7-Oct 7th (roughly) and so nothing can happen during that time. So that is a something that would/will be hard to deal with. Looking at their picture and knowing everyday that passes that we're missing that time with them....once again, the Lord knows!

We appreciate your prayers! This has been a growing process for us, but an exciting one as well!

We really had a great time in New York visiting Jacob's family. His Aunt and Uncle were surprised about their anniversary party...it is hard to keep a secret for many months! We were also able to get together with the Carpenter family. We met them the first time soon after they accepted their referral, so it was a joy to meet their two adorable children. Penelope and Gabe are wonderful, loving parents...they are naturals! :) We talked late into the evening of traveling to Ethiopia and their personal experiences. We are so thankful for their encouragement and all the wonderful things they gave us, like their pictures from Ethiopia, gifts for our children and some great canned fruit!

Let me finish by suggesting you visit the Kidd's site. They just returned from Ethiopia and posted a beautiful video!