Well we just received our court news. E's case didn't pass. It has been rescheduled for March 16. We are pretty disappointed, as you can imagine.
For us, it is especially hard because we have this new baby coming in April, and at this point there doesn't seem to be any way to get E. home before we are too close to the due date for Chris to travel.
So today is one of those days that I am CHOOSING faith, because I sure FEEL like it should be up to me...
Last Thursday night we helped the kids write out their valentines for the kids in their classes. M.C. was exhausted about halfway through, but he kept going and finished them all. When he was done, I asked him if he'd like to make one for his brother. His eyes lit up and he had a great time sneakily writing one out and taping candy to it - while G.J. was at the other end of the room. I ran a diversion and he snuck it down the hall to hide in their room.
M.C. came back to me and asked me to leave 2 valentines out on the table overnight with 6 pieces of candy. I looked at him suspiciously, and he immediately said, "I'm not going to sneak the candy, I promise - it isn't for me!" I decided to trust him this one time, and told him I would leave the supplies out. At about 2:20am the next morning I heard little feet running down the hall to the dining room. I heard something fall off the table (candy? pen cap?), and a few minutes later, feet running back down the hall and into his room. I gave him a few minutes to hide them, and then went to turn off his light. He smiled at me guiltily, and I left him to his sneaky Valentine dreams.
The next morning he proudly presented a valentine to each of us, G.J., Chris and me, with candy taped carefully to them.
I can't remember the last time I felt so proud of that kid. And I will always wonder: how did he get himself up at 2:20?????
Then later that day, I got called to the office during class. I was definitely worried, and then when I caught a glimpse of Chris standing there, I was terrified. I thought someone had died, or something terrible had happened to one of the kids. But Chris smiled and pointed to an enormous and beautiful bouquet of roses sitting on the counter. I had forgotten what day it was! I got to show Chris around and introduce him to the students and staff I work with. It was the best Valentine's gift ever. I was so surprised and felt so treasured by the wonderful man I get to be married to.
He also surprised G.J. and M.C. with a rose in their classes. What an amazing dad. I love you Chris!
This week was terrible! I can't remember the last time so many bad things have happened in such a short amount of time. Every day I felt like I was treading water just to be able to get enough air to keep breathing. Only one of the events affected me personally, but it is so hard to watch others endure unimaginable loss. And it is now necessary for me to make some tough decisions about my job.The week almost overshadowed two wonderful weekends. Both of which I am so grateful for. Last weekend my four sisters threw me a family shower back home for our two new additions. It was so fun, and every single person that we invited was able to make it, including some dear friends from childhood I hadn't seen in years. I felt so blessed. Everyone brought 2 presents, one for E. and one for the baby. It was so fun and so special to feel like these 2 kids are being welcomed into my entire family. It is so hard being far away from everyone, but having everyone together at my sister's house made the world seem smaller, at least for a day!
And this weekend! Bright, warm sunshine! The dogs and I did some errands and picked up a bike trailer that fits 2 that Chris has been eyeing for awhile. It was on sale at a consignment shop, and I couldn't resist. I know it'll be awhile before the baby can be jostled around behind a bike, but I hope E. will enjoy riding behind her dad this summer. And there's plenty of room to add our little guy when he is big enough. Chris took the boys to the skate park (their favorite event these days), and I'm sure they're having the time of their lives.
I am enjoying the day, and starting to get really excited about having little ones around again. It has only been 7 months since our foster kids left, but so much has happened in that time, it feels like years ago. I'm feeling rested, and almost ready to jump back in again.
Our court date in Ethiopia is 9 days away. Please pray for E.'s case if you think of it! That her file is complete, and the judge sees everything they need to approve her adoption! I would REALLY like to post that we are the legal parents of our little girl on the 16th!
