The beginning

Those who are close to us are aware that my sister and brother-in-law (Amanda and Steve) are in the process of adopting two children from Ethiopia.  I won't go into detail about their process because I don't have all day and because it's a long story that I'm sure I will mess up.  I will say that it is because of them, some interesting twists of fate and definitely some divine intervention that we have decided to take the leap.

We have begun the process of adopting from Ethiopia.  From the same orphanage where my niece and nephew currently are.

Deep breath.

Here's how it started (condensed version):
About a year or so ago, my sister announced that her family would be adopting a little boy from Ethiopia.  I was really excited for her and so impressed that she would be willing to take on such an enormous responsibility.  They got some mixed reactions from people but moved forward with what they felt was the right decision for their family.  I have followed their journey but never considered it anything that MY family would ever do.  The idea honestly just never even appealed to me.

Remember, we have SIX kids and my "shop" is closed.

Over the summer while Amanda was here visiting, we went to Atlanta so Amanda could visit the adoption agency she was working with.  While she was there, she received information and pictures of the boy they would be adopting.  I was so excited for her and really glad I was able to share a little bit of that process with her.  Still, it wasn't anything I ever considered doing myself. 

Not even on my radar.

Fast forward a few months.  After some difficult trials and a life changing event, Amanda and Steve decide that they will also adopt a girl from the same orphanage.  The process moves forward and they are now only a few months away from bringing their children home.

Last week two scrapbooks/photo albums were hand delivered to the orphanage for Amanda and Steve's kids.  It was delivered by a woman from Seattle that Amanda has been acquainted with.  She was going to the orphanage to pick up her baby boy she was adopting and agreed to give it to the caregiver to show the kids.  It had pictures of Amanda and Steve's kids, their house, their new bedrooms, school...information about their soon-to-be siblings etc.  It was translated into their language so they could understand it. 

While they were being shown one of the books, the lady from Seattle snapped a picture.  There were other kids gathered around watching as my niece and nephew looked at the book.  Amanda sent me the picture that she received.  You can see her kids looking as the caregiver shows them the book.  Some of the other children are gathered around watching eagerly and are mesmerized by what they are seeing.  Nobody is actually looking at the camera.

Except one little girl.

A beautiful little girl with a huge smile on her face is looking right at the camera.  I couldn't stop staring at her face.

I couldn't get her out of my mind.  For days.  I went about my business and tried hard to brush the feelings I was having aside. 

But I couldn't.

I had to know.  I needed to know. Who was she?  What was her story? 

I asked Amanda if she thought there was any way I could find out about that little girl.  She was blunt with me and told me that it could be very difficult to get information about her.  Especially because the picture wasn't supposed to be taken and so I couldn't inquire about her based on seeing the picture.  Amanda said she would try to get in touch with the lady from Seattle (who snapped the picture) and see if she knew anything.

She did.

There was a website that had her listed under their "Waiting Child" program.  It was a miracle.  I couldn't believe it.  Pieces of the puzzle began to come together and it quickly became clear that a higher power is most definitely in charge.  There was little information about the little girl but enough to know that she was healthy, happy and ready for a forever family. 

And she has a little brother.

To say that our lives have been turned upside down would be an understatement.  We are a bit overwhelmed by the excruciating adoption process and the reality that we are going to be parents to EIGHT.  Nevermind the insane financial strain.

But, there is a God.  He is aware of us and is the ultimate Orchestrator.  All things are possible through Him.

I won't go into any more details here, mostly because there aren't very many right now.  We will use this blog as a way of updating family and friends on the adoption process.  As soon as I get the ok to post pictures, I'll do that too.

I'm well aware that there are going to be those who judge us, treat us like we're nuts, and say things either to our face or behind our back that are unkind or negative.  That's okay. I would never suggest that what we are doing is for everybody.  I just know that Rob and I are not going into this with blinders on.  We are prepared to face whatever challenges are ahead of us--even if some of those challenges involve people being unkind.  We find peace in knowing that we are doing what we feel good about and what we feel guided to do.  

We appreciate all the support we are receiving and know that we would have a difficult time making it through this process if it weren't for the love and support of our friends and family.

Thank you.