We are so thrilled and extremely grateful to the Lord for directing our paths and leading us to this day that we can announce that we accepted a referral of a precious little one!!
Our adoption process through Ethiopia has opened our hearts and stretched our minds in ways we never knew possible! In several ways, Todd and I are not the same people who started off in this journey 2 years ago. And for that, we also praise the Lord for His goodness, His love, and His teachings. God has shown us more of himself through His word, through life events, provisions, trusting journeys, changes of the course, ups and downs, and now He has shown us His little precious child who needs a family!
Finally the day has come that we can announce that we have a referral!!!!!! Thank you Lord!
Our agency called us in the evening and it was a blessing that the entire family was together. I have our agent's number on a special ring tone so when I heard that it was her, and saw her name on the caller ID, I couldn't help but wonder, "is this 'the call?'" After a quick "hello" I asked "should I get excited?" and she said "yes! Go get Todd!" All the family gathered around and we listened intently over the speaker phone for those long desired words, "I have a referral for you!" It was surreal and absolutely perfect!
Our adoption process through Ethiopia has opened our hearts and stretched our minds in ways we never knew possible! In several ways, Todd and I are not the same people who started off in this journey 2 years ago. And for that, we also praise the Lord for His goodness, His love, and His teachings. God has shown us more of himself through His word, through life events, provisions, trusting journeys, changes of the course, ups and downs, and now He has shown us His little precious child who needs a family!
Finally the day has come that we can announce that we have a referral!!!!!! Thank you Lord!
Our agency called us in the evening and it was a blessing that the entire family was together. I have our agent's number on a special ring tone so when I heard that it was her, and saw her name on the caller ID, I couldn't help but wonder, "is this 'the call?'" After a quick "hello" I asked "should I get excited?" and she said "yes! Go get Todd!" All the family gathered around and we listened intently over the speaker phone for those long desired words, "I have a referral for you!" It was surreal and absolutely perfect!
She shared with us that a baby boy was in need of a family! We were all so very excited to hear the news! Quickly an e-mail was sent to us with his picture and available information. We gathered around the laptop to open the message and see our boy for the first time!! "awwhhhhhh" filled the room as we all said how beautiful, handsome, and absolutely adorable he is!
Of course the next question is "when do you travel?" and that starts yet another wait. Next step is for more paper work to clear his case and pre-approving his visa status as we request for him to enter the U.S. once we bring him home. Most likely,(and please Lord be with us), we will be able to travel in 4 to 6 months to Ethiopia for our court hearing and to meet our little boy! God will guide us and set our paths straight as He has and will continue to do so!
Praise the Lord with us as we celebrate this wonderful time of seeing and knowing this special boy! Please continue to pray for this journey as there are many more details and steps to be taken before we can bring the baby home. Please be in prayer for the baby, Tarik (as we have chose that name for him) (read here and here), and for his continued growth and good health. "Tarik" is an Ethiopian name meaning, 'I have a story to tell.' Pray for him as he has experienced a difficult beginning to his life story. The adjustment to a new family and a new environment will be coming soon to him, so we pray for that as well.
THANK YOU so very much for your prayers as we truly covet them! We feel so blessed to be lifted up in prayer and we know that our all-knowing, and all-loving Father hears every word.
Hebrews 13:15 "By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name."
Psalm 95:2-3
Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song. For the LORD is the great God, the great King above all gods.
With much gratitude,
Erin and Todd
Comments
Post a Comment