Referral!!!!

Yes!  We finally received "the call."  I was totally taken by surprise.  I think when you spend so much time waiting and waiting, you just think it won't happen.  Then, when it does, it's almost unbelievable.  But it was real and God's timing is perfect.  We received that call on Monday, the 17th, and accepted the referral on Wednesday, the 19th.

We received a referral for two little girls.   Oh, my!  Two beautiful girls (sisters)!  They are ages 8 and 5.  We are so excited!  My mind is whirling with all there is to think about.  I feel so blessed and so terrified.  But already, God has given me amazing peace about our decision to adopt these girls.  I have had encouragement from wise friends, who have gone before, and from our adoption agency, as well as our social worker.  So many of you have already sent us encouraging emails and we are so thankful for your words and prayers.

Next on our list: 
1.  Getting a care package ready for the girls and finding someone traveling for their court date to deliver it to the Transition House.  I am putting Olivia in charge of creating a photo album for them. 

2.  Waiting for a court date.  (This could be approximately 6 weeks or so).  Then we would travel to Ethiopia to meet our girls.

3.  Lots of reading, more paperwork, gathering items to take with us.

When I know what we should take with us, I will post a list for anyone who would like to help out.  I know there are several items of need for the orphanages in Addis.  I will keep you posted.  Until then, have a Merry Christmas!