Catching Up

It has been a while....

Part of the reason that we have not updated lately is because you would probably be bored by what we have been doing: fill out this form, notarize those forms, make that call, etc.

Though it is not the most exciting stuff in the world, we have made huge steps forward in our paper work. Our home study is almost done. The big hold up is that we have to have child protection background checks done on each of us from every state we have lived in. That is 6 for me and 5 for Shelley (did I say "fill out this form , notarize those forms?")

We have also completed our on-line training courses. They were actually really good. We are also working through a self guided workbook that covers all kinds of topics. One of the assignments we have is to cook and try Ethiopian food!

We have been cleared medically. We have been fingerprinted for the FBI.

There is so much to be praying through and preparing for as our family changes.

One of the things that we are experiencing in the process is a higher sensitivity to racial issues. Adopting from Ethiopia will obviously make us a trans racial family. We know that will come with social challenges and we are preparing for that. But it is also opening our eyes and ears to how much racism there is around us all. Even in a "Christian culture" we are hearing people say things that don't seem very Christian. It is really sad. I am reminded of what Paul wrote to in Galatians,

"There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are ALL one in Christ Jesus."

We are excited that the oneness in our family is going to look a little different.

Please continue to pray that we would be growing in love for our child.
Pray that God would continue to provide all that we need.
Pray for Emily and James as we try to help them prepare for a new brother/sister.
Pray for the millions and millions of orphans all over the world.

I will leave you with this sobering statistic that should challenge us all to do something about the orphans in the world. Everyday over 30,000 children die because of starvation or curable disease. Lets pray for that number to decrease and all be willing to be part of the answer to that prayer.