Volcanic Ashes

After we booked our airfare we heard about the volcano errupting in Iceland. We didn't think anything of it, as it is far away from Paris.
On Saturday, as the news and all headlines were about the volcano errupting I knew that our flight may be in danger. I confidently know that God is bigger than anything of this world and if he wants us to go to Uganda and Ethiopia He will make a way.
I felt that our flight was going to happen. Noon on Saturday heard that Paris Airport was closed due to volcanic ash and so was almost all airports in Europe. We sent our prayer requests to family and friends praying for God to make a way, and that if we are suppose to go that he changes the winds and we get to go.
Saturday night I spent much time on the phone with Delta trying to figure out what to do, because our flight was not cancelled yet and everything was booked solid they told me they could not do much.
So we prayed for God to make a way. I know he holds us and he love Tariku, and we wait for his timing. Sure seemed like we already have waited a long enough time, but God is molding us more and more. So we go to him for strength and asking for peace and wisdom.

I was thinking my "labor pains" were going to be much easier that with my other kids. Wow, was I wrong. Tariku is so special to us, and I love him so much and I have not even held him or kissed him or even seen him yet. God has placed him in our lives and we are grateful.

Today(Sunday) set my alarm early and had great devotion time and prayer time with God. I finished the autobiography of George Muller what a amazing book. Life changing, and a huge faith builder. (I would strongly recommend you read it). The last 2 chapters were about a new building they built to house orphans and the boiler went out. It was in England anda storm with bitter north winds came in, and he prayed that God would change the winds to come from the South during the time they fixed it. The day they needed it to; the winds changed. WOW- yesterday I was praying for changing of the wind for the volcanic ash to go away. I prayed and felt that God was going to allow us to fly. Paris Airport was closed, but planning on reopening Monday morning at 6:00am. Our flight was to fly in at 11:00am. I prayed for God to allow us to fly if it was his will.
Before we left for church I checked our flight and it did not show that is was cancelled.

Aaron preached and worship was so good. What a great way to start a trip! Praising Him, and singing to our amazing God.
At the end of the service Ethan (our worship leader) called Aaron and I forward and our friends and church family laid hands on us and prayed. What a surprise, but we felt so loved and knew we had such great family supporting us. After many tears and hugs, we left church to eat lunch pack the last few things, and head to the airport.
We checked the flight statis before we left and it was showing it was still on.
Our dear friend Dede picked us up and brought us to the airport. As we checked in we found out that our flight was canceled to Paris. The only thing they could do was to call Delta and try to reschedule. It was hard to swallow, but knowing God holds us still. So grateful for Dede, when we got in the van to go home, she prayed and we cried and just praised God for always caring for us and directing us.
When we got home, Whitney and Gavin were very confused. Whitney looked like she was going to cry. She said, Where is Tariku?" It was probably the hardest part of the day, seeing my kids hurt and not understanding what is happening. They were all prepared for what was to come, who was watching them and the fun things planned while we were gone.
Whitney face broke my heart. I pray that Whitney and Gavin have a good week and they understand why we can't fly at this time.
We called Delta and after much time they found a flight for us. At first they were saying it might be 2 weeks out before we could get a flight. They found a flight for us that leaves on Friday and goes to atlanta, Dubai and then Ethiopia. We booked it.
It is cutting our trip very short and very close to our embassy date, but I think it will work.
We are going to check with our travel agent tomorrow to see if she can find anything and change our return flight. We are currently still going through Amsterdam and I don't think this is a good idea. Will keep posting more as we find it out.

Please continue to pray for us, Gavin and Whitney, and for our baby Tariku.
We know God has done many miracles so far, and I know He will continue to reveal his plan and show us more.