Thank you for all your support.
Many of you have asked me for Tariku's size.
He is definantly growing and he is so healthy!! Yeah- we are so happy to see how good he is.
Right now we brought 3-6 month clothes and they fit him well. So I would guess within the next month or 2 he will be in the next size. 6-9 months.
He is in diaper size 2 and they fit good.
He is looks good and I know he weights more than 13 pounds. So good to see.
This post is specifically for those who asked, Thank you so much for caring!!
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Tariku
Well we lose power every night, so its hard to update.
We had a good night with Tariku- he is such a good boy. He slept til 3:30 am and then went right to sleep and slept til 7am.
We forgot all the noises they make- we did not sleep well, but it was worth it.
Gave Tariku a bath this morning and he did great- the bath is not the best tub, but thats ok.
Today we had our embassy appt. today and its offical! We got there early 12:30pm our appt was at 2:30pm to beat all the others and it worked great. We were with 5 other families and it took to 3:00pm til we were all done.
It went great- thank you for your prayers.
We went to a store and bought diapers for one of the orphanages and the bank to exchange money into birr. (Ethiopian money)
Today we found out that we get to go to Durame- South Ethiopia and go to see the orphanage that Tariku came from and meet his mom. We are so grateful!
Please pray for us as we travel. It is about 300KM and a drive out into the country.
We may not be able to update again, b/c we may have to sleepover in Durame. So many questions and we know no answers.
Will update more later.
We had a good night with Tariku- he is such a good boy. He slept til 3:30 am and then went right to sleep and slept til 7am.
We forgot all the noises they make- we did not sleep well, but it was worth it.
Gave Tariku a bath this morning and he did great- the bath is not the best tub, but thats ok.
Today we had our embassy appt. today and its offical! We got there early 12:30pm our appt was at 2:30pm to beat all the others and it worked great. We were with 5 other families and it took to 3:00pm til we were all done.
It went great- thank you for your prayers.
We went to a store and bought diapers for one of the orphanages and the bank to exchange money into birr. (Ethiopian money)
Today we found out that we get to go to Durame- South Ethiopia and go to see the orphanage that Tariku came from and meet his mom. We are so grateful!
Please pray for us as we travel. It is about 300KM and a drive out into the country.
We may not be able to update again, b/c we may have to sleepover in Durame. So many questions and we know no answers.
Will update more later.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Ethiopia!
Hi all-
We are hear in Ethiopia! Our flight was good and we made it through customs and getting our visa with no problems. Bethany Staff was waiting for us as we left the airport. We got into our taxi and off we went. The city is very poor, similar to Port-a-Prince, Haiti. We saw on our way to our guest house- a vulture sitting on the road (what a HUGE bird) and donkeys and goats walking the streets.
Abel is our Bethany tour guide who will bring us to every stop we go to. He said b/c it is sunday the Bethany Chr. Services are closed, and so are the orphanages. So we can't get Tariku today. We leave tomorrow morning 8:30 am to get him! I can't wait. We had not idea what today was going to look like. We are just so grateful to have gotten here. We can wait 12 more hours to see our precious boy!
Our guest house is off the main drag so it is quiet and very nice. Birtukan runs the guest house and she is such a sweet women. We got out of the car and she said bless you and kissed and hugged us. She has a very special story about her life. When she was 10 years old she was a sponsor child for World vision and got help til she graduated from high school. It changed her life and she join the staff of World Vision and now she has a feeding program that feeds hundreds of kids a week, and she has a guest house to help the orphans. WOW- we picked a great place to stay.
When we got to the guest house, I took a 2 minute shower and then we left for church. Because today is sunday we went to Birtukan's church, and we couldn't understand anything, but it was awesome.
Praise God for the people here and for their passion for Jesus.
When we got back from church we had a Ethiopian Traditional meal. She has been preparing it for 2 days. We had Enjera bread, which you lay out first and then use your hands to eat! You add the cabbage, and chicken and egg (whole) and beets and the you tear off the Enjera Bread and eat it.
So the Enjera Bread is your fork.
After lunch Birtukan made coffee, she roast green bean over a little stove until they brown. It is quite and process and it smells so good. We talked and visited while it was being made, and then we all had a cup. For those of you who know me well, know I do not like coffee. I tried it and yes, I still don't like coffee. Aaron finished my cup for me. Thank goodness. It is so bitter, not my favorite.
We went to our room and unpacked and took a nap. We thought if we slept on the plane we would be good to go, but man that was not the case.
After a good rest, we came to talk to some of the familes who are also staying here at the morning coffee guesthouse and get on the internet.
They have dial up so very slow, I will try to update as much as possible.
We have a busy day tomorrow, pray for good rest and a awesome day as we get ready to see our little boy!
We are hear in Ethiopia! Our flight was good and we made it through customs and getting our visa with no problems. Bethany Staff was waiting for us as we left the airport. We got into our taxi and off we went. The city is very poor, similar to Port-a-Prince, Haiti. We saw on our way to our guest house- a vulture sitting on the road (what a HUGE bird) and donkeys and goats walking the streets.
Abel is our Bethany tour guide who will bring us to every stop we go to. He said b/c it is sunday the Bethany Chr. Services are closed, and so are the orphanages. So we can't get Tariku today. We leave tomorrow morning 8:30 am to get him! I can't wait. We had not idea what today was going to look like. We are just so grateful to have gotten here. We can wait 12 more hours to see our precious boy!
Our guest house is off the main drag so it is quiet and very nice. Birtukan runs the guest house and she is such a sweet women. We got out of the car and she said bless you and kissed and hugged us. She has a very special story about her life. When she was 10 years old she was a sponsor child for World vision and got help til she graduated from high school. It changed her life and she join the staff of World Vision and now she has a feeding program that feeds hundreds of kids a week, and she has a guest house to help the orphans. WOW- we picked a great place to stay.
When we got to the guest house, I took a 2 minute shower and then we left for church. Because today is sunday we went to Birtukan's church, and we couldn't understand anything, but it was awesome.
Praise God for the people here and for their passion for Jesus.
When we got back from church we had a Ethiopian Traditional meal. She has been preparing it for 2 days. We had Enjera bread, which you lay out first and then use your hands to eat! You add the cabbage, and chicken and egg (whole) and beets and the you tear off the Enjera Bread and eat it.
So the Enjera Bread is your fork.
After lunch Birtukan made coffee, she roast green bean over a little stove until they brown. It is quite and process and it smells so good. We talked and visited while it was being made, and then we all had a cup. For those of you who know me well, know I do not like coffee. I tried it and yes, I still don't like coffee. Aaron finished my cup for me. Thank goodness. It is so bitter, not my favorite.
We went to our room and unpacked and took a nap. We thought if we slept on the plane we would be good to go, but man that was not the case.
After a good rest, we came to talk to some of the familes who are also staying here at the morning coffee guesthouse and get on the internet.
They have dial up so very slow, I will try to update as much as possible.
We have a busy day tomorrow, pray for good rest and a awesome day as we get ready to see our little boy!
Saturday, April 24, 2010
We made it to Dubai
We are in Dubai. Went from GR to Altanta to Dubai.
Our flight was 14 hours and 11 minutes to get here. WOW- that is the longest flight I have ever been on. 3 meals later we landed in Dubai. My feet were numb and sleeping did not come easy. We had some turbulance when I was trying to sleep and they had the stewardest's take their seats. I was a rough ride, and this maybe why it was hard for me to sleep. Trying to unwind.
We took a interesting flight by air, we went near London and Paris, over much of Europe, Turkey,Iraq and Suadi Araba. On the seat they have a tv screen that tells us our speed, flight patterns, time and of course movies,shows and music to listen to. We definantly watched our fair share of movies.
So we went through customs here in Dubai, and collected our baggage and had to go outside and walk to a different building to go back into the airport. The weather outside is 86 degrees. So we can offically say we were in Dubai!
We went to check in after scanning all of our luggage and Ethiopian Air is not open yet. We have about 4 hours to wait. So the nap I was hoping to have in the airport is not going to happen. We found a food court and found comfy chairs!!! Oh yeah- So we are chillin in these til we can check in.
When we arrive in Ethiopia it will be 7:25AM . So we will not be sleeping for a while. Hopefully we can sleep on the next plane and in the airport a little before our flight leaves.
Currently in Dubai it is 10:20pm on Saturday.
Oh yeah- all of our luggage came too!!
Our journey to get our precious boy continues. I will continue to update as we get to Ethiopia.
Please pray for us as we go into a busy day with not much sleep.
We are so excited to see Tariku.
Love you all
Our flight was 14 hours and 11 minutes to get here. WOW- that is the longest flight I have ever been on. 3 meals later we landed in Dubai. My feet were numb and sleeping did not come easy. We had some turbulance when I was trying to sleep and they had the stewardest's take their seats. I was a rough ride, and this maybe why it was hard for me to sleep. Trying to unwind.
We took a interesting flight by air, we went near London and Paris, over much of Europe, Turkey,Iraq and Suadi Araba. On the seat they have a tv screen that tells us our speed, flight patterns, time and of course movies,shows and music to listen to. We definantly watched our fair share of movies.
So we went through customs here in Dubai, and collected our baggage and had to go outside and walk to a different building to go back into the airport. The weather outside is 86 degrees. So we can offically say we were in Dubai!
We went to check in after scanning all of our luggage and Ethiopian Air is not open yet. We have about 4 hours to wait. So the nap I was hoping to have in the airport is not going to happen. We found a food court and found comfy chairs!!! Oh yeah- So we are chillin in these til we can check in.
When we arrive in Ethiopia it will be 7:25AM . So we will not be sleeping for a while. Hopefully we can sleep on the next plane and in the airport a little before our flight leaves.
Currently in Dubai it is 10:20pm on Saturday.
Oh yeah- all of our luggage came too!!
Our journey to get our precious boy continues. I will continue to update as we get to Ethiopia.
Please pray for us as we go into a busy day with not much sleep.
We are so excited to see Tariku.
Love you all
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Leaving tomorrow
Well the day is right around the corner and we are ready to leave. We thought you would like to see how excited the kids are to have Tariku home with them. watch these videos
Monday, April 19, 2010
The waiting
We are doing good. Thank you for your prayers, Satan will not get us down. Please continue to pray for us as we wait on the Lord and as we wait longer to travel. Our airfare is booked for Friday, April 23. Our travel agent looked for more flights today, but everything in the world (literally-if traveling internationally) is full. If it is God's will let us find something else. Of course, we really want to get there sooner, but at least we have something scheduled.
Pray we have enough time to get the papers ready and figured out before our embassy date, April 27.
God is faithful, and has guided us this far, he will continue to show us the way.
Thank you again for your prayers, we can feel them.
Pray we have enough time to get the papers ready and figured out before our embassy date, April 27.
God is faithful, and has guided us this far, he will continue to show us the way.
Thank you again for your prayers, we can feel them.
Sunday, April 18, 2010
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.
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.
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