Three-six-ten... (and other random thoughts)

In three days we leave for Ethiopia. In six days we meet our boys for the first time. In ten days we become a family of six. These thoughts and so many more are swirling through my mind as I'm trying to get ready for this trip to Africa. With so much going on, it's a little difficult to think straight! Excitement, trepidation, awe, disbelief, fear, joy, gratefulness, wonder, anxiousness: these are just some of the emotions I'm experiencing right now. I have told several people who have asked that, yes, I am excited, but quite honestly the reality of all that is happening (and will happen) has not really sunk in. I don't know if it will begin to hit me really until we step out of the airport in Ethiopia. Or maybe it won't be until we see the boys at the orphanage. Or maybe not until the judge tells us M and T are legally our sons; or possibly it won't sink in until we bring our sons home this summer. All I know is that after six years of waiting for a miracle, I can hardly believe that we are finally going to be blessed with two more beautiful children. It's been quite a journey!

I will try to post a blog or two from Ethiopia if I am able to. I know there is an Internet cafe near where we are staying. I hope to post next Wednesday, after we get back from the orphanage, and then again once we are in D.C., after our court hearing. I'll do my best.

I know many of you know this from reading my recent email about it, but I feel like it's worth mentioning again. We are so excited to have three suitcases full of donations for the orphanage where our boys are currently living. Two of the suitcases are filled with formula and some infant multivitamin drops, and the other suitcase will have deflated soccer balls and boys' clothing. I still have lots of packing to do, but at this point, it looks like we will have 7 suitcases to check and 5 carryons! On our way back, we should have a couple less because we can put smaller ones inside the larger ones. However, I may fill up a couple of those bags with treasures from Ethiopia! :)

As an update to my last blog: we decided to stay in Washington D.C. a couple days on our way home from Africa. Rome would have been awesome, but just too costly to change our tickets. So we won't be home until Easter Sunday. It will be nice to have something fun to look forward to after leaving our boys behind in Ethiopia, which I am sure will be one of the hardest things I ever do. The kids have never been to D.C. before, and Brian and I haven't been since we were teens. So our trip is officially April 14 to April 24. Also, Ethiopia is 10 hours ahead of us (mountain standard time), just in case you were wondering.

I do not know what the future holds, but I am so encouraged knowing that God holds our future. When I was thinking about this upcoming trip a couple weeks ago, I started to become worried about meeting the boys and the boys' birth mother. That morning during my devotions, the Lord brought me to just the verse that I needed to read:

"The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." (Deuteronomy 31:8)

Thank you to all of you who have called or sent emails of encouragement and let us know you are thinking of us and praying for our trip. It means more to us than you can imagine. God bless you all for your tender hearts and your sweet words.