Merry Christmas Eve and more

Six years ago tomorrow marks the beginning of our journey of infertility, adoption and of abundant blessings. That Christmas Eve I was taken to the emergency room where after many hours of waiting and surgery, we found out that I had severe endometriosis. Those first few months were very painful both physically, spiritually and emotionally for both Chris and me. As I look back I wish that I would have always rejoiced and hoped in the Lord to shine through miracously, but honestly there were days when I sulked and mourned because of what we were facing. Adoption had been in our hearts since we were both young, and after five years of waiting we finally could see the fruit of those years of praying and longing for children.

Today as I thought back to that Christmas Eve night, I stared at our precious boys in amazement that now those years of hurt are no more...what was once ashes are now beautiful sons born of our hearts. We are completely and wholeheartedly so thankful to the Lord for the pain that we experienced. As a result of these days, we were taken through deep times of cleansing and healing, truly seeing who we are in the light of Christ. These trials put in our hearts a greater desire to know and press on to our Maker...eyes opened to His marvelous plans and perfect nature...and the two most incredible boys!! Also, about two years ago as I was praying the Lord spoke ot my heart that I was healed, His mighty works were confirmed the next time I went to a doctor. What a gift from the Lord and how blessed I have been by countless loved ones who have prayed and prayed for us. I never want to stop singing His praises. Amen. Praise and honor to Jesus our King for all that He has done on our behalf.

Our boys are "officially" US Citizens. Hallelujah. It was such a special day as we saw so many children from different countries and states being adopted into their forever families. What a remarkable journey the Lord has allowed us to walk. You can see from the picture that Z seemed to be very interested in the balloons as we waiting for the judge.

Our wonderful brother graduated from college and is now moving on to Medical school. We are so proud of the both of you-Brandon and Lindsay! They are so full of such joy and passion and we just absolutely love being in their presence.

These sweet friends had us over from some wonderful Korean food and great conversations.

Recently, we had some friends over for dinner. I was actually just a helper that night in the kitchen, while our friend cooked the incredible Chinese food. It was so good. Its crazy how often we crave Chinese food. Oh, how we are missing everything about Asia these days.

Some of the girls preparing the yummy food. Our friend in the back was a super chef!!


This was what was leftover after the group consumed all the tasty food.

Our baby boy loves to clap his hands...precious.

If we ask Z if he is praising Jesus, he lifts His hands and sometimes sings...it is just adorable and how it melts our heart. What a sweet reminder of the LOVE of our great God and His desire that we come to Him with a pure heart.

thankful and hopeful...and 4 months home

After 3 years of celebrating Thanksgiving in Asia it was very special to be able to spend time with family this year, as well as having the boys home for their 1st Thanksgiving . My heart is full of gratitude for how the Lord has poured out favor over life and yet I am so undeserving. There is so much to be Thankful for.


These days are full of uncertainty for us, as what we thought was "our timeline" for future events now is very unclear at the moment. As we wait on the Lord, to see His plan for us unraveled, we know that we can trust and completely rest assured that His ways are wondrous and trustworthy. Although, I am certain that with everything I am, I can trust His ways; still in my heart, I am longing for the life of what I thought was His plan. My heart is hopeful for this time He has given me, where the Father is tenderly drawing me nearer so that I will seek His face.

I am so amazed by my dear hubby who is able to walk by faith and when plans and circumstances change; is able to ask God what is next and not become stagnate but excited about what is the next step in the journey of faith. I so admire him for this. Well, I pretty much just love and respect everything about this man. have I mentioned what an incredible father he is...so patient, fun and dedicated to seeing them raised for the glory of the Lord. A fun day at the park with my family

Our big boy's 1st birthday celebration
The weekend before Thanksgiving we celebrated Ezekiel's 1st birthday. He actually was in Ethiopia for his 1st birthday but for several reasons we decided to wait to celebrate. He seemed to enjoy being the center of attention, opening presents and of course eating some yummy chocolate cake.



The family celebrating Zeke's birthday.
In just over a month we will celebrate our baby's first birthday...
my how they grow up so quickly.

Last week we passed 4 months of having the boys home. The first few months were so overwhelming for us as we were adjusting to being parents of two, returning to the US (actually our first night in our home here was the night we returned from Ethiopia :), Chris as a full time grad student, lack of sleep...all these led to small amounts of time to sit and think about anything too deep.

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Lately, I have thought so much about our boy's life before they came home. There have been moments of tears and heart ache, prayers of thanksgiving and a lot of wondering about their family in Ethiopia. It's difficult because there are so many parts of the puzzle that we will never know so I ask for wisdom in how to live out this journey not only for us but also for our boys. Though there have been these moments, mostly I have spent my time singing praises to our heavenly Father for His compassion and goodness to bless our lives with these gifts. I just am overcome with thankfulness these days for all that He has done for me.

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Today, I have been meditating much on the fact that He is a compassionate Savior as He healed and restored the lives of the 2 blind men in Matthew 20 by opening up their eyes and giving them love...so too Jesus has healed so many wounds in my heart . One way He has done this is by allowing me the great privilege of being Ezekiel Biniyam and Nehemiah Matias mother. Just as the blind men wanted to go with and follow Jesus after they had personally experienced His touch and love...I too desire to follow my Maker wholeheartedly because of His tender touch and unending love.

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Thank you Jesus for opening up my eyes and for healing my heart so that I can see Your glorious workings and follow that ancient path that you have laid out before us.