EthiHOPEia | The Forrest Family Blog

I am in love with these chubby baby feet in white shoes! Like my friend, Shari, I have not gotten tired of pink and girlie things! This week Hanna has progressed in her crawling skills, she is often seen in the traditional crawl position. Although when she really wants to get somewhere fast she starts up the army crawl! She also is very adept at pulling herself up and holding onto things. Pheew...it is coming fast! She is gonna be walkin'!
We have a mess of a house right now as we pulled up the carpet and the subfloor in the hallway and the soon-to-be school/art room. It technically was a dining room, but I don't need another room for eating since we have space in the kitchen and sunroom. We painted it a sweet blue, maybe a robin-egg blue? I will post photos when it is finished. Anyway, we are getting hardwoods put in, which is quite exciting! Jacob worked a trade with a client who does floors to make the project possible. No more icky stinky carpet!
We will be headed to Nashville soon, Jacob will be filming for Derek Webb. He actually is filling in for the photographer who cannot make it on this trip. We found a cute log cabin to stay in and we are excited to see Nashville for our first time. It will also be a good test to see how the kiddos do away from home.

Friday, May 29th, we celebrated Hanna's first birthday! It was a bittersweet day. The night before I just wanted to hold her at bedtime...I couldn't believe she was turning one already! I love those baby days and she is rapidly growing out of them. Soon she will be talking up a blue streak and learning to walk and growing up all too quickly.
The day of her birthday I kept reflecting on her birthmother. I wonder how much she thinks of her daughter she had to give up...did she remember her birthday and celebrate it in her own special way? I think if I were a Mom who had to give up a child that birthdays and such days would be awfully bittersweet. I don't know what sort of life that woman lives; but I do know that I am so grateful that she had the faith to bear that baby girl and that God in His infinite wisdom let us raise her.
We didn't celebrate in a huge way; we had a quiet family dinner party and then went out for some yummy frozen yogurt! Since we've been home just about three months I didn't want to have a whole lot of people over. We are still keeping things quiet and sticking close at this point.
Now that we have entered our third month we had our first post-placement report with our social workers. Last evening they came over and we were asked lots of questions about how the kids are adjusting. It gave us another opportunity to reflect on how far we have come! God has really blessed us with two beautiful children (plus our Caleb!) that have actually adjusted quite well. When we look back at the first couple weeks of being home we certainly had thoughts that we had made a huge mistake and ruined our nice family of three forever. A few times we thought how nice it would be to send one of them right back to Africa! The biting and hitting and anger were enough to put us over the edge a time or two. But God's mercies are new every morning and GREAT is His faithfulness! Now we can't even imagine what our family was like before Ephrem and Hanna! They are truly like our very flesh and blood...it is the perfect picture of our relationship to God the Father. He has grafted us into His family and He looks at us like He looks at His son, Jesus Christ.
I think I have become more passionate in some ways about adoption. I can see how it changes lives (ours and theirs) for the better and when I think of all the orphans God wants us to care for I want others to adopt and experience it as well. I have no idea what the future holds for our family, but I know that God has set a longing in my heart for more orphans to find their forever family with us.
I guess I should say a few more words about Hanna, as it was her birthday we just celebrated! When we picked her up in Ethiopia she was 12 1/2 lbs. at 10 months. She has gained seven pounds since she came home to us! She had absolutely NO leg strength either. Now she is able to stand holding onto something for a good length of time. She has just two teeth that popped through almost as soon as we got home. She now is quite adept at the army crawl, she pulls herself around with her arms and kicks out her feet. She makes attempts at words, but nothing is real clear. She hasn't even said "mama" yet, *sigh*. In good time!

I finally got up the courage to cut Ephrem's hair this week. On Sunday I talked to my friend, Karen Wistrom, and she encouraged me that I could do it. So I washed his hair, put in moisturizer lotion, combed it and then used clippers to trim his hair.
As far as hair products go, I have only used Pink moisturizer on their hair when it is wet. I have not put any oil on them, but I am interested in any advice as far as hair products. Hanna's hair is still very fine and thin. It has loose, soft curls. I would love to try some other products on her hair as well. The only moisturizer we use is the Vaseline brand Coco Butter. It seems to keep their skin soft and I haven't noticed any ashy appearance. I also only put it on every other day. I have read about so many other families who moisturize twice daily...it doesn't seem like Ephrem and Hanna need it twice a day. Hmmm...any advice? :)

[Note: J's comments bracketed like this]

Tuesday night we had a monumental occasion. Since coming home roughly two months ago we haven't left our kids, but this week we decided to see how it would go to leave all three of them with our brother and sister-in-law. The one we were most concerned about was Ephrem; but as soon as he walked into the house he spotted the piano and immediately was interested. He actually did not seem bothered by the fact that we were leaving. It does help that he has been around Dan and Addy quite often in the past two months and he is comfortable with them.

So we were off, on our first date [time without the kids, more accurately]! It was a very strange feeling to leave them all and rather sad [very sad. and very weird]. I had heard about a used curriculum/book sale at a church nearby. I had no idea what we were going to and it turned out to be a large room of round and rectangular tables where roughly 100 [ten bazillion] families had set up [kazillions of] books, [a quadjillion] curriculum and a few [million] other home-schooling things to sell. [In short, a man's worst nightmare, while on a "date". Date, my eye.] It was a cash only event and very overwhelming at first. [I literally almost passed out.] Since I am not in the midst of schooling, I was mainly looking to see what was out there. It appears to be a great resource if you have a list of books you will need for the following year, and the prices were good.

We ended up being there for about two hours, much to Jacob's horror. This is NOT his cup of tea. In fact he took a photo of the event as soon as we walked in the door and immeadiatly began tweeting about it. [The tweet looked like this: Literally feeling sorry for myself. Used book and curriculum sale. [j] http://twitpic.com/5ijcs] He couldn't believe what he was seeing...Jacob does not like yard sales or any other similar event. However, I do find that he is often pleased with what I have found at such places and the money we can save by buying used. Just as long as he doesn't have to go! [Exactly. I love what SHE finds. I prefer to not be a part of it. Gives me the heebie-jeebies.]

In order to salvage what was left of our first post-adoption date [event], I suggested we get a milkshake on the way back to pick up the kids. We went to an area chain [it's usually excellent] and unfortunately got one of the worst milkshakes we have ever had. [too much milk, not enough shake. And milkshakes are a rip-off anyhow... you could buy 2 quarts of store-brand ice cream for the cost of a few scoops blended up with milk.] So in the end, our first date turned out... [to be a trip to a nut-house topped off with a lousy milkshake... didn't even get a cherry on top.]

[note, emphasis added for entertainment value. It was actually sort of funnish, kinda. I love being with H no matter what horrible thing she drags me in to. ;) ]

Note the little arrows here. Found a script that'll make me some nice little galleries. No more putting images in one at a time. ;) Yippee.

Let me just say, I LOVE my ERGO carrier! I started looking into carriers well before we got our referral. I knew that I needed a good carrier that would not make my back hurt. I have tried many types with my son, Caleb, and have never found one that I could wear for longer than an hour without my back getting sore.
It came down to two carriers, the Mei Tei which I loved mainly for the sake of the great colors available. I think they are more hip looking. The second one, which I ultimately chose was the ERGO. More specifically I got the new sport version.
I took the carrier to Ethiopia and carried Hanna in it. She loved being in it and would fall asleep in it. At home I carry her in it quite a bit as well. I am able to carry her for hours and my back does not end up sore.
About a week or two ago I was down on the floor with Ephrem and he came over and put his hand on my back. I finally figured out he was asking me to carry him on my back. So, I got out the ERGO and it turns out, he LOVES it as well! As you know, he has taken longer to bond with me and since I started carrying him, I really think he has enjoyed my company more. He now will hug me spontaneously and genuinely seems to love me. It makes my heart glad!
Ephrem weighs close to thirty pounds and I am able to carry him in the carrier with ease. When I first started looking for them I thought maybe I could find one used, but it turns out they retain their value, much like a Honda or Toyota, and you can buy a used one for almost the same price as a new one!

It even works in the rain... while the boys pick strawberries and mom takes pictures.

Note from Jacob - brand nut and manufacturer of products for sale - beware the Chinese knock-off.... Aaaaaaargh!
Another note from Jacob - I can wear it. I feel a little weird, but it works well. Men don't like things stuck to them.

Last Thursday I woke to a dreary sky and decided my friend would surely change her mind about picking strawberries. But shortly into the morning I get a call from her saying, "it isn't going to rain until this afternoon." Hmmm....I think to myself as I look out at the ominous sky... As soon as Jacob found out my plans, he wanted to [and was able to] go; so I figured for sure I can handle three kids if it rains and I have the help of my husband!
Sure enough, as we were driving to the strawberry fields the rain came pouring down. As soon as we got there and drove around the fields I had decided I wanted to go home and forget the whole idea. But Jacob had different plans. He wasn't going to leave without strawberries.
I watched the boys wade out into the fields in the warmth and dryness of the car; after all, Hanna needed a bottle! About half an hour later I felt guilty and went out to take photos of them. They had sweet success...mmmm.
However, I won't tell you how our jam making session went. Let's just say I have 16 jars of strawberry syrup on my counter! :)

A lovely day. ;)

E4 had a great time, but you'd never know by the pictures. He's actually squinting to keep rain out of his eyes.

The boyz

Yeah, like I mentioned, if you didn't know better, you'd think it was the worst days of his life. He ate about 27.5 strawberries before we finished. We easily paid for our share of snitching when we paid for the weight of the rain water in our buckets! He loved the trip, the rain, and the berries.

Jacob posing like a big fat cheezeball with his bucket o' berries. This picture was not permissible for posting without this disclaimer. Intentional cheese, here, people.

Headed to the car. Drenched, but quite happy. Indeed.

On Saturday, the 25th, we went on our first beach excursion. It was a smashing success. E4 was very hesitant of the water at first, but with slow gentle guidance, he not only warmed up to it, he loved it! By the end of the day he was taking waves head-on and loving every second. He was in the blow-up ring and eventually wanted me to let go so he could get the full effect of the wave.

Hanna wasn't as pleased with the water, but we did get a few pictures of the one time she was enjoying it. The best one is below.

There are also a few random pics as well that we'll post just cause we're so far behind! Enjoy!

OK, I'm so sorry for the lack of posts. I have so much to say, and just want to go to bed each night. ;)

Today, we received pictures of both kids with their birth-mothers. This is possibly the most moving thing I've ever experienced. Great joy, pain, confusion, sadness, feelings of inadequacy, and so much more all rolled up into one moment. I would give anything to have been there when these pictures were taken. Maybe some day, far, far from now, we will be able to share these photos and it may make more sense.

Here's hoping I get in here and get some blogging done soon. I have lots and lots of great pictures, stories, lessons and videos to share.

If you're really needing some updates, follow @jhforrest on Twitter. We update there all the time, but they're (of course) 140-character-short updates. ;)

This past week we had family here for a visit. Our time with them was so enjoyable and their help around the house was invaluable (at least for me!) I didn't have to worry about dinner and Mom kept the laundry going all day long. I enjoyed having people around to help out with the kids as well. I have realized how different three kids are as opposed to one! My world has been rocked to say it briefly. I am enjoying it though. I keep reminding myself that this is what we prayed for years and the Lord has answered! He will be my strength!
However, the visit also presented itself with some awkward moments. We realized that perhaps Ephrem was not yet ready for a lot of people to be around. We had to ask for Mom and Dad to resist holding him a lot. This was the hardest thing for us to do and it was painful to watch as well. E loves to play and early on in the visit we noticed that all the play with Grandpa caused him to reject us as his parents. We realized that he still has not recognized us as his permanent caregivers and authority. Grandpa was NOT doing anything wrong, it just came at a time too early for Ephrem's transition into our home.
I have attempted to look up some information for our family and close friends who read our blog on bonding and attachment. I would be so happy if you would take the time to read this blog post by the Wistrom family. Their son is just a year younger than Ephrem and they have very, very similar behaviors. Now I will say that the biting and hitting has virtually disappeared for Ephrem, but he still will be aggressive when he becomes angry. Thankfully, he doesn't bite anymore. We also have not tested in public what Ephrem would do if we just let him down. However we have had a few experiences with other strangers such as our doctor and others that show Ephrem has indiscriminate affection.
Here is a definition of attachment from Attachment and Bonding in Adoption Helping Adopted Kids Feel Secure in Their Adoptive Families by Angela Krueger "As described in Raising Adopted Children, bonding is a “process that begins with the biological parent during pregnancy and continues through birth and the first few days of life.” This definition shows why an adopted child can feel a bond to her birth mother, but possibly not feel any attachment to her. Bond can also describe the close relationship kids have with teachers and friends with which they have shared important experiences and emotions.
According to Deborah Gray, author of Attaching in Adoption, attachment is a relationship formed primarily with members of the family and requires more time and interaction to be created. Attachment is what most adoptive parents are referring to when they talk about bonding with their child. Adopted children of all ages may have an attachment to their birth family, even if the relationship was neglectful or abusive. Many adoption experts agree that if a child can form an attachment to birth and foster parents, she will have the skills to attach to her adoptive family as well."
Another piece of information:
Internationally adopted children experience at least two significant changes during the first few months of life that can have a profound impact on later development and security. Birthmother to orphanage or foster care, then orphanage to adoptive home are two transitions. We know from extensive research that prenatal, post-natal, and subsequent experiences create lasting impressions on a child. During the first few minutes, days and weeks of life, the infant clearly recognizes the birthmother’s voice, smell and taste. Changes in caregivers are disruptive. The new caregivers look different, smell different, sound different, taste different. In the orphanage there are often many care givers but no one special caregiver. Adoption brings with it a whole new, strange and initially frightening world. These moves and disruptions have profound effects on a child’s emotional, interpersonal, cognitive and behavioral development. The longer a child is in alternate care, the more these subtle signs become pervasive. (From Adoption Today)
In our month of being with our children I have realized that Ephrem in particular will likely take a long time to attach to us fully. Here is one persons checklist of attachment signs. Now, every child is different but these are ones I recognize with Ephrem:
1. Resists comforting or nurturance. 2. Poor eye contact or avoids eye contact. 3. Angry or rageful when cries 4. Looks sad or empty-eyed 5. Does not hold on when being held (no reciprocal holding) 6. Cries or rages when held beyond his wishes 7. Reaches for others to hold him rather than parent. 8. Does not return smiles 9. Prefers Dad to Mom
These are just exhibited at various times, not ALL the time! They also exist at varying degrees. And I will also say, he has come MILES since we picked him up a month ago! We are so grateful for the difference we see in him already. There are many, many good days we have with him.
I hope this helps our family and friends understand a little of what we are going through during this time. We know it is a temporary season in our lives and we are so grateful that most all of you have stood by our decisions and are respecting us. Thank you!

I rarely to never doctor images, but this one was asking for it. Caught a great lens flare while bubble blowing the other day.
Stay tuned for more bubble blowing pictures.

OK, here's another. Sorry, some of these just made me want to tinker a little. They could be better, I know. But this doesn't exactly pay the bills. Caleb loves to make faces at a camera, that's for sure. He thinks about smiling so hard that it looks funny. He loves to see pictures of himself.

I think Bilbo Baggins described it this way (I don't remember the exact quote): Like butter spread over too much bread.

That's how I felt yesterday and this morning. You take your eye off the ball for one second and all sorts of awful stuff creeps in. In this case, "the ball" is, not to be irreverent, here, Christ. It's so easy to look in instead of up. Yesterday, my world became bigger than Him, and it spelled all sorts of trouble.

Listening to a rather odd version of one of my all-time favorite hymns right now. Not What These Hands Have Done. Indellible Grace version with a rather jazz/blues feel. Weird, but fitting, actually. I live because He lives.

Whew. A breath of fresh air.

Well, last night had some new experiences, H is feeling a bit better today, and E is having a great day so far.

Last night, C was very annoyed at E's singing (instead of sleeping). This is funny, because C4 so often sings himself to sleep. E4 singing in bed = just about every good thing I want when he's in bed. It's absolute music to my ears... I mean, silence from sleep is good too... But if he's singing, he's happy, and that alone is very good. He's comfortable being in a darkish room without us toys, music, entertainment and the two most important people in his life. Singing? Good.
C disagreed last night, and eventually got so upset that he chucked a book at E. Not good. Brotherly issues? Of course. No biggie. It will happen. I think I swung an axe at my brother once. (Sorry, Dan) Don't worry, I (intentionally, of course) missed. But the trouble was that Caleb lied about it. Caleb is actually very good about telling the truth for a 4 year old, and as far back as in his twos, C has been a pretty truthful kid. So last nights lying was very very troubling. In the end, he told the truth, and he and dad had a wonderful talk that had us both in pretty serious tears by the end. It was so moving I was just bawling. hopefully some things sunk in.

H definitely has more energy today, but is still coughing a lot. And she pulled a muscle or something in her ribcage with all the coughing. I've done this before and it hurts bad. I hate seeing her like this, it's awful. I talked to a nurse several times yesterday, and according to her advice, there's no reason to come in. It stinks when there's nothing to do, but the bright side is how much stronger her immune system is getting right now, yeah?

And it's only 9:30, but E is looking good. It's noticeable first thing, any more, how his day is going to be.

Things I still need to write about (you can remind me any time):
James 1 / suffering / trials etc. This is a monster (duh... how many books have been written on this topic?).
Attachment of 1. E to us, 2. Us to E! (H42? Everyone attaches to her, and she has attached to us as well, as far as we can see. She's a doll, seriously).

And one last note about E. This boy has come SO far already. I think back to one week ago (seems so long ago, I literally have a hard time remembering) and am amazed. One example: when we got E and H42, they could not be near each other except under strict supervision. E would pinch her randomly for no reason, push, kick, whatever he felt was the best way to annoy/hurt her. No idea why, but that's how it was. Now, E will take toys to her, "pet" her, and is generally kind for no particular reason. It's easy to forget when you're in the midst of a storm, but the major storm systems really have left the radar.
Hmmmm... radar. How bout someone invents a doppler radar for kid storms. That would be slick... and would also be completely and utterly devastating to the joy of the whole James 1 schmeel I'll drop on you all some day. ;)

Keep looking up.

P.S. Grammar. I know it's terrible. I know I'm mispelling (wink) things all over. I admit it, I don't proof these posts much at all. I grew up with an English teacher mom and at a time where we actually learned grammar in school, so bad grammar drives me crazy. So my own posts drive me crazy. Apologies to all you english buffs out there who cringe at our posts. ;)

Well...

Today's been a doosy. Hilary's chest congestion has been very persistent. Last night it loosened up and at the same time became a horrible cough. She coughed so much in the middle of the night, she's now very weak. She and all the kids are sleeping now ... um, I hope. I took care of the kids this morning so H could rest, and eventually put H42 down for a nap and headed off to CVS. I needed to get the kids' Giardia medicine and also got some anti-fungal for the spot on E's scalp, some Mucinex, and a neti pot. Ever tried one? We're about to. Oh yeah.

The boys did fine on the trip. E does well in public... he gets into that glazed over mode and he's easy. I don't know what's going to happen the first time he opens up in public. Woah, baby. He also loves to ride in the car. He fell asleep once today and always rides very calmly and quietly. This is good.

I've been working a little more deliberately with E on a few things and he really does respond. The single greatest issue?
Language.
I truly believe that if we could communicate better, we'd be way farther along. Whenever I can't get something across it's so hard on him... then when my sign-language (improvised, of course), body language, and other language I can come up with finally works and he gets it, he's fine.
Examples: saying please. He does know this, but sometimes forgets it. This morning we had a pretty long session when he forgot or whatever it is that gets him in a zone of not listening at all, just screaming (i.e. temper tantrum). I was persistent and out of the blue, the scream stops mid-breath, and he signs please, says his Amharic equivalent (I think that's what it is) and it's over. Just like that. Happy E returns in the spot and he's laughing and desiring closeness/cuddling/etc. It's hard in the process, but, seriously, his joy over the eventual success convinces me this is good.
Another example: today we had Chik-Fil-A (one of 2 places C every requests to go... the other? Olive Garden.) for lunch. Everything's dandy till dad tries a little lesson in ownership of food. Yikes. I combined E's waffle fries with mine so we could eat out of the same one. OK, don't underestimate what a big lesson this is. He BURSTS into tears, just as I get a call I HAVE to take. Nice. The call didn't help, but by this time, H was up, so mom was there. It took about ten minutes to convince him that we could both eat from the same pile of waffle fries. And again, once he figured it out, he just lights up! His eyes get that brightness and he's just beaming.

I wrestle each day with how much to tackle at once, but here's my conclusion (right now) on E's current status.
E is young and very impressionable. A little play time goes a LONG way. E has taken to us VERY quickly and we have become his friends. What parent-child relationship is complete with that?! Parents must be more than chums. Anyone can be that. So from what I've seen, E (like all kids I know) knows and even desires authority. Yes, kids will test authority, but I'm convinced they have a desire for it built-in. And I have seen this with a little boy from Africa who has known no authority in his life that he can remember, basically. He responds to me as his authority. Whether it's words or restraint from doing something he shouldn't, he knows what it is, and now is the time for some of it. Now is not the time for all of it. But slowly, as it's introduced to him, I can see what's effective and what's not. And it all has to be based on what's best for him. Is it best for him that I do not introduce myself to him as an authority for an extended grace period? I think, no. He needs to know, now. Just in the right way. Does he get the same treatment as C who has been so secure in my daddiness for so long. Of course not. Is it helpful for E that his dad teaches him little lessons now, even if it's uncomfortable for a little while? I think, yes. Is it not in his best interest that next meal-time he grasps that it's OK if someone (heaven forbid) moves his food or some other horrible food act? ;) It sure is.
When you see that face light up, you know it was worth the tears. When it's all done and he comes running to you and throws his arms around your neck? Yeah, it's time to be introducing these things. I pray to my Father for help to be a father that is caring and loving, while being just and wise. Just like my Abba.

Here's a video of the H's. It's large, but I think you'll agree it's worth the wait.

P.S. Hilary and I have been married for 68 months today. We were finishing up our reception 68 months ago right now. Good memories.



UPDATE:
OK, as I reread this post, I see how I've utterly failed to communicate what I'm really trying to say about Ephrem and authority. I've contemplated taking the post down altogether, but I think I'll leave it and just add this update.
No matter how badly I'm explaining things, the bottom line is this: Ephrem is responding very well to the little bit of authority he's getting from us. He looks at it inquisitively sometimes, and in the end, every time, he's smiling and you can see the new level of contentment and security.
No matter how much a child presses limits and tests boundaries, they are always a security to him. And so it is with us and our heavenly Father. We test Him. We press our luck, so to speak. But in the end, it's His authority that we can cling to. It's that he knows what He's doing to the uttermost. It's because He's the boss that we can trust Him.

as @ruthette quoted today:
"God's in His heaven -- All's right with the world!" ~Browning

That's authority, and it's "all right".

We have been very blessed by the support and encouragement from many dear friends. Some we have never even met! Our yahoo group "family" put together some money and sent us a beautiful bouquet of flowers. Your comments on the blog and on our facebook pages have been a blessing. We fully believe that your prayers have upheld us and given us the strength to stand.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. May our Lord be glorified.

PS...We do still plan on bringing home Etsegenet's brother. I know we haven't mentioned him very much since we had all the updates on her situation, but we are so excited to bring him into our family!

I asked the Lord, that I might grow
In faith, and love, and every grace;
Might more of His salvation know,
And seek more earnestly His face.

I hoped that in some favored hour
At once He’d answer my request,
and by His love’s constraining power
Subdue my sins, and give me rest.

Instead of this, He made me feel
the hidden evils of my heart;
And let the angry powers of hell
Assault my soul in every part.

Yea more, with His own hand He seemed
Intent to aggravate my woe;
Crossed all the fair designs I schemed,
Blasted my gourds, and laid me low.

'Lord, why is this?' I trembling cried,
'Wilt thou pursue Thy worm to death?'
'Tis in this way,' the Lord replied,
'I answer prayer for grace and faith.

These inward trials I employ
From self and pride to set thee free;
And break thy schemes of earthly joy,
That thou may'st seek thy all in Me.’

With sad hearts we want to let you know that our little Etsegenet Forrest died on Saturday. We trust in our Lord and know that He is GOOD. We appreciate your continued prayers for healing and guidance.

March 24, 2006 - Doctor visit reveals that conceiving would be highly unlikely without fertility drugs
October 14, 2006 - First adoption seminar held by a local agency. A information gathering experience.
December 2006 - Begin to consider adoption seriously, focus on South Korea.
February 19, 2007 - Local agency asks us to consider a domestic adoption opportunity. Over the next week we met the birth mother and went through some waiting periods. In the end she choose another couple.
May 26, 2007 - American World Adoption Seminar; Jacob notices Ethiopia and can’t get the country off his mind.
June 1, 2007 - Another domestic opportunity arises
June 2, 2007 - We have our home study, expedited due to urgency of adoption opportunity
June 4, 2007 - After a very strenuous weekend anticipating the adoption being complete very rapidly, we are told that we should not pursue opportunity any more due to several factors. Praying for direction.
June 14, 2007 - The Lord lays Ethiopia specifically on Hilary’s heart. She immediately shares with Jacob (he hadn’t told her - until now - that he felt the same!)
June 20, 2007 4:30PM - Send in application to AWAA
June 25, 2007 - First doctor appointment for home study
June 29th - Received call from AWAA saying we were accepted into Ethiopia program
July 16, 2007 - Mail in initial payment and acceptance letter
July 27, 2007 - Assigned family coordinator
August 2007 - Begin collecting dossier papers
August 15, 2007 - Send in I-600A form
August 31, Sept 1 - First Hilary's Hope Show, raise just over $600
September 7, 2007 - Receive fingerprinting appointments!
September 11, 2007 - Home study completed
September 21, 2007 - Fingerprinting completed
October 25, 2007 - Received I-171H (I-600A)
November 2-3, 2007 - Second Hilary’s Hope show, raise just over $700
November 15, 2007 - Dossier certification is complete
November 16, 2007 5:52 PM - Dossier is sent off!
December 7, 2007 2:30 PM - Dossier is sent to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
December 11, 2007 - Dossier arrives in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia!!
July 18, 2008 - Reject Referral for single child
August 19, 2008 - Receive Referral for 2 children, brother and sister
October 6, 2008 - Find out Etsegenet is sick in Ethiopian hospital
October 10, 2008 - Etsegenet dies in Ethiopia
November 4, 2008 - Update Fingerprints
November 14, 2008 - Receive referral for baby girl