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The harvest…

Psalm 126 2 Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, “The LORD has done great things for them.” 3 The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy. 4 Restore our fortunes, O LORD, like streams in the […]

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Tisha Alexander - June 9, 2010 - 1:51 pm

As far as clothes go, I would bring a few different sizes or just a lot of clothes. ๐Ÿ™‚ I know our girls’ clothes didn’t fit at all and I went by the measurements they gave us.

I am SO EXCITED for your family! It will be an amazing experience. Enjoy every minute!

Oh and I LOVE that picture! Those berries look so yummy!

april - June 9, 2010 - 3:35 pm

beautiful post and Oh I am sure that little malnourished tummy of his will go down and be normal and that he will become so loved once he is in your arms :0)

meghan - June 9, 2010 - 10:19 pm

Give him one of your gorgeous smiles and that sweet boy will bond with his momma in flash ๐Ÿ˜‰

Megan - June 10, 2010 - 1:32 am

How could he not like you? =) Anyone would be lucky to have you as a mama! Counting down the days with you dear friend…we will keep you in our prayers!

Booked it!

After 24 hours of craziness trying to find the best deal—we booked our tickets! Unfortunately, we aren’t able to use our SkyMiles…but the cupcake fundraiser we did perfectly covers my ticket and Isaac’s…so we are good! My mom and my sister will be traveling with me to help with bottle making, picture taking and of […]

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Renea - June 8, 2010 - 4:38 pm

I knew this day would come!!!! You have been ever present on my mind and in my prayers!!! Been missing you and all the updates, but excited to come back to see travel dates!!! All that waiting is coming to an end! Merci Jezi!!!! Blessed be the name of the Lord!!! โ™ฅ

Rachel Bell - June 8, 2010 - 5:30 pm

That’s such great news! I can’t wait to see Isaac!

Amy - June 8, 2010 - 5:37 pm

Sooooooooooooooo happy for you!!! Okay, slightly jealous of this travel group, but since so many of my friends are going I expect lots of pictures of Malachi ๐Ÿ˜‰ And maybe a little lovin from your mom and sister?

I seriously am so so sooooooo excited to see Isaac in your arms!!!

Elle J - June 8, 2010 - 5:47 pm

Read this. Got chills. Eye swelled. So HAPPY for you. Perfect plans from God.

Jenny - June 8, 2010 - 5:48 pm

Such exciting news! It’s really official…..would love to hear what airline you decided on (just for future reference when we travel). What a sweet week the last week of June will be! CANNOT wait to see that little guy in your arms.

april - June 8, 2010 - 6:08 pm

oh how exciting! so happy for you! just think…before you know it he will be in your arms!

Jenn - June 8, 2010 - 8:05 pm

Woohooo!! I’m hoping you’ll be able to blog from ET! (And hoping you just might get to hold my little guy while you are there too). This is CRAZY exciting! SO thrilled for all of you!

Jenn

Dawn - June 8, 2010 - 8:19 pm

Have I stated how incredibly excited I am for you???? WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Can’t wait to see him in your arms! Your husband is brave, and AWESOME!!!

Melanie Strobel - June 8, 2010 - 9:14 pm

We are sooo excited for all of you- especially Isaac. He is coming home!

natali - June 8, 2010 - 10:59 pm

i’m so so excited for you guys & for isaac! woohoooOO!! hang on little guy, you’re momma is comin’! ๐Ÿ˜€

Lisa - June 9, 2010 - 3:20 am

hey there, I have been loving being blessed by seeing God’s power in each of your posts. I am so thankful to God that he’s using you and your family to be instruments of change for good in Isaac’s life. I love reading your blog (tho’ almost never comment, as I read it in a reader, tho’ would love to comment much more). I’m the one from Aussie-land who posed all those kid’s devotionals questions to you all those months ago, and they’re going great, thanks for the ideas. Well, now we’re back in Thailand where we’re missionaries, so I’m sending up prayers for you all from over here. God keeps on blessing!

marci - June 9, 2010 - 11:50 am

Tears in my eyes. Last looking at the stars last night I was wondering if Isaac sees the same stars …how blest this liitle one is to be coming home to your family. The love is strong because your trust and foundation is in Christ Jesus.

amy beyer - June 9, 2010 - 11:44 pm

my eyes are filled with tears!! your love for your 4 darlings is felt through each word you write!!! xoxo

Tiffany - June 11, 2010 - 4:26 pm

What wonderful news!!!! I get updates from your sister when I run into her, but now that school is over, it has been less frequently. How amazing that your baby boy will be home in just a few weeks. I will pray that your adjustment is as smooth as can be and that God provides the needed patience and stamina as you love this little one. Caleb was 9 months when we got him and he is still very fearful of strangers. The adjustment was a bit difficult, but after almost 4 months, he is doing beautifully. It is so wonderful to hear that Isaac is gaining weight…and also that he is fussy. ๐Ÿ™‚ Really, I think that is such a good sign. Many times the Ethiopian caregivers mislabel “emotionally shut-down” for “happy and content.” The fact that he is voicing his opinion is very healthy I think. I can’t wait to see pictures!

WE HAVE TRAVEL DATES!

Sorry for the ALL CAPS title…but I’m squealing and doing everything except wetting my pants! We are busily working on finding the best flight NOW:). We will arrive in Addis by June 26th (may get there a few days early) and we’ll have Isaac in our arms on June 27th!!! Our embassy appointment is on […]

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Catherine Besk - June 7, 2010 - 1:13 pm

What Joy! Congratulations! We are rejoicing with you!

Lara - June 7, 2010 - 1:23 pm

Woooo hooo! Your blog has made me realize just how much waiting is involved in adoption!

emily - June 7, 2010 - 1:41 pm

Praise the Lord. I will be there just before you! What wonderful news.

Amy @ Filled With Praise - June 7, 2010 - 1:54 pm

YAY!!!! Jumping up and down for you girl!!!!
Keep me updated.
Love,
Amy

Jenny - June 7, 2010 - 2:08 pm

i can’t say YAY enough! so happy for you guys!

Jennifer - June 7, 2010 - 2:10 pm

So amazing!!! CONGRATS!!! Praying for great ticket deals as I type!
Jenny

Brittany - June 7, 2010 - 2:34 pm

So happy for you guys!!!

Kristin - June 7, 2010 - 2:35 pm

This made MY day Andrea so I’m sure it’s 1000000+ more times making yours!!! So excited for you!

Dawn - June 7, 2010 - 2:38 pm

OH MY!!!!!!!!!!!!! SOOOOO EXCITED FOR YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Kristy Filbrun - June 7, 2010 - 3:10 pm

I am smiling ๐Ÿ™‚ Praise God!!!!!

Julie Bennett - June 7, 2010 - 3:19 pm

What great news! Thanks for sharing and allowing us to rejoice and laugh (glad you didn’t wet your pants!) with you.
Julie

Alison - June 7, 2010 - 3:30 pm

YAY!!!!! So excited for ya’ll!!! Oh my goodness, that is just wonderful news!! Rejoicing with ya’ll!! ๐Ÿ™‚

Kelley Brown - June 7, 2010 - 3:31 pm

YAY!!!!!!! Oh Andrea, this news brought chill bumps and tears! I can’t wait to see pics of Isaac in your arms!!!!!

I am so sorry that I’ve been MIA lately…two toddlers are giving me a run for my money. ๐Ÿ™‚ So my blog reading is limited, but I’ve been trying to keep up with your posts on FB. I will be praying and checking the blog faithfully now as you prepare to travel and bring your son home!! Praise God!!!!!!!!!!!!

Much love,
Kelley

Karen - June 7, 2010 - 3:55 pm

YAY GOD!! I am soooo excited for you!! WHAT great news!! ๐Ÿ™‚ ๐Ÿ™‚

Angela - June 7, 2010 - 4:04 pm

So so excited for you!!! Love to “hear” your excitement through your blog!

Jenn - June 7, 2010 - 4:13 pm

Oh man I am late to the party!!! Just got back from a long afternoon downtown at some medical appointments, hopped on the listserv and saw your announcement! Like I said there…MADE MY DAY! Rejoicing with you my friend!!!!

Jenn

Rebecca Harley - June 7, 2010 - 4:17 pm

Yippee!!!! We are all jumping up and down with joy here – so excited to see him in your arms SOON!!!! (also – if you have time:) can you let me know what airline, etc you chose – I know that we have a lot of time, but I am getting as much info as I can:) Again, beautiful friend – Our God is SSSOOOOOO Good!!!

Shannon - June 7, 2010 - 4:28 pm

YIPEEEEEEEEEEE!!! I was praying for the call to come today!! So happy and over-the-top excited for your family to soon be together….because it’s better that way:)

Jen - June 7, 2010 - 5:07 pm

HOW EXCITING!! Rejoicing with you.

Nikki - June 7, 2010 - 5:28 pm

Yahoo!!! So excited for you all. Now go get that baby! ๐Ÿ™‚

Rebekah - June 7, 2010 - 7:04 pm

So very happy for you and your family! Praise God!!!

Sarah - June 7, 2010 - 7:38 pm

Andrea, Congratulations – so happy for you!!!! I’ve been following your posts and your journey – your blog was forwarded to me by someone in the adoption community (I can’t even remember who now!). I am so happy that you are finally on your way to meet your little man. I have enjoyed your posts and have admired your love of your family, religion and living life. This little man is a lucky one! (We are in the process of waiting ourselves.) All the best for your family and safe traveles to Ethiopia! p.s. loved your stenciling instructions – thanks!

Megan - June 7, 2010 - 8:15 pm

YYYAAAAAYYYYY!!!!!! This literally brought me to tears when I saw it on FB! Congrats!!!!!!!

Britney - June 7, 2010 - 10:32 pm

That is so exciting!!! We will be praying for safe travel!

Kim D. - June 7, 2010 - 10:41 pm

HALLELUJAAAAAAHHHH! I’m so excited for you!!

Bobi Bobbitt - June 7, 2010 - 11:05 pm

Andrea! So excited for you! continue to keep us posted, can’t wait to see sweet Issac!!!!

natali - June 7, 2010 - 11:31 pm

even though i left a comment on fb, i couldn’t help but leave a second one to show just how excited i am for you! woohooOOOO!!!

Kim - June 8, 2010 - 10:23 am

Are you kidding? We fully expect ALL CAPS with the news of this answered prayer!
I cannot wait to see sweet Isaac in his Momma’s arms!
Rejoicing with you from Hong Kong,
Kim

amy beyer - June 8, 2010 - 2:19 pm

dear dear andrea – sending hugs to all 6 of you!!!! always praying with you! xoxo

Chrystal - June 8, 2010 - 2:43 pm

Oh Andrea ๐Ÿ™‚ I am SOOO tickled for you guys!!!!!! YES!!! BEST news *ever*.. I can’t stop smiling from ear to ear, I can only IMAGINE how YOU’RE feeling right now. ๐Ÿ™‚ SO SO happy for you!

Sara - June 9, 2010 - 4:25 am

Thank you, God! I am so happy for you!

Mandi Johnson - June 9, 2010 - 3:26 pm

Praising the Lord for your wonderful news!
Love from a fellow “Christie” supporter,
Mandi

Janera - June 17, 2010 - 5:03 am

Very exciting!! One of my family’s Compassion kids lives in Addis. I know it’s a huge city, but wow! What if you were to meet him! How cool would that be. . .

Love. This. Song.

***PLEASE PAUSE MUSIC ABOVE BEFORE WATCHING/LISTENING…THIS SONG…so sweet!!!*** I heard this song on the radio while cruisin’ in the mini-van this week…and just had to put it to pictures. We were playing all day yesterday outside…blowing bubbles…not saying much at all—and I RAN inside to grab my camera to capture the moment. About 5 years […]

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Kim - June 4, 2010 - 1:10 am

Girl.
You have NO idea how YOU INSPIRE me.
How do you find the time to do it all? Mom extraordinaire. Gifted photographer. Brilliant writer. Adoption advocate. God glorifier. Craft creator. Home maker. Memory catcher. Wonderful wife. Fabulous friend. Wiphan humanitarian.
Is the house next door for sale by any chance? :o)
Love & Blessings from Hong Kong,
Kim

Elle J - June 4, 2010 - 1:15 am

I am married to a photographer and artist ~ I can appreciate all the moments captured on film of your family. Something extra cool when your spouse is the one doing it compared to someone you hire. You truly get the essence of that in which you are looking to preserve. I bet your husband appreciates it greatly too. And that song ~ yes, a definite good one!!

Natali - June 4, 2010 - 1:38 am

i love love love love love love love love love love love love love love love love love love LOVE your heart! And i can’t wait to pour into the children of Mali and show them His love and see what GOD has in store :))

Gini - June 4, 2010 - 8:06 am

That was beautiful! And, oh, I know what you mean about seeing pictures of so many babies and children without mommies and daddies. It just is NOT okay.
~Gini

julie@Flitterbugs - June 4, 2010 - 8:26 am

SO beautiful. I know what you mean about dreaming of the next, and the next, and the next…..! Last night we were outside in the garden. Samuel was picking blackberries and Kenny was chasing the chickens with Landis and Evangeline, and my heart jsut screamed: “There is room for more! So many more children should/could have this!”

Christina - June 4, 2010 - 10:09 am

Oh, that song puts a lump in my throat. Put pictures to it and the tears start flowing! Love you.

Lauren - June 4, 2010 - 10:18 am

Andrea — I’m already dreaming of “her” too… but we’ve got to get Tucker home first… but I’m not done! No where near it! I love the video… precious!

Tammy - June 4, 2010 - 10:47 am

I appreciate all of your work! The photos, the writing, the inspiration, the crafts, ALL of it! Thank you for sharing a glimpse of your life! Amazing!!

Erin Hamilton - June 4, 2010 - 3:13 pm

You really are so talented! I’m similarly reminded each day through my daughter how much fun summertime is.

Received your totally adorable (but not at all necessary) thank you in the mail today. Your newest son is just so cute!! That smile will surely be even bigger (if possible) once he comes home with you.

Deborah - June 4, 2010 - 6:08 pm

Loved, loved, loved this vignette! It captures your family so beautifully! Can’t wait to see more photos of Isaac!!!!!

Melanie Strobel - June 8, 2010 - 8:41 am

This video is stunning! I love all the inspirational stuff you do to encourage others and glorify God. You rock sister! Can you tell us who sings this song. LOVE IT. xox

Happy Memorial Day!

I love traditions…and I especially love traditions that teach our children what the days we celebrate and remember are all about. A few years ago, I told Rich that I wanted to spend days celebrating their true meaning—and Memorial Day is no different. SO…instead of grilling out…instead of going to the lake…we go hear from […]

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Dawn - May 31, 2010 - 7:29 pm

AMEN!! Love your family pic thinking- soon another will be coming home!!!
Have been praying for the mission team!!
Thanking God for all those willing to fight for our rights!!

Natali - May 31, 2010 - 11:24 pm

amen!! ๐Ÿ˜€ Keep training those kiddos of yours in His ways, Andrea! You’re doing a great job :))

marci - June 1, 2010 - 9:06 am

AMen. Just like I wrote on FB…it is not about grilling,it is not about the day off,or lake…it is to REMEMBER our soldiers who gave their life for our FREEDOM and the ones that are still out their to allow us our Freedom of today. My dad-Marine,2 brothers-Marine…1 is at Walter Reed helping wounded soldiers get up and learn to swim ,jog and live ! You are so great to share your passions of life with others…So much the way we have raised our kids. One is at Emory Med school 1st year and one has completed 10th grade at St Pius. Shockley got the Pope John Paul Award at the school…what an honor…using the gifts God has given is honoring God !