News Update 7/11

Hopefully by now you've read our BIG news from a couple weeks ago.  If not, you better start there.

A couple small updates.

1.  We just wanted to clarify....yes we do have pictures....no you can't see them.....at least not here.  If you see us in person, we'll gladly show you.  We're not allowed to put pictures of Elias up here until he's officially ours via paperwork.  Please know we're giddy to show you his giant eyes.  When we can we will.  

2.  That being said....if you've already seen a picture of him.....we have new pictures!!!  You should ask to see them.

3.  In our announcement post we explained that the Ethiopian courts shut down for August and September for rainy season.  At the time we were still holding out a little hope that maybe just maybe we could get in before they closed.  Then we more realistically realized the time frame doesn't work....we're not going till October.  In our e-mail tonight we have this news to share.  Our first court date (just paperwork in front of an Ethiopian judge) goes to court July 17 (next Wednesday).  Our agency says that "since they've been slow in writing their acceptance letters, it is too optimistic to think you will be able to travel before court closure a few weeks after that....but really one never knows."  Well to that I say, "I serve a God who specializes in 'too optimistic'".  We know that it's not likely.....BUT.....how awesomely crazy would it be if we had to make a mad dash to Ethiopia in a couple weeks?  I'm willing to take on the stress that would come with a whirlwind trip like that!!!  

4.  We get regular updates on Elias from our agency.  He's a little small for his age....but so were both C and T before they came home.  So what.  They say that he is a delight and plays well with the other kids.  He is walking, running, potty training....and is talking....but no one can understand anything he says.  That's cute and all....but I want him to be doing those things in my house.

Actions for you:
 1.  Would you join with us on Wednesday to pray for the court to clear our paperwork?  Also that if the follow up is suppose to....it'll be pushed through before courts close.  And mostly that we'd have a peace about however that turns out.

2.  While interacting with people both in person and online, we've realized that large groups of people haven't heard our news yet.  Can you help us with that?  Can you spread the word about what's going on with our adoption.  God is moving.  Things are happening.  We begin to see glimpses of light at the end of the tunnel.

As always......thanks for partnering with us in this journey and continuing to pray for us regularly.  We feel it and know you are with us. It means the world to us.  Thanks.