P.S.....a shout out to all those who are CrzY4oRphAns!

A few more things that I just can't forget to share with ya'll (as my sweet sister in law would say)...If you've got even a  mustard seed  of compassion for the 5 million orphans in Ethiopia alone [yes, you read that correctly], then it's a must that you check out these links below!  There's something that just feels good deep down when you know people are doing the right thing.  I think God uses those times to connect us to His forever desire for us to know Him.  He's got this soft spot for orphans, I know because He tells us that and He refers to you and me as orphans before we come into a relationship with His Son.  So enjoy these next few links that bring us together with others who've caught the wave of standing up for those who need forever families... :)

Some of you might be familiar with Veggie Tales and/or the recording artist Steven Curtis Chapman.  A few weeks ago my mom sent me a link to a new song that Chapman has written.  Even cooler, Veggie Tales has teamed up with him for their new DVD "Its a Meaningful Life" due to be released October 5th.  And their message is about adoption!!  How cool is that?!   Check this out, and I know all you tough guys out there will find this sweet in it's own special way ;)



Shaun Groves was on a trip to Guatemala working with Compassion International, and was moved to write this song in his hotel bathroom!  Music plays such a significant role in our household, and although I can't carry a tune, it sure does have a way of capturing my heart.


In this blogging world it is amazing the way we get to interact with other families who are going through the same process.  We might live hours and hours away, but with the click of my laptop I can instantly welcome myself at their table, just as if we were sitting with coffee and chatting it up.  It's like a community of cheerleaders and family, some are home with their children, others are waiting, still others are still waiting to make that leap into the decision to forever expand their family.  And we all get it.  Tears are shed as we relate to tough moments, exclamation points fill up our comments when we really are bubbling with joy for them, and all the in-betweens that we all experience as we patiently and obediently travel this adventure to our children.  Follow this link to my friend Erica's blog The Road Less Traveled and you won't be disappointed!!  Right now she and her husband, David, are in the midst of raising money to bring home their daughter from ET.  They too are working with Children's Hope International and I just love following her posts and hearing what life is like for that family of 6 :)  Take some time to check out what their latest goal is.  Great things are in store for this family!

Happy Friday and enjoy the weekend!!
Kati

Recap of our Summer 2010

What an exciting past few months we've had.  It is incredible to realize this time last year we didn't even have Ethiopia on our radar!  What started with an introduction at church to a now very close friend via a dear, dear mutual friend, turned into an evening dinner meeting a precious little boy and his parents who the Lord used to open our hearts and minds to what now will be the country where we bring our son home from!  We have fallen in love, IN LOVE with what we know about ET and the immense "family" that we've grown into amongst adoptive families, case workers, social workers, adoption coordinators, soon to be grandmas-grandpas-aunts-and uncles, along with all our blog world friends.  It's just fantastic!  So, to wrap the summer up I thought we'd post some pictures of what we've been up to.  It's been a really fun summer and it's neat to think that we'll have a cutie pie joining us in His timing!  Keep praying for his mommy and daddy in ET--they need protection as the rainy season is wrapping up.  Pray for her health as she carries our son.  Pray for him as he will have a forever place in our son's life.  Have a wonderful week dear friends!

In Christ,

Kati

The last day of our community pool is dedicated to the dogs and Brie had a blast for 2 hours straight!

 Justin working hard on house projects  :)  we make a great team!

 Our home study agency and social worker who have played a big role in our adoption thus far!!

I <3 FedEx.  Thank you for letting a grown woman cry when she couldn't mail off documents.  They must see it all ;)

 Getting friendly with a kind postal worker!  She shared in our joyful news of paper chasing to our baby boy

 Playing guitar for our King...I can't wait for him to have time with his son jammin away and introducing to worship...

 Summer fun over 4th of July weekend with family in town

 (my brother Mike is so clever!)

Spending a summer day out at a local farm--our little guy will be the perfect addition to these adventures!

 Birthday celebrations 

Melkam Addis Amet!  Happy New Year!! On September 11, we celebrated Ethiopia's holiday with a small group of friends. We were all tied together by the common thread of adopting from Ethiopia.  It was an adventure as my friend Allyson and I took over the kitchen with spices and smells that beckoned us to travel beyond those four walls. It was so fun, the food turned out just fine (thanks to 3 beautiful ET children who had no complaints of our first attempts!).