I Love Adoption Shopping!

I love to buy things that I think are fantastic and that benefit someone else, too! What could be better? Let me show you what I got in the mail today......
Isn't it fantastic?! This will be hanging on the wall in my daughter's nursery. I got it from JStudio on Etsy- all of her work is beautiful and the proceeds benefit Kolfe Boys Home in Ethiopia. Jodi is also on the adoption journey, waiting for her referral from Ethiopia. I love Jodi's work, her love for the Lord, and her heart for orphans. This is from her blog:
"The Kolfe Youth Orphanage is a government run orphanage in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. It is located on a garbage dump and is in great need of repair and funds. Kolfe has now been sponsored through Children’s Hopechest. But, the boys of Kolfe are still in great need. They call themselves, The Forgotten Boys of Kolfe. J Studio was created to specifically support the Kolfe Youth Orphanage." I've also ordered a set of note cards that I love- they may hang in the nursery, too! These are two of my favorites....
Be sure to check out her store...you won't be disappointed!

Just tonight, I stumbled on this most fantastic project- Shirts for Shoes through Children's HopeChest. For every shirt that is purchased, an orphan in Ethiopia will get a new shirt and new pair of shoes....can it get any better than that?! 100% of the proceeds benefit Ethipian orphans. These t-shirts are soo cute; I can't wait to wear mine! You can head on over to My Crazy Adoption and click on the Shirts for Shoes button to order yours.

Let me know what you think....or better yet what you ordered! Know of any other great fundraising projects that benefit adoption or orphans....share them!!

I've got a Whopper!

My baby girl is growing! When I got my referral, she weighed only 3 lbs 9 ozs- she was 3 1/2 months old. Today she turns 7 months old and she is up to a whopping 7 lbs 9 ozs!! WHOHOO! She should fit in new born clothes- no preemie clothes at our house! I'm so thankful to know that my little girl is growing, especially in light of her illnesses.

Tonight is clean out the nursery night. It until now it has been my guest room. They're coming tomorrow to pick up the bed that has been in there, lots of clothes that don't fit any more and other junk that has just accumulated in my home. I love getting rid of this much stuff! Mabye by the time I go to bed, there'll be an picture of my giant pile of stuff!

Time to Start Packing!

What thrilling news to find out I will be travelling in just 3 weeks! I can't believe the days until I hold my daughter are so few.....and getting fewer! There will be 10 families from my agency travelling in my group. We will arrive in Addis on Thursday, February 4 and I will meet my sweet daughter on Friday!! Unbelievable!

I have been amazed at how all of this has gone. Turn after turn, I have been reminded of God's faithfulness. He promises in Scripture that He will not leave us as orphans....He has been so true to His word....there is one less orphan- this little girl is coming home, forever. I am so thankful for His care for my daughter during the past months; thankful for His provision in getting her birth family to court; thankful for the nannies who have been lovingly meeting my daughter's needs; thankful that she has had the food and care and medicine that infants need to grow.

I still have to remind myself that all this is REALLY happening. There is still much to do, but it will be so much more fun knowing that my little one is coming home. I can't wait to get my arms around her, bring her home, and then show her precious face to all of you! It seems this journey is, in many ways, just beginning!

Freaking Out.....

BECAUSE I'M TRAVELLING ON FEBRUARY 4TH!!! More tonight...

Thank You!

Thank you so much for your prayers over the last 24 hours. I have felt so much more at peace today, knowing that the God I trust is the same God watching over my little girl in Ethiopia. The God who made her, knows her best, and loves her even more than I do is holding her in His hands....and giving her mommy some "blessed assurrance" that He is in charge. I guess this is just part of my motherhood orientation- Worry and Lost Sleep 101.

It must be hard living in a Developing Country....

I often forget how blessed I am. I often forget that for much of the world, clean water, safety, access to medical care and general good health are not a guarantee....they may even be the exception instead of the rule.

I learned today that my sweet girl in in the hospital,again...she has salmonella.....for the second time in 2 months. From what I've been told, because of the lack of medical care, if you need to see a doctor, you go to the hospital. If you need prescription medicine, you stay in the hospital. Services are just that sparse. I spoke with my agency today and they said they are hopeful she will be discharged soon. One of the care center nannies is staying with her all the time and I am so thankful she has someone to love on her while she is not feeling well.

I'm so heart sick that I'm not there to hold my little girl. I am worried about her health. She was so small and malnourished to begin with....her little body has been through so much. I thinks she just doesn't have much 'reserve tank' to be able to fight off infections. I am so thankful that travel is approaching....I need to get this little one home!

Would you help me by praying for my little one...that she would get well quickly and be kept from any additional health problems. Pray for her caregivers, that they would love her well, especially in these hard days. Pray for the care center staff, that they would be wise and diligent and have the resources to prevent these infections in the future.

Thank you all for journeying with me.

Lots to do in so little time because.......

I PASSED COURT!!! I got the email today from my agency that I passed court in Ethiopia on December 29th. My sweet little girl and I now share the same last name....on legal papers!! I am so thankful to the birth family who took the time to appear at court- had they not, it would have delayed things for a long time. I know that wasn't an easy thing to do. I'm also thankful to my agency, who has been just fantastic. Holy Cow....I'm a mom!!!
I'm hoping to travel in February and bring my little angel home!! Oh, I can't wait to snuggle my little girl and kiss on those cheeks! Praise our good God for his awsome gift!
Coincidentally, my best friend had offered to go with me to register tonight. So off we went to the Babies R Us. Going in, I felt pretty confident I knew what I needed.....that didn't last long. Thank goodness for my experienced mommy friend, Julie who could direct me in the specifics. It's rather overwhelming when you're standing there with the gun, just waiting to shoot something. I managed the Mylicon drops and baby Tylenol all by myself...after that, I needed a LOT of guidance. Still a bit to do, but we got a good chunk of it taken care of. Thanks JG!

In other news.... the Knoxville Marathon, or 1/2 marathon for me, is in 12 weeks! Training started tonight in the 20 degree weather. We finished our first 2 miles in 27 minutes. One training session down, 35 more to go. Could there be a more appropriate way to cap off this adoption journey? I hope my little one likes to ride in a stroller!! Race day is Sunday, March28...wanna join us?!