Mitike's Quilt

I've actually had this done for quite a while. I ran into issues finding batting. It's really pricey and all cotton or wool. (Where's Wal-Mart when you need it?) Once I bit the bullet, I got it put together and found it really hard to quilt. The batting is quite thick. It's going to be a LONG process, but worth it!
I also ran out of the main pink material. I knew I'd never be able to find more (it was bought in the States), so I improvised. On one side I put on an Ethiopian map to which I will add the date when we finally complete this arduous process! On the other side I put a flower with her name. I love how it turned out--it's really bright and cheerful, but also very pretty!

Adoption Update

Our case was submitted to court 7 weeks ago. The agency said they did have some news on their Friday, but wanted to clarify something and won't tell us anything. They said we should know something on Monday--makes for a LONG weekend! Thankfully it's Matt's birthday which helps!!

Splash!

Yesterday we went to the Nex mall, enjoyed some awesome Taiwanese food at Din Tai Fung, and then let the kids play in the water area. It was really hot and sunny, but there were nice covered places to sit.
My favorite part was playing with the baby! She NEVER lets me hold her, but today she was happy to do so! (She's LAUGHING--not crying!!) CUTE!

Ana enjoyed getting really wet. Thanks for the swimsuit grandma! The first thing she said was, "Mom it will cover my tummy!" She was very happy with it!

Easter!

Rez. rolls. I had never made these before. The kids liked doing it, but it's key to get the marshmallow sealed inside or it doesn't disappear completely. A couple of them worked! On a funny note Joshua asked his mom where Jesus was. "Is He still in the oven?"

Ana's Easter dress. Finished on Saturday afternoon! I did the pin lines and french knots too. I liked how it turned out except I would have added a belt.

Easter egg hunt. Can you tell we live in the tropics???

They had great fun hiding and hunting for each other (we separated the girls and the boys!) I'm glad we can make these memories!

First Pet

When my good friend Claudia visited she bought her son two small turtles. When she left, she gave the turtles to Ana. We were in India--so we met up with Claudia's mom today to get the two little guys. It would be an understatement to say that Ana is in love with them. She wants to feed them, change their water, let them run around on the floor, etc. We'll see how long it lasts!

Flowers

Shalom has done a fantastic job of planting flowers and flowering trees everywhere. The first view you have coming in is of a row of trees that bloom in white, light and dark purple. It's truly beautiful!
This is the bouquet that they gave Ana after she cut the tape to the new Banana garden. (I have to say that it was pretty funny to see guys walking around picking the flowers for it!) It was lovely!

Ana's favorite purple!

Couldn't resist a perfect bloom all by itself!

Favorite Animals in India

We visited a local home and Ana loved holding the puppies!

Of course, there were tons of cows everywhere!

Here's Ana trying to feed the sheep!

Perhaps the cutest inhabitant at Shalom!

Day 5

This was another work day--so we went out an took pictures...

while everyone else hauled dirt!

India Day 4

Crafting at the Eden school. Here the group was making God's eyes.

This was the youngest group the glued sequins and beads on pins.

One of my favorite pictures!! There are times when I question living overseas as being "good" for my child, but when I see her learning about and enjoying other cultures--it makes it all worth it!

The swing--I would estimate she spent--NO JOKE-- 5-6 HOURS on the swing throughout the week! Of course it was a nice swing--you can go quite high AND there were plenty of willing hands to push!!

India-Day 2 and 3

We did some things other than what the high schoolers do (because of Ana). (This is when they were climbing to the top of the hill--quite steep!!) She got to try to walk a sheep with an uncle's help. It was hilarious to hear her talking to it as it bleated for the other sheep.

We went to church and sang. Two gave their testimonies and the other male sponsor shared from Esther.

Ana had the life trainees eating out of the palm of her hand. Here they are in her "secret tree house" feeding her bear.

These guys don't speak a lot of English, but they sure were good listeners.

We tried to work with the high schoolers on Saturday, BUT Ana wanted to jump into the compost pit, catch flying metal pans (that's how they haul dirt), and generally get in the way. So, we looked elsewhere for things to do. Maybe next year!

India- Day One

I have to say that this was a VERY long day! We were up around 3:30 am. The students were all at the airport early, and after prayer we headed into the terminal. We were all together at the back of the plane. It was great for us because Ana could go around to the students and talk to/bother them for a while!! The students were a great help all week long. They played with, talked to, and swung Ana for countless hours--couldn't done it without them!! I haven't had time to edit pictures, but here's Ana as the center of attention (as usual). This is after we arrived at Yellegiri. They hang the swing especially for her, but the high schoolers enjoy it too! Two of the high school boys loved to swing on their stomachs and see how close they could come to the cement steps. Luckily Ana wasn't interested in replicating that stunt!

The hills are quite high. Even though I've been up there 5 or 6 times the road is still a little scary (think tons of hair pins and no guardrails in a BIG bus). As you can see down below it was quite warm, but up in the hills it was pretty nice!

Just before you go up the hill there is a village that makes bricks. They form the bricks, dry them in the sun, and then load up a kiln. I think I was told they stay in for a couple of weeks. This kiln is already mostly unloaded. I'm sure this is the way it's been done for a LONG time here.

We briefly got to visit with the 20 boys that live at the orphanage. They danced for us and we got to give them some small gifts. Too bad that we couldn't stay longer!

We're Off!

Just finishing up a few last things today and we head off to India bright and early tomorrow (have to be at the airport around 5:30 am!!!) I'm really looking forward to this trip. It is always a good reality check and a lesson in Thanksgiving! If God brings us to mind--pray. On Friday we have about 13-14 hours of travel with Ana and 19 high schoolers that had to get up really early! Have a great week!

Frustration

First, let me say that we are so thankful to our agency for taking in the waiting children (that no one else would touch because of the terrible reputation of our previous agency), BUT we are more than a little frustrated with the total lack of communication. We were approximately three weeks into the four week wait for a court date, when we were sent a little e-mail saying that the judge is no longer giving out court dates. That's it--they've probably known for a while. Supposedly the judge is waiting to see what the MOWA is doing. Our whole experience with adoption really makes me want to start an agency that is ethical, with FANTASTIC communication, and not for profit. The Christian agencies are so pricey and our current agency (which runs a fantastic home, keeps costs very low, and champions special needs and older children) doesn't have enough staff to communicate well. Such is life!