Let the Games Begin!

Adoption the front is slow. Our paperwork is in Ethiopia. We just wait for a referral now. Times keep changing on how fast or how slow they will process the adoptions. We know that God has the very child(ren) picked out and it will be His timing, not any government's timing - no offense intended. So we wait on God.

Meanwhile, my little brother got married. We went home to Ohio. We saw Bryan's family as they came in for David's wedding as well. Tanya was so beautiful, I mean, knock-your-socks-off-bring-out-the-oxygen-tanks gorgeous! It was such a wonderful time. We saw my family, aunts and uncles, cousins, grandparents (although one grandma Skyped into the wedding) and even our dear friends, Tim, Lynn and Rebecca Newbrander. The whole event was God-focused and there was an overwhelming sense of joy in the whole celebration. We even got to fly home with Chuck! Well, David is married and now the "race" is on. Will the Oldest (me) bringing in the first grandchild or will it be Middle Brother David? Kamp's are adopting and Ghysels will be trying for biologicals. All in God's timing (but I still kind of want to be first.) I think the happy couple are planning on a little marriage before children come so hopefully, that will give Bryan and I a leg up in the baby competition! (Sincerely, there is no competition but here's for hoping!)

The Slow Down

Everything must go fast in an international adoption. Compile the paperwork, sign, notarize, certify, witness, or seal each sheet and get it to the country as quick as possible. Everything feels as though it is moving like molasses but you are somehow still running around everywhere, sometimes literally "running" around. We have completed our running. Our paperwork is looking good, the Ethiopian Embassy has reviewed our paperwork in D.C. and now, as of Friday, it will be hand delivered to the government in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, the capital. Now, we wait. From other's stories, we realize that we will not hear anything for a good while, months or years from now.

Speaking of other's stories, my little brother, David Ghysels is marrying a terrific girl, Tanya Leet this weekend. We are so thankful that God brought the two of them together. I look at their story and I remember to never forget that God's plan is as surprising as it is good. If you think about it, talk to God about them, weddings can be overwhelming and young couples often have a growing phase as they start living with each other.