Packing, packing, packing

Well, we officially leave next Wednesday. The bags are nearly packed, lessons plans complete at school and instructions given to Grandma. I can't believe it is here...something we have been thinking and praying about for over 2 years. I sometimes still have to remind myself that this is really happening! We couldn't be more excited, anxious, nervous, scared and happy......all rolled in to one. We  thank God every day for these wonderful blessings He has given us. We continue to pray that the girls are ready to join our family and that the boys are ready for this huge new chapter in their lives as well. We will officially be a family of 6 in America on Feb. 12th......we finally made it.

tentative date....

We got an email from our case worker saying that our tentative embassy date is on Feb. 9th!!!! So much to do and we couldn't be more excited. The boys are so excited and can't wait for their new sisters. The room is painted and the shopping spree has begun. We got measurements and we are trying to figure out sizes. Shoes are my biggest worry. Crocs it is, they are a little forgiving and once we are home we can shop for super cute ones. I have officially decided to take 6 1/2 weeks off of school. I am so excited to have that time to spend and bond with them and the boys and start our family of 6.

I am not so good at this...

Wow where do I start!! SO much has happenend up to this point!!! We PASSED court on the 15th of December! Wow what a relief...we really didn't know if it would happen. I was at work and Steve said he would call with the news, so cell phone in pocket I went on with my day of teaching 27 darling little kindergarteners. Well it didn't take long for the call....8:35 cell phone vibrates in my pocket, it is Steve, of course at the noisiest time, lining up to go somewhere! I tell the kids..shhhh, I have to take this, and YES! Good news! I could tell in Steve's voice he was happy! I did a little dance of joy and was off to share the news! I delivered the kids to their class and then went to call my mom. Needless to say, she was thrilled. Steve called everyone else on the list. We received 2 beautiful flower arrangements from the Cabell's and my parents. What an amazing day. I still hav to repeat it sometimes....I have 4 children. God has truely blessed us.

An early Birthday gift.
We were busy all day on the 21st....didn't check email til late that night. I was thrilled to see new pics of the girls and that they had moved from Awassa to Addis! One step closer to bringing them home!

Well here we are on January 5th, no travel dates yet. We did receive new pics of the girls yesterday and thier sizes. The boys are so excited to have their sisters home. They pray for them everyday. I can't wait to see all of my kids in one room.

I will do my best to keep this updated. This adventure in our life is worth writing about.