Howdy!!!
Since I haven't posted in a while we will take a minute to catch you up.
On Tuesday we woke up and visited our boys who were the most amazing things ever. They have grown alot and are more adorable than ever. they smile and laugh more than I remembered! Taft has 2 little teeth in front, what a fun surprise! How adorable to see him giggle with 2 little pearly white chompers smiling back at you.
After the visit we had lunch outside, 3 plus courses as usual. Then, off to shopping for local infant food to ease the transition, shopping for traditional items, and coffee houses. Tigist took us to the local Korean hospital as well to pay for stool sampling when the boys are back, and we got little poop tubes to drop off and be analyzed before we return. On Monday night, Kelly had a friend over late into the evening chatting with all of us. Her husband and her adopted from Toukoul a couple of years ago, and have returned to Ethiopia on mission work. She told us that the hospital can analyze a dirty diaper for parasites and bacteria and then the boys can be on meds if there are any problems before we go back home. The US is not accustom to testing for the types of issues our boys might have so we wanted to take to opportunity while we are here just in case.
We were home in the afternoon and prepared to go to a traditional restaurant for dinner. We witnessed a cultural wedding in the streets on the way to dinner and then had an amazing dinner. We all sat on little leather stools surrounding a giant injera and ate ourselves crazy, while the ethnic dancers and singers performed for hours. What an amazing culture we have become part of. Too bad Tyler didn't get called on stage to perform this go around. Late that evening we prepared bags and cribs and everything to bring our boys home on Wednesday.
Wednesday we woke up and after a nice crepe breakfast headed to the market for an additional stop for infant food and water. Then we visited he boys for a few hours and were able to give gifts to all 8 of their nannies. We enjoyed an amazing coffee ceremony after lunch, and Wendy made a cake to celebrate Kelly's birthday. Now we have an hour or so to finish our preparation to bring the boys home. We leave to the orphanage in just a bit, and the boys will be ours forever! We look forward to the typical parenting task and sleepless night. God Has blessed our family for sure!
Background
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Monday, September 27, 2010
Arrival
Howdy!!!
We arrived in Addis Ababa last night, after our 3 long flights, the last 16 hour one was a killer for sure. We settled right into the guest house and were greeted by all our old friends from the house last trip, as well as 2 families from America who traveled with us last time. Wow it is great to be "home". We were able to visit for a few hours on the balcony last night when the group broke the news that the orphanage wasn't accepting visitors today because of the Ethiopian Holiday celebrations taking place. What a bummer! We will not be able to see our boys until Tuesday! Therefore, we hired a tour guide to take us to the Portuguese bridge today. the company as well as the beautiful canyons and waterfalls were amazing. We were able to stop and visit a village as well in order to see their way of life. Kelly, our buddy, took pictures of the village last time and had the photos printed to deliver to the people there. They were amazed to see printed pictures of themselves for the first time ever, and I can tell her gift made their day. We have had a great day, as good as it can be not able to visit our little ones. Next we are off to a 1.5 hour Aromatherapy massage!!!! Wooo-hoo! destress time after all this!
We will keep you updated and appreciate your prayers as always! Love yall!
We arrived in Addis Ababa last night, after our 3 long flights, the last 16 hour one was a killer for sure. We settled right into the guest house and were greeted by all our old friends from the house last trip, as well as 2 families from America who traveled with us last time. Wow it is great to be "home". We were able to visit for a few hours on the balcony last night when the group broke the news that the orphanage wasn't accepting visitors today because of the Ethiopian Holiday celebrations taking place. What a bummer! We will not be able to see our boys until Tuesday! Therefore, we hired a tour guide to take us to the Portuguese bridge today. the company as well as the beautiful canyons and waterfalls were amazing. We were able to stop and visit a village as well in order to see their way of life. Kelly, our buddy, took pictures of the village last time and had the photos printed to deliver to the people there. They were amazed to see printed pictures of themselves for the first time ever, and I can tell her gift made their day. We have had a great day, as good as it can be not able to visit our little ones. Next we are off to a 1.5 hour Aromatherapy massage!!!! Wooo-hoo! destress time after all this!
We will keep you updated and appreciate your prayers as always! Love yall!
Friday, September 24, 2010
Blast off
We will try and update our blog while in Ethiopia. We found a little dial-up center last time, so hoping we can make our way over there again. Calling and emailing individuals is just too hard. So please check back for how things are going in Ethiopia here! Love you all, we can feel your prayers lifting up our family already!
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
We Prepare
Thanks to God we are leaving for Ethiopia in a few days. I am thankful that we didn't give into the bad news of the delay and I had a feisty hubby calling and emailing everyone possible at 3am. I could never say we didn't fight for this! All night I was humming the tune "God of Heaven come down, Heaven come down". He did! Praise God for paving our path ahead of us! Our heart breaks for the other families who are not going to be traveling with us. Last night we tried to be happy that the boys will be in our arms in a few days, but we couldn't get over the guilty feeling. While we celebrate, families will still be waiting. The families we traveled with on trip #1 and fell in love with over the weeks.
Now the excitement of preparation, times 2!!!! We are going crazy washing clothes, towels, sheets etc, setting up toys, making homemade babyfood, installing carseats etc...times 2!!!The guys are not even home yet, but they feel like twice the work already. We had the carseats x4 inspected by our fire dept...and go figure an engineer and math/science teacher couldn't do it right. We bought every gadget possible, well 4 of each thing and then come to find out some of those gadgets are safety hazards...ooppps, return please? Then we make 72 tiny little baby foods...and duh freezing causes expansion..didn't cross our mind...until this morning when the lids blew off 72 little tubs! Gotta love first time parenthood, yet we are loving every minute of it!
Friday, September 17, 2010
Heart break
Yesterday we received news that our Embassy date would be pushed back 2 additional weeks and worst case scenario up to 4 because the US Embassy is relocating. We cried, prayed, cried more. Then we got active....
We contacted every person at the US Embassy possible, senators, governors, etc to get to the root of everything. Come to find out there was more to the story and our case has not been handled the way we assumed it was. As of now the documents are being hand delivered on Monday and we are hoping we should still be able to fly out next week, and attend the original appointment. When you mess with a Johnson, you mess with fire. We were not about to accept another delay getting the busy home with out a fight. We were up at 2:00am, since the hours are so far ahead in Ethiopia trying to take care of matters.
We are praying for a miracle!!!! Waiting another 2-4 weeks would break our heart and be so hard physically and emotionally on all involved, particularly our tiny babies. Join us in prayer for a quick safe journey.
We contacted every person at the US Embassy possible, senators, governors, etc to get to the root of everything. Come to find out there was more to the story and our case has not been handled the way we assumed it was. As of now the documents are being hand delivered on Monday and we are hoping we should still be able to fly out next week, and attend the original appointment. When you mess with a Johnson, you mess with fire. We were not about to accept another delay getting the busy home with out a fight. We were up at 2:00am, since the hours are so far ahead in Ethiopia trying to take care of matters.
We are praying for a miracle!!!! Waiting another 2-4 weeks would break our heart and be so hard physically and emotionally on all involved, particularly our tiny babies. Join us in prayer for a quick safe journey.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
A Shrine
So we have officially become THOSE PARENTS!!! With albums, huge prints and too many frames to count..we have covered our home with our precious angels! We are so excited to bring them home..the count down continues...2 weeks!!!
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
September 1st
This month, literally in September the boys will be ours for life!!!
Quick update...because of your prayers we were able to find a vessel to take formula to our little Taft! Our attorney is actually visiting the United States from Ethiopia while the courts are closed. He offered to carry back loads of it and take it straight to the orphanage for us! Praise God!!! Thank you for all your help and conacts to help us feed our little man!
Just 23 more school days....WOOHOO!!!! Oh we forgot to mention, yes I am back at school. My campus hired me back until we leave for Ethiopia and I can officially be a stay at home mom. I am officially a Mentor Teacher, responsible for teaching newcomer teachers the ropes of teaching, lesson prep, intruction, active parcipation, etc. So for a few weeks longer I am teaching teachers how to be teachers. The position is not just an honor and flattering, but thankfully makes the days fly by, meaning we are that much closer to travel dates!!!
Quick update...because of your prayers we were able to find a vessel to take formula to our little Taft! Our attorney is actually visiting the United States from Ethiopia while the courts are closed. He offered to carry back loads of it and take it straight to the orphanage for us! Praise God!!! Thank you for all your help and conacts to help us feed our little man!
Just 23 more school days....WOOHOO!!!! Oh we forgot to mention, yes I am back at school. My campus hired me back until we leave for Ethiopia and I can officially be a stay at home mom. I am officially a Mentor Teacher, responsible for teaching newcomer teachers the ropes of teaching, lesson prep, intruction, active parcipation, etc. So for a few weeks longer I am teaching teachers how to be teachers. The position is not just an honor and flattering, but thankfully makes the days fly by, meaning we are that much closer to travel dates!!!
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Trip #1 Report
Howdy!!!
We promised to give a brief synopsis of everything we did in Ethiopia on trip #1. Our journal has page after page of details, emotions, taste, smells, etc...All of which would overload our blog and is too personal to share. Therefore, we will give a little outline of all that was done trip #1:
July 31st-2nd..Lost one day flying east
We parked at Steve's and he so generously took us to the airport at 2:00am, flew from PHX to Chicago, Chicago to Frankfurt and then to Addis. Upon arrival we got Visas, exchanged dollars for Birr, were met and escorted to the guest house, fed a gourmet dinner and then try to sleep before next morning of meeting boys.
August 3rd
Met Zeke and Taft for the first time..PRAISE GOD! It was love, blessings and joy at first glance. We never imagined the overwhelming emotions we would experience. The boys are a gift from God he has trusted us with raising, providing for and growing to be disciple in Him. They were beautiful, healthy, funny and AMAZING!!! We then went to the attorney's office to complete Embassy paperwork, and prepare for the court interview. We met privately to discuss if the biological family was able to testify before court. Thankfully he made the 12 hour journey to court to agree to the adoption, and therefore there is no red tape waiting for us at court. We shopped and ate like crazy, just adoring the other families who are spending their journey with us as well.
August 4th
Another long and fabulous visit with the boys! We traveled to Entoto mountain and visited a museum, church, beautiful countryside touring.
August 5th
Court Day!
We spend FORVER ironing and getting spiffy! Then we all head to court and wait in the courthouse to be called. Several families before us had hard news and need additional paperwork or biological family meetings, so our hearts were racing. We were called, and what seemed to be a super model was the judge, who interviewed us with both our attorney and director at our side. At the end she said "You contract is approved", aka "You are Parents of Taft and Zeke"!!! We walked out and burst into tears of joy! After court we met with the pediatrician and asked all the questions ever imagined. They brought the boys in for us to hold and explain our concerns. She answered everything as we had hoped they are healthy and happy. Tigist, told us our little guy was her favorite, and let us stay long after our appointment to play with them. We felt guilty since the other families did not get to see their children, so after a while sent them back with the Nanny. We went to a dinner-dance-singing type place with the whole group to celebrate court approval. We at traditional food, drank honey wine, were entertained, and the dancers then came out into the crowd to get the audience to do this crazy dance with them. The dancer must have thought Tyler was the best, because next thing you know he is having a dance off with the lead dancer..He was awarded a little coffee pot trophy! The celebration lasted late into the night...we had a lot to be excited about!
August 6th
Early morning we drive to Arba Minch, stopping to eat several times along the way. We are in an off roading vehicle since there are not paved roads most of the way. I imagined gravel roads..NO...like paths cut through the country side, with boulders, rivers, trees, ETC! We have never been anywhere like that. We enjoyed watching the country side and peoples way of life. We stopped at a village compound and had a tour of how the build their homes, cook, eat, play music, sew, dance, etc. This time must have been my dancing opportunity. The kids pulled me out into the tribe and one of their leaders danced their traditional dances with me, eventually crowning me with a leopard fur over my shoulders! We arrived at the hotel which had all glass on one side overlooking the lakes and mountain side, and the baboons would come right up to the window.
August 7th
We went on a boat ride/hike/African safari and saw hippos, crocodiles, chased after Zebra(they were like 15 feet away)..And really saw the beauties of where are boys are from. The guide though I had a fake arm because of my fake nails and scar on my wrist, thought our granola bars were "stone" that breaks teeth and cracked us up the entire time. Then, we went to the local orphanage the boys were first admitted to. The director and her son let us see documents of when the boys were first admitted, and in broken English hugged each of us and called us her "Family"..Tears amongst the whole group at that point. We showed them current pictures and they all went bonkers excited to see how big and healthy they are. They explained the situation with Zeke's mom passing away during childbirth and what cemetery she is buried at. The director took us to the inn where Taft was found, and the keeper remembered the room he was in, what the mom looked like and everything...once again tears of thankfulness that we can share the info with our kids, and that we know their history. The director explained the boys are from different tribes and that is why they look so different, so we bought the scarves from the local villagers of the correct colors and style for each boy.
August 8th
We drove to Hawassa, the roads were even crazier than the days before hand. We enjoyed the sunset and avocado drinks overlooking the lake at the Haille hotel, then a five star Ethiopian dinner there as well too.
August 9th
We started the day at the fish market, which was heartbreaking and interesting all at once. The millions of mosquitoes from the evening before were being spent at the hotel into piles...piles that filled huge trash cans...I mean millions! Thankfully we have been using our nets at night and spray during the day...I feel for the locals and the danger they face. We visited the SOS EE Hawassa center, Meke Center and then the new center Gelan. The differences in the centers were remarkable how they have improved. Many of the children were HIV positive but on ART treatment to flip it. Gelan is like Americanized with running water, dorms, toys, playgrounds, etc...The direction SOS EE is moving is remarkable. We get back to the guest house in time to visit departing families that night.
August 10th
Again Wendy took us shopping for scarves, music, knives, etc. He is a wonderful man! Like a tour guide, driver, body guard, translator..all in one! After lunch we visited the boys for the last time. Heartbreaking but enjoyable! We fall more in love each day! They have such distinct personalities, like and dislikes, yet are so protective of each other. God has blessed our family of 4 abundantly. Back at the guest house we ate, showered, packed, said our goodbyes and headed off for our midnight flight out.
August 11th
We continue to travel, poor Tyler is sicker than sick. We keep saying get the illness part over this trip, so that we can be healthy with 2 little men on trip #2. Steve picks us up, bless his heart, we looked pretty sick and raggedy at this point. We finally head back to Tucson, as parents of the most precious gifts we could ever imagine being blessed with!!!!
We promised to give a brief synopsis of everything we did in Ethiopia on trip #1. Our journal has page after page of details, emotions, taste, smells, etc...All of which would overload our blog and is too personal to share. Therefore, we will give a little outline of all that was done trip #1:
July 31st-2nd..Lost one day flying east
We parked at Steve's and he so generously took us to the airport at 2:00am, flew from PHX to Chicago, Chicago to Frankfurt and then to Addis. Upon arrival we got Visas, exchanged dollars for Birr, were met and escorted to the guest house, fed a gourmet dinner and then try to sleep before next morning of meeting boys.
August 3rd
Met Zeke and Taft for the first time..PRAISE GOD! It was love, blessings and joy at first glance. We never imagined the overwhelming emotions we would experience. The boys are a gift from God he has trusted us with raising, providing for and growing to be disciple in Him. They were beautiful, healthy, funny and AMAZING!!! We then went to the attorney's office to complete Embassy paperwork, and prepare for the court interview. We met privately to discuss if the biological family was able to testify before court. Thankfully he made the 12 hour journey to court to agree to the adoption, and therefore there is no red tape waiting for us at court. We shopped and ate like crazy, just adoring the other families who are spending their journey with us as well.
August 4th
Another long and fabulous visit with the boys! We traveled to Entoto mountain and visited a museum, church, beautiful countryside touring.
August 5th
Court Day!
We spend FORVER ironing and getting spiffy! Then we all head to court and wait in the courthouse to be called. Several families before us had hard news and need additional paperwork or biological family meetings, so our hearts were racing. We were called, and what seemed to be a super model was the judge, who interviewed us with both our attorney and director at our side. At the end she said "You contract is approved", aka "You are Parents of Taft and Zeke"!!! We walked out and burst into tears of joy! After court we met with the pediatrician and asked all the questions ever imagined. They brought the boys in for us to hold and explain our concerns. She answered everything as we had hoped they are healthy and happy. Tigist, told us our little guy was her favorite, and let us stay long after our appointment to play with them. We felt guilty since the other families did not get to see their children, so after a while sent them back with the Nanny. We went to a dinner-dance-singing type place with the whole group to celebrate court approval. We at traditional food, drank honey wine, were entertained, and the dancers then came out into the crowd to get the audience to do this crazy dance with them. The dancer must have thought Tyler was the best, because next thing you know he is having a dance off with the lead dancer..He was awarded a little coffee pot trophy! The celebration lasted late into the night...we had a lot to be excited about!
August 6th
Early morning we drive to Arba Minch, stopping to eat several times along the way. We are in an off roading vehicle since there are not paved roads most of the way. I imagined gravel roads..NO...like paths cut through the country side, with boulders, rivers, trees, ETC! We have never been anywhere like that. We enjoyed watching the country side and peoples way of life. We stopped at a village compound and had a tour of how the build their homes, cook, eat, play music, sew, dance, etc. This time must have been my dancing opportunity. The kids pulled me out into the tribe and one of their leaders danced their traditional dances with me, eventually crowning me with a leopard fur over my shoulders! We arrived at the hotel which had all glass on one side overlooking the lakes and mountain side, and the baboons would come right up to the window.
August 7th
We went on a boat ride/hike/African safari and saw hippos, crocodiles, chased after Zebra(they were like 15 feet away)..And really saw the beauties of where are boys are from. The guide though I had a fake arm because of my fake nails and scar on my wrist, thought our granola bars were "stone" that breaks teeth and cracked us up the entire time. Then, we went to the local orphanage the boys were first admitted to. The director and her son let us see documents of when the boys were first admitted, and in broken English hugged each of us and called us her "Family"..Tears amongst the whole group at that point. We showed them current pictures and they all went bonkers excited to see how big and healthy they are. They explained the situation with Zeke's mom passing away during childbirth and what cemetery she is buried at. The director took us to the inn where Taft was found, and the keeper remembered the room he was in, what the mom looked like and everything...once again tears of thankfulness that we can share the info with our kids, and that we know their history. The director explained the boys are from different tribes and that is why they look so different, so we bought the scarves from the local villagers of the correct colors and style for each boy.
August 8th
We drove to Hawassa, the roads were even crazier than the days before hand. We enjoyed the sunset and avocado drinks overlooking the lake at the Haille hotel, then a five star Ethiopian dinner there as well too.
August 9th
We started the day at the fish market, which was heartbreaking and interesting all at once. The millions of mosquitoes from the evening before were being spent at the hotel into piles...piles that filled huge trash cans...I mean millions! Thankfully we have been using our nets at night and spray during the day...I feel for the locals and the danger they face. We visited the SOS EE Hawassa center, Meke Center and then the new center Gelan. The differences in the centers were remarkable how they have improved. Many of the children were HIV positive but on ART treatment to flip it. Gelan is like Americanized with running water, dorms, toys, playgrounds, etc...The direction SOS EE is moving is remarkable. We get back to the guest house in time to visit departing families that night.
August 10th
Again Wendy took us shopping for scarves, music, knives, etc. He is a wonderful man! Like a tour guide, driver, body guard, translator..all in one! After lunch we visited the boys for the last time. Heartbreaking but enjoyable! We fall more in love each day! They have such distinct personalities, like and dislikes, yet are so protective of each other. God has blessed our family of 4 abundantly. Back at the guest house we ate, showered, packed, said our goodbyes and headed off for our midnight flight out.
August 11th
We continue to travel, poor Tyler is sicker than sick. We keep saying get the illness part over this trip, so that we can be healthy with 2 little men on trip #2. Steve picks us up, bless his heart, we looked pretty sick and raggedy at this point. We finally head back to Tucson, as parents of the most precious gifts we could ever imagine being blessed with!!!!
Sunday, August 22, 2010
August 22nd, 2010
Howdy!!!
I know we haven't posted in forever. Life has been flying by! We are officially going to Ethiopia on September 24th and by Sept 30th will have the boys in our arms forever! We will then return home on October 1st and be the Johnson Family of 4!
We promise to post more about our travels through the villages of Ethiopia and our time in Addis Ababa!
On another note...We would be blessed to have your help!!!!....
Taft has a reaction to the formula he is being fed and now that we have legal custody can send formula to the orphanage with other familes to leave for him. We were hoping we could find another family leaving to Addis immediately, but have not been so lucky. If anyone knows of any families, with any agency, gouing to the Toukoul orphanage is the near future we would do anything, absolutelt anything, to be able to send a few weeks worth of specialized formula with them. We have exhausted all other opportunities and seem to be grasping at air now, but you never know. Gos provides is some strange ways!
I know we haven't posted in forever. Life has been flying by! We are officially going to Ethiopia on September 24th and by Sept 30th will have the boys in our arms forever! We will then return home on October 1st and be the Johnson Family of 4!
We promise to post more about our travels through the villages of Ethiopia and our time in Addis Ababa!
On another note...We would be blessed to have your help!!!!....
Taft has a reaction to the formula he is being fed and now that we have legal custody can send formula to the orphanage with other familes to leave for him. We were hoping we could find another family leaving to Addis immediately, but have not been so lucky. If anyone knows of any families, with any agency, gouing to the Toukoul orphanage is the near future we would do anything, absolutelt anything, to be able to send a few weeks worth of specialized formula with them. We have exhausted all other opportunities and seem to be grasping at air now, but you never know. Gos provides is some strange ways!
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Court Day!!!
Howdy!
We have now been in Ethiopia for several days and have pages and pages full of information, photos, and videos to share, yet not enough time and desire to post in a little internet cafe in Ethiopia.
We have been able to visit the boys twice now.....LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT!!! They are the most amazing little kiddos we could have ever dreamed of. We think back to those positive pg tests, and realize the excitement is only a percentage of what we felt when we laid our eyes and hands on the boys. They are so sweet and fun! They are full of giggles and smiles and love to play. They are super tiny, and have a distict Ethiopian smell. We love to absorb every second we have with them, and then back at the guest house watch the videos over and over again!
Today was court and we were all dressed up and ready for business. Our attorney and families all met at the court house and were seen by the judge. We met privately with the attorney on Tuesday with concerns about Zeke's father and the paperwork that had yet to be completed by him. Remarkably he had made the 10 hour travel last week in order to give his consent for us to adopt his little angel. What a miracle! So today we were interviewed by the judge for an understanding of our reasonsing behind adopting the boys. We were nervous and shaking, but at the end the judge said, "Your contract is approved!!!" Praise God!!!! Everyone heard different remarks finalizing so we were concerned, but our director explained to me that meant we have custody of the boys!!!! Taft and Zeke now are offically Johnson Boys!!!
We will share about all our tarvels in the days and weeks to come, we just appreciate all the prayers that were lifted for our day in court and couldn't help but take a moment to let everyone know that court went great!
Now we have some celebrating, meeting with the pediatrician, travel to Arba Minch to see the boy's first home and then we will be able to share more in the future. We promise details will follow when we are back in the boring life of American Johnsons!
Love yall and God Bless!!!
We have now been in Ethiopia for several days and have pages and pages full of information, photos, and videos to share, yet not enough time and desire to post in a little internet cafe in Ethiopia.
We have been able to visit the boys twice now.....LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT!!! They are the most amazing little kiddos we could have ever dreamed of. We think back to those positive pg tests, and realize the excitement is only a percentage of what we felt when we laid our eyes and hands on the boys. They are so sweet and fun! They are full of giggles and smiles and love to play. They are super tiny, and have a distict Ethiopian smell. We love to absorb every second we have with them, and then back at the guest house watch the videos over and over again!
Today was court and we were all dressed up and ready for business. Our attorney and families all met at the court house and were seen by the judge. We met privately with the attorney on Tuesday with concerns about Zeke's father and the paperwork that had yet to be completed by him. Remarkably he had made the 10 hour travel last week in order to give his consent for us to adopt his little angel. What a miracle! So today we were interviewed by the judge for an understanding of our reasonsing behind adopting the boys. We were nervous and shaking, but at the end the judge said, "Your contract is approved!!!" Praise God!!!! Everyone heard different remarks finalizing so we were concerned, but our director explained to me that meant we have custody of the boys!!!! Taft and Zeke now are offically Johnson Boys!!!
We will share about all our tarvels in the days and weeks to come, we just appreciate all the prayers that were lifted for our day in court and couldn't help but take a moment to let everyone know that court went great!
Now we have some celebrating, meeting with the pediatrician, travel to Arba Minch to see the boy's first home and then we will be able to share more in the future. We promise details will follow when we are back in the boring life of American Johnsons!
Love yall and God Bless!!!
Thursday, July 29, 2010
The thrill of the wait...
We are seriously in one of the busiest weeks ever, we have yet to see each other before 9 pm this week. Which surprisingly make the time until we hold our boys go faster than we ever imagined. We will soon be packing and kissing the US goodbye setting our sights on Ethiopia. We specifically ask for prayers for health, travel, blessed time visiting our children, and a smooth court process. We want to make the most of every second we have with Taft and Zeke while we can visit, and are worried about the court case being processed smoothly. Several people have hit a little pump and had their case postponed. Prayers the Johnson boys do not hit that bump in the road. Our excitement is only building!!!
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
The count down begins...
Howdy!!! We are thrilled beyond thrilled to be counting down the days. We realize our flight is at 6 am and they wants us there 3-4 hours early, and we live 2 hours from the airport..so lets just agree that will be one crazy day and hopefully not super crabby mom and dad!One of my dear friends father passed away and so she asked me to sub for her this whole week. I took the job as crazy as that is, to keep my mind our of counting down too Ethiopia too much! I might drive myself looney if I wasn't super busy this week! The echo cardiogram was on Friday for my heart, so since I haven't gotten a call to discuss results I assume we won't know anything until we return from the trip. My heart might explode in Ethiopia..not because of this crazy condition..but because it is overflowing with love for Taft and Zeke!Please pray court goes smooth! We got a "disclaimer" email that is the court needs more info for our case it could be delayed. We won't have to return to Ethiopia for it, but it will just add time until the boys come home. We truth that God is paving the path before us and pray for His will of our family uniting! Love yall!!!
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
July 21st, 2010
Howdy!!!
Today is the boys half birthday!!! Happy half birthday to Zeke and Taft!!!
A blessing to share...after pinching and saving the Gift of adoption fund has blessed our family with $1500 which we will put toward travel cost for trip #2!!! I almost cried when I read the email, granted $1500 is a drop in the adoption bucket, but I would have been thrilled with $15, knowing it was money I didn't have before, and money God has provided to continue our journey to bring our Taft and Zeke home!
I look forward to staying connected with GOA and donating toward the adoption of another family in the future!
www.giftofadoption.org
Today is the boys half birthday!!! Happy half birthday to Zeke and Taft!!!
A blessing to share...after pinching and saving the Gift of adoption fund has blessed our family with $1500 which we will put toward travel cost for trip #2!!! I almost cried when I read the email, granted $1500 is a drop in the adoption bucket, but I would have been thrilled with $15, knowing it was money I didn't have before, and money God has provided to continue our journey to bring our Taft and Zeke home!
I look forward to staying connected with GOA and donating toward the adoption of another family in the future!
www.giftofadoption.org
Monday, July 19, 2010
July 19th, 2010
Howdy!
Wow! All the official travel arrangements have been made and in less then 2 weeks we will be on our way to Ethiopia to hold our sons for the first time ever! We have tickets in hand, lodging booked, driver hired, travel guided booked..done and done! Now the adventure begins and the Journey takes Flight!!! We are thrilled to be getting packing and travel supplies together and preparing for the big day. Thank you for all your support and prayers. Just yesterday during worship at church I realized the vast amount of people we have backing us emotionally and more importantly through prayer. With out each of you we would not be the people we are today, travelign to meet our little men we have all prayed for years for! We will keep you updated!
Wow! All the official travel arrangements have been made and in less then 2 weeks we will be on our way to Ethiopia to hold our sons for the first time ever! We have tickets in hand, lodging booked, driver hired, travel guided booked..done and done! Now the adventure begins and the Journey takes Flight!!! We are thrilled to be getting packing and travel supplies together and preparing for the big day. Thank you for all your support and prayers. Just yesterday during worship at church I realized the vast amount of people we have backing us emotionally and more importantly through prayer. With out each of you we would not be the people we are today, travelign to meet our little men we have all prayed for years for! We will keep you updated!
Saturday, July 10, 2010
July 10th, 2010
Howdy!!!
Well we have ALOT to update everyone on!! Whoop!
On the 8th the adoption director called to have a conversation with us that basically ended with "we have no idea what will happen" We all hoped for good news in the next few days but had no idea.
Then the 9th rolls around....our wedding anniversary!!! I am driving down the street with a car full of family in Ruidoso, New Mexico and we get a phone call. I answer and it is the director again, less than 12 hours since we last chatted! She says we have a court date and the car literally stops moving in the middle of the street, while I hold my breath. She says August 5th we will appear. We need to be in Ethiopia August 1st, and that week will claim Taft and Zeke members of the Johnson Family! The 5th is the Thursday before the closing begins on Friday the 6th for the holidays beginning on the 9th. Wow, we made it in by the hair on our chinny chin chin! The week following court we will travel to the boys village. We both just broke down in tears crying in excitement!
The director also talked about how she thinks the embassy appointment might be fast tracked as well to, she was predicting sometime mid-September to return to Ethiopia and bring our boys home forever!
Our Gos is great and sovereign, we have learned over and over again to cast our fears and worries upon HIM! He is great and more powerful than any "problem" we face! We are thrilled to travel in less than 3 weeks, and pray for a smooth hearing and travel, plus quick return to pick up Taft and Zeke!
July 9th, not only our anniversary, but one of the greatest days in our life to date...knowing the day we will proclaim Taft and Zeke are the sons God created for the Johnson family!
Well we have ALOT to update everyone on!! Whoop!
On the 8th the adoption director called to have a conversation with us that basically ended with "we have no idea what will happen" We all hoped for good news in the next few days but had no idea.
Then the 9th rolls around....our wedding anniversary!!! I am driving down the street with a car full of family in Ruidoso, New Mexico and we get a phone call. I answer and it is the director again, less than 12 hours since we last chatted! She says we have a court date and the car literally stops moving in the middle of the street, while I hold my breath. She says August 5th we will appear. We need to be in Ethiopia August 1st, and that week will claim Taft and Zeke members of the Johnson Family! The 5th is the Thursday before the closing begins on Friday the 6th for the holidays beginning on the 9th. Wow, we made it in by the hair on our chinny chin chin! The week following court we will travel to the boys village. We both just broke down in tears crying in excitement!
The director also talked about how she thinks the embassy appointment might be fast tracked as well to, she was predicting sometime mid-September to return to Ethiopia and bring our boys home forever!
Our Gos is great and sovereign, we have learned over and over again to cast our fears and worries upon HIM! He is great and more powerful than any "problem" we face! We are thrilled to travel in less than 3 weeks, and pray for a smooth hearing and travel, plus quick return to pick up Taft and Zeke!
July 9th, not only our anniversary, but one of the greatest days in our life to date...knowing the day we will proclaim Taft and Zeke are the sons God created for the Johnson family!
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
July 5th, 2010
Howdy!
Since we just passed the 4th..we can't forget to say God Bless America!
We have been too busy that I apologize for not posting sooner. Just a few days after my surgery I went to Las Vegas, girls only trip with 7 other Texas Ladies..plenty of fun and silliness between the 8 of us! From Vegas I flew straight to San Antonio and was able to visit friends and family we haven't seen in months. We ate plenty of good food, traveled all over TX visiting, and my family and friends even threw us an adoption party to celebrate our boys and shower them with nice gifts. Wow it was wonderful! The best gift was a video...one of my best girlfriends videoed each of the guests at the party introducing themselves to Taft and Zeke. We are thrilled to show the boys their friends and family before they have the opportunity to meet them in person. We cant wait for them to start recognizing faces and putting names with them. From Tx we drove back to AZ with Mom int he back seat as well. We returned a family of 3! Mom and I have worked to get everything ready for Taft and Zeke and explore AZ..last few times with out 2 little ones, so trying to make the most of family time. We were given word that we should know something about court soon. We were told first families should know something this week and they are still hopeful to squeeze us in before Aug 9th. We are trying to make plans for the next few months of our life and need to have a court date in order to do so. We looked at the calendar and if we make it by Aug then the boys will be max of 8 months when they are home, or a max of 9.5 if we miss the Aug deadline. We believe our God is in control and we have given our lives to Him. Now we just wait to see the plan he has for us. We are hopeful for making it in before Aug 9th. We assumed by now we would have been to Ethiopia and back. But these new laws are throwing us for a loop. Now instead of preparing for our 2nd trip to Africa, we are still waiting to hear about our 1st trip there. Normally we are very calm and have truck loads of patience, but knowing our boys are in an orphanage growing up with out us is heart breaking. We just got new pictures and info on the boys as well. Zeke weighs in a 11 pounds, and Taft at 13. And.....drum roll please......Taft can roll over! Bittersweet..we are missing milestones, but developmentally he is surely holding his own! If you would like our new photos shoot us an email at tylerandnikki@cox.net. In all the hustle and bustle we forget who has and who has not seen them. Thursday we leave for a family reunion in Ruidoso, so things will be a little wild, but if we get word about court...like we should...we will find time to post!
Prayer request...the health of our boys and a court date between now and August 9th!
Since we just passed the 4th..we can't forget to say God Bless America!
We have been too busy that I apologize for not posting sooner. Just a few days after my surgery I went to Las Vegas, girls only trip with 7 other Texas Ladies..plenty of fun and silliness between the 8 of us! From Vegas I flew straight to San Antonio and was able to visit friends and family we haven't seen in months. We ate plenty of good food, traveled all over TX visiting, and my family and friends even threw us an adoption party to celebrate our boys and shower them with nice gifts. Wow it was wonderful! The best gift was a video...one of my best girlfriends videoed each of the guests at the party introducing themselves to Taft and Zeke. We are thrilled to show the boys their friends and family before they have the opportunity to meet them in person. We cant wait for them to start recognizing faces and putting names with them. From Tx we drove back to AZ with Mom int he back seat as well. We returned a family of 3! Mom and I have worked to get everything ready for Taft and Zeke and explore AZ..last few times with out 2 little ones, so trying to make the most of family time. We were given word that we should know something about court soon. We were told first families should know something this week and they are still hopeful to squeeze us in before Aug 9th. We are trying to make plans for the next few months of our life and need to have a court date in order to do so. We looked at the calendar and if we make it by Aug then the boys will be max of 8 months when they are home, or a max of 9.5 if we miss the Aug deadline. We believe our God is in control and we have given our lives to Him. Now we just wait to see the plan he has for us. We are hopeful for making it in before Aug 9th. We assumed by now we would have been to Ethiopia and back. But these new laws are throwing us for a loop. Now instead of preparing for our 2nd trip to Africa, we are still waiting to hear about our 1st trip there. Normally we are very calm and have truck loads of patience, but knowing our boys are in an orphanage growing up with out us is heart breaking. We just got new pictures and info on the boys as well. Zeke weighs in a 11 pounds, and Taft at 13. And.....drum roll please......Taft can roll over! Bittersweet..we are missing milestones, but developmentally he is surely holding his own! If you would like our new photos shoot us an email at tylerandnikki@cox.net. In all the hustle and bustle we forget who has and who has not seen them. Thursday we leave for a family reunion in Ruidoso, so things will be a little wild, but if we get word about court...like we should...we will find time to post!
Prayer request...the health of our boys and a court date between now and August 9th!
Sunday, June 20, 2010
June 20th, 2010
Howdy!
Long time with out posting I know. The busted up arm makes for pretty exciting one handed typing skills, on top of the fact that we haven't been home much. P.S. Running a marathon relay in the 100% humidity of south Texas in the middle of summer is another impossible task with a cast, but for some reason I attempted as well. We do have one concern and prayer request. After much communication and struggles we are waiting on additional documentation from the boys region of origin to reach the capital before a court date can be assigned. Once the documents arrive a preliminary court will be held with existing biological family members and then we will be assigned a court date. The courts close mid Aug for the holidays in Ethiopia. We get 2-3 weeks notice before court. So basically we need to have the documentation and the prelim both within less than a month in order to meet the deadline. We know God's timing will prevail and in the meantime are praying for a court date and for our boys to continue growing in Addis! We will update with future news just wanted to let you all know how much we appreciate your support, prayers, notes, gifts and just true love! Our boys will be thrilled to fall in love with each of you, just how we have done!
Long time with out posting I know. The busted up arm makes for pretty exciting one handed typing skills, on top of the fact that we haven't been home much. P.S. Running a marathon relay in the 100% humidity of south Texas in the middle of summer is another impossible task with a cast, but for some reason I attempted as well. We do have one concern and prayer request. After much communication and struggles we are waiting on additional documentation from the boys region of origin to reach the capital before a court date can be assigned. Once the documents arrive a preliminary court will be held with existing biological family members and then we will be assigned a court date. The courts close mid Aug for the holidays in Ethiopia. We get 2-3 weeks notice before court. So basically we need to have the documentation and the prelim both within less than a month in order to meet the deadline. We know God's timing will prevail and in the meantime are praying for a court date and for our boys to continue growing in Addis! We will update with future news just wanted to let you all know how much we appreciate your support, prayers, notes, gifts and just true love! Our boys will be thrilled to fall in love with each of you, just how we have done!
Friday, June 11, 2010
June 11th, 2010
Howdy!
A few pictures by request. The stroller Memaw, Pepaw and Tyler bought the boys. Yes it is an Internet picture...my arm won't allow me to open the one in the garage. Then a picture of my arm post surgery, then a picture of my casted arm. Tyler called and explained to the doc that it wasn't feasible for me to travel alone in an airplane with that huge contraption, so now we are casted. Just hoping it doesn't heal too fast, because we cant get the stitches and staple out until we return from out of state. Yikes! We printed picture enlargements for the boys to make their photo album for trip #1. We printed labels with names and relationship of each person and then orphanage nannies will read and explain the pictures daily. Now they are off to be laminated and bound with precious rattle/teether toys. Can't wait to be able to give them the pictures. Still on he hunt for the perfect stuffed creature to leave with the boys as well. Maybe TX will have some adorable toy we cant pass up?
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
June 8th, 2010
Howdy!
This past weekend we, along with 1500 Tucsonians ran a night 5k called the TMC Meet me downtown 5k night run/walk. The temperature was 105 degrees at the start of the race so we are thankful to be able to be successful given the heat. How does this tie into our boys you ask? Well there were several families there with our exact stroller. Yes between Pepaw, Memaw and us purchased the Hummer of all strollers. We like to think of the outrageous expense as a price per use purchase. We are thrilled and even test drove about 20 others all across AZ before deciding and biting the bullet! Who would have guessed a double stroller really means triple price. We are excited to run with the boys and support their athletic adventures. We hope to be an example to them of the value we hold for health and exercise.
I just today had surgery on my arm for the joint cyst to be removed. I had no idea I would be lugging around a giant contraption until I can get the stitches and staples out and have a regular cast at that point. Yucky time to travel! Just thankful we could get the surgery performed and have it casted by the time we travel to Ethiopia. Can't imagine holding our boys for the first time with the beat up arm.
Yesterday we had an appointment to complete embassy paperwork and discuss travel. We are thrilled to be onto the next step. Our director said just Friday another agency started to get dates for court hearings. So we are super hopeful to have one super soon. Our attorney said that we all need to chill because it is just now June and he is very optimistic that we will be done by August!
This past weekend we, along with 1500 Tucsonians ran a night 5k called the TMC Meet me downtown 5k night run/walk. The temperature was 105 degrees at the start of the race so we are thankful to be able to be successful given the heat. How does this tie into our boys you ask? Well there were several families there with our exact stroller. Yes between Pepaw, Memaw and us purchased the Hummer of all strollers. We like to think of the outrageous expense as a price per use purchase. We are thrilled and even test drove about 20 others all across AZ before deciding and biting the bullet! Who would have guessed a double stroller really means triple price. We are excited to run with the boys and support their athletic adventures. We hope to be an example to them of the value we hold for health and exercise.
I just today had surgery on my arm for the joint cyst to be removed. I had no idea I would be lugging around a giant contraption until I can get the stitches and staples out and have a regular cast at that point. Yucky time to travel! Just thankful we could get the surgery performed and have it casted by the time we travel to Ethiopia. Can't imagine holding our boys for the first time with the beat up arm.
Yesterday we had an appointment to complete embassy paperwork and discuss travel. We are thrilled to be onto the next step. Our director said just Friday another agency started to get dates for court hearings. So we are super hopeful to have one super soon. Our attorney said that we all need to chill because it is just now June and he is very optimistic that we will be done by August!
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
June 2nd, 2010
Howdy!
We had our first parent moment of terror. We got another update of the boys requested by the director in Oregon. The boys, specifically Zeke, are changing so much that the pictures are hard so see what used to be his frail body, now fluffed up and healthy. We oped the pictures and one was clearly our Zeke and the other some mystery baby, but it was labeled with our names and his name as well. We called the next day and it was just a saving an attachment error issue, and not a baby switcheroo. Thankfully! Now we have 2 new pics of each boy..our boys! Our case manager said everyone gathered around the new pic of Taft and giggled at how adorable he is. We have fallen madly in love with these 2 precious men of God! If you are curious and would like photo set #3 lets us know at tylerandnikki@cox.net since it will still be a while until we can legally share..too bad...you don't know what your missing!
We had our first parent moment of terror. We got another update of the boys requested by the director in Oregon. The boys, specifically Zeke, are changing so much that the pictures are hard so see what used to be his frail body, now fluffed up and healthy. We oped the pictures and one was clearly our Zeke and the other some mystery baby, but it was labeled with our names and his name as well. We called the next day and it was just a saving an attachment error issue, and not a baby switcheroo. Thankfully! Now we have 2 new pics of each boy..our boys! Our case manager said everyone gathered around the new pic of Taft and giggled at how adorable he is. We have fallen madly in love with these 2 precious men of God! If you are curious and would like photo set #3 lets us know at tylerandnikki@cox.net since it will still be a while until we can legally share..too bad...you don't know what your missing!
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