Home At Last

We are thrilled to be home in Texas.

We were able to deliver all our packages and take pictures as requested by some families.  We will get these out ASAP.

Friday in Addis was a full day.  We started very early with a positive meeting with Sam's birth family.  There is a Gladney social worker present along for us a translator.  We ended up going through 3 languages (including English) in order to finish the meeting.  We took pictures and ended with a final hug. 

We recieved all our paperwork (visa, originals of immunization record, birth certificate and immigration papers) while we were at the gladney center for our meeting.

We went back to Bjoe to pack.  We took advantage of a care giver while we packed.  I went to the government orphanage, infants, and saw some sick babies and toddlers Friday afternoon.

We flew Lufthansa this round and were very pleased.  We arrived at the airport about 3 hours prior to take off.  We flew out at 1130 pm - little hurtful.  Sam did well on both flights.  Sam is 12 mo and walking.  We were able to get a bulkhead seat on the way from Frankfurt to Dallas - we created a playpin area with good success.  He slept most of the first flight and little the second.  He howered drank his body weight in formula, water and juice - lots of diapers.  Though active we were pleased.  God granted us the strength and enough sleep in make it!

NOTE TO ALL - Immigration note.  You pass through immigration first pass.  You then must go and wait for officials to review the paperwork you brought back sealed from the US embassy in Addis.  This was a 1.5 hour process for us - very hurtful.  Thankfully, once it was our turn the IR3 visa made it a slam dump / quick process.

Thanks to everyone for your thoughts and prayers over the week.  I am writing this entry as I have been up all night due to jet lag with an opiniated toddler!!

As they saw in Addis - Chow!!

Bentleys

T minus 1

One more day to go!  We had the opportunity to get out today without Sam.  Our caregiver was worn out when we came back - Sam never stopped.  One of the many blessings along the way came in the form of the caregiver.  The young lady works for Gladney at the care center.  She took care of Sam from the first day he arrived until he was moved to the toddler room (Brawler Room) about 6 weeks ago.  She knew him and he knew her - it was sweet to see them interact. 

We made it out to the fistula hospital today.  The books and documentaries about the Hamlin Fistula Hospital due it justice.

We made it out to the Sheraton today for a nice lunch and some high speed internet.  You can find yourself forgetting where you are in the Sheraton - it is a 5 star hotel.  It was a nice brief gettaway for an hour or so.

We find ourselves looking forward with some anxiety about meeting Sam's only birth parent tomorrow.  We realized today this person had to appear in court for MOWA with Sam in order to relinquish (about 6 weeks ago).  This process has been long with emotional ebb and flow at every step.

I will get the chance to work in the government orphanage tomorrow prior to leaving tomorrow night.

It is amazing to us (even after having 3 biological children) the circumstances around visit #2.  You take new or experienced parents, place them in a foreign country and city, change their diet, overcome jet lag and place a baby or toddler (us) in their life.  The same is equally true for the child or children.  God gives you nugetts of grace and mercy that remind you that He is in control.  We continue to be awed.

We ask for your prayers as we travel 18 or so hours on a plane with a toddler tomorrow.

Babby vs Highchair

After 3 days, the score is Sam 1 and the highchair 1 in the running feud over who will submit.  Yesterday, Sam pushed the chair across the room as it went crashing down - Sam 1.  This morning, during the prolonged, funny and messy breakfast, the chair struck back.  Sam was doing the head bob thing and went a little low.  Striking his mouth with 2 upper teeth resulted in a small laceration to the lower lip - chair 1.  No stitches required today.  Seeing a little blood made us very aware we have a real boy on our hands.  A little ice an all was good!

This morning was the Coffee ceremony.  Every child at the foster care center as a "special mother" - the caregiver who really attaches to each child.  The Coffee ceremony is a time that allows for the special mother to say goodbye to each child who has been placed.  Ethiopia is a huge coffee producer.  The coffee beans are roasted, ground by hand and serve as hot coffee while you wait for your child to be brought to you by his/her special mother dressed in traditional clothing. 

To our amazement (concerned about bonding and confusion issues), Sam went back into his toddler room and was greeted by most of the kids who yelled his Ethiopian nickname and wanted to hug him.  One guy (with special needs) planted a kiss on him and started leading him around.  He was a celebrity of sorts and everyone seemed to miss him.  We then took him upstairs to his special mother where he responded with gratitude to see all the care givers who had taken care of him for months - with no bonding or attachment issues.  God is good as he prepared this time.

I was able to meet the the full time Gladney pediatrician today and pass on some meds and supplies to him.  He works full time for Gladney and is a great guy.

Lastly, we had a great time with the other families delivering care packages and taking pictures for "expecting" families back home.  How some of the kids have changed in 4 short weeks.  You can ask any care giver and they know exactly where in given child is in the 3 houses - their care is abundant!

All is well and we are ready to finish the week.  Our last 2 official items are to get Sam's visa and papers tomorrow and meet Sam's birth family Friday.

Thank you for you prayers as always.

AB/JB

Embassy Pass

Thankfully, our embassy visit was uneventful - we passed and Sam's visa is forthcoming.
Tomorrow is the coffee ceremony.  Still on for Friday night departure.

Embassy Day

On our second day with Sam, he was clearly more comfortable and willing to explore his new freedom (legs that work real well).  What were baby steps a few days ago have become sprints toward open doors and everything that is dangerous.  We played "close the door and miss your fingers" for hours yesterday.  He apparently likes the rain (it has been raining for days) but hates his bath at night.

We see more glimpses of his personality each day.  He is strong, determined yet calm - probably why he survived.  He desperately wants me to talk to him in Amheric - I am a touch rusty.  I make up words though that sound native and it satisfies him.  He eats like a toddler but likes his formula.

We go to embassy today during his nap time (he must go).  We trust and pray this will be uneventful.

The other families who we met 4 weeks ago arrived for placement yesterday.  We enjoyed seeing everyone again and taking pictures for them.  I will have to go to the Hilton or Sheraton to post pictures but will try soon.

It is colder and more wet here this time (we are freezing) - 50's.

All is well.  Thank you everyone who prays and keeps us in your thoughts.
AB/JB

"EBE"

Day one with Sam met with give and take by both sides.We gave as much love as possible knowing he was out of sorts in a new environment, western food (he is not thrilled about this yet), new clothes and some medicine.

He gave preference to his mother and delivered his first "EBE" (ethiopian buttocks explosion).  Oh my heavens!  From a quite conversation and playing with toys, came foundation shaker.  There were initial tears in his mothers eyes prior to the pealing of make up off the face, followed by immediate horror.  It was impressive even on Steelman standards.  He managed to clear the entire first floor of the Bjoe House of any potential helpers in 10 seconds.  Unfortunately, I did not bring face shields in my medical kit.  Though is was clearly an impressive statement and territorial marker, the record will still be held by my dear niece, COB, from the incident in Allen 1998 - which required steam cleaning.  Clean up was immediately undertaken by his mother once her blood pressure recovered.  We were approximately 5 mm from total clothes and sheet incineration.  We spent some time outside after this in order to prepare for aftershocks.

He pretty much didn't like anything on day one to include his very brief bath.  We are blending Ethiopian food / formula with Western food and formula to try and transition to his new diet.

Ethiopia is wet with bouts of sunshine.  It seems colder here this visit but it was 102 in Texas prior to us leaving.

Our kids sound OK via text in Texas - we are very proud of them.

Day #2 brings some money exchange and shopping for mom, more bonding and preparations for Embassy visit on Tuesday.

AB/JB

Arrival and Placement

We had a nice but long flight.   We are pleased with Lufthansa.  I am more than convinced that I just "don't fit" in the seats for hours at a time.  We were fortunate to get our visa quickly and to see all our bags in one place.  Travis (in country staff) and our driver were waiting and we settled into Bjoe, warmly greeted by the Bjoe girls.

Sunday arrived earlier than usual (2 am for Joan and 4 am for Andrew) - you have to love that jet lag.  Clearly the highlight of the day came at 1045 when the little man, Sam, arrived to be with us forever.


If you take 2 jet lagged adults and one Ethiopian 12 month old, place them in a guest house with new food, the result looks a lot like being parents for the first time with our oldest, who cried a lot.  You can just tell that Sam is "out of sorts".  However, we sense that he is a calm little guy (we have had one of these as well!).  In addition he likes to be close like our youngest daughter. 

We have survived a diaper change without being showered, a change of clothes (yea they fit) and finishing a nap (praise the Lord)!

It seems like we never left the first time.  All is well.
AB/JB

Bound for Africa

Leaving today to arrive in Addis Saturday Night.  We are excited but always nervous to travel.  The week has been filled with last minute preparations and logistics getting the kids situated.

Gladney called yesterday for last minute instructions.  The embassy date has been changed from Thursday to Tuesday. 

We are looking forward to delivering some packages and taking pictures for families waiting for court dates.

Always appreciate prayers as we travel and are away from our children.

Next post from Bjoe in Addis Ababa!

AB/JB

Preparations for Visit #2

As we conclude the last steps of the adoption journey, our new son has began to take his first steps in new shoes.  It seesm like months ago since visit #1 ended less than 2 weeks ago.  Now Joan and I are 6 days away from traveling for the second time.  Our kids will stay home this time. 

We were recently asked how it was to leave Ethiopia the first time.  Detached is the word.  You are asked to bond but only enough to say yes to the judge and pass court.  We left knowing more, feeling closer to our son, but remaining somewhat detached in order to pass time until we get back.

Though we took humanitarian aid visit #1, I am preparing medical supplies for the Gladney pediatrician to better serve the kids at the foster care center.  I hope to get back to the governement orphange with some meds for another round of evaluations.  We have made plans to visit the fistula hospital during our second visit.

A few clothing pointers for the ladies (from Joan).  She recommends 3 pair of pants, 5-7 tshirts, long skirt for court, light shoes like crocs, a light jacket and scarfs.  Most of the ladies were scarfs for warmth or to cover there face due to fumes in Addis.  An extra set of clothes in the carry on served us very well when we were stuck in Washington DC overnight.  Joan leaves any expensive jewelry in the USA.  We in general travel with the understanding anything we take is expendable.

We recieved our final update from Gladney yesterday.  It included Sam's current diet, sleep schedule, formula, measurements and medical history.

The schedule for visit #2 is shorter with less scheduled time.  Essentially, one could travel a total of 5 or 6 days is possible.  The only three scheduled events are coffee ceremony on Wednesday morning, Embassy on Thursday and possible meeting of birth family on Friday.

AB/JB

A Belated Posting of Finally Home

Yes, we did survive the trip from Africa, and we are now home. I am just a little late in posting that we're home. In my defense, I had to go back to work and write a paper that still isn't quite finished for school. Anyway, we got back like at midnight Tuesday and we all crashed. My dad and I went back to work the next day and school starts Monday.

Coming back to the United States is a really hard transition. You go from absolute poverty and people begging you for food, to wealth and people that feel they are entitled to certain things. I work at our country club's snack bar where I get kids snow cones and hand out hot dogs. Not three days ago little boys and girls were grabbing my hands and looking at me with pleading eyes for food and money. The kids I see now, bang on the window when they can clearly see me and demand things from me without even so much as a please. This girl at the pool yesterday literally stood in front of the window inspecting her two snow cones seeing if they had enough juice to her liking. Of course when she ordered, she said, "Two snow cones without the ball on top and extra juice, I mean extra extra juice. Did you get that? You're not looking at me. Are you sure you got that?" I kinda wanted to shake her really hard. I didn't, but I wanted to.
It's such a hard transition. After I saw the government orphanages I remember asking my dad what I was supposed to do with what I have seen. I can't adopt a child right now so what do I do? He told me to ask Dr. Thomas, a new friend and Psychologist. So we walked over there and Dr. Thomas told me that I wasn't just here for Samuel, I was here because God wanted me to learn a few things. He was right. God taught me a few things while I was there. With those teachings I was charged with a task. I am to bear testimony to what I saw. Not everyone can go to Africa and see what I have seen. It is my job to talk, show, and write about the poverty in Africa and the blessed people of Ethiopia. Yes, they are most definitely blessed people. They may not have our money or big houses but they have kindness and a love for family that many families in America lack.

I'm exhausted. I think I am still under the influence of jet lag to a certain extent, and I have to get my locker for school tomorrow as well as work for 8 hours. WHOOP. I shall post more later, but don't expect too much. School starts Monday and I have homework to finish. Yes, they assign you tons of homework over the summer break. Don't even get me started. Goodnight.

Flight Home

Disappointed in Ethiopian Airway, but we can't say enough good things about Susan Park's Travel Agency! We had some travel difficulty and so we are spending the night in Washington DC. We will continue to travel tomorrow! We had a great trip and had so much fun spending time with all the other families in Ethiopia! There's not that much else to say so until later!
- Rebekah

Last Day

Lots of rain this week, as it is the rainy season.

Dreamland is a beautiful, scenic view of a crater lake about 1 hour south of Addis toward Awassa.  It is a nice early dinner with all the families in country for court.  The drive gives you a view of the countryside.

A few comments for traveling families.  Visit #1 is a little long with lots of time (your choice) to see Addis and around.  There are a number of places to eat, sites to see and places to shop to fill this time.  The drivers are the best.  They can help you along with the in country staff or guest house hosts to help you plan your time.

Special NOTE for Visit #2.  Gladney will not book guest house reservations for the 2nd visit until you have your itinerary for your second trip.  All of us here this visit have had to email USA back and forth or call to get this plans confirmed then request our housing through Gladney.  We all hope this process changes.  It would be a very good idea if you know your tentative embassy dates to have some plans with an agent in process.  You can obviously see the quest houses while you are here!

I have had the blessing to travel to many countries (including other African).  Ethiopia (Addis) is a unique blend of mild European influence, middle eastern influence and lots of Africa.  The people are wonderful.  They value family, friendship and kindness - kind of like an African Texas.  I have felt unsafe in parts of the world but not Ethiopia. 

Unfortunately, the poverty of Africa exist in Ethiopia which generally pulls at your heart strings.  Visit #1 is tough on emotions.  The silver lining of the new system is visit #2 will be "familiar".  As we have been in the Bjoe with another family on visit #2, it has its own struggles and joys.

We look forward to seeing Texas again but not the flight!
AB

Tummy Trouble

My sister and I woke up and let's just say our stomach's were rumbling! Thankfully my dad had medicine with him and so he was able to give it to us but our stomach's still ache. We stayed in all day except for my mom and brother who went shopping. Everyone was supposed to go to Dreamland (a restaurant with a great view) but Abby and I were too sick to go so my momma stayed with us. We leave tomorrow. This has been a great trip.
- Rebekah Bentley

Holy Cow

Ok well be prepared, this is going to be a long post. Yesterday we went to the zoo! The coolest thing ever. PETA would've had a cow but hey its' Africa! They have tons of lions at the zoo. We found out that they have lions with black manes. They're only indigenous to Ethiopia. It was really neat to see them. The zoo also had baboons and it even had an antelope just roaming about. No big deal. After the zoo, we went to the national museum. You must go to the national museum! Lucy is there and basically all of the revolutionary archaeological discoveries are found there as well. They had several things from the 4th and 5th century and even a few things from the 1st and 2nd century. It's just full of rich history. We also went to the leprosy hospital. Extremely interesting. In the Bible, it talks about Jesus healing the lepers and this trip it became totally real. We don't really experience that disease in the United States, but to see it up close in another country that dressed in the traditional garb that you can totally imagine the Israelites dressing in, was really surreal. What also amazed me was the fact that all of the women were embroidering things. This is really surprising because leprosy really affects the nerves in your hands. So the fact that they were hand sowing beautiful things was just jaw dropping. In the hospital, they have a gift shop where they sell gorgeous dresses, table clothes, hand carved crosses, and some other great stuff. I really encourage you to go in there, because the proceeds go back to the people in the hospital. The one things though that I could not believe was that these women had their small children living with them. Leprosy can't be spread through direct contact if you just brush against someones arm that has it. It's spread through a continuation of interacting with it. So basically they were dooming their kids to be lepers as well. Totally shocking quite honestly. We ate lunch at the Hilton with the Thomases! Their compassion child that they support came with her mom and nurse to eat lunch with them and they invited us to come. This seven year old was from the bush (the country) and she was the most darling girl you have ever seen! She had never been to the city before and had never seen an elevator, and she was totally amazed at the view from the balcony. It was really humbling to meet her and interact with her. The most precious girl ever. They told us that usually girls from the bush won't look you in the eye and are not outgoing at all. She was very smiley and outgoing because of compassion. Compassion is a great ministry and you should definitely check it out. Later that night, we ate traditional Ethiopian food. Spicy and the bread they eat with, called angara (don't know how to spell it), is sour unless you eat it with a sauce or something. At the restaurant they played traditional music and they even had some dancers. I have never seen people dance like that in my whole life. Holy cow! They had skills. They pulled me up with them to dance :D I dont' dance, period. It wasn't pretty lol but I had a lot of fun. That was pretty much our day yesterday. Ok so today, we went and saw Samuel this morning! He sobbed and screamed when he saw us at first again. He prefers the women there instead of us so that was really heartbreaking to watch. I know that he just has stranger anxiety with us but still, ugh! He got better towards us though towards the end. They take great care of all the kids.We ate lunch and then we went and saw three government orphanages. They are in really rough shape. Gladney does a lot and because of that they are TONS better than what they used to be but it's still really sad. The second orphanage we went to really upset me. They had like 30 ribs in one room with all these babies and had two caregivers for the whole room. My dad checked them out and several had pneumonia. They also had bronchitis and colds. This one baby had a rash that was just... words can't describe it. My father said that he's never seen anything quite like it before. Here private area was just raw basically. It was just so sad. Basically every kid in there was sick. I got attached to the cutest little boy in the world and I held him for the whole hour that we were there and when I had to leave, I put him down and he wouldn't let go of my jacket and I literally had to pry his fingers off. He started sobbing and he kept calling me momma and as I left he looked at me with the saddest eyes. I just broke down when I got outside. The conditions that these children/ babies live in is just awful and that little boy will probably haunt me for the rest of my life. I wanted so bad to just take him home with me. I would have, but of course, I am not an adult. But even though these children have no parents and live in just crap, they still smile and I have to remember that there are no orphans with God. So after three hours of heartache, we went back to our guest house, took showers, and ate. Africa has changed my life.
- Rebekah Bentley

Another Day

Visit 1 is full of highs and lows.  The week is formatted to provide structure for cultural events, 3 visits to see your child (children) and LOTS of free and explore time.  The weather is cool to cold and wet (either raining or high humidity).  The overall opinion is bring "comfort foods" and things to keep you occupied if your day of exploring is done.

With jet lag, seeing your baby, adjusting to a new culture, meeting other families and COURT - this trip is an emotional rollercoaster!  The first family that has traveled twice is with us this week for placement - they concur this is the case.

Our time with our older kids has been very nice.  They have done great with minimal arguments.  The very essence of Africa and one week in Addis is probably work a semester of education or more.  The judge asked our kids a question during the court proceedings "Do you know about the adoption and have you met your knew brother?"  They smiled and said yes together.  We were proud of them and glad they could be a part of Sam's history of memory of events.  Words fail to describe showing your children an older blind man relinquishing his 9 year son (obviously extreemly poor and from the bush).  Or another father bringing his son with suitcase in hand.  I love our children and are proud of the strength they showed yesterday.

We hope to explore some more today.  The zoo is on the schedule and hopefully a visit to the leprosy hospital.  Tonight is a cultural meal and dance!!

We continue to thank you for your prayers.

AB

It's Official!

We had court today! They took us to some building (not the courthouse) and we waited in some sort of a conference room where we chilled and the attorney told us the kind of questions the judge usually asks. Very simple questions. Why did you choose Ethiopia? Have you visited your child? Do you know that this adoption is permanent and can't be changed? Those types of things. Really the whole thing is a huge formality. MOWA is honestly the biggest challenge. So after we waited in this conference room our driver took us to the court room. You go up three flights of stairs and wait in this really tiny room. They have about 10-15 chairs along the walls but they were all full when we were there. Be prepared. The people adopting aren't the only ones in there. They also have parents reliquishing their rights. So it was really sad. There were people with their kids and they had suitcases with them and when we were there there was this man who was blind and he was giving up his son. So mentally prepare yourself. We waited/ stood for 2 hours until we went into this adjacent room where the judge was. But seriousely, you go in and then you go out. It took 2 minutes. After the questions, she said, "He's yours." We were super pumped! After court we ate lunch with other families and then went on a tour of the church. It's been a fantastic day and it's just been amazing to see what God has done. After two years of waiting, it's official! He's ours (Question: if he is ours why can't we take him home??) Very frusterating let me tell you. Our embassy date is Sept. 2. My parents will travel to get him. None of us kids will be accompaning them. Praise the LORD!
- Rebekah Bentley

Ethiopia :)

We saw Sam again today! Thankfully he did not sob and scream when he saw us. In fact, he gave my mom a big kiss on the mouth and he fell asleep in my dad's arms. He is such a cutey. After we saw him, we went to see a church in the highest point of Ethiopia. It was freezing but really cool. We ate lunch at some Italian restaurant and it was surprisingly good. Mom really wanted to shop today, so we went to the market and shopped for jewelry and clothes. It's been a great day!
- Rebekah Bentley

Sammy Wammy

Hello! This is Rebekah (The eldest daughter, and I wanted to write the blog so here I go!) The journey started in Dallas. We got through security and had no problems which is a shocker because my family is always tagged as terrorists and we always get searched. We got settled and we met an Ethiopian family! Sweetest family ever and we hit it off immediately. From Dallas we went to DC and had a 4 hour lay over. 18 hours later, we arrived in Addis about 7:30 last night. The plane ride was absolutely horrendous, let's just be honest. We went through immigration and customs, got our 8 bags of luggage, and had to x-ray our bags. Who x-rays luggage coming into the country?? It doesn't make a whole lot of sense to me, but that's Africa for ya. After we got to our guest house, I crashed immediately and slept throught the night quite peacefully. My family on the other hand woke up around 4 am with the sound of dogs fighting. In the morning, we ate a great breakfast and then went to the orphanage!! We were super excited to finally see Sam. Unfortunately, we only got to see him an hour. So it was a bittersweet visit. We get to see him two more times, each time being only an hour. We go to court Wednesday! On a side note, I have found that there is such a sense of family here. Everybody takes care of everyone. They truly value what is important and that is something that I wish our country had. We are doing great, but please keep us and Sam in you prayers.
- Rebekah Bentley :)

Ready to Go

All packed and ready to go.  We are set to depart tomorrow from Dallas arriving in Ethiopia on Sunday. 
Gladney emailed this week a list of the 4 other families traveling at our same time for court.  It was nice to make contact with the other families this week.  It turns out that 3 of us are on the same ET Air flight out of Dulles tomorrow night.  Gladney also called yesterday to review and remind us of all the procedures once we land. We will be staying at the Bjoe house this week.

We are very excited to finally make this first trip.  It is hard to believe we started this process almost 2 years ago.  The Lord has been and continues to be faithful with all the details.  We appreciate your thoughts and prayers during our journey.  We will try to provide updates as communications allow.

AB/JB

Full Steam Ahead!!

Natalie called with great news today.  Reliquishment complete (little sad) and step 1 is a pass!  We are a go for our August 4th court date.  God's timing is amazing.  We are taking our 3 kids on trip #1.  School starts for them one week after we get back in August.  We will leave on July 31 and come back on August 9th.

The bonus for the day is a tenative embassy date of Sept 2nd (assuming all goes well on the 4th).  Did I mention trying to schedule flights with "mabe dates" is a little anxiety provoking!  Either way we are thrilled. 

The other extra bonus is that my fingerprints expire on Sept 16th - hopefully I don't have to actually get reprinted!!!  I concur today with the question, "On what planet do fingerprints expire?"  I myself have tried to change mine 3 or 4 times (just kidding).  I did spend 30 minutes on the phone with NBC (national benefits center) - the new fingerpint and I-171H people about timing of reprinting and expiration dates.  Bottom line - you have to have current fingerprints in order to complete embassy exit / visa on trip #2.

Also got new stats on our son yesterday - he continues to grow well.

Any families out there that want pictures; please let us know. We would love to send care packages, but Gladney has instructed us not to on the first visit because of the number of families in ET.
We can be contacted by email at bentleyfive@hughes.net.

We appreciate the comments, support, and prayers.

AB/JB

Moving Forward

Everything is a go for Thursday.  The relative made it to Addis ahead of schedule for Thursday's proceedings.  We are thrilled and anticipate good news Thursday.
AB/JB

Mixed News

Gladney called with mixed news today.  The good news is that MOWA offererd a favorable decision. However, there is a difficulty.  Our case is a relinquishment.  The biological relative must be present in Addis to formaly relinquish.  Unfortunately, this didn't happen as scheduled (relative did not show).  The new date for this to happen is Thursday, July 22.

We request your prayers.  Gladney is restricted (Ethiopia rules) in this process with the relative.  The relative must travel some distance despite being poor.  I can't image how hard it is to walk through this process from the relative's stand point.  Joan and I knew when we got the court date and learned of this process, this might be the sticking point for dates of travel.

We bought our tickets about a week ago knowing that space is very limited during our proposed travel dates.  The change fee is minimal in relation to the overall cost of the ticket.  For now, we still hold our Aug 4th court date (our travel).

We stay cautiously optomistic and encouraged knowing that only God has control over the whole process.  Many have written the last part of the process is the hardest, we concur.  It is easier when you don't have a face, writen reports of progress and dates to look forward to.

Bentleys

1st Visit Details

Word from Gladney today brings some details of 1st visit (at least for us).

Leave Saturday and arrive Sunday in Ethiopia
Monday: 10 am meet child our son in country rep, Noon - lunch with Gladney staff.
Tuesday: 10-11 am - visit cour son at foster care center, rest of day free time.
Wednesday: AM - court time, 3 pm Holy Trinity Church Tour with Gladney
Thursday: Evening - cultural dinner with Gladney staff.
Friday: 10-11 am visitation at foster care center with our son, 1130 am lunch with Gladney staff, 1 pm Government orphanage tour with gladney staff.
Saturday: 2 pm Dreamland with Gladney staff.
Leave Sunday arrive Monday in USA

Few Notes:
Not everyone probably has the same court day. 
Parents must at least see their child or children once prior to court.
Humanitarian Aid goes the first trip.
Total of 3 visits of about one hour a piece to see our child!

AB

The African 3 Step

What a day!  This has been the most hectic and busiest day we have had since the last time Gladney called us!!  Maybe there is a trend here?  The Lord certainly knows how to keep us on our knees.  We are thrilled to here about court dates today.

Step 1:  MOWA gets to here our case on July 19th.  If we pass, we move on to travel and our court date.  Our prayer is that MOWA offers a favorable opinion and all the circumstances that involve Sam go smoothly.  The time line couldn't be tighter - an unfavorable ruling here means no travel until October.

Step 2:  We travel for our court date on August 4th to Addis.  We are thankful that the kids will not miss school for travel.  Again, the time line is tight.  If we don't pass here, then no travel until October.

Step 3:  US embassy and go get the little man for good. 3-6 weeks latter. Hopefully in early September.

We thank you Lord for all his goodness and provision.
AB/JB

Paying It Forward

Complete strangers, joined only through this journey of adoption, are taking our son his first gifts from us. It is a privilege to interact with such people. We sent a baby photo album and a couple of onesies. He'll finally be able to see our faces! I can't wait to be able to pay it forward for other couples!

Still waiting to hear about a court date. It's hard watching the summer slip by with 3 kids in Jr High and High School. But we want to meet our little man all together. The kids are as excited, if not more, than we are. We want God's perfect timing and His perfect plan to unfold.
JB

New Stats

Waiting for the court date continues.  Gladney sent a new picture and growth stats today.  I plotted the three parameters against standard growth curves.  We are thankful that Sam has moved into normal measurements since under the care of Gladney.  We have reached out to other families traveling now or traveling in the next few weeks.  It is encouraging to meet other families in the process.  We continue to plan for transformation at the house and diapers! Can't wait to love on a baby again. These teenagers are kinda stinky! AB/JB

Waiting and Preparing

We are one month into the court date waiting game.  Summer is here and the kids are at camp (Abby at Kanakuk, Rebekah at Tennis and Will at Boy Scout).  As kids are away, we have started making house preperations for a new arrival.  The girls room gets paint this week! Sam's room will take shape next.  Nothing like starting over with baby / one year old gadgets, bed, and diapers (only sad part about this)!

We are working on getting a care package to Sam in the next few weeks.  Like others, we are trying to sort out one versus two travel arrangements. We hope to sneak in before the RAINY season!  I made touch with a travel agent (just to make me feel more prepared) and felt like an idiot on the phone.  After spending 5 minutes on the phone aplogizing for really knowing no firm dates or really any specifics, they were gracious and just made me feel better (offereing very generic recomendations).

All in all, we are excited and nervous and have the sense of "why isn't it here yet" but at the same time thinking "we might never be ready".  Either way, God is good and His timing has never failled us!
AB

A Picture to The Name

Well, we got the referral! God is so good! We are all overjoyed to finally put Samuel's picture to his name. Samuel is eight months old, 18 pounds, and cute as can be! Unfortunately we can't post his picture on the blog or on the web until Samuel is here with us in the States, but believe me, he's a cutey!

How the journey began

The story begins in Kenya, Africa. Africa changed not only my life but my husband's life as well. We first ventured there in the year 1993. We were there for two months for a medical mission trip and in those two months God gave us a heart for Africa. Over the next twenty years we traveled to Africa many times. We visited Kenya together, but my husband’s travels led him all over the country. I have felt called by God to adopt a child from Africa since our first trip there, but only in the past year or so did we decide to take the huge leap of faith of adoption. We already have three beautiful kids: Rebekah (15), Will (13), and Abigail (11), but three just simply isn't enough!