en route to Minneapolis...

A gift from a teacher.

Not the intended outcome.

Psalm 71:20-22

²⁰ You have allowed me to suffer much hardship,

but you will restore me to life again

and lift me up from the depths of the earth.

²¹ You will restore me to even greater honor

and comfort me once again.

²² Then I will praise you with music on the harp,

because you are faithful to your promises, O my God.

I will sing praises to you with a lyre,

O Holy One of Israel.

This was the verse our church family received with a prayer request for our family. Unexpectedly the Ministry of Women's Affairs (the same organization that finally sent paperwork to our judge two weeks ago) has contested our adoption case and has ordered Minalachew Isaiah to be returned to his birth parent if possible-if this is not possible their stance will be he will remain in the orphanage and not be available for adoption.

This news has caused great shock, hurt and confusion for our family. From what I can gather MOWA is overturning a judge's ordered that ruled him our son. There are some efforts to attempt to advocate for our children, and children affected with other agencies-but with the growing internal power struggle in governmental controls the outcome will probably remain the same.

Rob, Kenny and I are asking for prayers for wisdom and guidance in what do next. We also hope you continue to hold Minalachew Isaiah close to your heart and prayers as we will continue to do so from this day forward.

On his shirt-there is an embrodered word "forever" that will be a reminder for our family that we will forever love this little guy and know that our father God will be looking over him and has great plans for him.

Waiting for Word from the Courts

Mothers Day 2011

......but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31.

While I wish this post would be filled with timelines, good news and reason to celebrate-I don't have that to share. We continue to be in a state of limbo with the Ethiopian Courts:

July 30th, 2010-received referral!

March 5th, 2011-we received "verbal" approval from the courts adoption passed.

March 22nd-we received word that our court approval was repealled for more information

April 15th-2nd court date-again not passed

May 3rd-received word that paperwork was working it's way through the different MOWA

agencies and will take an extended amount of time to pass through to get back to judge.

Our agency has preparred families that due to the courts change in processing, waits between referral and trip #2 could be up to one year apart. As we already experienced a significant wait time between our referral and trip #1 we are now bracing for a major setback.....we are planning now to travel in late fall/winter 2011.

When you go through these changes I struggle to find meaning in the "unknown". I recently finished a book recommended by our social worker on Ambigious Loss-through that book and ongoing journaling I am learning that the "loss" of the unknown of when he will come home is worthy of grief and sadness at this time-however I do have faith in the fact that he will eventually come home, and this additional journey is preparing us for our future together-somehow.

This past weekend Rob, Kenny and I spent Saturday of Mother's Day weekend with one of my former students in Saint Paul. This student has also experienced great loss in the last 3 months-the loss of his mom, guardian, advocate and protector. While we roamed the Minnesota Zoo and spent the day together I couldn't help but feel that God had truly placed us together for a specific reason-here was a young boy missing his mom, and a mom missing her son.

We continue to appreciate the prayers and support each of you continues to provided. I can't imagine how challenging it has to be on the "other side" of adoption. Not knowing what to say, or what comfort to provide...just know that knowing we have such amazing friends and family that continue to walk alongside us during this journey means the world to us.

Cabeens are leaving Feb 26th!!!

Hi All--

We are in the "sprint" right now of preparing for Trip #1. Praise God for our wonderful Social Worker--every time I turn around she is giving us more emails or communication in regards to what needs to be done before we leave!

Today we were able to book our flights with the travel agent, our first international flight will have us laying over in Washington DC both ways. We have been given the very detailed itinerary for each day of stay in Ethiopia, and I think I review it at least 3-4 time per day! We have also worked with the social worker to ensure Kenny is set while we are gone--Grandma Carolyn is getting more excited each day to come down and stay with Kenny while we are gone.

I am starting to gather things to share with Minalachew's birth mother, we are looking forward to meeting this very special person after our court date. We have also gotten quite a few pictures done for Minalachew's photo album. Even though on trip #1 we will meet him-we are not to introduce ourselves as "mom and dad". After our court date (the next day after our visit to the orphanage) and acceptance as his parents is granted the nannies will present him with this photo album that outlines everything from people to places he will see when he arrives in Austin....hopefully the end of May/June 2011.

This weekend we hope to start/finish the remodel of his room. Thanks to our own very special personal designer (Katie) we have a freshly painted room, and after a weekend trip to IKEA-we should be set with furniture.

Next on our list is collecting donations for AHOPE-we are planning to leave with that orphanage 1-2 bags of needed supplies to support their ministry of helping children with HIV/AIDS. Both Rob and I look forward to visiting that agency as well while we are in Africa as we have been sponsoring a young girl in their care for the past 6 months.

There is just so much to share at this time! I hope my words make sense on the page! Thank you all for the prayers in our journey thus far, this amazing experience continues to surpass any expectations I may have had about it at each and every turn.

Our Christmas Miracle

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on you own understanding; in all ways submit to him, and he will make you path straights. Proverbs 3:5-6

What a verse to start this blog out with tonight. We have our court date! After weeks of watching families travel to Ethiopia, months of updates on Minalachew's health, and sometimes daily communication (and tears) with the social worker our court date has been delievered. We received a call last night that April 4th was the date for the court date associated with trip #1. With a little confusion (there was a lapse between assigned dates of about 3 months from the Jan. 31st dates the last families were assigned to our date) we started the conversation of planning for an upcoming trip to visit our son.

On my way to work today I had much time to Praise God for this Christmas Blessing-when people asked-isn't April a ways a way? I responsed "We prayed that God would bless us with a court date this Christmas-we didn't specify when". While in a meeting the phone rang again-our social worker-date change to March 4th~a little over two months away now!

Thank you all so much for your thoughts and prayers, and please remember Jesus during this season and the miracles that can happen when you trust in him!

Our Story of Adoption-Defending the Cause..

"Defend the cause of the fatherless..."Isaiah 1:17

As I see this verse again it reminds me of not only why we are adopting, but how we came upon Isaiah Minalachew's name.

This weekend Rob and I will be blessed to share our story with our Church Family at Faith E Free in Austin. As this is National Adoption Month, and Orphan Sunday is tomorrow I wanted to take a moment to share-from a waiting family-why we chose to adopt.

This process started less than one year ago-last December on a "date night" Rob and I had the opportunity to attend a concert in Austin by Sara Groves in which this video was shown (link is above)

Previously Rob and I had discussed adoption and foster care-ever since my days of teaching in Saint Paul I have had a passion for those who have had struggles beyond my imagination, but walk among us. We were also blessed in our days living in the metro to walk alongside a couple who went through the process of adopting twins from Ethiopia-from start to finish we were in such awe of the compassion and love they shared for this babies, even before they were born. After that concert Rob and I seriously began the talk of adoption. For those who know me-know a lot of reading, research, and meetings occurred before our final decision. Rob, who I have always admired for his strength and trust in God, felt this was the time to pursue the options of adoption.

We attended an informational meeting in Rochester in January, and shortly after submitted an application for adoption-with an emphasis on the Ethiopian program. Since that time God's hand has been guiding us (at times Rob might admit this has been a 'sprint' more than a 'marathon') throughout the reams of paper, meetings, and funds that have been poured into someone (at the time) we knew was alive, but didn't know would be ours.

By June we were done with the paperwork and approved. Guidelines were given--in about 1 year we would probably have our referral, so in about 2 years we would have a son/daughter that would be between 2-4 years old from Ethiopia. We started the "waiting" process by reading, attending multicultural events, and learning to enjoy some of the rich food flavors of Ethiopian food.

From Isaiah's journal: Friday July 30th, 2010. Today we found you.....

What a true God moment-I can recall having Kenny in the car when the call came through--I actually told the social worker she had the wrong phone number--what a referral, we have only been waiting a month! Are you sure you have the right family? Little did I know it wasn't up to her, or the agency, God had decided that Isaiah would be ours-long before that call came through.

Thanks to the support of friends, family, and a co-worker who was a notary of the republic-within one week all paperwork was completed and sent to Africa (to this day our social worker was amazed at the degree of 'passion' we took to get this completed so quickly). We then went right to work in getting all the things we thought we would have two years to do, done in two months. In this time we have also partnered with Lifesong for Orphans to assist with the financial obligations that have come due sooner then expected.

Family and friends have supported bringing Isaiah home in such special ways-from giving us their 'unexpected income', prayers, watching Kenny for us, making meals while I took on a second job at Winona State, listening to a tearful Jessica when frustration is more than I could handle, making Kenny special 'Big Brother' attire, or even a 'spur of the moment' trip to Duluth with girlfriends to just get away from everything-even if just for a day- God has not only set us on this path, but given us wonderful friends and family to support us along the way.

To date-we continue to wait for our first court date to travel to Africa-we have been told that there is no 'order' of who goes when, just to wait. Yesterday court dates were posted up until January 12th, this would mean that our first trip would be at least the end of Jan...meaning trip two to bring him home is into March of 2011 at this time (which when I struggle with waiting, friend and family remind me is still sooner than we had originally expected an initial call).

I write this with tears of happiness, sadness, frustration, and excitement. As we were blessed with Kenny almost 6 years ago-adoption certainly is more of a hurry up and wait process, then the 9 months of pregnancy with Kenny. If I have learned anything along this journey is that it isn't at all about me-God has a plan in when and why this will happen. We just continue to be grateful to share in this journey with each of you.

Do not be afraid, for I am with you; I will bring your children from the east and

gather you from the west. Isaiah 43:5

Riding the Roller Coaster....

The last two weeks have certainly described the ups, downs, and dramatic stops on the way up the hills on a roller coaster.

Two weeks ago we received tentative word that the 2 trip process might be changing...again. This would have pushed back court dates until December-which was giving us the chance of a trip more towards 2011 then 2010.

This week the Ethiopian courts have decided to keep the process the same, all those who had court dates in December-now are bumped into November, so a trip in 2010 is looking more favorable.

I have never quite been a fan of roller coasters-the ups and downs, twists and turns do a number on my stomach. But honestly it is the anticipation I dislike the most....waiting in the long lines, counting passengers ahead to see if this is the ride we are getting on, and then the worst part-going up that first big hill only to stop towards the very top.

This week I am still feeling like I am waiting in the long line--counting the people ahead (currently there are 30 families-like us- waiting for court dates) hoping that this is the time that we get to wait in the gates to get on next.

New News: The Wait Continues

So earlier this week I opened the web updates for our agency and noticed that court dates are now out into December......this news was a little disappointing as I had been "planning" for a November Trip-but again my timelines are not always His. We have heard that there may be another change in the two trip process to come, and also that very few court dates were scheduled in November. We know our paperwork is there, but there is still a "randomness" in how dates are assigned.

This past week we have been able to connect more with other families who have traveled to Africa-while "rereading" some of the literature we already have to keep up on what lies ahead.

Rob has been amazing through all the changes and up's and downs-I am hoping his strength and faith will support us both through this continued wait.

We will continue to keep you posted, and thank you for all the prayers and support!

More Adoption Updates

What another week in our journey!

This week was a week of "travels" you might say. Tuesday Rob and I went to the International Shot Clinic for shots including: Hep A, Hep B, Yellow Fever, and a few others. We are also on few oral vaccines for a few days as well to prep for travel.

Tuesday night I started my first of two classes as an Adjunct Professor at Winona State-Rochester. This was truly a God Placed opportunity as I received the call to teach the courses about one hour before we received the call on Minalachew! Classes will run until Mid-October, at least one month before we travel, and the classes have significantly held in raising funds for the adoption.

Wednesday early am came, Kenny went to my friend Katie's for the am and Rob and I went up to Saint Paul for our fingerprints for the application USCIS Immigration--well worth getting up at 4:30 am for a double stop to Starbucks!

Wednesday am we also received word that our Dossier was in Ethiopia. Now we have a new packet of information to review from the agency in regards to travel, packing, and planning for our first trip.

Thursday-work and then back to class at Winona-Rochester. It has been a week filled with wonderful news in the adoption process-we will continue to keep you posted!

p.s. our new picture--a beautiful piece of artwork by our dear friend Katie Stromlund--our first new item in Minalachew's room!

Praise HIM!! We have a referral!

Major Updates: We have a referral!!!!!

I truly cannot believe I am writing this to our friends and family at this time, but this past week we received a call on a little boy in Ethiopia.

Last Friday Kenny and I were driving home from work when the call came. I assumed it was the agency letting us know who our new social worker was, when the Lead Social Worker led with “We have a referral for you”, I was shocked—according to all the research we were planning on a 12-18 month wait, not a 3 month wait for a referral. She gave us details on the referral and let us know we had about a week to decide. Friday night, as a family, we prayed and reviewed all the information the agency gave us-at that point we decided to move forward on accepting “Minalachew”.

Since I hadn’t read that far ahead in the process we had a very quick turn around to accept the referral. Our agency requires that any referral’s medical documentation be reviewed by a State Side Agency. Saturday night we upload all of Minalachew’s medical information to the University of MN International Adoption Clinic, by Tuesday afternoon we received word: Everything looked great!

Wednesday we all received the documents required for the Dossier. These 30 plus documents included: medical clearance from doctors, financial information from the bank, criminal background checks from the local police department--most of which had to be notarized, letters from friends and employment verification checks-again all notarized.

Well for those of you who know me-know me to be a little determined and motivated (Rob might have other words for it J) when it comes to getting things done. I started out Thursday am getting these documents to the appropriate parties, with the help, and prayers, of a lot of people-we mailed out the Dossier on Friday morning!!!

The Ethiopian Courts are now closed until the end of September. Once they re-open we hope to hear word as to when our first court date will be. During the next month or so I will update the blog on the process going forward-to be honest this week was a whirlwind and I have to actually read ahead now to know for myself what is next!

In the next month Rob and I hope to send out a letter to family and friends giving more information about Minalachew and what you can do to help our adoption. As this came up sooner than expected we are looking at our finances and are in the process of applying for a loan through “Lifesong for Orphans” (I have a link for them on the blog). Lifesong is also going to be housing donations from family and friends to support our adoption-I will have more details on this process as well-but the process will allow people to donate towards the adoption and receive a tax-deduction as well.

For now we just ask for you to pray for our family (you wouldn’t believe how excited Rob and Kenny are to have another guy coming into the family) and for Minalachew during this waiting period. Thank you all for your support and prayers-God has certainly answered them in a way we never expected!

Jess

Let the Nesting Begin

So trying to relate this to when I was pregnant with Kenny, I think we have officially hit a nesting stage. Last weekend we traveled up to IKEA and purchased "Kenny's New Bed". This in turn freed up his old bed in which we turned back into a crib/day bed and moved into Kenny's "Toy room" which is starting to realize will become "brother/sister" room. Rob is running out today for more "tubs" for me to store old Kenny clothes in case it is a boy. I also have separated into "really boy clothes/not so boy clothes/clothes that a girl could totally wear" if that becomes the case.
This week we are finalizing our applications to Lifesong and the ABBA Fund, both are Christian organizations offering 0% interest free loans for adoptions. Lifesong may also be a vehicle to house our donations-tax free-something that I have had a few requests for from some friends and family. Once we get the referral the big things will happen, but for now this is helping to keep our minds focused on the possible long wait ahead.

The Kindness of Friends and Families

As Rob and I are preparing for the trip to the cities tomorrow to meet the social worker I am again reminded of how blessed we are to have such wonderful support from friends and families.

Late last week a friend of both Rob and I was awarded a Hometown Hero Award, with that came a check to his charity of choice. What a true surprise, and honor, it was to see that he had asked that the donation be made towards our adoption.

Already this week we have raised over $100.00 in the coffee fundraiser! What an amazing gift this has been, and I am so grateful to all of those who have bought coffee or passed along our information. And a very special thanks to an "old" friend who is designing business cards for me to share with people in the future.

Even Uncle Josh has offered up his traveling expertise....that is if we do have to make the 2 trips, he has offered to go along with me on one of those.

So as I do what I do best......worry about the things I can't control, and become a little bit anxious, and excited, to meet our social worker tomorrow. I know that it won't just be Rob with me, as I have been reminded this week that so many others are following along on this journey.

You don`t choose your family. They are God`s gift to you, as you are to them. Desmond Tutu

"Kenny-isms"

During the process of adoption we have tried to find ways to let Kenny know he will be a big brother to someone in the future.

During this journey, he has come up with some interesting "isms" that we thought to share with you (and secretly hide away until he graduates high school and embarrass him later on in life).

--Mom we have to get a brother from Africa (mom: "Why?") Because I read in the newspaper that there are no more girls in Africa

--We have to get a brother because we don't have any girl toys

--We should get a sister so Zoey (Josh and Kristin's daughter) has a friend to play with

In the end, boy or girl (or both as he likes to say as well), Kenny will be a great big brother to his brother/or sister!