Some Good News

Well, we received some good news at the end of last week. The first court case (the one we do not go for) has been scheduled for October 21^st. We need prayers that, on this date, the people who need to be present for court make it there. Also, there is a letter that needs to be there. If both of those things happen, typically, families travel for their first trip about a month after. This means we could be going in November to meet our baby girl!

As we have experienced several times during this journey, slowdowns occur without warning. We need prayers that everything works out and that things move forward as quickly as possible for the remainder of this process.

In the meantime, it was both our Ethiopian girl’s birthday and my (Jennie’s) birthday on Saturday. This weekend, we had a little birthday celebration for baby girl. We prayed for her, sang for her, and froze some cupcakes for us to celebrate as a family when she gets home. We all are so excited for that day!!

Thank you for your continued support and your prayers.

The Thomas Family

August Update

                                   

Just writing to give you a quick update. It has been 100 days since we received our first glimpse (picture) of our little girl. It has been 51 days since being submitted to court. It is just 2 days until our little girl turns one. In the beginning, I was hoping we would make it to Ethiopia before rainy season court closures in August. Well, courts close today and we are not there.

As a matter of fact, our case has been at a stand-still for a few weeks and I’m not sure why. There are two court cases that need to take place. The first one, we do not attend. The second one occurs during our first trip. In our case, the first court hearing has not even been scheduled yet and won’t even be able to be scheduled until courts reopen after rainy season closures. The tentative reopen date is October 15^th (though we have learned that, when it comes to Ethiopia, tentative definitely means tentative – and quite subject to change). That means, we will more than likely not be traveling for our first trip (our court date and to meet our girl) until possibly December. Our second trip (when we get to bring our girl home) is estimated to take place 3-4 months after the first (approximately March or April).

We have spent the past few days settling in to this information. I must admit, it has not been easy. There have been lots of tearful moments around here. Being away from our little girl whom we already love so much and having no end date in sight is tough. We are doing our best to enjoy these last few weeks of summer with our two biological kids before fall/school begins.

I will tell you our little girl turns one on August 17^th. I am trying to figure out the best way to “celebrate” her birthday – and I have gotten her one (yep, just one) present so far. We receive updates on her from time to time and I cherish being able to hear how well she is doing, given her present situation.

I will continue to keep you all updated as we hear, but at this point, I’m guessing it will be quite a while.

The good news is – Jaden’s album is completed! He is having his CD Release Party on September 7^th at 7:30 p.m. at The Roots Café (124 Wisconsin Avenue, Oconomowoc). Cd’s will be for sale at the event – proceeds to benefit our adoption travel expenses. We are so excited for this and are hoping to see many of you there! It’s going to be a cd release party and adoption fundraiser, so a great event to come to if you are able!

Thank you for your support and your prayers.

The Thomas Family

6 weeks

Tomorrow marks six weeks since we were submitted to court. The typical time from being submitted to the first court date (not ours) is supposed to be between 3-6 weeks. From what I know, it's not even on the books yet. It's discouraging - but I have not given up praying for what many may consider the impossible - a date on or before August 16th.

Be There!!

SO excited for this event!!

My husband rocks!!!!