We're on our way to church but I just got this picture emailed to me from another traveling parent and I just had to post it. They look like they're warming up to eachother!

new pictures!

I've just been going nuts at home desperately wanting some new pictures of Leul and Hana and I finally got some today thanks to a traveling parent! The more pictures I see of Leul the more I think there is no way he is 7 years old like his birth certificate says, but whatever age he is I love him (and Hana) and can't wait for them to come home!

Aaaarrrgh! Who goes there?

We did the coolest thing for Mateo's birthday yesterday! He is turning 5 soon, so when I heard that our local Christian radio station was hosting a pirate themed 2 hour cruise in Seattle I knew it would be perfect for him. We took along one of our nephews, dressed up both boys like pirates and headed off! The first part of the cruise a lady who trains parrots did a little show. She taught the kids (and us adults) a lot and then let the kids take turns holding the birds. Then we went upstairs where we all got to make icecream sundaes. Mateo had a blast putting on as many toppings as he could! Initially there was going to be a treasure hunt on board, but I think the people from the radio station changed their minds once they saw all the little boys running wild on the boat! Instead, the pirate carried around the treasure chest filled with gold coins (some chocolate and some "real treasure") and let the kids grab a handful. The boys had so much fun!

Usually we have a party at the park for Mateo which entails inviting both sides of our family plus friends, cooking authentic Mexican food for everyone (at least 40 people) and at least 6 hours at the park trying to watch all 5 kids while at the same time being a good hostess.

I'd take the pirate cruise over that any day!

What a handsome boy!

The director of our agency recently returned from Ethiopia and emailed me this picture today!

This is what she had to say:

"I was happy to spend a few minutes with Leul while I was there and he is doing quite well. I think that the glasses are making a difference for him."

I also spoke with the woman who was a volunteer at Layla and knew Leul yesterday. She described him as endearing, sweet and outgoing and thinks he'll do great in a big family!

I still don't have any news about travel yet, but I think I will by Friday!

Still not sure

For those of you wondering when we get to go pick up Leul and Hana, we still don't know. We were told that our papers were already approved and at the embassy a week ago, then we received a letter from the NVC this week saying they just sent our file off to Ethiopia on Tuesday. We were hoping to hear confirmation today that the NVC people are nuts and our papers really are ready and waiting in Ethiopia but didn't, so we have no idea where we are in the process and no idea when we will go! (If any of this is confusing to you, don't worry, we are confused too!) We are however completely okay with waiting for God's will to be done, that's about the only thing we know for sure right now.
When I get any concrete information I promise I'll post about it but for now I'm going to bed!

July 10th!

No, it's not a date having anything to do with our adoption but it is very exciting none the less. We received a letter from USCIS yesterday and July 10 is the day Sergio will have his citizenship interview! We've been waiting a year to get this interview so we are very excited! Although Sergio is already a legal permanent resident, becoming a citizen will open more doors for him including the ability to vote! I figure if he can pass the test for his citizenship he is more than capable of teaching civics to our kids who are homeschooled. That test is not easy! Please pray that he'll be able to retain all the info he is studying.

I got an email today from a former volunteer at Layla (the orphanage where our kids are). She lived in Ethiopia for 4 months at about the time that Leul went into the orphanage and was really attached to him. (Who wouldn't be?) She emailed me these pictures and also has video she is willing to send me of him! I can't wait! God is so good. Just when I think I'm not going to be able to wait any longer, He blesses me with a little something to keep me going! And to top it off she said I can call her anytime so she can share stories of him with me! (Leul is on the right in the top photo and on the left on the bottom one)