Preparing

This week we went up to Naperville to get re-fingerprinted for the USCIS--our prints expire in August, but we went just to be safe.  Much pleasant-er trip than the first time!!  Ted even made conversation with the government employees, even though I told him not to before we went :).  Had lunch with my brother, then on the way home had an hour 1/2 teleconference with Wide Horizons about travel logistics.  They were hoping to give us travel dates, but they're just not available from the Ethiopian courts yet.  We did find out the reason for the 3-7 week delay after our first trip is not because of the Ethiopian gov't., but so that the American Embassy can process our paperwork.  I think I'll never forget this process, but I already forgot some things I did in the beginning.  I don't think I'll ever get rid of all the paperwork because I think it will be interesting for Eli to see it someday!
So the teleconference got me excited but nervous...we couldn't listen on speakerphone, so I had to take it all in then play it back to Ted as we were finishing our drive home.  Nothing too shocking, except that Ted will have to wear a tie on our court day!!!  Our main job the first trip is to be an observer, helper, and nurturer for Eli.  We won't be parenting yet, but we can play with him everyday at the transition home.  They just want to reduce the trauma he might feel when we again "disappear" for a few weeks.
We found out we'll be staying in a hotel the first trip, rather than in the guest house.  I was looking forward to the guest house, but we'll do that the second trip around.
The other thing we did in Naperville, besides buying new shoes for the trip, was to buy a guide book.  I've been reading it this week, and Ethiopia is fascinating!!  The author said it was the most beautiful country he'd ever visited.  I've probably learned more in just 2 days about Ethiopia than all my prior knowledge put together.  I'm so eager to continue.
Other good news:  a positive word from one of our grant agencies--we passed the "first round," and they're passing on to the local chapter to decide if we'll receive funding.  We keep praying.   God is faithful!

Shower and Email

Kay, still not totally with it in terms of blog capabilities, but maybe I'll figure all that out someday...wanted to post after our MARVELOUS baby shower held at The Baxter's last Saturday.  Teresa and Lisa Unger put it together--including decorations, cultural touches, a cool cake, and yummy food.  They did a SLAMDUNK job, they did!!!  They even came through on a perpetual rain shower throughout!!! So nice to celebrate with our Weekend friends (except Caroline had to get shipped off to a playdate :( ).  We felt very loved and got a bunch of great stuff for Elijah G.  His picture was there in substitution for the real deal.  But speaking of, we got an email today from Wide Horizons saying that our case had been sent to the Ethiopian courts, so we will begin our travel briefing through a teleconference next Tues.  They do not have any dates yet, and timing is especially questionable since this will be the first time parents will be at the court hearings.  BUT, a sign that things are moving forward.  One of the case workers said that we will get about 2 weeks notice, so that notice has not come yet.  But we anticipate it coming soon!  I have butterflies thinking about it this afternoon.  So REAL!  We need prayers for sure :).

Catch-up

Still figuring out all this blog can do!  I thought that I would do a little catch-up today, so that we could use this as a journal to later show Eli.  I've been writing things down in his adoption baby book (thank you, Teresa!), but not all the specifics because we were too concerned about getting done what we needed to get done.  The USCIS does not wait!  In the last few weeks...we requested our match with "G" (to protect his confidentiality) on Weds., April 28th, and waited to hear whether we were a match on Fri., April 30th.  I had to sub that morning, and it was grueling waiting to hear :(.  We then celebrated the good news with friends and family that weekend, and then sent our formal acceptance in on May 12.  During that time, we were still trying to do "life"--working, doing youth ministry, and the business of Ted transitioning churches.  Made for a busy month of May (along with graduation parties, Mom's birthday, Ted's birthday, Messiest room contest...).  Before our paperwork could officially be processed in Ethiopia, we had to get a home study update with Laura from Lifelink, so that it would reflect an accurate age of child.  Since then, we've been working out all the things we need to do before travel, including the fun job of registering for some of the things we need to take with us for G on our trip.  We have been filled with every emotion 2 people can have.  At least I have--Ted is a pretty steady force :).

Next I'll figure out pictures

So, I'm trying to continue this habit of regularly blogging...people have been asking how long...we're in the 2-4 week window now of our first trip.  Still 2 trips that we know of.  Today I mailed off Eli's mini-photo album of family that they will begin showing him at Horizon House.  Even though he's young, they'll still begin showing him.  I think the album will be a great tool, too, when he gets home--especially for the relatives that he doesn't see all the time!  Now, we have to write his birth family a letter and include the pictures we have of him, as well as some pictures about ourselves, for them to keep.  Often, the only picture that they will have of their child.
Tomorrow I'm going to try to post some pics of Eli's room in progress, as well as his bedding :).