Leap of Love

ONE STEP CLOSER!!

2012-01-29T09:38:00.000-06:00

Friday was a day of Joy in our house. The news that our dossier was officially submitted to court was very welcomed news. We had been waiting to hear this because we are "hoping" to get a court date before Feb 6th. (The courts will be closing Feb 6th-26th, wish our holiday celebrations went that long!) Also, we found out that two friends of ours had their dossiers submitted on Friday too!!..... making it very possible that we will be able to travel together, which would make this already great trip, even greater!!!

Today I find myself feeling a little different. Don't get me wrong, I am obviously so happy to have everything moving forward, but knowing we are so close to seeing her, makes me even more impatient & it feels even harder knowing that we can't just go today!! So, I felt my anxiety level rise today, because I am so ready to be there with our little girl and hold her. I just want her to have that feeling of knowing she has a family that loves her and wants her home. See, she doesn't know yet! The thought of her seeing all of her little friends meeting their families, some coming to visit for the 1st trip & other's leaving with their families for a life in America...well, it just makes me want to get there that much quicker! Don't get me wrong..I love that her friends have met their mom's & dad's, brother's & sister's...I just want her to know that she is not alone.

If you have experienced adoption yourselves...you probably understand the way I'm feeling. I don't just look at "A" like a little girl waiting for a family...I look at her as my daughter, waiting for her Dad to scoop her up into her daddy's arms. From the first time we saw her picture...we knew. She was our girl.

Kasey

Sneak Peek At Noonday!!!!!

2012-01-27T12:23:00.000-06:00

Woohoo!!!!! Look what the mailman delivered to my doorstep today!!! You have got to see these beautiful hand-crafted pieces in person!!! The stories behind each piece is overwhelmingly beautiful, as well.

Those of you who live nearby, and can make it to my launch...perfect!!! For those of you who want to shop, but don't live in the Bis/Man vicinity...check out my Noonday page, browse, but be prepared to shop...you won't want to stop!!!! xo

http://kristengilliss.noondaycollection.com/

Noonday Launch in Bismarck,ND!!!!!! February 4th!!

2012-01-27T09:49:00.001-06:00

I am thrilled for this day!! A day that I can share with old friends, new friends, family, neighbors etc...A day that I can share about Noonday!! A day that you will walk away from, knowing that you made a difference in a woman's life...thousands of miles away. Come. Listen. Laugh. Share. Love. Be loved.

Saturday, February 4, 2012 10:00 am~1:00 p.m

Tim10:00am until 1:00pm

Let me, your Noonday Ambassador... show you how a beautiful table of jewelry, home & gift, accessories (purses, scarves, hats and more!!) can share a message of hope for women living in poverty and bring awareness to the need of each orphan on the planet: to find a forever home.

I would be honored if you came for fashion, fun, friends, & refreshments!!!!

And, if for some reason you are unable to make it, click on the link below & fall in love with Noonday!!
http://kristengilliss.noondaycollection.com/
xo

waiting..

2012-01-26T15:46:00.003-06:00

Not a whole lot new to report...we are still waiting for a court date!!!! We hope to be hearing about one any day now!! The courts do close from February 6th -February 26th, due to a holiday. So, we hope to hear before the Feb 6th date:) We can hardly wait for that phone call!!!

Blessed beyond our wildest dreams!!!!

2012-01-23T12:20:00.001-06:00

Wow!!!!! We continue to stand in amazement at what The Lord is doing through all of you, on our daughter's behalf in ET!! Words really can't even begin to express the feelings we have! I think one of the biggest things we have learned throughout this process... is that,God is faithful. I mean, we knew that before, but have literally been so blessed!! He is faithful. Always will be. There is no need to doubt how far God will go to move these mountains in front of us!! He will move those mountains. He has. Thank you for being the hand's & feet of Jesus....the love we feel is unexplainable! And, just think, about 2 months ago we seriously had no clue how these funds would be provided...We are just blown away! God is good, people!
Thank you for loving us!

BREAKING NEWS!!!!!!

#3 Kristen Gilliss from Bismarck, ND!! The Gilliss family is fundraising for their daughter's adoption, who is 6, and lives in Ethiopia. They are currently waiting for their court trip to Ethiopia! They are hoping to be traveling to Ethiopia in March! They have been long time followers of OH since October of 2009!. In just 10 days she raised $677.38 just from her 40% affiliate earnings and THEN she earned another $500 as being a top seller!! That brings her total earnings in just 10 days to $1177.38!! :-) Congratulations Gilliss family!

Thanks to all of our friends & family whose support has helped us earn this $500 grant!!!!!! So Blessed!!!!

Also, Thanks to Ordinary Hero for having this amazing fundraising opportunity open to adoptive families:)

What a beautiful way to start our Monday!!!!!!

Psalm 89:1 I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever; with my mouth will I make known Your faithfulness to all generations.

xo

TAKE THE TIME TO WATCH THIS VIDEO!!! CHANGING LIVES

2012-01-21T23:10:00.001-06:00

All of you who have bought something from ORDINARY HERO to help support our adoption, I want to also see where the other portion of the money goes that doesn't go to us. What an amazing organization and we are so blessed to be a little part of it this week. Seriously take 5 minutes!!! See the beauty and the need in Ethiopia? Watch the OH 2011 mission teams handing out Amharic Bibles, sheep, shoes and food. Meet the ladies who are barefoot & see their load that took 4 grown men to carry. This is where the idea of offering a donkey to them was born to lighten their burden! See your donations in ACTION! Be a part of Changing the World for One! Look at the link below to see how you can donate animals to help feed the children. Don't forget to click on our name in the affiliates drop down so it also helps bring our daughter home, if you decide to sponsor an animal. SO AWESOME!!!

PS. TURN MY BLOG MUSIC OFF ON THE LOWER LEFT SIDEBAR BEFORE WATCHING VIDEO.

http://www.ordinaryherostore.org/Product-Donations-For-Children-In-Africa-c15/

Ordinary Hero ~ Ethiopia 2011~ We Won't Forget from Kelly Putty on Vimeo.

2 DAYS LEFT!!!

2012-01-21T09:10:00.002-06:00

We woke up this morning to an e-mail telling us we are in the Top 5 for the Grant contest so we are so close to the winning the $500 Grant from ORDINARY HERO on top of the 40% of the total purchase price that we receive. We just have to finish in the TOP 3. Thank you so much to all our friends who have already purchased. We are amazed at the love you all are showing us. Please check out ORDINARY HERO's store and now you have an excuse to buy some of the really cute items that are on their site. I know there are plenty I want! Here are a couple of there new items. Make sure you click on Kristen Gilliss in the affiliate drop down box at checkout. http://www.ordinaryherostore.org/Women-s-Apparel/Red-i-heart-Slouchy-Pullover-p220.html

DONATE LIVESTOCK FROM ORDINARY HERO FOR THE PEOPLE OF ETHIOPIA!!

2012-01-20T15:07:00.005-06:00

This is so cool! What a great video, take a few minutes to watch... See the beauty and the need in Ethiopia? Watch the Ordinary Hero (OH) 2011 mission teams handing out Amharic Bibles, sheep, shoes and food. Meet the ladies who are barefoot & see their load that took 4 grown men to carry. This is where the idea of offering a donkey to them was born to lighten their burden! See your donations in ACTION! Did you know that OH has livestock for sale in the OH store? Sheep are a rare delicacy in Africa. Buy as sheep & feed 40 children. Buy half a sheep & feed 20. Buy a donkey & help a woman in Africa (usually older women who have no shoes) lighten her load by providing her a way to carry the eucalptuys braches up & down the mountain. They normally carry on their backs and recieve 1-2$ for each load of back breaking work. They do this to support their families. And we get credit for 40% of your purchase towards our adoption, even on cattle, ha. It can help us win a $500 Grant!! Change the world for one or for many!Be a part of Changing the World for One! Don't forget to select Kristen Gilliss in the affilate drop down at checkout. Also check out all the cool clothes that are available. What an awesome organization!!! CLICK LINK BELOW...

http://www.ordinaryherostore.org/Product-Donations-For-Children-In-Africa-c15/

Ordinary Hero ~ Ethiopia 2011~ We Won't Forget from Kelly Putty on Vimeo.

ORDINARY HERO CONTEST!!!!!

2012-01-19T08:27:00.000-06:00

STARTS JAN. 13TH AND GOES THRU JAN. 22ND

(Wait until the 13th to order)

http://ordinaryherostore.org/

FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO LOVE THE ORGANIZATION ORDINARY HERO AS MUCH AS WE DO, PLEASE CHECK OUT THIS FUNDRAISER!!

WE ARE IN A GRANT CONTEST WITH ORDINARY HERO TO WIN AN ADDITIONAL $500 ON TOP OF THE 40% WE RECEIVE, OF YOUR TOTAL PURCHASE PRICE, TOWARDS OUR ADOPTION!!!

Top 3 Selling Affiliates From Jan. 13th to Jan. 22nd Receive $500 Grant on top of the 40%! Check it out......

ORDINARY HERO offers high quality products that directly benefit adoptive families and those traveling to serve through missions. We will receive 40% of the purchase price of each item sold when our name is clicked as an affiliate in the checkout process. If you are here to support our adoption or Ordinary Hero, we thank you! Through your purchase of ORDINARY HERO'S products you are directly impacting, and helping to CHANGE THE WORLD FOR ONE, one child at a time.

Please Note** When you are purchasing your items, you must click on the Affiliate's name (Kristen & Kasey Gilliss) in a drop down menu during check out to ensure that we receive credit for your purchase. Thank you for helping our family reach our fundraising goal through the ORDINARY HERO GRANT CONTEST.

My Heart.

2012-01-16T20:16:00.001-06:00

My heart. It continues to grow. I've always had a love & passion for helping others. By others, I used to think the "others" were just next door or down the street. Which they still are, but my "others" has grown!

I couldn't be more excited about what I'm about to tell you next!! I am a Noonday Ambassador!!!! Many of you are probably thinking..."what in the world is that?" "what is Noonday??" Well, the passion at Noonday is this.....

"Our passion at noonday collection is to connect you with the lives of artisans struggling for a better future while styling you along the way. Fashion and design are a vehicle for opportunity and change. you, too, can be a voice for the oppressed!"

I have also always had a love for fashion & design, so this new opportunity couldn't be a better fit!!

The best part is that WE can make a difference for each of these women you see below...yes, me & you!!! After having been in Ethiopia, I see these beautiful women in a whole new way. I feel close to them, I want to help them, I feel responsible. We are responsible.

So, I choose to keep growing...my heart's passion is to love. So, I choose to love these women from around the globe. I invite you to be a part of it!!!!

Please take the time to browse through this attached link...you won't be disappointed!!!

http://kristengilliss.noondaycollection.com/

meet our artisans

At Noonday Collection, the artisans aren't just at the heart of our company, they ARE the company. The artisans we purchase our collection from know their craft. For them to get paid a fair and competitive wage for the skilled work of their hands is a unique and life-altering opportunity for most of them. Because we practice Fair Trade guidelines, your purchases enable them to earn more than what they would be earning in another job. This extra income enables them to put their children in school, buy chickens, or even expand their own business so they can employ their local community.

Noonday Collection only partners with companies and ministries who assure that their artisans are growing, learning, and benefiting from their craft. All of our suppliers use fair trade principles. Basic fair trade principles state that artisans receive a fair, living wage, a good working condition, and a reasonable path out of poverty. We want to go beyond fair trade. In many instances, the artisans are part owners in the companies! Read more about the stories behind your purchases.

Isaiah 58:10 "And if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness and your night will become like the noonday!"

2 years ago...

2012-01-14T15:44:00.001-06:00

January 12, 2010 was a day that won't ever fade from our memory. It was later in the afternoon, we were only on "the list" for a little over a month at this point, and I remember getting a call from Kasey....He said, "are you home, have you checked our email?" We had obviously missed many phone calls from our agency...I wasn't at the point yet where I would have my phone on at all times!! The kids & I scurried home, waited for Kasey, once he made it in the door, we opened up the email that would forever etch our hearts & home. These two little faces were the 1st thing we saw when opening our e-mail!! What an emotional, exciting night (and the next 6 mo!) that was!!! It is so beautiful to see how far they have both come...these pictures hardly resemble them...They are both secure, loving, happy, joyful little boys!!! Crazy to think that was just 2 years ago, & we are already coming up on the 18 month home mark:) Time flies when you're havin fun!!!

For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, "Abba, Father."

Romans 8:14-16

xo

a day to remember..

2012-01-14T08:10:00.000-06:00

Last week, we received a beautiful picture of "A!" She is smiling so big, & standing next to a Christmas tree. You see, Christmas in Ethiopia was January 7th...take a peek below to learn a bit about their Christmas traditions...

Christmas Traditions in Ethiopia

Ethiopia is one of the oldest nations in Africa. It still follows the ancient Julian calendar, so Ethiopians celebrate Christmas on January 7. The Ethiopian Orthodox Church's celebration of Christ's birth is called Ganna. It is a day when families attend church.

The day before Ganna, people fast all day. The next morning at dawn, everyone dresses in white. Most Ethiopians don a traditional shamma, a thin, white cotton wrap with brightly colored stripes across the ends. The shamma is worn somewhat like a toga. Urban Ethiopians might put on white Western garb. Then everyone goes to the early mass at four o'clock in the morning. In a celebration that takes place several days later, the priests will dress in turbans and red and white robes as they carry beautifully embroidered fringed umbrellas.

Most Ethiopians who live outside the modern capital city, Addis Ababa, live in round mud-plastered houses with cone-shaped roofs of thatched straw. In areas where stone is plentiful, the houses may be rectangular stone houses. The churches in Ethiopia echo the shape of the houses. In many parts of the country there are ancient churches carved out of solid volcanic rock. Modern churches are built in three concentric circles.

In a modern church, the choir assembles in the outer circle. Each person entering the church is given a candle. The congregation walks around the church three times in a solemn procession, holding the flickering candles. Then they gather in the second circle to stand throughout the long mass, with the men and boys separated from the women and girls. The center circle is the holiest space in the church, where the priest serves Holy Communion.

Around the time of Ganna, the men and boys play a game that is also called ganna. It is somewhat like hockey, played with a curved stick and a round wooden ball.

The foods enjoyed during the Christmas season include wat, a thick, spicy stew of meat, vegetables, and sometimes eggs as well. The wat is served from a beautifully decorated watertight basket onto a "plate" of injera, which is flat sourdough bread. Pieces of injera are used as an edible spoon to scoop up the wat.

Twelve days after Ganna, on January 19, Ethiopians begin the three-day celebration called Timkat, which commemorates the baptism of Christ. The children walk to church services in a procession. They wear the crowns and robes of the church youth groups they belong to. The grown-ups wear the shamma. The priests will now wear their red and white robes and carry embroidered fringed umbrellas.

The music of Ethiopian instruments makes the Timkat procession a very festive event. The sistrum is a percussion instrument with tinkling metal disks. A long, T-shaped prayer stick called a makamiya taps out the walking beat and also serves as a support for the priest during the long church service that follows. Church officials called dabtaras study hard to learn the musical chants, melekets, for the ceremony.

Ethiopian men play another sport called yeferas guks. They ride on horseback and throw ceremonial lances at each other.

Ganna and Timkat are not occasions for giving gifts in Ethiopia. If a child receives any gift at all, it is usually a small gift of clothing. Religious observances, feasting, and games are the focus of the season.

The traveling mom who took the picture of "A" stated that the girls were so pleased to be dressed up!! She said they also had their hair done really special & they were able to celebrate with soda & cake:) What a treat for all of the kiddos there!!

I often wonder, I'm sure this is the most Our girl has ever celebrated Christmas in ET, or maybe not!? By the look on her face, she was completely enamored by the tree, her beautiful dress etc.

Although she is waiting in an orphanage, I find comfort knowing that she looks happy & is able to celebrate these special traditions. You can tell she feels so special:)

I know this post is a bit late, but you know how I love to document special occasions...and this was just that!!!! xo

laundry low-down...

2012-01-05T13:02:00.001-06:00

With a growing family, I'm always on the look-out for ways we can save ourselves money, so I thought this was a win-win situation!! I love natural & organic products...so, we are saving $$ and it's much better for our Health(skin) & well being too!!

So, we have been using our homemade laundry soap for about a month now & loving it!! Here is a list of the products you will need & how-to's!!

20 Mule Team Natural Laundry Booster, Borax, 76 oz

$4.29

ARM & HAMMER® Super Washing Soda®

Price:

$2.50

Total weight 4.0 lbs

Fels-Naptha Heavy Duty Laundry Bar $2.49

Ok, so beyond the above 3 products...you will need a 5 gallon bucket with lid, gallon milk jugs or something similar in size. I've also loved using the gallon size "ice mountain" jugs you can get at Target. The other 3 products for the soap you can purchase at Walmart!

Step 1: grate Fels Naptha Bar into kettle with 4 cups water...boil on medium until the soap bar has dissolved.

Step 2: After step 1 is complete..add the soap mixture from kettle into the 5 gallon bucket...which should be filled half way with water! Mix it around a bit with a yard stick:)

Step 3: Add 1/2 cup of the borax & 1 cup of the Arm & Hammer super washing soda to the 5 gallon bucket. Mix thoroughly, cover & let sit overnight.

Step 4: Remove lid from bucket, you will notice the mixture is quite thick...mix again with stick...it will still be kind of lumpy!

Step 5: Fill your gallon jugs half full with water & put your funnel in the jug, now you are ready to scoop & pour the soap mixture into your gallon jug. Once you have filled your gallon jugs, tighten the cap, shake & that's it!!!

If you have any essential oils at home, you can try that too....I have added about 10 drops of lavender, lemon or peppermint to some of mine & they smell really good!!

Happy laundry soap making!!!!!
xo

Guest blogger aka Kasey

2012-01-04T22:00:00.000-06:00

I have been waking up lately and all day, all I can think about is our little girl waiting for us in Ethiopia. It consumes my thoughts. It can be such a lonely feeling, but then one of our adoption friends miles away, reaches out to us. I am continually amazed at the outpour of encouragement & support we receive from so many other adoptive parents from around the U.S....many of them from within our agency & others whom we know by name, but have yet to meet! They are definitely some of our biggest supporters! I think all of us adoptive parents can vouch for that. We stand with each other through some very long, hard but worth every second of it days, weeks, months & even years for some. At times, we feel as if the people who are closest to us, understand the least, but, it's all of you who really can understand & relate to this mighty journey we are on. The beautiful thing about looking elsewhere for encouragement is that you come across stories like Katie Davis from Amazima Ministries. I look at this young girl with such admiration, and if you were to praise her, she would simply tell you that she is just doing what the Bible tells us to do. It's so encouraging to read her story, she is truly being the hands and feet of Jesus, which is something we should all strive for. I encourage you to take a look at this young lady and read her book. It will change your outlook, and hopefully inspire us all to do more.

Kasey

Ageze's toothless grin:)

2012-01-03T16:08:00.000-06:00

another tooth gone...compliments of Kate!!!

is this not the longest tooth you have ever seen??

One proud boy:)

Her smile:)

2012-01-02T21:39:00.000-06:00

Precious!!! We received the most precious pictures of our girl this morning:) It started our week off just right!

Her smile. Wait till you see her smile. Not just an ordinary smile. Her smile lights up a room. goes from ear to ear. it's contagious.

All of you adoptive parents know how special it is to receive updated photos...even though we are an ocean away, it feels like we are getting to know her personality & who her sweet little friends are!!

Thank you so much Kelly for taking the time while in Addis to send these our way!!

I know, you all are just itchin to see her!!! Me too!!!!!

Every night before bed, we pray..."Lord, please give "A" a sense of peace, that she too, has a family who loves her so much. Tell her she is not forgotten. She is loved. Protect her Lord. Watch over her in the coming weeks as many of her friends will be coming home to their families. Protect her heart. May the Love YOU have for her Lord, shine brightly through her." Amen.

And, by the looks of it...She knows. She knows she is loved. She knows she will be ok. She knows & feels the love Our God has for her.

Christmas 2011

2012-01-02T20:37:00.001-06:00

waiting patiently.

Tesfa & his new kitchen!

chaotic...but fun.

is it my turn yet?

Wow...I'm way late on this post! We created many memories this Christmas, however, not many pictures were created:( during the hustle & bustle of Christmas Eve & Christmas Day, this momma barely has time to pick up the camera. And really, that's ok. It's ok that we were all just having way too much fun to snap pics. And it's ok that instead of taking pic's, we were creating special, fun memories with our family. Love spending time together with the ones we love so much!!

Merry Christmas from our family to yours!!!!! And, Happy 2012 too!!!!!

Tesfa turns 5!!!!

2011-12-29T08:10:00.001-06:00

Wow~ what a big day here at our house...actually, more like a Huge weekend of many, beautiful celebrations. More on Christmas next post, this one is all about Tesfa!! We started off the day with candles in his pancakes & ended it with candles in his cake...That boy loves him some candles:)

Dossier...up, up & away!!!!

2011-12-23T08:51:00.001-06:00

As Christmas is quickly approaching, we are daily reminded of God's goodness to each & every one of us. We are all so excited to celebrate Jesus' birth!! Things have been beautifully different this year around our home....Our kids have not been focused on what gifts they hope to receive, instead their focus is on HIM, and about their sister waiting on the other side of the world. There is definitely a feeling around here...that one of us is missing:( Oh, how we wish we could get on a plane and be with her this Christmas!! But, we rest in knowing that we are getting closer & closer to her!! Our dossier is on it's way to ET!!!! Can't wait to get that phone call about a court date!!! What a Happy New Year it will be!!!

The week of blessings. The Tesfa tale.

2011-12-19T14:20:00.002-06:00

Thanks again to all of you, who have come alongside our family, whether it be through prayers, finances, or well wishes. We have been extremely blessed by all of you!! The grand total for the week was....$5,905.00!!!!! The lucky winners of the Kindle Fire's were....Kari Weigel & Amy Hanson!!!

Also, while I'm taking a few minutes to blog...I also have to tell you about Tesfa's conversation with me this morning. It went something like this: "Momma, do you like my color??" "Yes, Tesfa, momma LOVES your beautiful skin!" "Momma, do you want color like me?" "Oh, yes...I wish I had your beautiful brown skin...Momma loves your skin!!" "Momma, you can have skin like me! just go to the paint store and buy brown paint:)" "Oh, buddy, it's not that easy!"
"ok, momma....just go to Ethiopia, and then you will turn brown!!!!!"

Love that boy!
xo

Wow, Wow & wow!!!!!!!

2011-12-16T09:49:00.002-06:00

Wow!!! Can you tell I'm at a loss for words when it comes to a blog post title??!! I wish It could be an audio title!! Then, you'd all hear me screaching, yelling, thank you-ing, praising.... like big time!!! And you'd probably get the sense that I was jumping up & down!!! Yep, that's been our past week around the Gilliss house!! I am still in awe of the donations that keep flowing in from all of you!! Glory be to God!

Tomorrow wraps up the.....

How Would You Like a KINDLE FIRE?

UPDATE: TWO (yes 2!!!) Kindle Fires will be given as a gift!! A generous friend of the Gilliss Family decided to bless one more person!! So that means TWO people will receive a KINDLE FIRE!!

Did that get your attention? Good. :)
http://forsuchasthese.blogspot.com/2011/12/how-would-you-like-kindle-fire.html

One week ago, I stated that our "due now" amount was $4,325.00 and our total remaining balance was just over $11,000.00 plus travel!! Well, I am so excited to tell you that we have surpassed that "due now" number!!!! The current donations are at $5,440.00!!!! We are about half way to our full amount!!!!! To God be the glory!!!!!!

Whether you donated $10, $20, $50, $100 or $500.... we appreciate each gift equally. :)

Thank you all so much for the overwhelming amount of love, generosity, & support you have shown us in the past week!!! You all are a magnificent & beautiful part of "Our A's" story!!!

3 DAYS left!!!

2011-12-14T14:11:00.001-06:00

For Such As These: How Would You Like a KINDLE FIRE?: Did that get your attention? Good. :)

Click on the above title and be directed to our friends blog to get a chance to win. And bonus... it helps our adoption.

Thank you to those of you who have given so graciously to our adoption. It is such a joy to watch God work through friends, family, and even people whom we have never met...

Can't stop smiling:)

2011-12-13T10:58:00.001-06:00

It has been less than a week since Our friends at..http://forsuchasthese.blogspot.com/2011/12/how-would-you-like-kindle-fire.html started this amazing, humbling act of kindness to benefit our family & the daughter we are aching to meet!!!

Yes, less than a week!! And as of today we have been blessed with more than we could ever imagine!!! Our current total....drum roll please.......is $4,462.00...yes, you read that right....Four thousand Four Hundred and Sixty Two dollars!!!! Wow!!!!!! Thanks to all of you, whether near or far, friends or family...that have completely blown our socks off!!! I can hardly wait to tell our girl about all of you, who have helped in some way...whether that be through prayer or finances. We appreciate all of you!!

This will go through this Friday, the 16th!!! So, if you haven't already...check out http://forsuchasthese.blogspot.com/2011/12/how-would-you-like-kindle-fire.html for more details!!!!

Smiling ear to ear, thanking Our God for His provision.
xo

WOW!!!!! Drum roll please!!!!!!!!!!

2011-12-08T23:23:00.001-06:00

WOW!!!! I can hardly believe my eyes!!! Am I really seeing this right???!! Thanks to all of you who have blessed our family today!! Day 1 total.....$1921.00!!!!! Oh My Word!!! Really???? Are we really deserving of all of this love & support that has been shown??! I can literally feel us getting closer & closer to our girl!!!! At times when this journey feels hard...God is continuously right there. Speaking to my heart. Pushing us on. And, I'm sooooo glad we continue to walk forward. In HIS plan for us.

Day 1 down....8 to go!!!! I can feel God cheering us on!!!!!

Friends & a Kindle.

2011-12-08T11:06:00.000-06:00

Once again....friends whom we've actually never met...in person. But, they are friends.
In case you've never looked up the definition of friend..here it is:)

One who supports, sympathizes with, or patronizes a group, cause, or movement.

A person whom one knows; an acquaintance.

A person whom one knows, likes, and trusts.

So, it's very appropriate that I call Charisa & Greg Knight our friends!!

And an absolute support they are!! They have kindly & graciously offered to support our family in our journey to bring our "A" home!! It's hard to put into words how thankful we are for them. When a person or family embarks on this journey called Adoption....it comes with alot of unknowns at times, fear, excitement, financial worries, joy etc...and it seems as if families who have adopted in the past or are in the midst of it themselves, are often your biggest cheerleaders!! And that they are. But, knowing that God has this beautiful plan all worked out...even though it's blurry at times...gives us such comfort & peace. I love who God has connected us with in these past two years...it is nothing short of amazing.

So, please...take a second...jump on over to their blog...check out how they are supporting our family!! And have a chance to love Our Girl...even though you've yet to meet.

http://forsuchasthese.blogspot.com/2011/12/how-would-you-like-kindle-fire.html?spref=bl

Love to your family from ours xo

For Such As These: How Would You Like a KINDLE FIRE?

2011-12-08T08:32:00.001-06:00

For Such As These: How Would You Like a KINDLE FIRE?: Did that get your attention? Good. :)

Click on the above title and be directed to our friends blog to get a chance to win. And bonus... it helps our adoption.

close..but, yet so far.

2011-12-02T10:10:00.002-06:00

Yesterday we received an email, with the sweetest pictures of our sweet girl in ET:) oh, how it makes me want to jump on a plane & be with her!! I just have to tell you...she looks so beautiful & so pleased with her latest hair-do!! Up until now, all of the pics we've received of her, she has had very short hair...they usually cut the hair down to help with the ringworm etc....anyhow, the pics we got yesterday....she has the biggest smile...ear to ear!! One of the nannies must have done her hair...it is beautiful & long!! It looks as if she is dressed up a bit...not in dressy clothes or anything fancy...but, a pink shirt & jeans with a spiderman logo:) She looks proud.
And, as I stare at these pics, over & over....she feels so close to my heart, almost like I can feel myself hugging her....reaching my arms out to hold her...but, I open my eyes & I realize she is still so far away. I can't wait to tell her she IS loved. And how beautiful she is. And I can't wait to tell her how much Jesus loves her. Oh, how HE loves her. We love her.
After picking the kids up from school yesterday....Kate asked me when we got in the car..."Mom, have we gotten any new pictures of my sister??"(which is a daily question from Kate!!) She could hardly contain herself on the drive home!! She has never gotten out of the car so fast!! She ran to the computer. And looked at her pics over & over & over again. All 4 of them stood here just gazing at her:)
It seems like yesterday we were at this point with bringing our youngest two home....I remember it so well...I remember feeling like I would actually never see them face to face...It felt like I would only know them through pictures. And then, the day came. Oh, how Im aching for that day to come again. and soon.
So, you are probably wondering..."whats taking so long??" or..."where are you at in this journey?".... well, In a way...it does feel like its been long...but, its really not taking any longer...the difference is...we saw her face the end of June & that is when we started the process. Where with the boys....we started the process a few months before we got their referral. With "A" being on the waiting childrens List...we knew from the day we saw her...she was meant to be our daughter! And then, in August....courts in ET closed during their rainy season, and just opened up again in October!! So, our dossier is out of our home & on it's way to our agency, then DC.... then Ethiopia:) After it is translated...we will be submitted for court!!!! I'm hoping for a court date in February!!!
I've had people asking & wondering if there is anything they or you can do to help??! And, there is!!!! On the left hand side of this blog...you will see a very colorful picture of Africa....it's actually a 500 piece puzzle!!! This is one way you could help us!! You can buy/sponsor any amount of pieces for $10.00 a piece....we will then put your name on the back of the piece, so we can show her & remember who helped us along in this journey to our daughter & sister!
The other way you could help...is listed below...This is a letter I wrote in our efforts to raise funds to help bring our girl home!! Like I've mentioned before...This is not something that is easy for me to do, or ask for. But, having been through the process before...and seeing God's hand & presence through it all...I no longer feel too proud. We, as Christians are commanded to rise up & serve the poor, needy, fatherless, the widow....in some way, shape or form. It may look different for each one of us. Some of us have felt the call to adopt, some might feel led to sponsor a child & some of us may help at our local homeless shelter. "Jesus does not ask that we care for the less fortunate....He demands it." from the book "Kisses From Katie."

Dear Family and Friends, November 1, 2011

As most of you know…July 2010 brought 2 of the greatest blessings to our family! We were blessed with our sons…Ageze & Tesfa whom we adopted from Ethiopia. This past year has been wonderful, challenging, beautiful & hard at times…and we wouldn’t change a thing. Our walk with God and our Faith has grown tremendously in the last 2 years. For that, we are thankful.

I’ll give you a bit of our history. After years of tossing the idea of Adoption around in our hearts & heads, we made the leap of faith, that would forever change our family, our hearts & our home!!! Going to Ethiopia was one of the hardest but best weeks I’ve had! When we were leaving for the airport, my heart felt like it was tearing in two. Two of my children in North Dakota & two of them in Ethiopia!! Saying “see you in 9 days” to Grant & Kate was truly devastating. But, the thought of not going to ET with Kasey to pick up our sons, was equally mind shattering. So, to the airport we went. I often wonder what the other people on our plane were thinking…I was crying like a baby! But, ultimately…I knew that God and our family would protect & love Grant & Kate while we were gone…I knew this was a time I had to go. And I’m so thankful I did. It forever changed us. I was somewhere above the Atlantic Ocean, listening to my Christian Music and the peace that washed over me was unexplainable. I was ok. Grant & Kate were ok. And Tesfa & Ageze were even ok. I was coming. Just one more day & we’d be in the same country as our boys…picking them up, welcoming them into our arms forever!

Once we stepped foot on Ethiopian soil, we knew it wouldn’t be our last time there! I can’t even begin to explain how deeply we were impacted in those 9 days. And I’m so glad we were. We not only fell in love with our new son’s…we fell in love with their birth country. Leaving Ethiopia on that July day..heading for America, we felt comfort knowing we’d be back!!

And, we are so pleased & excited to tell you….WE ARE GOING BACK!!!!

We have one of the most beautiful little girls waiting for us in Ethiopia!! She is approximately 6 years old, she has the most beautiful smile that makes her big, brown eyes twinkle with hope & delight! We ache for her, pray for her, include her in our family talks…now, we are just waiting for her.

And, that is where you come in. As you are probably aware of…Adoption is quite expensive. But, We can’t afford NOT to!! THEY can’t afford for us NOT to!!

Like Proverbs 24:12 says: “Once are eyes are opened we cannot pretend we do not know what to do. God, who weighs our hearts and keeps our souls knows we know and holds us responsible to act.”

There are a couple of ways you can help and be a part of our story:

1. Prayer - We would love & treasure it if you’d pray for our Daughter In Ethiopia…for her health, her safety, but ultimately pray that she may feel the love that God has for her and that she may have faith that she does have a family waiting for her!

2. Financial support - Would you please consider donating $5,10,20,50,100 etc.. towards our adoption in order to help us with bringing her home?? Between the paperwork, plane tickets, and travel... adoption is very expensive…any amount is extremely appreciated!! What a beautiful day that will be to get her home! Thanks in advance for your support. We appreciate each and every one of you.

Bismarck Community Church has graciously given us the ability to offer a tax deductible way for you to support "A".

If you would like to be a part of God bringing "A" to Himself through our family, you can send your tax-deductible gift to the address below. Bismarck Community Church is a trusted organization administering the funds on "A" behalf, and will pay adoption expenses out of funds received.

1. Please make checks payable to: Bismarck Community Church. You may preference how the donation might be used by writing “preference Gilliss Family Adoption” in the memo section of your check.

(*Note: In following IRS guidelines, your donation is to Bismarck Community Church which retains full discretion and control over its use.)

2. Mail checks to:

Bismarck Community Church

Attn: Gilliss family adoption

1617 E Michigan Ave.

Bismarck, ND 58504

How wonderful it will be to pick her up, with our arms wide open!!!! What a beautiful day that will be!! Thanks in advance for your support. We appreciate each and every one of you.

Feel free to check out our Family Blog/Journey at www.leapoflove.blogspot.com…

We look forward to the day we have her in our arms & we are able to introduce her to all of you!!

Love & Blessings,

Kristen, Kasey, Grant, Kate, Ageze & Tesfa Gilliss

Thank you for investing in The Kingdom through prayer & finances- it will be an investment with an eternal return!! (Matt 6:20) We’ll give you an update with a picture of our daughter and details as we receive them!! Please pray this entire process will glorify God and fulfill His purposes!

Ageze's 5th birthday!!!

2011-11-28T19:35:00.000-06:00

Saturday was Ageze's 5th birthday!! It feels so funny writing 5th!! He is convinced he was turning 7!! Who am I to argue with that...after all, he's probably right:) He was totally excited about his special day, but didn't love that his cake said..."5th" birthday!! He knows he & Tesfa are not the same age....yes, Tesfa turns 5 one month from Agezes birthday!! This birthdate stuff just puzzles us all:) Ageze has been telling people for awhile now..."I'm 4,5,6!!" "right, mom??" Ha!! Take a peek at his fun-filled day!!! Love our 4,5,6 year old boy!! Ageze, you fill our life with such joy!! You are such a kind, gentle, loving, sweet, funny little boy!! We are so lucky to have you in our life!!! xo

Thanksgiving 2011

2011-11-28T19:18:00.000-06:00

So much to be thankful for...our family, friends, health, God's faithfulness, a roof over our heads, clothing to keep us warm, more food than our bellies can handle:) Those are just a few things that come to my mind!! We enjoyed our 4 day weekend together...hanging out with our family, friends, sharing a meal together, listening to our kids speak about what they are thankful for...

Hope you all had a great, memory filled weekend!!! xo

changing lanes. are you with Me??

2011-11-21T19:12:00.000-06:00

Over the weekend, we were able to stay in a local hotel...our home was in the Holiday Home Walk...so, I'm assuming they definitely knew that a beautiful table setting of china & goblets didn't mix too well with a family of 6---------->>>>>>>>>

Anyhow, after winding down after a full day of swimming...the kiddos gathered their books & I grabbed a great new local paper..."The Great Plains Examiner." I came across an article that caught my attention. The title of it read..."It's time to change lanes." If you are interested in a thought-provoking read that you will probably read at least 20 times....keep reading!!

Change is coming. It's inevitable. With it comes potential for new growth-personally & spiritually. It also harbors the seeds of self-defeating doubt & fear. Satan would use it for your demise.
But God uses change to bring you through something you normally wouldn't follow Him through in order to answer the prayers you prayed long ago. He uses change so you will be forced into the valley of utter dependance on Him so that your mountaintops will be places of power in your life.

I'm cool with that. Way cool.

If the road of life is a six-lane super highway, then I pray that God causes me to change lanes & experience each one of them. Others, however, wouldn't like to see that happen. there's a world of people who want to see that happen. There's a world of people who want us both to stay exactly where we are righht now: friends, family & most of all Satan.

They will get mad because you are making changes to grow. they will tell you to stay in your lane, don't disrupt the status quo & play the same game everyone else is playing.

It's easy to cave when everyone around you is trying to put you into a place of powerlessness, whether they realize it or not. Lets' face it: staying in the same lane is comfortable, easy & safe.

However, if we stay where we are right now, then we will not be effective for the next season God is bringing us into. Instead, we become afraid of what might happen if we step away from what's familiar.

For God has not given us a spirit of fear & timidity. Not at all. Rather, He has given us a spirit of power, love, and focused self-discipline (2 Timothy 1:7)

Don't seek God from a place of fear and insecurity. Seek God from a place of power. One of the most self-sabotaging things we can do is believe the lie that the anointed place we were called to occupy is not
ours to claim. This creates in us a culture of fear and a spirit that was never a part of God's original design for our lives.
A refusal of fear and doubt is in order. Prayers of fear will turn to prayers of love infused with power and purpose, and that's a spirit that God stops the world to hear!
Above all, don't ask others for permission to do the things God has already told you that you can do. There comes a time when change in your life is demanded, a time when you don't need confirmation because you have a conviction from God about what you should do.

The Holy Spirit will teach you everything you need to know and will remind you of everything I, Myself, have told you. (John 14:26)

As we catch this as a pattern for our lives, we will begin to drift into the other lane that our entire existence has been longing for. And God will call you to do something foreign to even some of the most devoted Christians. He will call you to let go of what's easy for the sake of embracing the hard road that few are ever wiling to engage.
This is not choosing a good decision over a bad decision. It's choosing to make a God-driven decision.

This sets you up to let go of those things keeping you in that lane you know you need to leave. This will make your breakthrough all the more sweet:) It will be like driving 25 miles per hour through a construction zone and finally getting to break free and put the pedal to the metal!!!

God's plan starts with you changing lanes. You can't live off of yesterday's experiences, promises and callings. A new season equals new things. Who you are now and who you were created to be is separated by a white dotted line. It separates life from mere existence.

That line is begging to be crossed. Merge NOW!!!

Thanks to Terry Parkman for writing this fantastic article!!! It feels as if it was written specifically for me!!! xo Kristen

beautiful boy & his (he)art!!!!!

2011-11-14T20:47:00.000-06:00

As I was going through Grant's school work from today...I came across some pretty sweet artwork, which I had to share!! I love that my boy thinks about Ethiopia & Uganda during school...and so many people often wonder what Adoption will do to their kids!!!! I love what God has done through adoption in our home & love that my children "get it!!" xo

Our God.

2011-11-13T15:16:00.000-06:00

Love this song. For me, it's one of those songs where I just sing as loud as my voice will carry...maybe not always a good thing...but I just love it that much, so I really don't care how it sounds coming out of my mouth!!! Oh, and Our God IS healer!!! My last MRI I had of my brain about 2 months ago came back amazing!!! The radiology report said the large spot I had on the right side of my brain is hardly visible!! Praise be to God!!! And then I'm reminded...Lord, it's so easy to be thankful when things seem to be going "our" way, the way we like them...but, that's not Your way!!! We are to cling to You with all we have, every minute of every day...In rain or shine!! Remembering back.....when we had first announced to our family & friends that we would be adopting....I had a few very concerned friends...They questioned.."are you sure you should be doing this??" "are you sure it won't be too hard on your health??" They are dear friends...they mean well...they were just concerned for my well-being. And, I remember saying..."I would be worse off NOT going forward with the adoption!" We had to. God had made it very clear to us that adopting was not in our plan, but HIS!! Not that we were ever against it....we had entertained it many times...but, this time it was not being entertained...we were commanded!! Anyhow, after sharing our hearts with those friends, it was no longer me trying to explain why I should adopt...God simply placed the words in my mouth. I no longer felt like I needed to justify myself. God was doing it for me. Thank you Lord. I cannot even begin to imagine If the"what if's", would have held us back. From that day on...I could hear God saying..." Kristen, I did not command you to adopt to then have your health spiral downwards." "Trust ME, for I am with you." God, You are faithful. God, You are greater. God, You are stronger. There's no one like YOU. I will cling to YOU on the good days & the bad. xo "Our God."
Water, You turned into wineOpened the eyes of the blindThere's no one like YouNone like You
Into the darkness, You shineOut of the ashes we riseThere's no one like YouNone like You
Our God is greaterOur God is strongerGod, You are higher than any otherOur God is healerAwesome in powerOur God, our God
Into the darkness, You shineOut of the ashes, we riseThere's no one like YouNone like You
Our God is greaterOur God is strongerGod, You are higher than any otherOur God is healerAwesome in powerOur God, our God
Our God is greaterOur God is strongerGod, You are higher than any otherOur God is healerAwesome in powerOur God, our God
And if our God is for usThen who could ever stop usAnd if our God is with usThen what could stand against
And if our God is for usThen who could ever stop usAnd if our God is with usThen what could stand againstThen what could stand against
Our God is greaterOur God is strongerGod, You are higher than any otherOur God is healerAwesome in powerOur God, our God
Our God is greaterOur God is strongerGod, You are higher than any otherOur God is healerAwesome in powerOur God, our God
And if our God is for usThen who could ever stop usAnd if our God is with usThen what could stand against
And if our God is for usThen who could ever stop usAnd if our God is with usThen what could stand againstWhat could stand againstWhat could stand against

one of a kind friends.

2011-11-07T22:05:00.001-06:00

Yup, They make me smile!!! Joey & Destiny & their sweet little girl "Gali" came to visit last week!! Well, I guess it started off more like..."Hi, nice to finally meet you all!!" "Thanks for making the trek up here to North Dakota!" So, yea...Destiny & I had been emailing each other for a little over a year...(ok, I guess you could say I was stalking her)ha!!!! And now I know why I was stalking her!!! An hour or so before they pulled into our driveway..Kasey said.." are you nervous, Kris?" "Nervous for what?" I asked. "Well, to have people stay with us that we don't even know!" Ha!! "Nope!!" was my response!! That's exactly how it went:) This family is incredible. Delightful. beautiful. real. and the best part is....they LOVE GOD. Like, you can just feel it. I could listen to Joey speak for hours...because you know what he talks about....God!! And the passion, the love, the light, that shines from Joey when he is speaking about God..well, I'm not sure I've ever seen anyone quite like him. Or her. They arrived Late Friday night...we stayed up for a few hours visiting, said Good night & I laid in bed knowing these would be life long friends....yes, friends! I know, I had just met them..but, I knew!! If you had the chance to meet them while they were here...you know exactly what I mean:) Saturday brought a fun day getting to know each other...like really getting to know each other. I love deep talks. We talked & talked & talked!! Destiny & I share the same love for healthy food. I've always thought I love healthy, organic, good for the soul food...but, she taught me so much about healthy everything!!! Anyhow, Saturday night we had our adoption Group over for appetizers & a gathering. We enjoyed the company, visiting & then listened while Joey shared his heart. You missed out if you weren't here...just sayin!! Again, we stayed up till like 1:00 am!!! can you even believe it?? I am so not a night owl!! But, then again...I could talk about God, life, family, friends...for hours!! Sunday morning we had breakfast & off to church we went! Our church was lucky enough to have Joey speak...the whole service!!! I mean, when you look at this guy...you can see God's love. It was beautiful. We had a laid back afternoon, then went to my parents for dinner!! I just had to share This family with whomever was available!!! They blessed us big time & I know others felt the same way!! Sunday night Destiny & I headed to our local grocery store...i know..fun, right??! I love the organic section at the store..So, since they were leaving 2 days later...we thought it would be fun to shop for healthy stuff!!! She had a ton of great suggestions...& I love it!!! You all are gonna think we are nuts...but, we were at the store until midnight!!!!ha!! That's what mom's who love health food do on Sunday nights!!! Monday we spent the day just hanging out together, sharing our hearts some more, dreaming together, praying together. What a terrific day we had!!! We trick-or-treated the night away...then stayed up late talking!! Tuesday was a day we were dreading at this point...here, in just a few days time...we had created such a strong friendship.... an everlasting one. I just Love the people that God brings into our lives. They were such a blessing to our family. Friends who we can talk GOD, life, family, happy, sad & everything in-between with. Since they left a week ago...we've talked on the phone a couple of times...prayed over the phone, text back & forth....and I always hang up feeling so encouraged & led. The work God has done & continues to do in & through this family is just beautiful...just like Joey spoke about multiplying...here are a few scriptures I've been reading today & have been speaking to my heart...

Matthew 9:37-38 "Then he said to his disciples, 'The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.'"

When the crowds of needy people were multiplying, what strategy did Jesus use to multiply the presence of God in a saving way to meet the need?
Jesus sends the 12 disciples to do and teach the same message and methods of the kingdom of heaven as he was (Matthew 9:35; 10:1, 7-8). What principles of leadership selection and reproduction do we see here

Revelation 7:9 "After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. They were wearing white robes…"

Since this great multitude comes out of the generations who have lived on the earth, how can you increase the total harvest of the kingdom of God in your region, including crossing cultures and language groups to bring Jesus to them?

Can you see here how God has delighted in the dream of his heart and seen the fulfillment of millions upon millions of human beings becoming members of his forever family by receiving the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world?

Here I am Lord....SEND ME!!!!! xo

Joey, Destiny & Gali...thank you!!!! We look forward to the day we can see you all again:)

Until then.....I'll be praying:)

rice & a cardboard box.

2011-11-06T20:21:00.000-06:00

Today was probably a normal Sunday for most...for us, we chose to do things a bit differently this evening. Since we all know...Today....November 6th, 2011...is Orphan Sunday. We gathered in our home with a another family...they too, have been to Ethiopia & have adopted their little girl...in fact, it seems like yesterday we all welcomed them home, but it's been almost 2 years!!! As you can see in the last pic, she & Tesfa got along just great!!! Their giggles were contagious!!! They were quite the pair:)

So, tonight...we ate an orphan's meal. On a piece of cardboard. Each family drank out of a bowl. The meal consisted of RICE. Even though we have seen the poverty...it still seems so hard to believe that a child might just get rice for their dinner. And in many cases...dinner is their only meal for the day. And, let me tell you...we each ate the portion that one child gets...& it's not much. My stomach is begging for more. I find it hard to put into words how i feel. Thinking that our daughter is classified as an orphan makes me hurt. Wondering how well she was fed today...makes me cry. Knowing that she has no one to tuck her in at night, reading Bible stories, giving her kisses & hugs, telling her she is loved....makes me cry even more.

So, I'm sure some of you might ask...why??? Why would you even think of going without your normal dinner?? Why would you want to be uncomfortable?? Why are you having a gathering focused on Orphan Sunday?? Why are you adopting again???
It's the least we can do. And, it's not about us.

Did you know that if just 7% of Christians would adopt one child...there would be no more orphans!!

In you the orphan finds mercy.

Hosea 14:3

Romans 8:14-16

Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you.

James 1:27

Father to the fatherless, defender of widows — this is God, whose dwelling is holy. God places the lonely in families.

Psalms 68:5-6

I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!

Matthew 25:40

Our family....seeking & following God...kate's perspective:)

2011-11-02T12:08:00.000-06:00

As I was cleaning up the house...I found these two beautiful, precious pieces of paper. I love the love our kids have for their sister waiting for them in ET. She is absolutely a part of our family, already...and we've yet to meet her in person. And, as I am seeking God...I know my kids are too!! Now, if they could just follow the "be good" part!!! No, totally kidding!! Love that part!! Love the kiddos we've been blessed with:) xo

halloween 2011..

2011-11-01T11:43:00.001-06:00

Fun was had by all!!!! I had two little army men, One beautiful princess & the cutest little sock monkey I've ever seen!! We started with a yummy Halloween feast at our place & then on to Trick-or-treating!! The neighborhood we live in is Halloween Central...so we had a great time seeing all of the other cute kiddos out there!! We ran out of candy around 10pm...so that was our night!! The kids surprisingly agreed to lay down around 9:00...and they were out!! Exhaustion set in!! School didn't start till 10 this am..so, we were able to spend the morning together with our friends before they left town...more on The LeTourneaus on my next post!!! Hope you all had a safe, fun halloween!!

pumpkin carving....

2011-10-27T20:58:00.000-05:00

What a beautiful October day we had!! We were able to spend our afternoon outside...raking, mowing one last time & carving our pumpkins!! The kids always look forward to digging out the slimy goop!!! While the kiddos & Dad were busy carving, I roasted our seeds!! What a yummy snack before laying our heads down for the night!!! xo

I want to be a trader.

2011-10-26T21:22:00.003-05:00

This evening at church, while the kids were enjoying their Wednesday night activities, The adults had our time....visiting, learning, sharing, & we also watched a few short video clips.....and this one was excellent!!!!( please take the 2 minutes to watch!!) Thanks Pastor Jared for sharing this!! It now looks like I won't be getting much sleep...my brain is "on."

p.s. mute blog music on bottom left side of blog before playing.

paint post gone sad.

2011-10-24T22:18:00.001-05:00

nothing a little paint can't fix!!!! Our main floor bathroom was one of the only rooms in our home that I hadn't painted!! So, with a can of extra paint & a bit of black spray paint for my mirror & light fixtures...I have a new & improved bathroom!!! This bathroom was painted brown with brown ceilings too!! The bead board was tan & the fixtures were gold!! I love how just a bit of paint & time can make things come alive & new!!

I am aware that this post has NOTHING to do with our Adoption...so, for that I am sorry!! But, it does have to do with Nesting!! Don't we as women like to have our nest's in order?? Well, my nest is coming together...& it makes this momma happy:) Don't get me wrong..it's far from perfect & tidy...but I do hope my nest provides love, comfort, food, warmth to those who enter & reside here!!
The definition of NEST:
1: The bed or receptacle prepared by a fowl for holding her eggs and for hatching and rearing her young.
2: A snug, comfortable, or cozy residence or situation; a retreat, or place of habitual resort.
3: To put into a nest; to form a nest for.

These definitions make me smile:) Us as mommas do have ideas in our minds as to how we want our nest's to look & feel....we usually don't want a tangled mess...instead, a warm, safe, cozy residence for rearing our little ones....But, while I'm typing this, I can't help but think of all the momma's in our world who want & dream of these same things for their children...it breaks my heart...because they too, want a warm, safe place for their kids....but unfortunately, this is what some nests look like.......( I took this picture while we were in Ethiopia last summer...I have it hanging on a picture board in our home...it reminds me & all of us not to take things, our home, our bed etc....for granted. And each time I walk by this photo it reminds me to pray for her & her child lying next to her, snug up against her chest, tucked under her arm.)
oops, my post about paint ended up bringing me to tears. makes me re-think my next paint project.
xo

randomness...but good.

2011-10-23T10:55:00.000-05:00

A while back, I had taken a few pix of our youngest...so, last Sunday am...the kids were lookin pretty sweet, so had to snap a few pix on our way out!! And, well, I couldn't post just 3 of the kiddos pix...I had to include our little man again!! Besides, who doesn't want to see that sweet smile again?!

This will probably end up being a random post but had to share a couple cute things...
The other day while we were driving...Kate said..."Nana's house is the best place on earth!!"....From the back seat, Ageze said..."No, Kate...Ethiopia is the best place on earth!!!!" Too cute not to share!

In adoption related news..... We are just waiting on our I-171H to come back...then our stuff should be on it's way to Ethiopia, Then we wait for our court date!! Exciting stuff!! We received about 10 pix of our sweet girl last evening....Wow!! She makes me smile!! The gal who sent them commented on how happy & beautiful she is! Her smile is contagious:) So thankful for the pictures we get!! Wishing I could hop on a plane & be with her!

Wishing you a beautiful Sunday! xo

tHe FaRm....& fundraiser!!!

2011-10-16T21:00:00.002-05:00

recently, my parents bought a bit of land/farm/hunting property:) Up until we made our first trip out to this serene sounding place...I was telling my family..."I could totally live on the farm, have some chickens, cows, horses...etc" Well, that 1 1/2 drive cured me!! I still love the idea of farm life...but with 5 kids, probably not the most realistic dream I've ever had!!! Wish it were a bit closer to town!!! We all had a fun Saturday out there playing & exploring, though!! We look forward to many more days spent out there with our family!! had to post a few pics of my cowgirl & comboys!!!
xo

p.s. Please don't forget about our puzzle piece fundraiser...any amount donated is deeply appreciated...for every $10.00 you donate your name will go on the back of the piece, so we are able to look back & see who helped in bringing our precious girl home!!! All you have to do is click on our "donate" button under the Africa puzzle!! Thank you so very much!! I trust & believe this puzzle will be full of names:) xo

Ageze's 1st lost tooth!!!!

2011-10-16T20:46:00.000-05:00

Tesfa + Joshua= buddies....Injera...LeTourneau family....class visit....new "must read."

2011-10-12T19:42:00.002-05:00

Wow.what a crazy title. But, really awesome, exciting stuff. Well, first off...the injera...as Ageze was looking at photos tonight from our time in Ethiopia last summer, he came upon a picture of him at The Yod Abyssinia ( a traditional Ethiopian restaurant!) eating injera, doro wat etc...he held the picture up to his nose, and said.."momma, I can still smell it, can you??" typing it gives me goosebumps. I replied.."yes, honey...I can too!" mmm..mmm...good! Love that boy of ours!

We've had the privilege of having our friend, Joshua at our house this week...what fun we've had!! Take a peek at these two sweet boys!!

Next up...Drum roll please.....the LeTourneau Family as in Joey & Destiny LeTourneau...will be coming to Bismarck The last weekend in October...and speaking at our church...Bismarck Community Church @ 10:15 am!! So, that is October 30th...10:15 am...be there!! You can & should check out their website at
www.mark1014family.com.... They have recently returned back to the states after serving in Ethiopia for a few years...they will be sharing about their time in ET, orphan awareness & talking about their newly released book.."Revolutionary Freedom."

So, yesterday while Ageze was in class...they were discussing continents, countries etc..His teacher told me while they were talking he raised his hand, and started talking about Ethiopia...the sights, smells, food, animals, NO toys, his home, the orphanage etc...his life before coming home to our family! She asked if I would like to share anything else with the class...so, tomorrow am, Ageze & I will be showing pictures, Ethiopian clothes (yes, he has asked if he could wear his traditional clothes to school:) music...and Ageze suggested bringing popcorn to share with his friends..I'm not sure exactly all of the details about the significance of popcorn in ET, but I do know that it is very commonly served during their coffee ceremonies! He has also asked to bring his ET music...which will be so fun!! He asked me..."momma, can i dance & sing, too??" It is so precious to hear his sweet voice singing along to the music, and his dance moves are to die for!!!! I love that he is talking about his culture...I sure hope it continues!!

Finally...today I received a new book in the mail...this is no ordinary book...it is "Kisses from Katie."
By, Katie Davis...I'm sure alot of you have read her blog, and if you haven't..I strongly recommend you do..www.kissesfromkatie.blogspot.com ...I'm on page 94, and I don't want to stop. What an inspiration she is:)
alright, off to get my kiddos to bed...I gotta keep on with my awesome read!!!
xo

i saw what i saw...now what??

2011-10-04T14:14:00.001-05:00

I'm sure most of you know the song..."I saw what i saw" by Sara Groves...well, this song replays in my head over & over..."I saw what I saw & I can't forget it. I heard what I heard & I can't go back. I know what I know & I can't deny it. something on the road, cut me to the soul." Anyhow...if I'm being honest, which I am & will be. I understand these lyrics. I love these lyrics. I experienced something I can't nor want to forget. But, what now?? Again, here goes my honesty...If I could move to Africa today with my family & serve the least of these...the orphan, the widow, the lost...I would. I can't forget what i saw. I don't want to forget what i saw. Many people think...well, hey Kristen...you are adopting again...you are helping!! And, that is true..we are adopting again. But I don't want to stop there. We won't stop there. I saw. with my very own two eyes. something that has made such an imprint on me & our family. I'm not saying all of this to leave you wondering if we are up & moving to Africa. we are not. Do I believe that missions are in our future...I sure hope!! And, then there are the days where I think to myself..." man, it would be so much easier to have NOT seen what i saw...then I wouldn't understand the need, the poverty...& so on. But, Thank God I did see. And, I surely wouldn't be thinking my family ought to be missionaries in Africa of all places."
These verses below are a few which have been consuming my mind:)

Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you.

James 1:27

Learn to do good. Seek justice. Help the oppressed. Defend the cause of orphans. Fight for the rights of widows.

Isaiah 1:17

Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed. Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice.

Proverbs 31:8-9

I am in the middle of reading "Radical Together, By David Platt." If you haven't read "Radical"... it's a must read, followed by "Radical Together." IT is challenging, thought-provoking (like, keep you up at night thought provoking!!) & inspiring!

After dropping off the little girls we hosted from The African Childrens Choir On Saturday...I arrived home, opened my mailbox...& pulled out a shirt that I had ordered---------->

If you aren't familiar with this verse, here it is.....

Isaiah 6:8 "Then I heard The Lord asking,"whom should I send as a messenger to this people, who will go for us?" I said,"Here I am Lord. Send Me."

I pray that no matter where God sends you or I...that we do it all to glorify Him.

Tesfa & friends:)

2011-10-03T09:50:00.001-05:00

My boy & his buddies were watching a few toons this am...caught them looking sooo cute...so thought i'd grab a few pix!! Woody, Mr. Bird & elephant are his favorite little guy's...he sleeps with them every night & once in awhile....they even get to watch Monday am cartoons:) Have yourself a fun Monday!!

loved every minute!!!

2011-10-01T18:30:00.002-05:00

What a wonderful weekend we've had!! Last night we went to The African Children's Choir Concert here in town...which again.....was such an amazing time!! Wish they were our worship team at church!!! There is nothing quite like hearing children worshipping The Lord!! Such a beautiful sound:) Then we had the opportunity to host a couple of the kids and a chaperone at our home for the night!! After we made it home, we had a snack, visited with the girls & then we were able to tuck them in for the night & say a prayer with them! To say we were blessed & had an amazing time is an understatement...After putting all 6 kids to bed last night...we laid in bed, and discussed our night...how gREAT is OUR GOD!!.....2 of the most precious Ugandan children tucked in.... upstairs in our home...our 4 sweet sleeping children...laying on our bedroom floor fast asleep...How blessed we are. We also have the opportunity to sponsor our two new friends.......
G & D!! When they heard we were sponsoring them...their eyes lit up...like the most twinkling stars I've seen...their smiles were beautiful!! This morning "G" was reading one of the brochures that we were given from the concert....it read..."Helping Africa's most vulnerable children today, so they can help Africa tomorrow!" She read it out loud...the tears welled up in my eyes...she knows that is her...but she has HOPE & DREAMS of a bright, beautiful future....her wish is to be a surgeon. My wish is that all of the beautiful children we met last night will have a sponsor...is that you?? contact...sponsorship@africanchildrenschoir.com for more information. This morning, after walking to the park, playing, eating breakfast & lunch with one another...we drove them to their bus...they sang the host families one last beautiful song...again, the tears filled my eyes...well, actually...all 6 of us. Kate cried all the way home...wondering, will she ever see them again..they bonded. They made an imprint on her 7 yr old little life. I am grateful. Grateful to have had this experience. We sent them off with a picture of our family & them..together. On the back I wrote. "You are loved." And now we trust. Trust that we will see G & D again. xo

day 2 of the sale. african childrens choir!!

2011-09-27T09:02:00.000-05:00

Well, considering our sale was only open for 3 hrs on Saturday( due to very limited customers!!)we still managed to fundraise around $350!! Our grand total for the weekend was $1744.00!!! Wowzers!! We were once again blown away by friends, family & complete strangers....their generosity was over the top!! Thanks again to all of you who gave to our garage sale, sponsored a puzzle piece, donated $$, and so on. We appreciate each & every one of you. We love your hearts. God loves your heart.
On a totally different subject...We are so thrilled to be going to an African Children's Choir Concert this Friday!! We are also totally thrilled that we will be hosting a couple of the kids from the choir!! Friday can't come fast enough...the kids said this morning.."how many more sleeps until The concert & our new friends are staying with us??" And new friends they will be. So, if you are in the Bis/Man area...come to the concert at 7pm...Friday night at Century Baptist Church!! You will be blessed.
xo

blown away blessed!!!!

2011-09-24T08:05:00.001-05:00

before we start day 2 of our sale...I just had to tell you all how amazing day 1 was!!! Incredibly amazing!! It's so hard to believe how successful the day was...well, not really...considering God is just that BIG & Incredible!! We had a beautiful day...sunshine & smiling(for the most part!!) customers!! God has a way of putting some very incredible people in one's path. For example...I met a woman who actually stopped here twice...her & her husband are foster parents...currently they have the most precious 19 month old twins...we visited for quite some time... she shared that some of her friends think they are just crazy...not crazy for being foster parents, BUT crazy for being foster parents AFTER their kids were all grown & away in college..WOW! I'm guessing they are in their 50's..that is incredible! That's not crazy people...that's GOD! The love she has for her sweet foster children was undescribable!! Another cool part of the day was when a girl & a guy came ...no older than 18...They found a handful of items...came to the table & said..."Is $65.00 enough for this??" My mouth dropped...I said.." Oh my goodness, you guys, that is just way too much..." They refused to give me any less. By the smiles on their faces...I could tell how much they loved to be giving. They commented that they had been to our lemonade stand the kids had a while back...& they just thought it was cool, so they came back & gave again. WOW!!! I hope all of our kids will have that same giving, compassionate, generous attitude when they are that age....Their parents should be sooo proud of them!!! When they left I thanked them again, told them how inspiring they both were...young people with incredibly giving hearts. Ok, gotta get ready for our day...but have to share one more story...
A woman probably in her mid 30's...shopped the tables for a good hour...she brought her things to the table, asked me who to write a check out to...& then handed me a check for $100! Like I said in my last post...I'm getting better at receiving gifts from people...but being a mom with children...i know how much $100 is & I know how many groceries I could buy, or gas in my car, school clothes...etc....so, I said...well, thank you so much, but $100 is wayyy too much...I really appreciate it, but I just can't take all of this...she said..."I am going to give you this...We recently had a fundraising benefit dinner for our family & we were so thankful to those who gave, so I just want to help you in the same way others helped us! I said" would you mind If I asked what your fundraiser was for?" She said "My husband needs a heart transplant." WOW! My heart sank. How can she give to my family, when they could use this money?? They are a family of 4...two of them age 3 & 5..the other two their God-loving parents. I still sit here just amazed. Amazed at God's goodness & faithfulness. Amazed at how this woman could so graciously give when her husband is fighting for his life. I believe that her husband will receive the absolutely most perfectly matched heart for his body. You see, he can't receive just any heart..she explained that it needs to be just right...right for his weight & height. God is so Good & so Faithful...I know This family will be ok. Would you please join me in praying for this family?? Each one of these encounters & hearing someone's life story..has blessed me in a new way... I love getting to know new people & who they are.

OOps...almost forgot....drum roll please....yesterday our grand total was........$1,408.00.....Yes, you read that right....One Thousand, Four Hundred & eight dollars!!!! Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!!!

peace.

2011-09-21T16:11:00.001-05:00

Just have to tell you about a day I had about 2 wks ago.... Normal Thursday...besides having to have my teeth cleaned( which I never look forward to, but Love it when it's all done...I love super clean teeth!) Oh, & I had my oh, so fun MRI of my brain...yep, my brain! Crazy...I know...But I was at peace...and that's something to celebrate. YOu see, with having MS..even though mine is very mild...it's good to have yearly or in my case...since I love getting them done like alot...well, then it's more like 2-5 years!! I'm a procastinator with things like that!! Anyhow, I went into it..knowing & feeling how nervous I was...I always get myself so worked up before I go...while I'm in that Clausterphobic(sp?) small tube..I wonder the whole time what the tech's & nurses are seeing on the computer. BUT.Not. This. Time. Nope.. I laid there as calm as can be...I was so peaceful...it was really unexplainable!! For the 45 min laying there...God was just speaking scripture to me..." I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me." Phil 4:13
"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you & help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10
Ok, on with the story... So, after being in there about 30 min..the nurse brought me out...gave me a little poke & while we sat there, we talked. She had asked if I had children, how many & If we were done yet. Hmm. Nope, we aren't done. The Lord is not done. I explained to her that we are waiting for our little girl from ET. She immediately teared up. She explained that she & her husband tried IVF 4 times...& by the grace of GOD she was able to go through 2 pregnancies!! WOW!! BUT, The Lord is working in their hearts..they are very interested in adopting...but you know what..the one thing that they worry about is the FINANCES!! Yep, That's how we were too...& still are. I encouraged her. I mentioned that we struggled with the finance stuff too. We hated the idea of fundraising. I was proud. too proud. And through our process of bringing our boys home...I learned how to receive. Receive from giving people. Friends, family & even complete strangers. God is Good & so very faithful. He funds what He favors. So, after my MRI was completed I had another gal ask me questions about adoption...you see, if I wouldve been my normal, anxious self at the MRI center...they probably wouldnt have felt comfortable asking questions...God was all over it...I left, and on the ride home.... i was literally shaking my head & saying" God, you are so big, you are always right there...right when I needed you most...please give these 2 women strength, peace, comfort in their decisions regarding adoption!" So, my prayer is...that the woman I visited with would step out in faith...knowing, trusting & believing that God will provide. So, I sit here today...2 days before I'm about to have a fundraising Garage sale...peaceful. I'm not panicking about where the funds will come from. They will come & not a minute too late. God is faithful. And, that my friends...is good news!! I've been thinking about the most frequently asked question or obstacle regarding Adoption...And, I don't know about you, but I'd say that finances is a big one... I used to say..." We can't afford this." And now, I know with all of my heart.." these children, whether from here or there..."THEY CAN'T AFFORD IT, if we continue to let the finances hold us back!!" They can not afford it if you & I would turn & walk away. they can not afford it. So, today I stand in peace. Peace that really passes all understanding. Good stuff people!!
So much going through my head, so, sorry for the jumbled post!!! xo

better late than never.....

2011-09-19T10:39:00.001-05:00

Well, with our summer coming to an end....who am I kidding ( our fall coming to an end is more like it!!!) Thought we better have our rummage sale sooner than later!! You never know when it will be toooo cold to be outdoors for longer than 10 minutes:) Anyhow, this coming Friday & saturday...we will be having a fundraiser rummage sale!! We will have coffee, lemonade, refreshments & hopefully a ton of goods!! As many of you probably all know...we'd love to take all 4 kids with us to ET to pick up their sister & our Daughter...so, anything you donate & somebody buys...it all goes towards bringing her home!!!! OUr sweet girl has been on my mind all morning:) Can't wait to see her face!!! Oh, and don't forget our Puzzle piece fundraiser!!! Buy a piece of the Africa Puzzle for $10 & your names will go on the back of the piece & it will be a beautiful piece of artwork on our wall....displaying God's goodness & faithfulness to us!! We appreciate the prayers:)
xo

Ageze's 1st day of Kindergarten!!!!

2011-09-15T17:55:00.001-05:00

So sorry for such a late post....long story short...I received a cd in the mail of where our sweet girl first was brought in ET...the orphanage...region etc.... I was so crazy excited to see it...I shoved it in our disk drive...damaging the computer & the disc....ooops!!

Anyhow...I couldnt wait to post pic's of Agezes first day of school!!! He wanted to go to school soooo bad...so with the help of the school psychologist, superintendant & my perserverance...he was able to start!!! Why was it so complicated you ask??? Well, Agezes Et birthdate is 11/26/06....so, that would mean he wouldnt turn 5 until November 2011...hmmm. After much evaluation from doctors, dentist, school psych...etc... everyone has agreed he's more like almost 6!! So, Ageze's wish was granted...and he was able to start Kindergarten!! He is loving school!! He told me the other day..."momma, I ask a little boy...will you be my best friend??" And I said,"what did he say??" Ageze said,"of course he said yes!!" So, he has many friends & is just lovin it!! xo

1st day of school....2011!!

2011-08-25T19:52:00.001-05:00

Was a success!!!

They made it through their first day of the 2011-12 school year!! I walked their cute, little, back packed selves to school this am...enjoyed a back to school bkfst for parents & students, then there was a flag ceremony out front, in which Our very own Teddy Roosevelt sang the "Star Spangled Banner!!" The boys & walked back to get them...and down the steps came two sweet, smiling kiddos!! They chattered about their day the whole way home & then some!! Love hearing about their new friends & experiences!! Looks like this year will be great:) We came home & had a special back to school treat!! They always love seeing what I come up with....& it's fun for me too!! Hoping your kid's had a great 1st day also!!! xo

the night before 2nd & 3rd grade...

2011-08-24T22:10:00.000-05:00

How time flies...so hard to believe we have a 2nd & 3rd grader!! Their backpacks are lined up by the door, their first day of school clothes are crisply pressed on the ironing board...which they requested!! They love wrinkle free clothes:) They are excited yet nervous. they continue to ask..."mom, will kids like me, or what if nobody wants to play with me??" And this momma heart breaks each time they ask. I know starting a new school makes them a little more nervous, unsure of the schedule, new faces, lunch lines & the in & outs of a new place...but I KNOW they will do great!!

In other exciting, make this momma cry news....Ageze will more than likely be starting kindergarten on Monday!! He is soooo excited!!! And how did this happen???? well, between the dentist & the doctor & I...we feel like he is definitely older than his b.C. states....so, I made a few calls & now we are just waiting on an early entrance exam, and hopefully it'll be good to go!! He was thrilled to pick out his own backpack, school supplies & such...here's hoping for exciting news for Ageze!!!

So, our house will seem much different...just Tesfa & I. Which will also be a great time for the two of us:)
Stay tuned for sweet pic's of their first day:) xo

An Orphan's Prayer.

2011-08-23T08:52:00.001-05:00

An Orphan's Prayer

I am waiting...somewhere far...far...away on the other side of the world. I may not know who you are or what you look like, but some how deep in my heart I know you are out there. That one day you will come and find me. It's a long journey,and it takes a lot of time... I wish it could be easier. But I know that the ones who come for me will not count the cost. They will only see the joy of finding me. For now I abide in the fields of the fatherless. Day by day wondering why I was born here and not somewhere else? Asking....why my life couldn't have been different.

It is so lonely...Even though I am surrounded by hundreds of other children, I know something is missing... I know in my heart I need a place to call home. My arms long to be wrapped in a father's embrace..I long to be saved by a mother's love...

Gazing out the orphanage window I offer a prayer of hope,"Oh, God, please help them come quickly." Even as I lay there in the darkness each night somehow I feel assured, that no matter how lost I appear I am not alone,

Holy hands guard my steps, sacred fingers wipe my tears, touching my lonely heart. The one who made me, the God that knew me before I was born, hears me every time I call. He whispers his promises in my ear. I listen with hope to His voice.

But what I worry about most is that no one wants to look for me. The fields are vast and there are so many scattered all over the earth. I wonder how one little child, so lost can be found?

Yet he calms my heart and assures me,that He will find you. That he will make sure that you hear His voice clearly. He has promised me that He will make a way through the fields. That he will personally cut a path,and lead you right to my orphanage door.

My prayer is... When he speaks... Please don't forget to listen... When he calls don't be too afraid to go. For I am waiting somewhere, far,...far...away, on the other side of the world... TO COME HOME.

May we all listen clearly for HIS voice. xo

day 3...Colorado!!

2011-08-22T14:11:00.000-05:00

Such an awesome day!!! We started the day off at our friends' church they attend...amazing!! We loved Christ Community Church!!! REally, everything about it!! The kids had a complete blast too....they pleaded to just stay for another week or two, so they could come back to this church!!! After church we headed into Denver, where our Annual Picnic was being held!! We enjoyed meeting our coordinators who helped with bringing the boys home & are helping us this 2nd time too!! So fun to finally put faces with all of the names!! We had a great time visiting with other families who are just starting the process, in the midst of it, or home with their children....what a great connection we all had!! The kids enjoyed facepainting, playing on the playground & chatting with all of the kiddos:) Once the picnic was over, we headed down to the creek by the park...man, do our kids love playing in water!!! To top our evening off, we went to The Habesha(local Ethiopian Restaurant!!) & enjoyed every bit of it!! What a fun, celebratory day!!!

xo kristen

before & after. adoption update.

2011-08-21T09:35:00.000-05:00

excuse this non-adoption related post. Since my plan is to make this into a book, it's fun to document all of our life's happenings...and, well, since we live in a 1929's old house...much painting is happening around here!! Fun to see progress:)

In adoption news...our homestudy is in our hands & complete...now we will wait for our fingerprint appt & I171H !! Then it will be off to ET!!! An estimate in our eyes...we know this could be a long shot, but like I've said before...we are hopeful. We hope to have court date late December/early January!! So, although it seems like much might not be happening...it is..we can't wait to get our hands on our girl!!! xo

day 2..Estes Park Colorado:)

2011-08-20T14:10:00.001-05:00

What a day!! We started it off by heading up to Estes Park...wow!! Talk about beautiful!!! We walked around the downtown shops, had lunch by a creek & then headed over to a beautiful lake....I think it was Lily Lake!! Wish that was my backyard!!! We hiked a bit & of course snapped some pic's!! Once we were back at the Fanning's...we had a delicious dinner & then outdoor fun for the evening...followed by cake, of course:) Enjoyable day!!!

day 1...colorado trip!!

2011-08-19T10:46:00.002-05:00

Wow!!! what a fantastic few days we had in Colorado!! Although we love the state of Colorado....that is not why we decided to take a road trip there. Any of you who have been on your own adoption journey, or have witnessed someone else go thru it...you understand the friendships that are developed also!! When we started our 1st adoption...we met an awesome family...The Fanning's. And we actually only met them thru blogs, fb, emails, & phonecalls!! But although we had never met in person...we knew they were going to be great, everlasting friends:) So, we knew we wanted to attend the Annual IAN picnic(our agency!!), so we thought it would be a perfect time to finally meet our friends!! They graciously invited the 6 of us to stay with them...grand total of 12 of us in their home!! Yep, 8 kids age 9 & under & 4 adults!! Fun times!!! Also, just a bit of history..Ageze, Abuzaid, Kalid & Tesfa were in the same orphanage....actually bunk mates for a few months!! We had talked about going to see their friends for quite some time...and the day was finally here. What a sweet sight the first morning was....all 4 of them...nestled on their mommas & papas laps...staring at one another...big, beautiful grins at each other...feeling a connection. Within 10 minutes...they were off playing!!! So neat to see them reunited!! All 8 of the kids got along wonderfully, which made for a very enjoyable, relaxing time!!! Thank you so much Fanning Family...we thoroughly enjoyed spending time with you, getting to know your beautiful family & can't wait till the next time we can visit....all 7 of us!!!!!(if we are allowed back!!)

So, day 1...was actually Grant's Birthday...he chose to go hiking, so we hiked Arthur's Rock, followed by playing at a local splash park, and then Grant's choice for dinner....P.F. Chang's!! We finished the day by eating cake with our new friends & a slumber party for the kids...fun was had by all!!!

So thankful for times like these. xo

Grant's 9th birthday bash!!!

2011-08-17T22:21:00.000-05:00

Where has the time gone??!! Our oldest child is 9 years old...aaaaaahhhhhhh!!!!! Seems like yesterday we brought his tiny, swaddled little self home from the hospital!! Love our boy like crazy!!!! He has such a sweet, gentle(most of the time!!) spirit!! He still loves having me tuck him in at night!! He still gives this momma kisses & hugs in front of others(which I love!!)!

9 things we love about Grant!!
1. He is so very polite!
2. Love how he memorizes scripture & can recite them to us!!
3. his skinny jeans!! This boy loves skinny jeans!! Sorry, Buddy...had to tell the world that one...and, better yet...love that he feels like a confident rockstar in them:)ha!
4. His tender heart.
5. love his love for others:)
6. his long, beautiful eyelashes!
7. his ability to get along with others.
8. his smile:)
9. his love for learning.

9 things that Grant loves
1. Yes, his skinny jeans!!
2. playing his electric guitar!
3. reading!!
4. Anything & everything Shaun White!!
5. riding his bike.
6. having fun with his siblings & cousins.
7. hanging out with family & friends...he loves being surrounded by many!!
8. meatloaf.
9. swimming!!

This birthday was celebrated a little bit different, but equally as special....we celebrated with family a week before his actual bday(which was August 12th!) And on his birthday we were in Colorado...hiking Arthur's Rock, playing at a splash park, eating P.F. Chang's & enjoying cake with our awesome new friends!! He said it was one of his most favorite birthday's!!! What a gift we were given 9 years ago!!! Love you Buddy!! xoxo

gotta love summertime!!!

2011-08-08T09:07:00.001-05:00

Loving our warm summer days...hanging out in the water, walks to the parks, going to the zoo...trying to live it up since our N.D. Summers are a tad short!! We are sooo looking forward to our coming week!! We are going to Colorado for our Adoption Agency's annual picnic!! We are so excited to be meeting families we've only known through blogs, FB, & phone calls!! Ageze & Tesfa are sooo excited to be reuniting with two of their buddies from the care center...in fact, we even get to stay with them...they are already planning sleepover's!! Watch out Fanning's...Here we come!!!
Don't forget to buy a puzzle piece...$10.00 to sponsor one piece...your name will go on the back of the piece...we will be able to show our sweet girl all of the people who helped in bringing her home!!!! Would love to see all 500 pieces sponsored by the time court re-opens in October!!! happy monday....xo

Adopt/Sponsor a puzzle piece!!!

2011-07-29T15:40:00.002-05:00

Adoption is a bit like a puzzle....sometimes complicated, lengthy, time consuming, discouraging, challenging...but, oh so worth it & rewarding when completed!!! Would you please consider sponsoring/adopting a piece of the puzzle...$10.00 per piece...once you have sponsored one...your names will be put on the back of the piece...once completed, we will be able to show our sweet "A" all of the people who helped in bringing her home!! And, it will surely have a place on our wall:) It's a beautiful 500 piece puzzle, of a continent that has a very special place in our hearts. Time to time...i will update you with the puzzle progress!!! On the left side of our blog...you will see a donate button...click there & you will be able to choose the number of pieces you'd like to sponsor by how much you choose to donate!!!

where there is a will...there is a way.

2011-07-29T09:41:00.000-05:00

Last evening I ran into a gal whom I've visited with a couple of times...she has a heart for adoption. You can see the love in her eyes for children. The first time i met her was in Target. She was walking in the baby dept. gazing at all of the teeny-tiny baby clothes. Here i thought she was looking for a baby gift...what i didn't know until i met her was hat she was looking at the baby stuff in hopes she will have a child in the near future. We visited that 1st time about the what-if's, financial stuff, international vs. domestic...yes, right there in the Target aisle! When I saw her again last night, I asked her how the process was going. She commented that they won't begin until they have enough $$$. I was honest & understanding. That was always the same reason in the past for our family. We never knew how we would do it financially. But we did. HE DID!! Every time we needed to turn in a certain amt of money...it was there, and The Lord's hand was all over it. My faith & trust in Our Lord has certainly grown. We were willing. And He Led. So, I urge you or your friend, family member, co-worker...who has a willing heart...go for it...just let God take the lead.
A few resources for grant's or interest free loans are listed below:
Abba Fund-offer's interest free loans, matching grant's, partnership's with churches
888-775-3422 http://www.abbafund.org

Lifesong for Orphans-offers interest free loans to adoptive families & partners with local church by offering matching grants. Member of the Evangelical Council For Financial Accountability. http://www.lifesongfororphans.org

God's Grace Adoption Ministry-Offers adoption grants & assistance in adoption fundraising
http://www.ggam.org

Also...our church held a fundraising dinner, we had a donation only garage sale, we sold t-shirts, sold coffee from Africa...those were all very beneficial in raising the money we needed to bring Ageze & Tesfa home!!

Thanks again to those who supported us...we appreciate it so very much!!!
xo

are they brothers???

2011-07-25T09:14:00.001-05:00

I've been asked this question a hundred times since bringing Ageze & Tesfa home...and for some reason...it's really starting to annoy this momma!! Yesterday, someone at church came up to our family...in front of our kid's & said..."are they brother's?" I said..."yes." And they said..."well, real brother's?"....ugh!! Now, I've never been asked if Grant & Kate are "real" siblings...wonder why??!! And really...what does it matter...they are all of our children, so that makes them "real" siblings!! I feel like every time a question like this is asked....it takes us 1 step back in the whole attachment/bonding topic...here we are...each day telling/reassuring A & T that they are so special to our family...they are "us"...we are their family...here to stay...so, when that ? is asked as frequently as it is...it creates division...even though they are only 3 & 4 yrs old...they are so smart...they realize & question their color, what they were like as a baby, why we don't have their skin color....etc...so, when they hear that being asked...I know it goes somewhere in their heart...they are thinkers..And, I do understand that we will always have new issues/questions to handle as they are growing up...and we will prepare all of our kid's to handle these types of situations/questions...with confidence, belief in themselves & grace for others.....just wished there would be a bit more sensitivity in this sometimes insensitive world. As this person was asking...I looked at our children...Ageze looked completely bewildered...so tough & annoying...so, put your curiousity aside...and rest assured knowing that they are "real" brother's.

sweet Tesfa:)

2011-07-20T17:35:00.000-05:00

Today while eating dinner...Tesfa said to me..."mom, when I get bigger, i don't want to be a policia(police man)...I want to be a daddy & marry you momma...but don't tell Ageze, cuz he say I can't marry you!!" xo

Big ole family vacation...Black Hills 2011:)

2011-07-19T22:28:00.001-05:00

What a wonderful weekend we had!! My parents took all 4 of us kids and our families to the Black Hills in South Dakota for a long, beautiful weekend!! We enjoyed hanging out together, REptile Garden's, Mount Rushmore, Rushmore Cave, Storybook Island & hiking!! There were a total of 18 of us...8 kids & 10 adults...good times people!!! The kids really enjoyed being with their cousins, nana & bompa all weekend...I think they had withdrawals for a few days after we were home!! Thanks Mom & Dad...Nana & Bompa for a wonderful time...what fun memories:) xo

1 year ago today....part 3!!!

2011-07-18T15:57:00.001-05:00

Today marks our 1 year home with Ageze & Tesfa!! This morning we were talking about it together..and Ageze said..."Mom, We are celebrating me & Tesfa??" Yup!! We intended on making Ethiopian Food...but our past week has been bussssyyyyy...so, They will choose where we will have dinner or what we will eat for dinner...other than that...we are thankful today that they've been with us for a year!!! That's something to celebrate:) When I look at the above pic's it reminds of how far they have come in this past yr..Today Ageze said, "Momma, when we got to ET to pick up our sister, they not know how we talk, they won't understand!"...and he started giggling!! He said..."I show them how to talk America!!" Ha!! When people comment on how wonderful we are to be doing what we are doing...I can't take the credit...it's all God. We listened. We followed. We were extremely blessed.

xo kristen

impatient, yet hopeful..

2011-07-17T20:27:00.000-05:00

I feel guilty even saying this...but I'm feeling so impatient waiting for our sweet "A".. She has no idea yet that she has a family coming for her...but I hope somehow, She might just feel a bit more comfort, peace & love... trusting that someone, somewhere loves her so. We received a couple of videos of her the other day...she is precious! In one of the videos she's swinging & singing at the top of her lungs, and then you can hear all of the other kids outside start singing along to the same song....how I wish I could see her...today. We love her. We feel so close to her. But yet soooooo far. We can't wait to see her beautiful, smiling face. We trust that this process will be perfect in God's timing. We pray we are able to take all of our kid's with us. Yes, a looooong flight with 4 kids. Kasey hopes to stay for a couple of wks with us. I hope to stay with all 5 of our kid's until the day we can bring our girl home. We plan to help out at the orphanages. Visit different shelters. Show love. Show hope. to those who need it most. And, we believe. We believe & trust that this hope & dream of our's will come true. I can't wait for our children to experience this together. As a family. I can't wait till my feet, or should I say...our plane...touches down in Addis!! So, I guess more than feeling impatient...I'm feeling hopeful..I have my favorite song playing now on my blog..."Thousand Stars.." Please listen to it...carefully. I have to share with you a precious story from yesterday...The kid's wanted to do a lemonade stand...which I've never been crazy about..but, when they told me they wanted to take donations to help bring their sister home...how could I say "no!" We dug out Grant's work bench...they painted away...all by themselves...about a wk ago I found really cute lemonade stand stuff at Target for 1/2 off...so they jazzed up their stand...I made lemonade & cookies..we set up on our busy boulevard down the street...the kids wrote on the donation box..."Donations to bring our sister home from Ethiopia!!" Such a sweet sight...& our local Newspaper thought it was pretty sweet too!! They came by, snapped a few pic's, interviewed them...and what do you know...they made the front page of our paper...and they are $156.00 further to reaching their plane ticket goal!!! So, if you ever wonder how adoption will affect your other kid's at home...I'd say this is a pretty good indicator!! They are already in love & can't wait to have her home...not that it comes without it's challenges.It does. But, parenting any child. whether adopted or biological, comes with challenges!! I'll leave you with a pic of the kid's at their stand!! Thanks to all of you who stopped by...gave our children hope that it is indeed possible for them to go to the country where their sister is waiting..We appreciate it...xo

this old house...before & after!!!

2011-07-16T08:10:00.000-05:00

Just had to show you all pic's of our new "old" home, from when we moved in & now this week after the painting & shutters were all finished!! So happy with the finished product!! Makes our old house feel a bit modernized & cleaned up...doesn't feel so old anymore...even though it was built in 1929!! Wowzers...it's old!! Loving the character & uniqueness of it...What are your fave parts of your "old" home??? xo

family pics...summer 2011:)

2011-07-15T11:44:00.002-05:00

What a fun evening we had with our friends!! Their names are Brittany & John and can't forget about their precious baby Cruz!! We met this past winter...Brittany is actually from Bismarck. Her & her Husband were in the midst of their adoption process...So, we quickly became friends & could relate on Adoption. But more than that...they are two of the most genuine,real, God-loving people who love children & are just so fun to be around!! So lucky to have friends like these!! Only wish they lived closer. Anyhow, we had them over the other evening for dinner...and Brittany, being a professional photographer...like REALLY professional...texted me about 15 min before coming...said she was bringing her camera...oops...I was totally not prepared for this...so quickly changed, got the kiddos cleaned up...and the pic's began...only like 15 min of pic's...how great is that!! Thank's Brittany for capturing our kiddos personalities & smiles!! We love them!! Head on over to check out her site!! www.brittanyjanellephotography.com XO

1 year ago...part two!!!

2011-07-14T14:35:00.000-05:00

July 11th, 2010...What an incredible day!! We made it to the country where our son's were!! The evening we arrived, we barely slept..we were so excited for the next am, as we were about to go to The Care Center to pick them up...and of course meet the little guys we had been thinking about for the past months!! I remember that day like it was yesterday...just like the days I delivered our oldest two!! We arrived through the Care Center gates to the sight of a bunch of kiddos !! As soon as we stepped out of the car, Ageze came running to me & threw his arms around me:) Tesfa was wandering around & Kasey quickly scooped him up!! We visited with the nannies, hugged on the kiddos, looked around to see where our boys had spent the last months at & finally made our way back to the Yebsabi!! We were welcomed there by other families...such joy & excitement!! What a day that was...Stay tuned for Part 3...xo

1 year ago...part one!!

2011-07-14T14:16:00.001-05:00

A few days late on this post, but better late than never....July 9th,2010, was a day that I will never forget...I had a heck of a time leaving our two kiddos here, but so anxious & excited to meet & pick up Ageze & Tesfa....a day full of emotions. Once I made it to Mpls...my nerves had calmed...thank goodness!! Finally, we made it to Addis...a place that I now Love...Here's a few pic's from our travels over....