Beautiful Nieces

We got to spend time with our nieces this weekend. Eli has some pretty cute playmates waiting for him!

Annika, 4 months old

(Can you tell she's 1/2 Swedish?)

Callaway, 3 months old

Sam made it home safe and sound from Virginia. He had a great time, hiking at Shenandoah, seeing over 60 deer, swimming at the hotel, eating out, and going to FunLand. Its good to have him home, and the house is back to normal...loud and messy.

Having just one child in the house was peaceful, whats it going to be like with 3? Wonderful, I think! We're buying plane tickets today...three for the way home:)

Travel Dates

We received our travel dates today. We will leave Indianapolis on Saturday, March 7 and return on Friday March 13. We are going with 5 other families.

We passed court!

We witness a miracle every time a child enters into life. But those who make their journey home across time and miles, growing within the hearts of those who wait to love them, are carried on the wings of destiny and placed among us by God's very own hands."~ Anonymous

Here he is...Eli Tamru Ausbrooks

We found out this afternoon that we passed our court date. Thank you to all who petitioned the Lord on Eli's behalf. We do not have travel dates yet, but should be early March...oh my, so much to do! Hang on Eli, Mommy and Daddy are coming!!!!

Waiting for news

Wait on the Lord; be of good courage and he shall strengthen thine heart. Wait, I say, on the Lord. Psalm 27:14

Well, our court date was today in Ethiopia, and is likely over by now considering the 7 hour time difference. I was up in the night praying, and our church joined us in prayer at service last night. If the judge approved our case, we will travel in March, if not some changes will have to be made for a new court date. We may find out the results today, we may find out next Monday...never know! I feel so much better just knowing it is done.

Uncle David got 6000 new baby turkeys last week. The kids love playing with them. The first week is a lot of manuel labor, and Sam likes to "help". I'm sure David can't wait until Sam is old enough to really help, or course by then he probably won't want to. I always enjoyed it though. In winter it sure is the warmest place on the farm!

Saturday Sam left with Nana and Papaw (Josh's parents) for Virginia. Ralph works for the Marines, and travels often to Quantico, a MC base near DC. This is Sam's first week away from Mom and Dad. So far he's having a lot of fun. They've hiked at Shanandoah National Park and seen lots of deer and swam at the hotel pool.

Saturday night we enjoyed playing cards over at Meme's with David and Aunt Kathy.

It sure is quiet around here, and Cora is a little lost by herself. She does enjoy the extra attention though. We're trying to get some jobs done before our trip to Ethiopia and a new little one in the house.

Happy 6 Months

Baby Eli is 6 months old today.

6 things we love about Eli:

1. Your big eyes, just like Papaw’s, are definitely Ausbrooks eyes.
2. Your distinguishable Ethiopian facial features, which will always remind us of your heritage.
3. Your little feet.
4. You were picked by God to be in our family.
5. Your Ethiopian name means “miracle”, and you are to us.
6. Even thousands of miles away, you make our family more compassionate and loving.

Thank you Lord for this miracle in our family. Thank you also for giving him 6 months to live in his native land. We pray that you give us favor in the eyes of the judge next week, and that Eli can come home soon. Please prepare our hearts and home for him as well. In Jesus' precious name, Amen.

"Only 4 more days until Prince Eli's court date!"

Hannah's Hope Shower

Monday night we had a shower for Hannah’s Hope Ethiopia, Eli’s current home. It was such a blessing to us to share our love for Ethiopia and Eli’s caretakers. We watched a short video of the founding of the home, and it makes me cry every time. You can watch if from AGCI’s website, right here.

We had a cake with the ET flag on it, and matching balloons and napkins. Unfortunately, I forgot to take pictures, which I should have done for Eli’s scrapbook. We did receive nearly enough donations to fill our bags though, with diapers being the bulk of it. We are so thankful to all who donated.

When we got home from the shower I read this post on our agency’s list serve from a woman who has adopted from Guatemala:

I just returned from Ethiopia yesterday. My husband and I were there on a mission trip (I am a pediatrician). While we were there, I was able to meet with Almaz at Hannah's Hope.


A special note to those with waiting children: While we were at Hannah's Hope, we saw as many babies and children as I could...giving them love, hugs, kisses and smiles. You will be so happy to know that of the many orphanages we visited, Hannah's Hope was by far the best!!!!!!!!! The place was bright & happy, the babies and children were outside playing in the sunshine, special moms were everywhere giving GREAT care, and Almaz was amazing. All that to say "Your little ones are in GREAT hands while you wait to bring them home!!"

“Holy smokes Batman, Eli’s court date is in 5 days!!!”