Breaking News Story--We have a court date!

We were expecting a call from Julie (our caseworker) today to discuss the next steps after accepting our referral. However, when she called she said she had good news...we have a court appointment! That was great news, but there was more to come...the date is February 4! This is much sooner than we had imagined! We were hoping and praying for a court date in February and to travel in March but in the back of my mind I didn't really believe it would happen. I think we have gotten in such a "wait" mode that I just assumed it would be a few more weeks before we heard and then several more before the actual court date. So WOW!!

Julie said the good news is that we have a court date in 2 short weeks, the not-so-good news is that it may be tricky to get the letter of recommendation from the Ministry of Womens Affairs (MOWA) to the court in time. So would you join us in prayer for these issues:

1. MOWA submit letter of recommendation by 2/4/10.
2. Transportation for the birth mother who must be present at the court. (8 hour trip)
3. Proper identification for the birth mother.
4. Peace in her decision.
5. Blessings and protection for her.
6. Favor with the judge for our Case Processor who will represent us in court.

This was the most fun and informative phone call yet! We discussed all that must happen for our court date to be a success. The agency prepares families for more than one court date because about 1/2 the time either the MOWA letter doesn't come or the Birth Mother is unable to make it. We will pray that we will be in the other 1/2 of families who do pass on the first try!

We learned that it is highly unlikely that we will have the opportunity to meet Evan's birth mother since she lives in the Southern region which is an 8 hour car trip. The agency has never had a mother from the South attend a Gotcha Day. I was disappointed to hear this but hopefully we will get a photo of her from court.

Typically it takes 4-6 weeks after passing court for a family to travel. The key is we must be there for an appointment at the US Embassy. There are two US Embassy appointments for March, the 8th and the 22nd. If we are successful in court on the 4th it is possible we could travel on March 6th to get him! This is unbelievable!!

Our next task is to put together 2 photo albums, one for Evan's birth mom and one for Evan--one of the squishy ones he can chew on and keep in his crib! We also need to write a letter to his birth mom. I am hoping God will give me the words for that letter...it makes me cry just to think of it.

Here is the upcoming timetable:

• Pass court
• One week later receive tentative travel dates
• One week later confirm travel dates
• Two weeks later travel!

It was SO fun to discuss travel! Here's what it looks like:

• Arrive in Addis Ababa on a Saturday night
• Sunday morning: attend an orientation
• Sunday afternoon: go to Hannah's Hope and meet Evan!
• Sunday: bring him "home" to the hotel to show him some KY love!
• Monday: Embassy appointment
• Tuesday: ?
• Wednesday: Cultural dinner with all the families and receive his visa
• Thursday: Come home!

We should be receiving a travel package in the mail soon with more details!

I found out there are 6 other families in the same "phase" as us, waiting on court appointments, so I guess these will be our travel buddies. I'd love to hear from you if your reading this!! We will participate in a travel conference call on the 27th and I can't wait!

One more bit of fun news is that our case worker will be in Ethiopia on February 6 and we gave her specific instructions on hugs and kisses for our little man!

This is really an awesome day! I am hopeful to have my baby home for my birthday on March 30! Thank you Lord!

Isaiah 41:9-10 (New International Version)

⁹ I took you from the ends of the earth,
from its farthest corners I called you.
I said, 'You are my servant';
I have chosen you and have not rejected you.

¹⁰ So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.