Update and New Photos

Coy and Damon, one of the couples that I met on our first trip to court, were the only couple (out of seven with our agency) to have their 12/27 embassy appointment confirmed at the last minute, on Thursday, just in time for them to make their scheduled flight later that morning.  They are in Addis Ababa now, picking up their son   Despite the demands of a new baby, they took time to send us photos and an update: Isabella was smiling and now rolls over. What a difference a month makes.  Damon also held Isabella and put her to sleep in our absence.  That warms our hearts.   

Although many other families across many other agencies are in the same uncertain spot - a situation that is a first in Ethiopia - we remain hopeful that this as-yet-unexplained delay is simply the result of the U.S. Embassy being especially short-staffed over the holidays.  We have been told that the Embassy did request additional information regarding each delayed family's file; we will find out more about that tomorrow.  God-willing, the delay is benign and we will receive confirmation of a January appointment soon. 

Pray.  It is the 4-letter word that moves mountains and, even more miraculously, motivates bureaucrats, cuts through red tape, and soothes a mother's heart. Unlike other 4-letter words that come to mind when my world falls apart...

Sweet baby of mine, we are comforted to know that you are healthy and happy while we wait (impatiently!) to bring you home.