Update

Last week we received an update on our little ones. We have decided to name them Malachi and Ava (while keeping their African names as middle names). I will refer to them by their new names, for security purposes.

“Malachi is doing well. He was a little shy around me. He stood very still and serious when I took his picture. I got out a pen and paper to try to get him to smile. I drew some and then gave him the pen. He looked at it as if he didn't know what to do with it. Then he started drawing. He smiled a couple times but never near the camera. Ava is very strong. She has quite a grip and can take all of her weight on her legs. She can stand with some help for balance. She rocks on her hands and legs, looking almost ready to crawl. The caretakers can get her to smile and laugh but she was very serious with me. She did not seem at ease when I held her although she did not cry or seem scared either. She is very alert and watches everything.”

Weight: Malachi (2 1/2) 34.6 lbs
Ava (almost 7 months) 15.8 lbs

We are thrilled with the updates. The pictures attached showed Malachi with some hair growing in. Such a cutie. And they are both as chunky as ever! We also heard back from a family that took over a care package for us. They will be sending us a disc of pictures soon. We can't wait!!! We just want to get our hands on those babies and love on them. We're so thankful that the travelling families have been doing this for us. There are several families with court-dates tomorrow and we'll all be praying!

Piper on Adoption

A friend of mine posted this link on her blog and it was such a great video clip by John Piper regarding adoption. I just had to share it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZgNXQ2CazUg

COURT DATE!!

We have a court date! It is Monday, April 27th. It is more than 2 months out, but we trust God's timing. As my mom said, it's one more phase of our LONG labor. We started this journey approximately a year ago. It's hard to believe that much time has gone by. And I must say, the Lord has been faithful every step of the way. We are so excited that God is adding to our family, and we know it will be worth the wait. I was praying early this morning specifically for Malachi, and at the end of my prayer, cried out to the Lord regarding our court date. He drew my attention to I Sam. 15:22- "Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice". At times, it feels like I'm sacrificing quite a bit. All the time worrying, all the time planning, praying, questioning, yearning, WAITING. But I found hope in this verse. My obedience to the Lord is better than sacrifice. I may be giving up some things, but it doesn't compare to my obedience. The Lord wants me to walk in faith, and trust Him regarding these little ones. He wants us to move forward on this journey, even though we don't know what the next step holds. We must obey. That is what He cares most about. And so, we continue to wait and trust Him.

Let's see, if all goes well at our court date, we can "hope" to travel in late May. Please continue to pray with us, that our court date will be successful, that the birthmother will show up and relinquish the children, and that we can travel in May.

Here is a verse that my sweet sister shared with me earlier this week:
Isaiah 58:11
The Lord will guide you continually, and satisfy your soul in drought, and strengthen your bones; you shall be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail.

Doesn't that verse bless you? I hope so.