Just to keep you in the loop...

Unfortunately, I don't have anything exciting to share.

We haven't heard about our court date yet.  It is possible that we will hear this month about traveling in January or February, but if I've learned anything in this process, it is to not count on anything.  Our court date will be our first trip to Ethiopia.  We will get to spend a small amount of time with our son (just enough for us to fall completely in love with him, but not enough for him to become too attached to us) and we will appear before an Ethiopian judge/official and answer a few questions.  It should take less than five minutes and shouldn't be a big deal.  We only need to be in country for about three days, which means we will be flying more than we'll be there.  Getting slightly anxious about the long flights, but hoping to get a little help from some trustworthy Ambien!

We're hoping that while in Africa for the first trip, after we've finished adoption-related stuff, we can travel south a bit to Uganda to visit our Compassion International child.  We've been sponsoring Moses for over 10 years.  He turns 17 this month and we are really looking forward to the opportunity to meet him and hug him!  It seems a shame to be that close and not go see him.  I am almost as excited about this opportunity as I am about meeting our son.  We have prayed for Moses and written back and forth to him for so many years.  We've watched him grow in pictures and updates.  We've watched him develop into a young man through his letters and we are so proud of how much he has accomplished.  Can't wait for this part of our trip!

On a much sadder note, there have been a few baby deaths in the past couple months and I believe that they were in the same care center that Ty is in now.  The families were in the same place we are in this process (matched, but not traveled yet).  They have handled it so graciously and faithfully and admirably, but I know their hearts are broken, because I know that mine would be shattered.  We trust and know that the care our babies receive in this care center is amazing.  Everyone who has traveled comes back gushing over how much the babies are loved and how much attention they receive from the nannies.  Nonetheless, they live in a third world country.  They have limited access to medical care, they live in an orphanage situation where illnesses are easily communicated, and they are infants, which makes them more susceptible to illness and disease.  Their little bodies just have a hard time fighting infections and the like.  Our hearts go out to those who have lost the sons and daughters that they were never able to hold.  We trust that God has a purpose and plan for their lives and can/will deliver them from this situation. 

We love our Baby Ty so much already.  He is our son, our brother, he is the one intended to fill our empty chair.  We can't imagine our lives without him and we are so grateful that our almighty God is watching over him. 

Here are some pics from the area and care center where our Baby Ty is now.  As you can see, it is very clean and tidy and in the middle of a beautiful landscape.  We will be able to visit this region on our second trip.

The Care Center

The Landscape.

The Beds.  I believe the baby beds are similar, but raised higher.

The Laundry.