143 Million Orphans, Minus One

Wishing we could see to Ethiopia, this weekend...

This post won't have pictures of our new Ethiopian daughter, nor will it have her name; as we are sworn to secrecy, until we get a flag from Ethiopia saying we are ready to go.

(I know so hard to wait.)

What I can tell you is that she is :

• sweet...we will be referring to her for now as *Princess Sweetness!*
• we don't know her age, but she is somewhere between 9-12 years old.
• she has been in an orphanage for almost 5 years, waiting for a family
• she is a Christian
• she has been praying for a Christian family
• God has answered her prayers

• God has answered ours (remember we went on vacation to hear His voice, in regards to this adoption...the *where and who*...God spoke clearly and very specifically!)
• she is being represented by a wonderful agency...Celebrate Children
• I want to adopt the Director of Celebrate Children, Sue Hedberg ...she loves Jesus!
• I so want to be like Sue...she has rescued 1,500 kids to date

• (back to Princess Sweetness...)
• she speaks a little English
• her orphanage is in Woliso, Ethiopia
• she isn't very playful and is a little quiet...but we know a God who can heal her hurts and restore what has been stolen from her by the Enemy!
• she has a gentle tender spirit
• she has a beautiful smile
• she is teeny-tiny
• this weekend she will learn that God has answered her prayers for a family!

The bunny looking out of the window will be traveling to Ethiopia this weekend (I sewed him up for her and stuffed him with lavender!)...Sue Hedberg will be delivering it for us to Princess Sweetness. She also will be giving her a photo album of us, some clothes, a few hair bands and barrettes, a necklace we made for her...each of us designed and colored a card stock heart, we signed them on the back, laminated them and strung them on a simple ribbon for her to wear until we arrive~ to give her our hearts for real;

9 hearts that God has prepared for her to have forever.

God is amazing.

We need to do some fund-raising; as we need to raise $20k to bring her home. We are also praying right now, that God would open the door and the finances to a second (non-related) child...as it would only cost another $6k. Seeking God, won't you join us?

...once I figure out how to do a fund raising button...we'd love you to join us in this too. Oh how I wish I had 20,000 friends who could give us $1 to bring Princess Sweetness home, perhaps friends who will help us receive another $6k too?

And...were we surprised by God's plan? Hmmm, yes...

but the peace we have and the *knowing,* kicks the *surprise* right out of the picture and instead puts our arms open wide, to receive all that God is preparing for us!