Life is Good, God is Great!!

Thank you, thank you, thank you to everyone who has rejoiced in the news of our little guy!  It has been an incredibly fun week sharing the news with our friends, family and even some random people who don't even know us : )  Thank you so much for all your prayers and encouragement to this point- we've got a ways to go still but we're making progress.  Wes and I really truly are surrounded by so many incredibly wonderful people- it just amazes us!  Oh, sweet Baby Roth... you've got a huge fan club going- you have no idea what you're in for once you make it to some good old South Dakota dirt!  Here are some of the memories/responses and tidbits from life this past week...
- Your Auntie Ashley just kept shouting with joy!!  In which she followed that up with "oh- I am going shopping right now!" 
- The joy of watching your dad, Wes, call his parents to share the good news was incredible!  As we drove away from the Post Office told them about their newest grandson.  This makes the tally 4 boys and 1 girl.  Poor Sarabeth...next time hopefully! 
- Speaking of Sarabeth, word has it she was a little bummed that God didn't answer the 'please send me a baby cousin who is a girl' part of the prayer.  Oh, but by Saturday night when she had picture in hand...she slept with it all night long. 
- We called the RJNANS (with Tulo in the background of course) and shared the news over speaker phone- oh, how FUN!!!!!!!!!!  Ryan, Jen and the kids are thrilled!  Than also wanted to know how the rabbit is- he is well, hehe. 
- The new grandparents- Grandma and Grandpa Berry were so excited they could hardly contain themselves at Red Lobster.  Can't wait to share the pictures of them seeing his picture for the first time-oh, they love you already little man!
- While at Red Lobster, I called my Grandma Berry and told her our exciting news.  When I said "You're a Great Grandma"- I think that's the moment that really got my Dad.  Face it, for many years the likelihood of great grandchildren for my incredible Grandpa and Grandma Berry seemed slim at best.  We are so blessed in so many ways, truly we can't even take it all in. 
- I called my brother Ryon, he answered by saying 'Congrats'.  I was like- how'd you find out?  Which basically proved my decades old theory that it only takes about 6 seconds for 'news' in Philip to travel from the school to the elevator.  Uncle Ryon will do a great job teaching our little guy about everything outdoors.
- Kudos to the post office!!  A very special package which was shipped from Rapid City to Laramie, WY made it there overnight- wow!  (For some reason, the post office system thinks Laramie is rural.  It not rural!  Milesville, SD is rural- Laramie is not, but anyways) At the counter, they told us it could only get there Monday unless we paid extra for Sunday delivery.  Well... it got there by 9:05am Saturday morning!! Go Post Office- especially since we dropped the package off about 1 minute before express delivery closed Friday night!
- Sunday, we had the incredible opportunity to share our good news with our church.  They have been prayer warriors for us and are just such a blessing!  What a special time sharing the news and picture with Pastor and his wife together before the service.  YAY!
- A nearly former student who has a heart of gold texted me "My prayers for patience are now changed to prayers of thanksgiving!"  Seriously, if we can raise a kid 1/2 as amazing as her- we'll have conquered great things!!
- This nearly former students' mother is awesome!!!  And...she self-admittedly knows pretty much everything that's going on.  However, it is not in a mean spirited or gossipy way.  She simply cares about people, knows people and invests in people because her heart is HUGE!  She was the first person I really knew in Belle. We share the same name and spent a Saturday taking tickets at a volleyball game.  Well- she just happened to be the first person from Belle to see Baby Roth's picture.  We printed his picture at Walmart and who was there at the end of the aisle buying groceries- Kim Nelson!!  How appropriate, go God. 
Thanks to all the Facebook well wishes, texts, phone calls, comments and encouragement this week as well.  The kids at school were so very thrilled as well as the fellow teachers!

I've talked about this before but- the quietness of waiting for your referral is just silent.  There isn't anything to talk about.  There isn't anything you know.  Nothing to pass along.  No change in anything.  It is so very hard at times.  Oh, but God really, really does have it all under control (even though it stinks at times for us little unknowing people).  There were lots of little miracles last Friday... I'll try to share those next time. 

Today is the DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Oh, my dear friends...the Lord is faithful and good and all-knowing.  And, He really does orchestrate our days in ways we can't even imagine.   When we doubt and we try to strategize...He just simply delivers HIS plan and of course- its always perfect! 

So about today...

I was in Rapid standing in Maurices about to pay when my phone rang.  Just like everyone always says...it wasn't a phone number I recognized but answered it anyways.  And, it was Renee our social worker.  We're currently in the process of updating our homestudy so at first, I just figured she was calling to set up our update meeting.  Then she said...well, I have your referral!!!  Oh, my goodness- I lost it there in Maurices!  The emotions of the wait and the hopes and dreams of this day finally coming were just too much.  All I could remember saying was 'really' and 'seriously' and 'really?"  The store employees probably thought someone had died or there had been an accident or something tragic.  After getting off the phone- I explained to them what they had just witnessed.  I said 'We're adopting.  She just called me to tell me that I have a son and he's in Ethiopia." WOW!!!!!!!! 

So, although I could hardly write I was shaking so bad- I paid and hauled out of the mall!  I flew to Safeway and picked up some 'Baby Boy' balloons before heading to Wes' office.  I'll never forget the feeling of walking into the office with blue balloons floating above, camera around my neck and thinking...I'm going to tell Wes we have a son! 

Usually, you have to buzz to get into the building.  However, a bunch of HVAC guys were there cleaning so I snuck in without Wes knowing.  And, there he was sitting, working quietly just like he always does.

 

I snapped a picture of him before coming around the corner and said 'Today's the day- its a boy!"  Rightfully so, he was totally shocked.  And, there we stood holding each other close, with tears in our eyes in awe of God's blessings!!!  It has been an afternoon in which we will never, ever forget!  We sat down together and opened the email.  At first, we couldn't find the pictures but after a quick call to Renee, we figured it out. 

He is precious!  A quite healthy 6 week old baby boy with chubby cheeks and big soft eyes!!  Praise the LORD, Praise the LORD!! 

The rest of the afternoon involved lots of phone calls and errands until we met up with the new Grandpa and Grandma Berry- yay!!  We celebrated at Red Lobster- the poor waiter, he kept trying to take care of us but we really didn't care at all about the food. 

Today was a day of answered prayers and of hopes realized.  We truly are humbled by God's steadfast provision.  For all you waiting...I know how it is to wait so long you really doubt if it is ever going to happen.  But, it will!!!  It will!!  It DID : )  Our hearts are so very full tonight- oh, what a blessed day God has given us! 

Graduation Weekend!

We have had an absolutely great weekend!  We gathered together to celebrate my super fabulous sister's graduation from nursing school.  Oh, Baby Roth- you're going to LOVE your Auntie Ashley!!  She is wacky and fun and smart and talented and well- fabulous!  We celebrated her hard work over these past 4 years to complete nursing school.  She not only accomplished it- she did so with honors and got a 100% on her last nursing school final.  Great work!  We were so blessed to be joined by Donna and Katie for the pinning ceremony.  And, Connie, Dave, Erik and Katelyn came from Minnesota for the graduation ceremony.  Thanks joining us everyone- it was a fun weekend.   

Number Nine

Well, here we are...month number 9. The best news of the day- we're heading across the state to go celebrate the coolest Aunt-to-be graduate from nursing school. We are so very proud of her!! Just keep praying for news of Baby Roth soon : )  We're back from our awesome weekend so here's our 9 Month update...

Waiting, waiting, waiting.  We’ve been officially ‘waiting’ for 9 months to see the Ethiopian child which God has already picked out for us.  Lately, it seems like the idea of actually getting a referral is starting to feel more like a dream than a reality.  You know, one of those things that you keep talking about and talking about and talking about but…you don’t run the world so, it’s basically out of your hands. Our referral is and always has been in God’s hands.  Wow, and no better place exists than there for our family to be molded from.  This months’ ‘distractionary’ activities have included State FCCLA, completing my boards, Easter in Laramie and putting a garden in the backyard.  Spring is here and another school year is almost done.  My brain is still very much in denial that its already May.  But, it is and here we are.  This week the April numbers were released and there were 6 referrals.  When I first typed that- I so wanted to say ONLY 6 referrals.  But, 6 lives will be forever changed!  They will have love and hope and comfort and the joy of family. 

So close we can almost taste it...

I can not believe we're finally able to say this but...to the best of my knowledge (after extensive blog and discussion board stalking !!!) we are at the top of the list for a referral of an infant.  Actually, we're tied for the spot of who's been waiting the longest...which actually is great news because that means that the likelihood of getting a referral soon is starting to feel more like a reality than a far off dream.   Last Thursday, we learned of a referral for a 12 month old and then Friday while on the road to Wes' parents I learned of another referral for an 11 month old.  So- we're at the top!!!  We've watched our names slowly, slowly, slowly creep up the list.  A year ago we were on the 'working on formal application/homestudy' section.  Now, we're at the top of the pile!  Now- we've got to keep our expectations and hopes in check.  Those last 2 referrals took over 6 weeks to see any movement.  Others may jump ahead of us and we may still have awhile.  We see this as God's way of saying 'on your mark, get set...'   We're just waiting and praying that He'll say 'GO' very soon!!! 

OR

In the meantime, suddenly the suspense of knowing if Baby Roth's a boy or girl is just killing me!  So, just for the fun of it- what do you think?  I'd love to hear your guess- so, cast your guess today by leaving a comment.  I've got my guess picked but I'm not tellin' : )

Let'er Roll!

This is exactly what my life has felt like for the last month or so.  These past few weeks have been especially busy with things constantly flying past me, needing attention.  Last Friday, I submitted my National Board Teacher Certification box for review and I left for a 6-day state FCCLA adventure the same day as well.  One current state officer, one in-coming state officer, a dozen chapter projects, one workshop, 24 candidate interviews, and a van load of 'stuff' later and well... we're on the down hill roll.  I think the conveyor belt has worn out and its time to call it good 'till next year. 
If only our adoption process could pick up the speed like Ethel and Lucy's chocolate conveyor!!  : ) Ahh, but in the mean time... I think I just need some chocolate! 

Waiting on You

Here we are at eight.  It was eight months ago today that our pile of paperwork took flight for its adventure abroad.  Since then we've been waiting...and waiting....and waiting.  Funny how intricately God knows our hearts-
This morning, I headed out of the house, stopped to pick up my morning Common Cents coffee and headed out for another day of school.  Typically, I just like to ride in the quiet of the morning.  Talking to God, praying and organizing my brain for the day.  The radio was on really quiet but for some reason as I hit the interstate this morning...I turned up the radio.  And God smiled at me : ) It was the song 'Waiting' and the sky above was blue with wispy clouds and fresh morning sunlight was just pouring over the land and my heart was full.  So, very full.

 I'm waiting. I'm waiting on You, Lord.And I am hopeful.I'm waiting on You, Lord. Though it is painful. But patiently, I will wait. I will move ahead, bold and confident. Taking every step in obedience.  While I'mwaiting. I will serve You. While I'm waiting.I will worship. I'm waiting. I'm waiting on You, Lord. And I am peaceful. I'm waiting on You, Lord. Though it's not easy. But faithfully, I will wait. Yes, I will wait. I will serve You while I'm waiting. I will worship while I'm waiting. I will serve You while I'm waiting. I will worship while I'm waiting. I will serve you while I'm waiting. I will worship while I'm waiting on You, Lord.

 Just another example of God's 'random i-pod'.  This is in a nut-shell where we are in our adoption.  People ask- how are things with your adoption?   And, we say 'waiting'.  One little word but really, we're waiting on the Lord.  Its painful but we're waiting.  We're remaining bold and confidant in the Ethiopian adoption process.  We're walking in obedience while we're waiting.  And, along the way we're worshipping in our waiting.  Or trying our best to accomplish this.  This morning on the way to work it was a Number 6:24-26 encounter with God.  He definitely did shine His face upon me (quite literally actually) and He was gracious in lifting my soul and gave me peace.  And, there were tears of hope and confidence and peace. 

As I drove along, I couldn't help but remember another time God played this song in His random i-pod... my new husband and I were cruising down a gravel road in the G6 late on the night of June 6th just a couple years ago.  We had both waited many years for that day to come and what a blessed, incredible day it was. 

Today, we're at eight.   We're not where we thought we'd be come April but, we're where God wants us to be.  Thank You Jesus for loving us and filling up my heart this morning.  Its gonna be alright- we can't wait to meet you Baby Roth.  Oh, we've been praying and praying and praying for you. In the meantime, we'll be waiting to hear from God just who you are!! : ) Ohhhh, my goodness how we look forward to that day!! : )