Tuesday, December 16, 2008

We are Really Going!!!

We are actually going to Ethiopia. I think it is starting to sink in. Ahh!!
To be honest, we weren't sure if we were going or not until this morning around 9:45 am when my brave and wonderful husband made a two and a half hour trek through the snow and ice to Louisville to give the United States Citizenship & Immigration Services Office a visit. Yes, we still had not received our updated approval and were not sure if we were going to get it in time! Major stress!

We had not really been that successful with our appointments at USCIS in the past, but had prayed for favor today as we had to have an approval in order to travel in two days to meet our son. Zack left very early this morning for his 9:20 appointment. The roads were not good, and we really weren't sure if he was even going to be able to make it. I stayed here to work and I was feeling so nervous for him....it is a very nervous experience going to this office, trust me! You are really at the mercy of someone else! Anyway, Zack called me around 9:45 and said, "Guess what?" I knew he had gotten our approval when I heard his voice! He said he just walked up to the window, explained our situation, and a few minutes later the lady came back with THE PAPER! Praise the Lord! Once again, he has shown himself faithful! We are so thankful...we are really going!

The reality of being parents for the first time is also starting to sink in...we have realized...we do not know what we are doing! Everyone has assured us this is a very normal feeling, so we hope they are right! We enjoyed this past weekend as we really didn't do too much, which was nice. We reflected on how much God has blessed us and our marriage over these last four and a half years and were awed by his love and care for us. We also realized that in a week or so our lives would never be the same....in an awesome way, but still, never the same. We look forward to experiencing all that God has for us and our son. Praise you Lord, for being such a wonderful Father. May we strive to raise our son to love you more than anything.

8 comments:

E said...

Yay! That's amazing news!!! And, I'm totally with you on first time parenthood! Honestly, I felt that way with second time parenthood, too - knowing Abel would have a different personality and he was also entering our lives at a year old with all that life behind him without us. Anyway, rest assured that God's grace and mercy is sufficient. And...kids are very resilient! ;) You & Zack are going to be amazing! I can't wait to see pictures of Caleb in your arms!!!

So happy to read the good news!! Happy dance time!

XOXO
Erica

Anna said...

I am sooo happy!!! Thank you God for providing!!! We understand the feelings about being first time parents! The dream is coming true! :-) Can't wait to see you there!
love,
Anna

Susan said...

Yeah!! So glad you *finally* got your approval!

You can never be totally prepared for being a parent! Try to stay relaxed and go with the flow. Babies can tell when you are anxious and it makes them anxious too.

Hope you have a wonderful trip!

Love & Prayers, Susan

Anonymous said...

YIPEE!!!! Way to go and brave the elements so you can go get your son!!!
:) We are so, so excited for you guys and can't wait to start the blog stalking! :)
Love to you,
Amy

Ray and Lisa said...

Soooo happy to hear this news! God is good!! You're right, life TOTALLY changes and it is so worth it! Being parents is an amazing job like no other! Kiss that baby for me! :)

Apryl said...

What a relief! I can't wait to watch the next group of you travel to pick up your babies! Glad that the path is clear and you can just get ready to go :)
apryl

alisa said...

Your's & Caleb's story is amazing -- a beautiful testimony of God's faithfulness!! I can't wait to see you holding him!!
Alisa

Becky Lee Burk said...

You have just said everything I'm thinking about your fears/excitement/anxiety. I just keep thinking... wow... things will never be the same, but then again we've also been married for a little over 4 years and we're READY for a change ya know. I sort of went into freak out mode yesterday just worried that we'll forget something or he'll get sick but I'm just trusting in the Lord and that does give me a sense of peace. Can't wait to see you guys there!