Updates from Home

Hello Everyone!
Sorry it has been so long since our last update. We are just enjoying being home with our beautiful daughter. After the long days of travel home, adjusting Kiera to our timezone, 1st doctors visit, including tests and shots and 1st ear infection, we are finally getting a schedule down and beginning to get used to be a family of three. And of course we are loving every minute of it.

Let me back up some, for those of you that haven't heard the full story. Our flight home was delayed from the start. Apparently there were snow storms in Europe, so our flight out of Ethiopia was delayed from 11:59pm to about 3 in the morning. We finally arrived in Amsterdam and missed our connection, so we had do wait 4 hours for our flight back to the USA. (Luckily there is a baby care area at the Amsterdam airport and we were able to lay Kiera down in a full size crib to stretch out for a nap). Once on the plane to the USA, Kiera did really well, but Joel on the other hand was the troublesome one. He got sick on the flight (dehydrated, maybe a 24 hour bug of some kind). He almost passed out and they airline put him on oxygen. They were about to call for a doctor or ambulance on arrival, but we decided that would be a bad idea, since we would probably be quarantined and Kiera wouldn't be able to get her citizen stamp on her Visa if we didn't go through immigration. Well we made it to MN airport and of course missed our connection back home. We had to wait another 4 hours. We finally got on the plane at 8:30pm, but didn't take off until after midnight. More memories ... the airport closed all but one runway, we needed to get de-iced, and the jetway broke as people were boarding and maintainence had to come inspect the plane to be sure we could still fly.

We finally arrived home around 1:00am. And to our surpise there were still many people waiting in the airport to meet Kiera and welcome us home. How wonderful that was, but I bet if was a little tiring for them as well. Kiera got to meet her Grandma and Grandpa, Great Grandma and many other friends and family. The next day she also got to meet Oma and Opa. And last weekend we even had Christmas with her Aunts and Uncles on mommy's side. She did a great job with all the people, but we were happy to have her home and start getting used to being the 3 of us.

 

 

It took about a week, but Kiera did adjust her time zone pretty well. She is a good sleeper and a fun baby. We cannot wait for the rest of you to meet her. We also know she needs her mommy and daddy time too, so this will have to happen gradually.

We love you all and enjoy the pictures!

Joel, Mandy and Kiera

Home Sweet Home!

We finally made it back. It is great to be hear and to have Kiera with us. Our expected 24 hours o travel turned into 38 hours due to delays in Amsterdam and Minneapolis due to snow storms. We sat in Bole airport in Addis for 5 hours while our flights we rearranged, then took our flight at 3am Ethiopia time. We had 4 hours in Amsterdam (A great airport to be in with a baby as they have special nursery areas and play areas). We flew to minneapolis and then had to wait again as our Plane was late arriving. Then when we finally got on the plane, about half way through boarding the walkway broke so they had to find another way to board people and check to make sure there was no damage to the plane. We also had to sit waiting for de-icing and wait our turn on the one open runway.

But we made it. We got in at about 12:30 (I forgot to look at the clock). Great-grandma, Grandma, Grandpa, Oma, and Opa were there along wig many wonderful family and friends. It was an awesome homecoming.

Joel and I are pretty exhausted but Kiera is great besides the schedule being a mess. She slept most of he plane rides and seemed to enjoy it anyways. We are going to have fun trying to adjust the schedule.

We are glad to be home! We love you all!
Joel, Mandy and Kiera

Leaving Tomorrow

Well - 

It's been a while since our last update.  We've had multiple power outages.  So now I'm finally able to send out an update.  

Today the orphanage did a farewell ceremony for all the kids who were being adopted.  It was great.  They gave each of the kids a traditional Ethiopian outfit for them to take home.  Kiera has a little white dress with an Ethiopian pattern weaved into the material in the front.  When they finished dressing her in her new ensemble, the nannies said she looked like an Ethiopian Patriot. They had us cut the cake as a family and Joel led a prayer (of course). Kiera got to try her first cake (Sister Martha insisted that we have our own pieces of cake, because the first one brought out was for Kiera (she seemed to enjoy the frosting for a little while).

 

 

Tomorrow at midnight we will be leaving Ethiopia (4:00pm Wausau time). So when you are all leaving work, we will be on our way home.

 

 

 

 

Love you all and see you soon!

Joel, Mandy and Kiera

Sweet Kiera!!!!

Family picture as we picked her up from the care center.

Playing at the hotel.....
She loves looking at herself in the mirror!

Feeding before bed......

 
Sleeping.
Yes, the Moses' basket is too short!

(These two are from Saturday.)

Drinking juice from a cup:

We will not be continuing this practice yet ... too messy! 

Big smiles!  :)

"Gotcha Day"

Well Everyone –

We got her!  Mandy and I have officially taken custody of our baby girl.  We got her.  At 5:30 pm (Ethiopia Time) we walked over to the orphanage, but this time it was different.  We went into the waiting room, and then they brought her out to us.  She had her hair done up in little poufs, and she was wearing a purple sleeper. 

I had the camera rolling during the moment when Mandy and I took custody.  (Sorry I had to downgrade the quality a little bit…It took 2 tries to get the file uploaded to youtube from our sketchy internet connection).

Here’s the link:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SBc-MhsIx6g

Today (Nov. 29, 2010) is our official Gotcha Day!  It’s the day we finally got her.  In fact that was the first thing I said to her.  “I Gotcha.”

We didn’t have to stay at the orphanage care center very long though.  We left shortly afterward and we brought her back to the hotel.  We played for a while, had our first bath time, and now, as I write these words, Mandy is soothing her and getting her ready for bed.  (oops…I’ve just been told that she’s already asleep).  :)

(For the record, Mandy and I have no idea what to do with her hair tonight.  Should we leave it down or put it up?  I think we’ll end up leaving it down tonight and we’ll see if it’s tangled up by morning.)

Well, I think I’m going to go down to the hotel kitchen, try to order us some pizza, and then we’re going to try and get some sleep.  It’s strange…I’m one of those guys who doesn’t cry…I just don’t…I don’t have a problem with tears, and I don’t see anything wrong with crying.  It’s just that my emotions tend to express themselves through my mouth long before they express themselves any other way.  But today I cried. (good tears though).  It only took a daughter to get me to cry. 

Thanks for all your prayers, support and love.

Joel & Mandy and Kiera

Birth Mom Meeting

Today we drove to Durame where Kiera is from. We got to see the first
orphanage she was in and meet her nannies and the head nurse who
admitted her. This was great.

But the best and hardest part was meeting Kiera's birth mom. She is a
sweet woman and truly loves her daughter. This will be something
great to share with Kiera as she grows up.

We are resting now in preparation for tomorrow when we take custody.
From then on it will be the three of us in the hotel.

Blessings,
Joel and Mandy

More Pictures!

 

Glorious Curls in Cornrows!

Hey everyone - We made it to the hotel last night at about (11pm Ethiopia Time).  We enjoyed a Thanksgiving feast of Granola bars, and crackers with peanut butter).  Who needs turkey? 

Anyway, we got to see her this morning.  She reacted in exactly the same way as she did the first day we met.  She was stunned by our presence, and we were stunned by her.  Her curly black hair had gotten long enough to be braided.  She is adorable.  Her's are the most beautiful eyes I think I've ever seen.  Anyway, after about an hour or so she became inconsolable.  (it was nap time, but she didn't feel sleepy).  So as we tried to play with her, the nanny's came and tried to put her down to give her some space to collect herself while we got lunch. 

We went back this evening, and she was so much more attentive and playful!  We love her so much.  One thing I can say about Kiera...she's got rhythm.  She and I were banging our hands on the floor...she's a natural.  I think I'll start out by teaching her drums first and then maybe piano and after that she can start guitar. 

Love you all!  Thanks for the prayers!
Joel and Mandy (and Kiera)

*side comment by 'guest' poster...aka: Chris (friend, that is good friend to Mandy & Joel)

Oh!MY!Goodness!Gracious!
Is she not the most adorable baby girl you have ever seen??????
I mean, really!!!

Congratulations, Mandy & Joel!!!  :)

We are here!!!!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

We finally arrived in Ethiopia about 1 hour ago. We had our Thanksgiving dinner on the plane (Beef and pasta). We unpacked and are hoping to get some sleep tonight. Tomorrow we get our orientation and schedule and them get to go spend time with Kiera. I am so excited I can hardly stand it.

We are thankful that you are all in our lives. We love you!
Joel and Mandy

On our way to bring you home ...

It is finally here. We leave today. I cannot wait to see our little Kiera again. And this time we get to keep her and bring her home. Everything is ready (we think) and so are we. I hope we didn't forget anything. I can't put into words how thankful I am for every one of you that has prayed with us and for us. We love you! And we will see you all soon!

Joel, Mandy and Kiera

Back to Africa

We finally got to news on Friday, November 5th that we are in line for the embassy appointment on November 30th. They told us to book our flights to arrive on the 25th, Thanksgiving day. What an exciting way to spend Thanksgiving.

So, we booked the flights and will be leaving on the 24th and come back on december3rd with our baby girl. We cannot wait.

Thanks again for all your prayers everyone. Our family has been so blessed by all of you. I will Try to keep posting when we leave, but like last time it will not b everyday so keep checking.

Blessing!
Joel, Mandy and Kiera

Wait

I was organizing some books to make room for the baby books for Kiera and I came accross a poem book by Russell Kelfer call "Wait." I re-read it and found God speaking to me in the words. I have been getting so impatient these last few weeks (as it has been over a month since I have seen my daughter). I needed to be reminded that God is in charge and he has a reason for our wait, even if I don't know what it is.
Thank you Lord!

Wait

Desperately, helplessly, longingly, I cried;

Quietly, patiently, lovingly, God replied.

I pled and I wept for a clue to my fate . . .

And the Master so gently said, "Wait."

"Wait? you say wait?" my indignant reply.

"Lord, I need answers, I need to know why!

Is your hand shortened? Or have you not heard?

By faith I have asked, and I'm claiming your Word.

"My future and all to which I relate

Hangs in the balance, and you tell me to wait?

I'm needing a 'yes', a go-ahead sign,

Or even a 'no' to which I can resign.

"You promised, dear Lord, that if we believe,

We need but to ask, and we shall receive.

And Lord I've been asking, and this is my cry:

I'm weary of asking! I need a reply."

Then quietly, softly, I learned of my fate,

As my Master replied again, "Wait."

So I slumped in my chair, defeated and taut,

And grumbled to God, "So, I'm waiting for what?"

He seemed then to kneel, and His eyes met with mine . . .

and He tenderly said, "I could give you a sign.

I could shake the heavens and darken the sun.

I could raise the dead and cause mountains to run.

"I could give all you seek and pleased you would be.

You'd have what you want, but you wouldn't know Me.

You'd not know the depth of my love for each saint.

You'd not know the power that I give to the faint.

"You'd not learn to see through clouds of despair;

You'd not learn to trust just by knowing I'm there.

You'd not know the joy of resting in Me

When darkness and silence are all you can see.

"You'd never experience the fullness of love

When the peace of My spirit descends like a dove.

You would know that I give, and I save, for a start,

But you'd not know the depth of the beat of My heart.

"The glow of my comfort late into the night,

The faith that I give when you walk without sight.

The depth that's beyond getting just what you ask

From an infinite God who makes what you have last.

"You'd never know, should your pain quickly flee,

What it means that My grace is sufficient for thee.

Yes, your dearest dreams overnight would come true,

But, oh, the loss, if you missed what I'm doing in you.

"So, be silent, my child, and in time you will see

That the greatest of gifts is to truly know me.

And though oft My answers seem terribly late,

My most precious answer of all is still . . . Wait."

by Russell Kelfer

Lalibela: A look back to our tour of Ethiopia

I thought I would post a few pictures of the beauty of Ethiopia. After we met our daughter and had to say goodbye, Joel and I spent some time in Addis Ababa and then traveled to Lalibela (in the northern part of Ethiopia).

It is hard to describe even this part of our trip ... as we spent more time in Ethiopia, we realized it is becoming home to us as well. Even the people we met at our hotels and our tour guide talked to us as if we were adopting Ethiopia as our home as well as adopting Kiera. And I am okay with that. The culture, people and land of Ethiopia are all wonderful and they suit us well.

The beautiful mountain as we drive from the airport to Lalibela ...

... flowers outside our hotel ...

...view from our hotel room (Lalibela churches) ...

... huge churches and trenches carved out of rock in the 12th century ...

... service and chanting at the Church of Mary ...

... most famous church of Lalibela (Church of St. George). See how the rock was completely carved out, more than 30 feet down, leaving a pillar in the middle, which became the church. It is completely carved, nothing was built. Truly amazing and beautiful.

As you can see Ethiopia is a beautiful country with great history. There is so much more to tell, but it would take a long time. I am excited to continue to learn more as we return this next time to get our daughter and visit the southern region of Ethiopia where Kiera is from.

Court Approval Received

Today we got notification from Holt that our Court Approval was officially received in Ethiopia. This means that they can now get the other documents today that are needed before we return to pick up our little girl. Hopefully that will all go smoothly and quickly.

Back home

We made it back into the USA a few days ago but needed some recovery time. I think we are getting back on track now. At least ihope so because we are back to work today.

Thanks everyone for your prayers and support. We are waiting for our Appointment to go back and get our little girl. We will keep you posted.

Blessings!
Joel and Mandy

"She is Yours"

Well it's been an awesome and fantastic last couple of days. I'm writing this email from the business center of a different hotel (We transferred) supposedly this hotel has public wifi, but our laptop just won't connect.

Anyway, let me tell you about our court proceedings! We woke up early on Tues morning, and the three other families who were in our adoption situation drove down to the Ethiopian high court. We waited until they called us into the judges chambers. (thankfully our judge spoke very good English). She asked us a bunch of questions about why we wanted to adopt, how we chose Ethiopia, how we plan to handle her identity issues, etc. It did not take as long as we anticipated...we were expecting to be there for a half an hour, but it only took about 5 min. At the end of the proceedings, the judge said, "Do you still want to adopt her?" We said "Yes!" And the judge replied...then, "She is yours."

Those three little words were so amazing to hear. She's ours. As far as Ethiopia is concerned Mandy and I are her parents...Unfortunately it's still going take 8-12 more weeks of waiting before they let us bring her home. She can't leave Ethiopia until the US embassy recognizes her as a US citizen. That means waiting for an Embassy Appointment, processing a birth certificate, social security number, etc. Lots more to do. I can't believe how God's hand has been in this process for us. He's been taking care of one hurdle after another.

All the waiting, all the frustration has been worth it (100%), and I would gladly go through it all again. I can't wait for you to meet her. Kiera's incredible. Let me tell you about our last day together:

After the court hearing we grabbed lunch and went to see Kiera one last time. After seeing her 2 days in a row she was so excited to see us. She seemed to remember us and she was so playful and attentive. We fed her, and wrapped her up in the prayer shawl we got from Trinity, prayed over her, and then we took as many pictures as we could. You won't believe it. She was so close to rolling over! She almost did it, and we had the camera rolling. It's sad that she didn't though. It would have been so cool to be there for that milestone in her young life. She'll probably be rolling, crawling and moving all over the place by the time we see her again. Oh well...then they came to say good-bye. They allowed us to place her in her bed in the nursery. She was fine when we laid her down and gave her kisses. But she began to cry as we walked away (we were good up to that point...then it got hard). So we said the goodbyes we didn't want to say.

One last thing - we found out from our agency that Ethiopia does not allow us to post pictures of Kiera on the web while she is still living in the care center/orphanage. That means we've been breaking the rules (in ignorance) up to this point by posting pictures on the blog and facebook. We'll be taking those pictures down after we get back to the US, and we won't be posting any new picture for public viewing on the web until we are permitted to do so. But we are allowed to send all the picture we want through email. Feel free to pass the pictures around if you like as you receive them. More will be coming soon.

Keep us in your prayers as we travel to Lalibella tomorrow. It's a massive church structure on the other side of the country and it's one of the 8th wonders of the world. Also, when we get home - remind me to tell you about the leper colony we visited...it's another one of those experiences that's tough to put into words.

Thanks for all your prayers and love.

Joel (and Mandy)

1st Meetings

The last two days have been wonderful. We have met our daughter and spent some great time with her. We got to feed her, rock her to sleep (she even fell asleep on daddy's chest today while he was singing to her). She has a great set of lungs, but it is cute cry. Joel says she is going to love to sing. She was even smiling and cooing today as we were playing. We love her so much and cannot wait for you all to meet her as well.

Blessings!
Joel and Mandy

We're Here!

We safely arrived in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia last night about 9:00pm Ethiopia time (1:00pm Wausau). We are staying in a guest house (different then the one they planned), but it is very nice.

Good news! We get to meet Kiera this afternoon. This is one day earlier than scheduled, so we are extremely excited. We will blog again when we get a chance. Internet connection is not always accessable and the first time I tried to send this we lost power. So keep checking for updates and we will get it out there eventually.

Love you all!
Joel and Mandy

Here we go!

We will be on our way in just 4 days. Soon we will get to see and hold our little girl for the first time. We are coming precious Kiera. Joel and I thank you all for your support and prayers thus far. And we ask for continued prayers as we travel and as we have to come back home and leave our little one in Ethiopia for a little while longer.

I will try to update this blog a few times while we are there so keep checking. There should be some new pictures.

Love you all and see you when we get back n
Joel and Mandy

Travel Approval

We received our official travel approval today. Now we can get our flights and visas and be ready to fly to Ethiopia on September 24/25th. We will get to see our daughter on the 27th and 28th. Our court appointment is in the morning on the 28th. So sometime around 12-4am in the USA we, as well as Kiera's birth-mom, will be in front of the Ethiopia high court (time is 8 hours ahead of here).

While we are there, when we can't be with Kiera, we hope to get to tour Ethiopia a little. We know that the 2nd trip we will get custody of Kiera and will be unable to travel with her. So, we hope to learn as much about the culture and country as we can in this first trip. We are working with a travel agent to set up all the details.

 We are so excited and cannot wait to meet our daughter. Thank you all for the prayers. They are definitely working.

Blessings!
Joel and Mandy

"Beautiful Dark Hair"

We received another health update on Kiera today. One of the first things they said again was she has "beautiful dark hair." We cannot wait to see all her hair. They keep commenting that she is big for her age and has a "big belly."

According to the staff she continues to grow and lifts and holds up her head, laughing, smiling to her name and copying sounds.

She is also showing attachment to her nannies, such as smiling when they play and crying when they leave the room. This is really great news as she is learning how to love and accept love. The nannies say she is easy to manage, makes a "unique sound" when she needs milk, eats about every 3 hours and has a good pattern of sleep.

We cannot wait to experience and learn about her ourselves.
Blessings!
Joel and Mandy

Baby Shower

Thanks to everyone who planned and came to my baby shower this weekend. Kiera's room is now fully stocked and ready for her. It is such a blessing to have such wonderful family and friends. We love you all and Kiera will too. Please continue to check this site for updates as I try to post after any significant news or updates. Feel free to become a follower or leave comments. I love to read them and see who is reading my blog.

Blessings!
Joel and Mandy

"Angelic Smile"

That's right! That is what our latest update said about our little girl.

We received an update today (no pictures though). Kiera was moved to the Care Center in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, on July 2nd. That day she was evaluated by a doctor, who said she is healthy, with "beautiful dark hair." She has good reflexes and movement of all extremities, good grasp and good sized. She had her basic shots and all reports look good.

The orphanage nurse also wrote part of the update. She said Kiera is  looks big for her age and is reacting appropriately compared to other children in the orphange. When asked about her personality, she said Kiera has "an angelic smile."

What a great update. Now I just wish we could see her. Although in my dreams she is beautiful.

Blessings!
Mandy

Court Date!

Prayer really works! Last night some friends got together to pray of me, for Kiera and our family. They prayed that we would get our court date. And here it is the next day (my birthday), and we receive notification that our court date is scheduled for September 28, 2010. 


Next week we should be getting more details about when we need to be there and travel and get all that set up. We are so excited and thank God for answered prayers (and for all the people praying for us).

God's Blessings!
Mandy

Kiera's Room

The Roller Coaster of Updates.

So, 2 days ago I was having a very impatient day, so I decided to talk to our representative at Holt to find out "what is taking so long."

She told me that no 2 trip families have received their court date yet (roller coaster down) ...

but they are still hoping for that soon (roller coaster up) ...

Later that night I received an email from a friend who is also in the process of adopting from Ethiopia. She had very encouraging words and prayer that we would get our date before the courts close (what? ... the courts close?.. how did I not know this?) It turns out that the courts close for about 2 months during August and September for the rainy season. So if we don't get our court date in July it will probably wait until October for our first trip (telecaster down again)...

That same night we got an official update from Ethiopia stating that many of the 1 trip families that had their trips planned for this week had been cancelled due to the US embassy in Ethiopia slowing down for the summer and only taking 10 appointments a month until further notice. There are 30 families waiting to go pick up their children, so this could take a while (roller coaster further downhill) ...

Then last night we received another email from our representative stating that they just got notice from the Ethiopia high court that all our documents are there and being processed and they will let us know the court date soon (roller coaster back up)..

Then another official update from Holt saying that they have heard the slow down at the embassy may not last as long as they first thought (roller coaster further up)

I am not sure if my heart can take much more of this up and down. I feel like I have been on edge for the past few days and my body does not know what emotion to expect next. Wow this is an different kind of adventure.

Please pray that our court date would be scheduled in July. And pray that my nerves and heart can get through these next few months.

Blessings!
Mandy

Adoption Benefit

June 13, 2010

Our women's group at church put on a wonderful benefit to help pay for our trips to get Kiera. It was a tea and silent auction. There were so many great items to bid on and a lot of people came. Joel and I are overwelmed by the support and prayers we have received from our church family. God's love shines through these people. Through the generosity of all of you, we have enough to pay for the first trip whenever they tell us we can go. We will keep you updated when we know more.

Thanks again everyone. God Bless!

Mandy