As a quick recap, we received our referral on July 29th for three precious children. A six year old girl, a 4.5 year old girl, and an almost 2 year old boy. Soon after receiving our referral, we got news that the court system in Ethiopia was closing for the rainy season. This was not unexpected, as it happens every year. In fact, the length of the planned closure was a bit shorter than ususal. The courts were due to open up again today, but did not. We received an email on Friday stating that the reopening would be delayed until Oct. 12th instead.

When the courts reopen next week, we will be assigned a court date in Ethiopia. We are hoping that our court date will be in October. After we "pass" court, meaning that a  judge in Ethiopia approves our case and allows these children to become legally ours, we will travel to pick them up 2-4 weeks later. We are praying that we can complete our travel before the holidays begin, or at least that we will not have to travel during a major holiday. Most families pass court the first time (60-70%), but some require a second or third court hearing in order to get everything wrapped up.

Please pray for our children in Ethiopia. One of them has now been without a family since April, the others since June. We have received many photos of our children. Our little guy is afraid of strangers and cries whenever families are around picking up their children. Please pray that he will warm up to us quickly and will not be afraid of us. We would also appreciate your prayers that we would be able to accomplish all the little tasks that still need to be done around here. We are trying to get rooms ready and it's going more slowly that we planned.  There is always a lot to do and few hours to accomplish our goals.  My time is pretty well-consumed with home schooling the girls. I am trying to achieve balance in getting our necessary work accomplished and just having fun. I know that I need be savoring these last couple of months that I have with our four girls!