Gotcha day Celebration!!

We can't believe you have been with us only one year Gigi......it feels as if you have always been with us.  I also can't believe a year has flown by so quickly.  You have made us so proud.  You have worked SOOOO hard with weekly therapy and have grown stronger and stronger, day by day.  Almost exactly one year after coming to us you have completely caught up and are walking, talking, loving~ and are a true miracle and blessing to us!  Because of God leading us to you, we now have a greater love and passion for Christ, for Africa, and for helping children.  Our hearts have been opened and our eyes have seen!  Every time I look at you I am reminded of how much God loves us and how much he chooses us to be His children ~just like we love you and have you as our child.  God has blessed us so much by allowing us to see all your firsts:

• Your first tooth~  now you have a mouth full!
• Sitting up for the first time
• Crawling
• Standing
• Walking
• Giggling~ the kind of free belly laughing that comes when something just hits you as funny.  This took some time as you were so reserved and waited to let yourself open up.
• Your first solid food~ now you eat ANYTHING and EVERYTHING
• Hugging and kissing~ to watch you open up to love and affection and give it has been the best gift to us.  To watch you heal from what you didn't get before us, and to learn to trust us enough to let yourself be fully loved and to give love and affection.  

There are so many more things that you have done and shown us over this past year, but mostly we are beyond thankful that you are where you were always meant to be- at home!

We enjoyed some Ethiopian food, your favorite music by Ethiopian singer "GiGi", and a family celebration marking this special week that you came into our arms forever!

Walking Gigi!!!

We are so proud of how hard Gigi has worked on her muscles and how far she has come in the past year.  She decided to start walking this week......she and us are so happy!!  Excuse the fun hair Gigi has.......when we approach week's end it is time for a re-do of the do.  

FINALLY a video- Dancing and Giggling Gigi

This one's for you Kari!

Photo Session!! One year Referral-versary!

It has been one year since we got to see sweet Gigi's face.....and we received THE CALL. What amazing memories of that day and what lied ahead until now. Thank you GOD for blessing us!!!

We had a great time getting pics of the kids. Check them out! We love Mama Mia Photography, so
bloggy friends who live nearby, give her a call!!

Mama Mia Photography
Kari Anderson
Leesburg, VA
571-291-1457

Lord, expand my territory-My heart is still in Ethiopia

Every day I spend some time researching, praying and looking at the need and situation in Ethiopia regarding orphans. I have been reaching out and finding my way as to where the Lord might direct me. I have felt so strongly, from before we even brought Gigi home, that there was more for me in Ethiopia. After being there and now being home for some time, I find I am even more on a mission. I know we will be going back to adopt again, but there is still something more. My prayer is that the Lord "expands my territory" and shows me how I can be used as His servant to help more orphans and just to make more of a difference. It is so exciting to feel this direction SOOO clearly and to pursue and pursue until He shows me I am on the right track. There are several areas and things I have been moving forward on and all are so exciting and have great possibilities.......what is more exciting is to see what the Lord does in my life and Pete's life and our families life. Or should I say what He will do through our lives- for the lives of many precious children. So many people and groups inspire me to keep plugging away and to keep supporting and searching for ways to help. I love Amazima's blog- what this woman of such a young age is doing is nothing but pure God and pure and true religion. Also, I had the opportunity to speak with Tom Davis, the author of "Fields of the Fatherless", "Red Letters", and "Confessions of a Good Christian Guy". He also heads Children's Hopechest. What they are doing in Africa is incredible and big and inspiring too! There are so many others out there who are "doing" and just reading their blogs and the stories of how God is paving the way for them to follow their passion for the needy children of this world keeps me plugging away. What I realize is that one person with a burden on their hearts and a desire to please the Lord and glorify Him in all they do- can do big things. This is my prayer and my desire and my search. I thought I would throw it out there for my friends to see and read. It feels good to write what is in my heart, thanks for listening/reading.

Some recent pics of the kids and Gigi, just growing up before our eyes!

A blessed reunion!

What a gift.....we got to see sweet Meti and her awesome mother at the airport as they were coming home from Ethiopia! Meti was such a part of our week when we got Gigi. She loved Gigi so much and according to the nurse and nannies, she used to carry Gigi around and help take care or her. It was soooooo hard saying good-bye to her almost 8 months ago. She told us through tears she prayed she would see "Selam"/ Gigi again one day. I know Meti is so special and probably had this relationship with so many of the other children and babies at the orphanage, she displays so much love and joy and God's heart for such a young person- she is so special. I am so thankful that she is now home with her family who has adored her and prayed for her for so long. Her family is so special and what a treat to finally meet Patty too! She was incredible, and it was a treat to visit with them and have lunch and watch Meti and Gigi together again. Also, our two other kids had heard all the stories about this little girl, so they were so excited to meet her and visit too! Enjoy the pictures!

A lost camera can put you WAY behind on blogging!

So, I finally bucked up and bought another camera. I thought for sure it would just *turn* up somewhere. I had visions of someone calling me to tell me they found my camera........the call never came. The camera never showed up under a couch, in a bag, or under the seats of the van along with the old dried up french fries and cherrios. Just thought I would FINALLY add some pictures. Took these yesterday and today. Gigi didn't know what to think of the snow, even more than that, she didn't know what to think of the "armor" I put her in which made her not be able to move. She handled it like a champ.