ETHIOPIA BOUND...AGAIN!!

Yesterday when I woke up, I made the decision to start packing. Eva's room (where all the packing stuff is) had been a mess for 2 weeks. I was ready to tackle it. I knew that I didn't want to have that anxiety feeling of packing like I did for the 1st trip. Several hours into it, I got a call from B letting us know that our paperwork was submitted to the Embassy on February 14th (that's right, Love Day!!) We were so excited and expected to hear word more toward the middle of next week about what the outcome of our paperwork would be. Of course B let us know the  "best-case" scenario and the dreaded "more documentation needed" scenario. John and I felt totally at peace with everything. We have been praising God for His favor and He has not let us down!

Today I decided to do the shopping thing!! Gifts for Almaz, much needed items for HH that Almaz specifically said was needed, and more baby stuff (clothes, diapers, travel stuff, AND baby food). What a gorgeous day it's been today. The minute I unpacked the car, I decided to take my dogs to the park and just let them stretch their legs and run like maniacs. They loved it!! It's so beautiful to watch Springer Spaniels run full out. They make my heart smile.

I was planning on staying at the park for at least an hour but a mom with her 4 kids showed up and it was time for us to go. As soon as I walked in the door to home my phone started buzzing. It was John. He sounded so excited - "B** just called me and left a message on my voicemail. She said she has some news. Give her a call and then call me back!"

Well that phone call turned out to be B telling us that WE ARE CLEARED FOR TRAVEL!!! In just 4 days (or is it 5 based on Ethiopia time?) from when it was submitted to the Embassy. Our Embassy date is either February 28 or March 1. Praise God...we are so excited!!