Easter pictures

She's HERE!!

Sorry it's taken me so long to post these, but things are absolutely CRAZY around here! Ava and Todd made it home safely on Wed., the 19th, after being redirected to Miami for a night (it's a long story... ask me about it later if you want to hear details!). We are just so glad we are all home for good. It's been quite a journey! The above pictures were all taken in Guatemala. Her first bath with us was in the hotel sink. :) Everyone is doing great... Ava is the sweetest baby in the entire world, and the boys adore her.

Wil and Ben

Here are some pictures of the 2 cutest boys to ever live. :)

6 months old and almost home

We are leaving for Guatemala a week from tomorrow! It still doesn't seem real yet... we've been waiting for this for so long, I just can't believe it's actually happening. So here are the last pictures you'll see of her not with us! These are from her 6 month report, and she'll be 7 months when we get her.

Ava - 5 months old

Roller Coaster Ride

I can't believe what a roller coaster ride this whole process has been. I never imagined in a million years that it would be like this, but I can honestly say that I'm thankful for it. God has never been more real to me or taught me more than He has during this time. The great news we received a few weeks ago was actually intended for another family, which was shocking and pretty hard to take in. We thought God had done a miracle and we told everyone that He did only to find out we got the news by mistake. There were 2 babies with similar names, so the attorney's assistant thought it was our case when it actually wasn't. I never thought I'd say this, but I am thankful that it happened because it caused me to really seek Him and ask Him why and meditate on who He is. I found 2 things: 1. God does not have to explain Himself to anyone, let alone me; He asks only that I trust Him. Really trust Him, not just say that I do. His ways are not our ways, and they are past finding out. His thoughts are higher than our thoughts, and He knows what He is doing. 2. I had been focusing so much on the mistake that was made that I was missing out on the miracles He has done all along the way! We started the process at just the right time, He answered our many prayers about the shaky situation with the Guatemalan government, He provided Todd with a job for just the right amount of time so we could pay for the adoption and buy a house that better suits our family's needs, and He has put Ava in a loving, caring foster home. Talk about miracles! The 'bad news' we got was so obviously a test from Him and it was also His answer to a prayer I've been praying for Him to increase my faith. I've also got to say that Todd has been a rock during this time. He has been the spiritual leader our family more during this time than ever before. He was able to speak so much truth to me that I needed to hear. So after the turmoil of the past few weeks, we found out early last week that our case was approved and we will be traveling to pick up Ava in mid-March! I still can't believe it's going to happen.

Ava - 4 months old

Incredible news!!

We are SO excited to share with you that Ava will be home with us in 6 to 8 weeks! Our caseworker called this morning to tell us that our case has moved so quickly she can’t believe it. She said she’s never seen anything like it, that there is no explanation for it, and that it is a miracle (those were her words!). What I want to say to all of you is that there IS an explanation for it… we have an awesome God who hears and answers prayers. I’ve had such a peace throughout this whole process and I really have prayed for His perfect timing. I also told Him that if He would do a miracle, something that could only be explained by His working, He would receive all the glory and praise for it. So I am writing to you all to say that we have a GREAT God! He is so gracious and merciful to those who call on Him. I can’t adequately express my gratitude to all of you who prayed with us and for us. Your love and support have helped to sustain us throughout this entire process, and we are forever grateful to each one of you. Ava will be home for Easter!