tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14625587217880800722024-03-13T19:25:42.642-05:00Our Journey to "J"Dill Family AdoptionAshleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12771764750489375664noreply@blogger.comBlogger25125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1462558721788080072.post-91669428301441259692012-05-08T14:29:00.002-05:002012-05-08T14:29:16.854-05:00Current numbersOkay - I have a lot of catching up to do. Here are our monthly numbers through April:<br />
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January: #43 girls<br />
#34 boys<br />
February: #41 girls<br />
#31 boys<br />
March: #36 girls<br />
#28 boys -- (whoot whoot in the twenties!)<br />
April: #35 girls<br />
#26 boys<br />
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It's actually kind of fun to put the numbers together like this to see the progress. SO wish we were further down on both lists, but at least movement is happening. We are VERY excited to have broken through to the twenties on the boys list. Now for the girls list! The girls list is gaining on the boys, though. When we started this process we were #98 on the girls list and #74 on the boys. The gap has narrowed! Maybe "J" is a little girl??? (Thought it was probably a boy since we got on the lists.) Can't wait to be surprised with the sex of our new little one!<br />
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The following song is a true testament to why we are adopting. When your heart has been broken by the love of Christ - how can you live life as usual?<br />
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">Meredith Andrews</span></i></div>
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Blessings,<br />
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Ashley</span></i><br />
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<br />Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12771764750489375664noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1462558721788080072.post-54804899986224557192012-05-08T14:06:00.004-05:002012-05-08T14:06:53.977-05:00Waiting...Wow. Can you believe it? I am actually posting! UGH. There is no reason why I have not posted since December, except that blogging seems to be the one thing that always gets pushed to the bottom of the "to do" list. I promise to post more often, but I don't. Leads me to the scripture where Paul says "I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do" (Romans 7:15). So - <b>please pray for me that I will be more committed.</b> Not just in blogging, but all aspects of my life. As I have posted before, "Somewhere In the Middle" is, unfortunately, a theme song for me. I have deep-water faith in the shallow end. God wants to "spit me out"(Revelation 3:16) because I am luke warm. I'm tired of living like that, but unsure of how to get out of this rut. That is why I covet your prayers!<br />
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Our spring has been fairly busy. Both kids are involved in school sports. Between practices, games, stress fractures and pulled muscles, I think it's good the seasons are coming to an end! Both kids are doing well in school and looking forward to a fun-filled summer. <br />
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">Watson playing lacrosse for his school, Harding Academy</span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">Evanne being goofy in target</span></i></div>
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We continue to patiently (ha) wait for "J's" arrival to our family. The waiting has been hard, but we trust God's timing. If we say we do, and we TRUELY do, then we have to rest in that assurance! I was asked recently how long are we going to wait. Well, we believe we have been called to adopt from Ethiopia. The wait has been, and continues to be, frustrating and HARD. However - <i><b>we will wait as long as God</b></i> <i><b>asks us to wait!</b></i> We weren't called into adoption "only if we got a child within a year...then we're done, or whatever human parameters we put on it. <i>This is God's will, not ours.</i> We will wait, and we will worship while we wait knowing His perfect timing is the ONLY timing we care to live in! That being said - we need prayer to live that out!!! This was said on our adoption agency's Ethiopian facebook page by another mother who has been through the waiting. She got it from studylight.org and I think it helps for us to look at this, and all of life, through the lens of Christ.</div>
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<i>"It isn't easy to wait, especially where matters of the heart are concerned. But no Christian is mature until he or she has learned to wait. Perhaps this is the word the Lord has for you today - wait. Are you feeling spiritually restless at the moment, straining at the leash and anxious to press ahead on some point that needs further thought and prayer? Well, here is His word again -wait. A purpose far wiser than you can ever conceive of is being worked out for you. A heart more infinitely loving than any other you will ever know is caring for you. A mind greater than yours is planning for you. So...wait!" </i></div>
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AMEN!</div>
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Blessings,</div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Ashley</span></i></div>
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<br />Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12771764750489375664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1462558721788080072.post-3491940278048815452011-12-04T20:58:00.000-06:002011-12-04T20:58:58.187-06:00Thanksgiving for God's blessingsWe had a blessed Thanksgiving! We had family join us for a beautiful meal and visit. The long weekend was wonderful and the Christmas decorations are "almost" finished! The weather was amazing and we were able to rest and rejuvenate. It was awesome to re-live our blessings throughout 2011. We are blessed beyond belief with friends, health, family, and the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ! <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><i>The "Dillbillies", running/walking in the annual "Boulevard Bolt" </i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><i>in Belle Meade, </i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><i>Thanksgiving morning</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">We received our official November numbers over the holiday. We are currently 49 on the girls list and 37 on the boys list. Yes - no movement. And -yes - moved back one on the boys list. "How do you move backwards," you ask? A family lost their referral for a son. The birthmother decided not to give her son for adoption, after all. We are praying for the sweet couple having to deal with the loss of a referral, but are rejoicing the birth family can stay together. We are praying that God will sustain this mother and son in the months and years to come. We know He has a plan - a good and perfect plan - and we are trusting in Him. Although we are disappointed in no positive movement this month, we are uplifted by your prayers and God's amazing grace. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">We really thought we would have little "J" by now...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Our adoption agency, AGCI, put this message in their November newsletter to encourage each family on their journey. It's worth repeating as we continue to trust in HIM...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06;"><i>"You have chosen a hard road in adoption - the road less traveled - and while God knew it would be hard, He still called you to this. He has asked you to step out in this adventure. He has placed on your hearts a specific child and is working to bring together your stories. Why this particular journey? We do not know God's reasons for the specifics of each of your journeys. We do know, though, that He knew this journey when you started. He still wants you on this path, and the child that you are waiting for - the child He asked you to trek this journey for - is worth that wait in whatever stage of the process you find yourself today."</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Please pray for patience and peace. He is the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:7). </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Here's to lower numbers come January!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Blessings,</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Ashley</span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12771764750489375664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1462558721788080072.post-40140147950943640112011-11-03T13:11:00.001-05:002011-11-03T13:17:03.663-05:00Cool Story - God has a plan!Before I share the story, let me announce our official October numbers:<br />
<div>#49 girl</div><div>#36 boy</div><div>We didn't get our numbers this time until October 28th. That is REALLY late! We are glad to see a little movement, but are praying for more during the month of November. We really thought we would at least have a referral by now. It seems crazy to think that we could be waiting for "J" another 9-12 months. Things are moving slowly without a clear reason as to why. The courts closed in Ethiopia mid-August through October. Now that the courts have re-opened, hopefully things will start to move again. Unfortunately, even before the government shut-down, there wasn't much movement. If I allow myself to think too long about it, I get so sad! So - I have to just press on and turn it over to the Lord. HIS timing is perfect and I pray for patience in the waiting. We will have to start re-doing some of our paperwork as some are time-sensitive and may expire soon. We know the wait will be worth it once we see our precious "J". Please pray for our journey!</div><div><br />
</div><div>OKAY - here is the cool story of God's divine providence in our lives. </div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQOj8v_Cf_cPR4WUKeKUcT4-N4jmkvWHCL96Q7ccyuaH-7ACXxhbbvGV90aTPd4rw_wGEsqE8Bg8wkobGoBQJ8ODnFe4NZz6T6Lkb_qPAi1cUUIQfT-Y-l68OLh98KDopHLFZTDVSesYwM/s1600/DSC_0240.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQOj8v_Cf_cPR4WUKeKUcT4-N4jmkvWHCL96Q7ccyuaH-7ACXxhbbvGV90aTPd4rw_wGEsqE8Bg8wkobGoBQJ8ODnFe4NZz6T6Lkb_qPAi1cUUIQfT-Y-l68OLh98KDopHLFZTDVSesYwM/s320/DSC_0240.JPG" width="214" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">My reaction as my Mother-in-Law tells the story</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;">As our family sat around the table on Christmas Eve 2010, my mother-in-law, Marilyn Dill, tells us that she has something to give us. She begins to tell the story of her mother, Mary Valentine (aka GiGi), crocheting baby blankets for all of her great-grandchildren. GiGi never met her great-grandchildren in this life, but made baby blankets that she gave to Marilyn to give to the children as they were born. I have treasured both Evanne's and Watson's blankets. David's brother, Chris and wife, Michelle, also have two children that have each received blankets, as well. Marilyn gave each blanket to each child upon birth, knowing that four blankets is all that her mother had made before she passed away in 1993. We announced our plans for adoption to the family in August of 2010. When my mother-in-law was pulling things out of a drawer to decorate for Christmas, she discover another baby blanket that her mother had crocheted! Marilyn had been rummaging through that same drawer for years, unaware that another blanket existed. She did not remember her mother making "five" blankets - but there it was - just for "J"! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>God's plans are not our own. He provides before we know ourselves what we need. </b>Now "J" also has the inheritance of a blanket from his/her great-grandmother, who in her divine wisdom made one more "just in case". How awesome is that?!?!?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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Blessings,<br />
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<i>Ashley</i></div>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12771764750489375664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1462558721788080072.post-2717138373533653072011-11-03T12:32:00.001-05:002011-11-03T13:16:22.916-05:00Where are my actions?<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7;"><i>"Sometimes I would like to ask God why He allows poverty,</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7;"><i>suffering and injustice when he could do something about it."</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7;"><i>"Well, why don't you ask Him?"</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7;"><i>"Because I'm afraid He would ask me the same question."</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7;">-Anonymous</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;">That stings a bit, doesn't it? We have been blessed BEYOND belief! I am good at talking the talk, but where are my actions? I give - but truth be told - usually not until it hurts or I really "feel" the sacrifice. What does God think of that? Do the blessings I encounter everyday mean anything if I don't pay them forward? Following are the lyrics to "Somewhere in the Middle" by Casting Crowns. This song brings me to my knees every time I hear it. So why don't I live my life full-throttle for Jesus? Why am I always "somewhere in the middle"? </div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7;">Somewhere between the hot and the cold</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7;">Somewhere between the new and the old</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7;">Somewhere between who I am and who I used to be</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7;">Somewhere in the middle you'll find me</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7;">Somewhere between the wrong and the right</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7;">Somewhere between the darkness and the light</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7;">Somewhere between who I was and who You're making me</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7;">Somewhere in the middle, You'll find me</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7;">Just how close can I get Lord, to my surrender without losing all control</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7;">Fearless warrior on the picket fence, r</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7;">eckless adondon wrapped in common sense</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7;">Deep water faith in the shallow end and we are caught in the middle</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7;">With eyes wide open to the differences, the God who was and the God who is</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7;">But will we trade our dreams for His</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7;">or our we caught in the middle</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7;">Somewhere between my heart and my hands</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7;">Somewhere between my faith and my plans</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7;">Somewhere between the safety of the boat and the crashing waves</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7;">Somewhere between a whisper and a roar</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7;">Somewhere between the alter and the door</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7;">Somewhere between centered peace and always wanting more</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7;">Somewhere in the middle You'll find me</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7;">Just how close can I get Lord, to my surrender without losing all control</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7;">Lord, I feel You in this place and I know You're by my side</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7;">Loving me even on these nights, when I'm caught in the middle</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;">I don't want to live my life stuck "in the middle". Lord, help me to surrender fully to Your will and purpose for me! Help me get out of the safety of the boat and go DEEP with YOU. Thank you for loving me despite myself! Keep working in me and through me to bring glory to Your name! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Blessings, <br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7;"><br />
</span><br />
<i>Ashley</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7;"><br />
</span></div>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12771764750489375664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1462558721788080072.post-21550972878153976492011-11-03T11:05:00.001-05:002011-11-03T13:29:21.381-05:00September numbers and such...Ok - I know it's November 3rd! Yes - we got our September numbers toward the end of September. We were #52 on girls list and #39 on boys. It was exciting to be in the thirties on the boys list! Progress is still SO slow, though...<br />
<br />
We were at an event in late August for Kids Across America (KAA). KAA is a ministry that serves urban and inner-city kids by giving them a summer camp experience in Branson, MO. It is a wonderful organization that we are proud to be a part of. The fund-raiser was held at Michael W. Smith's farm in Franklin, TN. It was a fun evening in "the barn" with wonderful entertainment! The highlight of the evening for us was getting to hear Brandon Heath live - and meeting him afterward! He is a a down-to-earth, kind young man. He was excited to hear that his song "Give Me Your Eyes" (which he sang for us that night) plays right hear on our blog! I took pictures with my phone, so, with no flash, the quality is pretty bad :-( You can tell it's him, though. Thanks, Brandon, for having a heart set on spreading the Good News of Jesus and for calling us to account through your music!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKiD7opkoUC3lQ_O6CL8pd4hQeL1L7ZYgKBhGVbIBq736BrW4nbUKfUX0kcjoTnQijT9voiTGgIhgNqQamMU7uIvcpSNIhC3RLVpBbTkZNhEFN5dWwzzQPzE2U5c08rkEjc_vnlFr9tyh_/s1600/IMG_0642.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKiD7opkoUC3lQ_O6CL8pd4hQeL1L7ZYgKBhGVbIBq736BrW4nbUKfUX0kcjoTnQijT9voiTGgIhgNqQamMU7uIvcpSNIhC3RLVpBbTkZNhEFN5dWwzzQPzE2U5c08rkEjc_vnlFr9tyh_/s320/IMG_0642.JPG" width="273" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">Evanne and Brandon</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq6YeGpk_ymh6I8PSH8F79jkk7jNOI_hB6ZBPNwMOpkn1UMjgZ53edToHUNa9IEvoNE8jdkwQKhZeLKBCzaNPrrU7_oluuYcCjD_K4NwN4NXDtITs25A7vDOn8WywWvWMaKBGJr2qhED_U/s1600/IMG_0626.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq6YeGpk_ymh6I8PSH8F79jkk7jNOI_hB6ZBPNwMOpkn1UMjgZ53edToHUNa9IEvoNE8jdkwQKhZeLKBCzaNPrrU7_oluuYcCjD_K4NwN4NXDtITs25A7vDOn8WywWvWMaKBGJr2qhED_U/s320/IMG_0626.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">Brandon singing "Give Me Your Eyes"</span></span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGpBfokjR9Rsn93QiA-ljvWj0YrXKVe2SfEdwrsL_51ogiOiezH-k25v1YbpKPDWTt5w7KGP9-9bxRzqZd-b3yB6KYuKWraji0GEJi60lIA-Gdj0Y5OQFfHaTh6cQlJ_0Wuezz9MJ3FubA/s1600/IMG_0629.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGpBfokjR9Rsn93QiA-ljvWj0YrXKVe2SfEdwrsL_51ogiOiezH-k25v1YbpKPDWTt5w7KGP9-9bxRzqZd-b3yB6KYuKWraji0GEJi60lIA-Gdj0Y5OQFfHaTh6cQlJ_0Wuezz9MJ3FubA/s320/IMG_0629.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">Ed Cash and Mariah Peters </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;"><i>(She's gonna be BIG - watch for her)</i></span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgvxGjgTPMWfXFWp2NqGmr66a3XHMS_40JyVR7fWeQPXT4X62G4x26fUcu1x4gzh5nwKo0aHzOiKbYKeco8qDSEzGdyKbkrXjy6B4tR9Lz6MPxBh8ImUkuNqztYMv3O8BJ08xBOavQ0AmQ/s1600/IMG_0639.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgvxGjgTPMWfXFWp2NqGmr66a3XHMS_40JyVR7fWeQPXT4X62G4x26fUcu1x4gzh5nwKo0aHzOiKbYKeco8qDSEzGdyKbkrXjy6B4tR9Lz6MPxBh8ImUkuNqztYMv3O8BJ08xBOavQ0AmQ/s320/IMG_0639.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">So blessed to have our family with us that night!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">Callie, Briana, Brandon, and Ashlyn</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;">Picture quality not so good - but the evening was fabulous! To find out more about this wonderful ministry, log onto kidsacrossamerica.org.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Blessings,<br />
<i>Ashley</i></div>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12771764750489375664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1462558721788080072.post-30523418932914668242011-08-22T14:41:00.000-05:002011-08-22T14:41:59.649-05:00Where are my eyes focused?Got our August official numbers. We are currently 60 on the girls list and 42 on the boys list. Although not a lot of movement, it is great that we moved! We started at 98 on the girls list, so have moved 38 spots since late January. We started at 74 on the boys list, so have moved 32 spaces in 7 months. If it takes that long to move that many spaces, we should have a child in the next 9-18 months. Wow - hadn't done the math until now. Kind of depressing. We really hoped to have little "J" in our arms by the first of the year. AGCI told us it would be about 12-18 months, so we are on the right trajectory for that time-frame. UGH! Truth be told, we are on God's time-frame, so that's what I need to focus on! Keep my eyes on Jesus! Oh, Lord, help me to do that please!!!<br />
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Blessings,<br />
<br />
<i>Ashley</i>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12771764750489375664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1462558721788080072.post-70696725469038569642011-08-10T16:36:00.001-05:002011-08-10T16:37:30.713-05:00MovementYahoo! We received out official waiting list numbers for July. There was good movement this time! We are currently 64 on the girls list and 46 on the boys! So exciting to see the numbers drop! We should get our official August numbers soon. We don't anticipate a large drop, like from June to July, but do anticipate moving a few lower on each list. <br />
<div><br />
</div><div>The Ethiopian government shuts down during August and September. Yes - they shut down. This takes place every year during the "rainy" season. This mean that no court dates are assigned during that time. Referrals will still happen, but no trips to see the children and no paperwork processed. That slows things down a bit. Ugh! Seems like we'll never get there! I know God has a plan and when we do bring our little "J" home forever - all the waiting and wondering will be worth it.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Please continue to pray! There are families right now that have passed court and are waiting to go back to bring their child home that are facing anxious times. Their cases have been put on hold because their children have come from the southern region of Ethiopia. The government has decided that all cases involving children from this region need to be reviewed (even those that have already passed court and been approved by the government). Again, this goes back to MOWA (Ministry of Woman's Affairs in Ethiopia) investigating the legitimacy of all foreign adoptions. There is so much government uncertainty right now. The investigations they say need to take place will not happen until the government opens again in October, and they aren't saying how long the investigation will take! This effects those of us waiting, as well, because AGCI does obtain children through orphanages in this region. Please pray for those families in limbo and for all still in the waiting process. Pray for quick resolution and that any doubts of the government will be dispelled. </div><div><br />
</div><div>I'll let you know what our August numbers are as soon as I know them. Can't wait to keep moving on down!</div><div><br />
</div><div>Blessings,</div><div><i>Ashley</i></div>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12771764750489375664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1462558721788080072.post-15805547361508702222011-06-11T23:40:00.000-05:002011-06-11T23:40:17.680-05:00Official June NumbersWell, it's June , and once again I have neglected to blog for several months. We got our official June numbers yesterday and we are #71 on the girls list and #52 on the boys list. That is movement from April, but those are the same numbers we received in May. So - we are a little discouraged, to say the least. We are excited that in the four months we have officially been on the wait list that our numbers for both boy and girl have moved over twenty places. We are frustrated, though, that there isn't more movement! We have been approved by the US government to adopt and there are hundreds of thousands of orphans in Ethiopia alone who need a forever family. Why, oh why, does it take so long to connect the two??? The daunting task of securing the orphan's paperwork and legitimacy seems to be the main cause. All we can do is rest in the arms of the One who brought us to this point and has sent us on this journey in the first place. HE has a plan, and HE knows when. Patience, patience, patience. The fruit of the spirit that most eludes me! Please continue to pray for our sweet "J". He or she is so loved already. Pray that they know that! Pray that God has already called their precious heart to Him. Pray for patience through this process. Pray that His will be done. He is the Author and Creator. He is the Provider. He is the reason. Thanks be to God! <br />
<br />
To Him be the glory!<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Ashley </i></span>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12771764750489375664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1462558721788080072.post-69224305874209592812011-04-13T11:47:00.001-05:002011-04-13T11:48:30.963-05:00APRIL NUMBERSWe got the e-mail yesterday from AGCI with our official wait-list numbers. We are currently #77 on the girls list and #56 on the boys list! We are so excited to see the movement, especially after the March 8th deadline by the Ethiopian government concerning the proposed slow-down of international adoptions. Even though there has been no official word/resolution from the Ethiopian or US government concerning the proposal, it is SO encouraging to have court dates and referrals still happening! <br />
<br />
It seems like we've been waiting FOREVER, but it has really only been two and a half months. We started at #98 on the girls and #74 on the boys, so in just two and a half months we have moved almost 20 spots on both lists. That's pretty good! It is always hard when you are in the "wait" mode, but God's timing is perfect and we will trust in Him to renew our strength. <br />
<br />
As Easter is approaching, how thankful we are for the sacrifice Christ made on the cross for our sins! Having traveled to Israel in March, and walking in the footsteps of Christ, our faith has been brought into a 3-dimensional understanding. Everything has a different perspective to it now. Knowing how Christ suffered for ME brings me to my knees. Thank you, Lord Jesus! May the realization of who you are and who you are becoming in Christ ring anew for you this Easter season.<br />
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In Him,<br />
<br />
<i>Ashley</i><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><i>Sunrise over the Sea of Galilee</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><i><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMpwmI2A1h6wq4sNgrfZ2bBd-9SEjLBhVrmejGMYGm3KcFyt8nUUpCEUGtX6We7fUJzrgZVGN79VvhjSXVU2Hfnoq7EZTiNn3KjSfEe_haPSdeEYngYnjJXTpJwdgyd8szoBgxb986IDCr/s1600/DSC_0590.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMpwmI2A1h6wq4sNgrfZ2bBd-9SEjLBhVrmejGMYGm3KcFyt8nUUpCEUGtX6We7fUJzrgZVGN79VvhjSXVU2Hfnoq7EZTiNn3KjSfEe_haPSdeEYngYnjJXTpJwdgyd8szoBgxb986IDCr/s320/DSC_0590.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Our whole group overlooking Jerusalem - beautiful! We were so blessed to have our family join us in the Holy Land! </span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Back Row: John Keightley, Lynlea Keightley, Ashlyn Keightley, Briana Keightley, Janis MacMillan, Michelle Dill, David Dill, Chris Dill, Homer Hall</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Front Row: Callie Keightley, Watson Dill, Evanne Dill, Connor Dill, Ashley Dill, Lea Ann Hall</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1vo3CQWMWJh7v6MU4eaJL27XARZaUpUb_DrjUH1TpOQVm2mpH-XY9jUdPbFKdco3IZbcxB5GiRrgEqQb17RDdYaaXKLKL5Dufv6xY-MNa7AAQpBC_uxkFLGGNvaqPY8sZjRRhYreSXs4n/s1600/DSC_0210.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1vo3CQWMWJh7v6MU4eaJL27XARZaUpUb_DrjUH1TpOQVm2mpH-XY9jUdPbFKdco3IZbcxB5GiRrgEqQb17RDdYaaXKLKL5Dufv6xY-MNa7AAQpBC_uxkFLGGNvaqPY8sZjRRhYreSXs4n/s320/DSC_0210.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Enjoying ourselves at the ruins of the city of Koriziam (sp?)</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><br />
</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxem8xMno9Fk3MGCXe5Tj00GQNhyphenhyphenn3byr5ql_z6wxktXD_Q-fRqjbJKchYOYRRYO6fQlrHWjbexC7LutxMl0nsSffBxpydSXRPkFhn9eWpl7qfmKAmKkwiYHe8K2gokI1KssZZyS0rJd4z/s1600/DSC_0426.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxem8xMno9Fk3MGCXe5Tj00GQNhyphenhyphenn3byr5ql_z6wxktXD_Q-fRqjbJKchYOYRRYO6fQlrHWjbexC7LutxMl0nsSffBxpydSXRPkFhn9eWpl7qfmKAmKkwiYHe8K2gokI1KssZZyS0rJd4z/s320/DSC_0426.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><br />
</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Baptized in the Jordan River</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><br />
</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoI7m3IhjEQWrk6Gt8jQ-FTlbgZtYTNyjx41nAfQyB5ObUmi1EFC_Va2Gnr-aSwtHy4Ml8bgMSFcfrgzIAMHAq-iMs85TECGVSqiMP03lLBxaTrze89XFFb05yMcYd-9Nrl3YxtmOOAyHR/s1600/DSC_0036_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoI7m3IhjEQWrk6Gt8jQ-FTlbgZtYTNyjx41nAfQyB5ObUmi1EFC_Va2Gnr-aSwtHy4Ml8bgMSFcfrgzIAMHAq-iMs85TECGVSqiMP03lLBxaTrze89XFFb05yMcYd-9Nrl3YxtmOOAyHR/s320/DSC_0036_2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Mud bath at the Dead Sea</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><br />
</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFYAJR5XpQRjx19148cUEEvjtx1oEOTj4MzkNH0xHphqcs5NJRLpWPAqJkyYH5Ai7XeqlOn6ukv-HZ4nLwooSFCLDzqHSvoZGMcCDfD5MeeMm22SMz2KgpHnLiikdG7hLRX7X4Y1mxQbiF/s1600/DSC_0125_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFYAJR5XpQRjx19148cUEEvjtx1oEOTj4MzkNH0xHphqcs5NJRLpWPAqJkyYH5Ai7XeqlOn6ukv-HZ4nLwooSFCLDzqHSvoZGMcCDfD5MeeMm22SMz2KgpHnLiikdG7hLRX7X4Y1mxQbiF/s320/DSC_0125_2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><br />
</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Brotherly love!</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><br />
</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlyeFoCYRBfY8f3fdUae06OsvTajlaWe3CX-s9ZRbLBZVY3whzxz9cCrodbNhNy9pCye_ZyG5LmWAFYDP0gYtjiYzkNtLPXEWqqPwqU5RLDG1ZL3d-kheeRdVzxtdX4SPeadOGHSzu7o5J/s1600/DSC_0147.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlyeFoCYRBfY8f3fdUae06OsvTajlaWe3CX-s9ZRbLBZVY3whzxz9cCrodbNhNy9pCye_ZyG5LmWAFYDP0gYtjiYzkNtLPXEWqqPwqU5RLDG1ZL3d-kheeRdVzxtdX4SPeadOGHSzu7o5J/s320/DSC_0147.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Sign inside the Garden Tomb and our reason for taking this journey - AMEN!</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><br />
</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPX6rCfxIXD1KY9-UroXneHRUzYKemj_1yXjmBvZ1LPaEDCi-ZsBEI0ykHWIMKcfHoBZa07wDsNGvkOgb1AkKW1kpe5Mq1DycxlxXfKUr8Aq5GpZCdbi51u-y-7m7S8KVT5JdYy_Fbd0yt/s1600/DSC_0207_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPX6rCfxIXD1KY9-UroXneHRUzYKemj_1yXjmBvZ1LPaEDCi-ZsBEI0ykHWIMKcfHoBZa07wDsNGvkOgb1AkKW1kpe5Mq1DycxlxXfKUr8Aq5GpZCdbi51u-y-7m7S8KVT5JdYy_Fbd0yt/s320/DSC_0207_2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">David receiving his call into ministry at the Garden tomb</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><br />
</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw_0TjgWyMhkwdwArmYCHgg0AMfAmrVvPc64vPXBRs2_gsDXy_ETKXnTmieMmOUjX_CBCEDXoTZnbDdeIRVEQvaukDVINyYwZa-2uJveQaAQt5ayRvnx3KBjMb3YzYRlnaUKAzL8qDqWxk/s1600/DSC_0266.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw_0TjgWyMhkwdwArmYCHgg0AMfAmrVvPc64vPXBRs2_gsDXy_ETKXnTmieMmOUjX_CBCEDXoTZnbDdeIRVEQvaukDVINyYwZa-2uJveQaAQt5ayRvnx3KBjMb3YzYRlnaUKAzL8qDqWxk/s320/DSC_0266.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><br />
</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">All of our luggage coming back through Customs in Philadelphia.</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><br />
</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">May we NEVER forget!</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><br />
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</i></span></div>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12771764750489375664noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1462558721788080072.post-1907584739065259152011-04-04T17:03:00.001-05:002011-04-04T21:54:08.208-05:00WowHow sad it is that I've been so delinquent in blogging! I guess the two big reasons for that are life has been busy since late January, and the adoption journey has been quiet. We are moving up (or down - however you might look at it) on the wait-list. Currently we are 83 on the girl's list and 62 on the boy's list. Considering it has only been two months, that movement is pretty good. Day to day, though, it seems so VERY slow! We only get our official numbers once a month and it is agony to wait for those updates! We know God works in His GOOD timing, so we trust in Him and His sovereign grace throughout this process. "j" is waiting on us and we are grateful, so we'll wait - and worship while we wait!<br />
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In early March, the government agency in Ethiopia which handles international adoptions proposed to have their international adoptions cut by 95 percent. That would take the number of adoptions from about 4000 per year to 500 per year. This is discouraging news, but many people are working to have the proposal repealed and for it not to take hold. Please join with us in praying for an immediate resolution to this current event. There are hundreds of thousands of "waiting" children in Ethiopia. It will be such a tragedy for them if this proposal actually goes through.<br />
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I know I say this each time I blog, but I will try to be better and keep you updated. Thanks for checking in. Blessings to you all!<br />
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In Him,<br />
AshleyAshleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12771764750489375664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1462558721788080072.post-68768796842548502962011-01-21T16:02:00.001-06:002011-01-21T16:03:22.550-06:00WE MADE IT!!!!We are officially on the waiting list for our adoption!!! WooHoo!!!! After four sets of revisions to our dossier - we finally got it right! We turned in our dossier on December 17th and have been put on the waiting list January 21st. Just a little later then we hoped! We know God has a plan, and we are so <i>stoked</i> to be a part of it! The wait list is only gender specific, not age specific. Right now we are number 74 on the boys list and 98 on the girls list. We have been told to expect 9-12 months before we get a referral, but we are hoping for a shorter time. Please keep praying that God will continue to be in all the details! We appreciate you all!!!!<br />
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Blessings,<br />
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<i>Ashley</i><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2w9_TldTwJQp9jzRPKv8HAnLPcQfL42D409gctLlQwdPbKVt7HyC1uIQs79encutBe_NNmyzg2heG66Oz0Z8ngXK2bZnjpXhcKSuo8Y__lcmJbRHGSvneq9Jnf8yS__WWkR9NplX2jtLV/s1600/IMG_0397.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2w9_TldTwJQp9jzRPKv8HAnLPcQfL42D409gctLlQwdPbKVt7HyC1uIQs79encutBe_NNmyzg2heG66Oz0Z8ngXK2bZnjpXhcKSuo8Y__lcmJbRHGSvneq9Jnf8yS__WWkR9NplX2jtLV/s320/IMG_0397.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><br />
</i></span>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12771764750489375664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1462558721788080072.post-17757263223998482182011-01-05T21:52:00.000-06:002011-01-05T21:52:06.395-06:00HAPPY NEW YEAR!<br />
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My last post had exciting news of our mailing the dossier to AGCI. We mailed it as we were on the way to the airport to go on a five day cruise, so I was unable to attach pictures. That is also why I haven't updated in awhile. We went on the cruise, got back the evening of the 23rd, Christmas Eve and Christmas happened, had family in from out of town Monday and Tuesday, then New Year's Eve and New Year's Day, then kids back at school! We had wonderful holidays and are so blessed with good family and friends to share them with! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUbXX_x8RHy1Tw7IyeVzL94od2t0tEYWooQv4GKmbdeN6Iwa6jbl0sZxCQsyogcYFQ02so4fnBRvwuT6RwzNUpcKI892ZkBPN_rWUfAZLkklSVqgM4hiHGxgOxpAFGGrYDR8-tUphMeHhE/s1600/IMG_0012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUbXX_x8RHy1Tw7IyeVzL94od2t0tEYWooQv4GKmbdeN6Iwa6jbl0sZxCQsyogcYFQ02so4fnBRvwuT6RwzNUpcKI892ZkBPN_rWUfAZLkklSVqgM4hiHGxgOxpAFGGrYDR8-tUphMeHhE/s320/IMG_0012.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">3 copies of our dossier...</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXzfjpq0Q_pBzvpgpZPGdfq02-ZaqpF_Ki1Mg7Wts92ssx730UX1XTeg4NWOeAiPSUKQKGqgL5mzp0AHEWIflDPzR1sl_AMyDxrrJe429nnkMzYVE86-qICh59YLoqvgg4g25kurgq8_On/s1600/IMG_0013_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXzfjpq0Q_pBzvpgpZPGdfq02-ZaqpF_Ki1Mg7Wts92ssx730UX1XTeg4NWOeAiPSUKQKGqgL5mzp0AHEWIflDPzR1sl_AMyDxrrJe429nnkMzYVE86-qICh59YLoqvgg4g25kurgq8_On/s320/IMG_0013_2.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">ready to be mailed...</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpJ9cQAv-AVVJZNl9YCx285gDfvd9X8e59GlSYlkv_GRsEoWNb9lIUY_rfLpHeNQ90O0MAJxQdc3UcLFJaGs3B1k66cKid_VVFnq6lXLOsoFPivwKHx0wqT-tF2SNG9gi0SmKOKCJePNd3/s1600/IMG_0015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpJ9cQAv-AVVJZNl9YCx285gDfvd9X8e59GlSYlkv_GRsEoWNb9lIUY_rfLpHeNQ90O0MAJxQdc3UcLFJaGs3B1k66cKid_VVFnq6lXLOsoFPivwKHx0wqT-tF2SNG9gi0SmKOKCJePNd3/s320/IMG_0015.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">in the envelope soon to be on it's way!!!!</span></div><br />
When we got back from the cruise, we had a message from AGCI that we needed to "tweak" a few things in our dossier. Each of the five items we needed to revise were fairly simple fixes, but with the holidays, not very quickly done. We had to wait for a few people to get in town, notarize again, etc. We finally got things worked out and today I mailed the revisions! AGCI should get the package tomorrow. Hopefully everything will be approved and we'll be put on the waiting list by Friday. Exciting!!!!<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Mailing the dossier revisions</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In the meantime, there are more papers to be filled out (nothing like the dossier, though) and more fingerprinting to be done. I'll keep you posted as things progress. We CANNOT wait to see the little boy or girl God has picked for us! What an amazing and humbling feeling...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDFPWRzV08557reSqX2xksvVSyFuyjQSHrkMxEzZXI1XIjsxFEisLTK3QAiTlaz-HnkZSrFDjMN7u9fzKX_VmPMn4z1jlQEjIPXWQ8dVUIzAE2lwPqVJuG3DfDNNjNyeqStDJemgnH2YIa/s1600/Picture+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDFPWRzV08557reSqX2xksvVSyFuyjQSHrkMxEzZXI1XIjsxFEisLTK3QAiTlaz-HnkZSrFDjMN7u9fzKX_VmPMn4z1jlQEjIPXWQ8dVUIzAE2lwPqVJuG3DfDNNjNyeqStDJemgnH2YIa/s320/Picture+1.png" width="242" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Boarding the ship</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Our cruise took us to warmer weather - yeah! We went to Grand Cayman Island and Cozumel, Mexico. We had a wonderful time together! Our favorite adventure was in Mexico at the Amazing Secret River. It is a recently found cave system with a river running through it. We donned wetsuits and helmets with headlamps, and hiked and swam through the cave. It really is the AMAZING Secret River! We recommend it to anyone going to Cozumel. Swimming with the Stingrays in Grand Cayman was pretty awesome, too.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7pF-KzDt0A2hJRZQfzpFqUSkTOLOXSShQEpq1D9VDUq-aMJXtiVYGOVJe6I2A-HT88sRCHrpobZT1Z2d6fKxyKhjYHUUh2_qhCjD26RKUykwV3t1Br79Gbs9FDr51LCXiI49pK19fA8qg/s1600/Picture+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7pF-KzDt0A2hJRZQfzpFqUSkTOLOXSShQEpq1D9VDUq-aMJXtiVYGOVJe6I2A-HT88sRCHrpobZT1Z2d6fKxyKhjYHUUh2_qhCjD26RKUykwV3t1Br79Gbs9FDr51LCXiI49pK19fA8qg/s320/Picture+2.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Evanne and Watson sitting on swinging bar stools in Cozumel</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzLR_TAkuzOyfH7i68D8nTjO-kTNHnNsTJWvX9XUzD47FUNla0CXKS8Ne90LsSmwu8vqminMxHW-sLTCSET_lDp0YoxtYkMpP-VuvqRs0km-hLsbXh6wOHnC6O02OsqxR77A6iB1_pZV1B/s1600/DSCN8919.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzLR_TAkuzOyfH7i68D8nTjO-kTNHnNsTJWvX9XUzD47FUNla0CXKS8Ne90LsSmwu8vqminMxHW-sLTCSET_lDp0YoxtYkMpP-VuvqRs0km-hLsbXh6wOHnC6O02OsqxR77A6iB1_pZV1B/s320/DSCN8919.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Riding the ferry to Stingray City in Grand Cayman</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Christmas and New Year's were spent laughing and playing with family. We are fortunate to have our families close by and able to get together. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha8-cxAxxyUvMXUGz85o3NxjAqGOFEZ2QdfoFJNEu3vV0ygVwhZRaSzC5lu2OfHHkUZiazGxCxG9QpSW7aQDrK5TbQqYahWfq98qAj5Sua21Wgom1tN6oTs-Evj9gJPsvIi1-RumTu4Owv/s1600/DSC_0184.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha8-cxAxxyUvMXUGz85o3NxjAqGOFEZ2QdfoFJNEu3vV0ygVwhZRaSzC5lu2OfHHkUZiazGxCxG9QpSW7aQDrK5TbQqYahWfq98qAj5Sua21Wgom1tN6oTs-Evj9gJPsvIi1-RumTu4Owv/s320/DSC_0184.jpg" width="228" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Celebrating with the Keightley cousins </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Grammy and Grampy gave each grandchild a bear </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Briana, Evanne, Ashlyn, Callie and Watson</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2NjdykSwEMLHezarVCV6DmThuBXod7L65HY4QqKVXfiSPvB1B4W9QBsoEwtuxKyi3-TvByF8a2S0q-8NJOKRHV6ib3-9ubgB9j7ws9WZc5prr2HoHTjBCO6QPOpgMFtAWVTB8Fy3dwWTP/s1600/DSCN8980.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2NjdykSwEMLHezarVCV6DmThuBXod7L65HY4QqKVXfiSPvB1B4W9QBsoEwtuxKyi3-TvByF8a2S0q-8NJOKRHV6ib3-9ubgB9j7ws9WZc5prr2HoHTjBCO6QPOpgMFtAWVTB8Fy3dwWTP/s320/DSCN8980.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Celebrating with the Dill cousins</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Evanne and Emma making cheesecake crust</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCwg9zwOLErfxfCzwy6wjXAw67K-N4ptX0HjpsDyXpWr5XXid5Pp_A4A_nsIGpl5oslbf_XH2KRuhAbj3qzSYRQeJigmmLoZgunEPRrNLixmOBLi3O2QYGyYxO6u1pTzLzKhbxml5vXa_8/s1600/DSC_0308.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCwg9zwOLErfxfCzwy6wjXAw67K-N4ptX0HjpsDyXpWr5XXid5Pp_A4A_nsIGpl5oslbf_XH2KRuhAbj3qzSYRQeJigmmLoZgunEPRrNLixmOBLi3O2QYGyYxO6u1pTzLzKhbxml5vXa_8/s320/DSC_0308.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Connor and Watson looking through the </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">book of toys from the 1940s given by Momma D</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">But the fun didn't stop there...our dear friends, Chris and Leigh Anne, took the kids out for dinner and a movie between holidays. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4IWDkuMDjluI9XyUHBlYSPzXJ1AHCSMLLMEuH9qfhBsakydv8pXRYCZGXc_sUyDfqHrvqBV7f1cqQ3QJzc01DREQfQqpqzNuGKV9payT1Lfk58lGya9PRmtXS4a_H7qc5TNMMO-_N5zaX/s1600/DSCN8976.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4IWDkuMDjluI9XyUHBlYSPzXJ1AHCSMLLMEuH9qfhBsakydv8pXRYCZGXc_sUyDfqHrvqBV7f1cqQ3QJzc01DREQfQqpqzNuGKV9payT1Lfk58lGya9PRmtXS4a_H7qc5TNMMO-_N5zaX/s320/DSCN8976.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Looks like they had fun (rockin the 3D glasses)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I will try to be better about posting. No promises - but I'll try! Hopefully my next post will be in the next few days letting you know our number on the wait-list! Thank you, again, for your prayers and support on this wonderful journey!</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Blessings,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Ashley </i></span></div>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12771764750489375664noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1462558721788080072.post-256456621340728432010-12-18T09:16:00.001-06:002011-01-05T20:38:37.220-06:00Wow! We did it!Cannot begin to tell you the excitement we are feeling! Yesterday afternoon we mailed our official dossier with two copies to AGCI! I'm updating from my phone, so I'm unable to put pictures with this, but I'll attach them as soon as possible. The dossier will arrive at AGCI on Monday. They usually approve dossiers on Fridays. This Friday is a holiday, as well as the next, so might not hear anything until the first of the year. Once approved (meaning we completed everything in the dossier correctly), we will be put on the official waiting list! It is such a wonderful feeling to have all of the paperwork done! Woo hoo! A wonderful Christmas present - being that much closer to "j"!!!!<br />
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Merry Christmas and many blessings,<br />
<br />
AshleyAshleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12771764750489375664noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1462558721788080072.post-57638061209499175682010-12-12T19:47:00.000-06:002010-12-12T19:47:39.682-06:00We've come a long way, baby!Whoo Hoo! We have completed all of the paperwork and education for our dossier!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirdeZIsKvo6p5TEyzQyj4x2tgqGsDNqxJf1W_v6HPgFNPJ7-YkXU5IJqsh25NNtYAOXkDoRZWNy_FTQQ3Oi-EP_NqEWkchhuB9Vjb-n2IuUrOJAtOZlwKOEcCq2xK2PiSZFIVzBTmwFW6U/s1600/DSC_0069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirdeZIsKvo6p5TEyzQyj4x2tgqGsDNqxJf1W_v6HPgFNPJ7-YkXU5IJqsh25NNtYAOXkDoRZWNy_FTQQ3Oi-EP_NqEWkchhuB9Vjb-n2IuUrOJAtOZlwKOEcCq2xK2PiSZFIVzBTmwFW6U/s320/DSC_0069.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">Happy times as we complete "Eyes Wide Open" adoption education notebook!</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiryGs8vpFaMjEEoITL-GUztPyHAUNU2PxSBlKwT8XsvJJGK1qGPN7dzi8z86yoqF_Xv2LlLc-fmg7xvylK7LSckMDNo7EsIChVmpQkHVe2e-KUxkGm_cUhDOR-UHMCofFsaMlR7tz41Ha-/s1600/DSC_0071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiryGs8vpFaMjEEoITL-GUztPyHAUNU2PxSBlKwT8XsvJJGK1qGPN7dzi8z86yoqF_Xv2LlLc-fmg7xvylK7LSckMDNo7EsIChVmpQkHVe2e-KUxkGm_cUhDOR-UHMCofFsaMlR7tz41Ha-/s320/DSC_0071.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">As you can see, the notebook is pretty thick. Every page had </span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">questions and every question in the book had to be answered. </span></i> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So excited to be done with all documents needed, 7 on-line education classes, "Eyes Wide Open" notebook, and home study requirements! Now we are waiting for our social worker to complete the home study report. Hopefully that will be in the next few days! Then we will be able to send the dossier and three copies to our Adoption Agency. Once they make sure we have completed everything they need, we will be put on the official waiting list for a child! Please pray that we have crossed every "t" and dotted every "i". Merry Christmas to all!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Blessings,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Ashley</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12771764750489375664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1462558721788080072.post-70141405060535037142010-12-07T18:30:00.000-06:002010-12-07T18:30:35.380-06:00Crazy How Time Flies!Okay - no excuse for how long it's been since I last blogged - but time has escaped me! <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">The Dill Family has been busy! Thanksgiving was wonderful, shared with family and friends. David's parents and brother's family came the Tuesday before T-Day and we shared golf and fun together! It was fun to has our niece, Emma, participate in the annual "stuffing of the Turkey". </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgims21jIZ0vQ3nQrryfxyDycFSMuuUL61j5XTqNnvCbeREJwYTFVdVzwiJlUmsRlSosQ1kO04vr52MGSItBvavkxQcC7LwOvzRiFcu4Y65vEbH2SKtMAvzwOodoFcv7K0_Vdt1diaQdbhR/s1600/Picture+5.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgims21jIZ0vQ3nQrryfxyDycFSMuuUL61j5XTqNnvCbeREJwYTFVdVzwiJlUmsRlSosQ1kO04vr52MGSItBvavkxQcC7LwOvzRiFcu4Y65vEbH2SKtMAvzwOodoFcv7K0_Vdt1diaQdbhR/s320/Picture+5.png" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e69138;">Watson and Conner have "been there, done that", but Emma wasn't </span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e69138;">sure she like putting apple inside the Turkey!</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjacZ3l0QQuCNH_aqIPMCFcBo768uNKyxbaVGKhocJDoLbpKaOmBCotZrduNk81aaW1cU-UQfGHLcbuOOjIwpmlWgLjJS-uyYROb4bZyK9LeqaOZxsE4lui4eaLM2skU3NBSQpN6-i91wWQ/s1600/Picture+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjacZ3l0QQuCNH_aqIPMCFcBo768uNKyxbaVGKhocJDoLbpKaOmBCotZrduNk81aaW1cU-UQfGHLcbuOOjIwpmlWgLjJS-uyYROb4bZyK9LeqaOZxsE4lui4eaLM2skU3NBSQpN6-i91wWQ/s1600/Picture+1.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e69138;"><br />
</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e69138;">Evanne made some "Turkey" cupcakes (with a little help from her brother and cousins!)</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKP2aFJMhTio9E5JpEf3B4YktJt-zwzgHJ6ko8rjruPPNLtpEbSfwKPyIW6R0dVhnsnUUYImJrOSDHTNoK5FGj0pusT9Uae7-sHiD4d4uFClqbnXLusyJXLTO6SUAhg5nbGf1LMSbaGKn6/s1600/DSC_0048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKP2aFJMhTio9E5JpEf3B4YktJt-zwzgHJ6ko8rjruPPNLtpEbSfwKPyIW6R0dVhnsnUUYImJrOSDHTNoK5FGj0pusT9Uae7-sHiD4d4uFClqbnXLusyJXLTO6SUAhg5nbGf1LMSbaGKn6/s320/DSC_0048.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e69138;"><br />
</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e69138;">Not all of us made the annual hike for the "Boulevard Bolt" this year, but Poppie, Chris, Evanne and David braved the unusually warm weather and early morning start. </span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After fun times with the Dill-side of the family, we headed to Hendersonville with some fun with the Hall-side of the family! What a feast!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwidDKj7LO5KE35p401GwL5NTEFrdu7Q04y6nc68Ey8eh3kI6R3Cba_3IHNhlUwJWCfJAurZnJ-fsW67GxyyW75iKnZSR-fJxuFxhHJ7izOyJ0CYEGkItfLRIxRrbi4xDJmAesJhyphenhyphen0YO-1/s1600/DSC_0053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwidDKj7LO5KE35p401GwL5NTEFrdu7Q04y6nc68Ey8eh3kI6R3Cba_3IHNhlUwJWCfJAurZnJ-fsW67GxyyW75iKnZSR-fJxuFxhHJ7izOyJ0CYEGkItfLRIxRrbi4xDJmAesJhyphenhyphen0YO-1/s320/DSC_0053.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e69138;">Keightley house in Hendersonville - Yum!</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday! The good food and remembered blessings are so wonderful. God has surely blessed us! It's nice to have a day of thanksgiving with those you love the most. I wish every holiday could be that way! Seems like it almost gets squeezed out between Halloween and Christmas hoopla. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">ADOPTION UPDATE</span></u></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We are almost there as far as the adoption goes!!!!! We had our last Home Study visit by our case worker on Monday evening. She needs to write "our story" and what she's observed (about 10-12 pages). Once she is done with that, we are ready to turn in our dossier! Yes - we have all of the paperwork done! So, hopefully you will get an update from me next week saying that we mailed the dossier off! Don't know if it can happen, but hope to be put on the official waiting list by the end of next week! Whoo Hoo! Thanks again for your love , prayers and support as we take this journey together!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">My sweet friend, Betsy, went with me to get the last document County and State Certified!</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">To celebrate having our last bit of paperwork done, we took the kids on a mystery lunch to a local Ethiopian Restaurant. We enjoyed the whole experience! Watson was the only one not too wild about the food, although he did say the green beans and beef tips were pretty good. The rest of us liked the green beans, beef stew and dora wet (chicken in red sauce). The enjura (bread) is not our favorite, however. None of us were wild about the mushed chickpeas either! Evanne, David and I LOVED the traditional coffee, though. Watson was definitely glad to see Jersey Mike's down the street!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">GOJO</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Before</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU3kq-O2sum2XXOzBDlOGUWxtD1ESM2nd2WtbgdxOCAsaKhavpUVTPNMKdpSKU4UPFrBrWTMzA4aiF3X-VtYF2kmT4_iFCUUfm45n-AXMcem3FRscaaJBd95DXa9KMx1tzFmW_99XIxewE/s1600/IMG_0017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU3kq-O2sum2XXOzBDlOGUWxtD1ESM2nd2WtbgdxOCAsaKhavpUVTPNMKdpSKU4UPFrBrWTMzA4aiF3X-VtYF2kmT4_iFCUUfm45n-AXMcem3FRscaaJBd95DXa9KMx1tzFmW_99XIxewE/s320/IMG_0017.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">After</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It was a fun time and I'm sure we will make it a monthly eat-out! Hope some of you will be brave enough to join us!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Slow down and take a deep breath. God loves you!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Ashley</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12771764750489375664noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1462558721788080072.post-42358770922128249872010-11-10T20:49:00.000-06:002010-11-10T20:49:10.684-06:00Getting there!It's been a long time since I blogged. Sorry - life is crazy! Between out-of-town trips, church gatherings, travel soccer and school, we are trying to complete this paperwork. Good news - the home study paperwork is completed! Evanne and I literally jumped up and down when I put the documents in the envelope to take to Catholic Charities! (Evanne was VERY instrumental in keeping mom and dad on task to get everything completed. Her encouragement is priceless!)<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">Doesn't look like much...but a lot of forms to fill-out and questions to answer</div><br />
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One step closer to J! By the way, if you are wondering what the "j" stands for, it stands for the name of the child. Watson has named a boy and Evanne has named a girl and both names begin with "J". Not telling the name yet, as we don't know who God is bringing to us! (Of course, we will keep their given name, as well. )<br />
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Now that our home Study paperwork is done, we have to meet with our Caseworker two more times before she will write our official "home study". Then all that gets notarized and we will send it in with our Dossier to our adoption agency. <br />
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We will continue to concentrate our efforts on the Dossier. We have completed most of the paperwork, but still need to complete the on-line education and "Eyes Wide Open" book. Two time consuming things, but we are getting there! We will keep the "notary" busy once everything is complete, as EVERYTHING has to be notarized!<br />
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Thank you for all your prayers and well wishes. We are definitely feeling your prayers and appreciating your support!!! Please continue to pray that we do not get side-tracked in the process. It's easy to have "filling out another form" become low priority. We are SO excited about the end result, though! <br />
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May God bless you today,<br />
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AshleyAshleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12771764750489375664noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1462558721788080072.post-10408034769037274292010-10-25T09:12:00.000-05:002010-10-25T09:12:42.220-05:00Nothing NewNot much to update. We are still working through the paperwork. We are not moving very fast! (Please see the prayer list at the end of this blog.) David and I got our physicals last week. That was a BIG deal, as David cannot stand going to the doctor. He braved it out, though, and found that he is healthy and ready to be a father to a new child! Again, all of this is moving us one step closer to our son or daughter in Ethiopia! I'm just so excited! Some days I wonder what David and I are thinking. Other days, I cannot wipe the smile from my face. God has given me a deep joy about this! We are continuing to try to move in HIS will. That is the only way we know how...<br />
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Please continue to pray for our journey. Here are some specifics you can pray for us:<br />
-that our child is surrounded by love<br />
-that our child is healthy and growing strong<br />
-that David and I don't get bogged down in the paperwork. It really can be overwhelming at times, especially when life at our home/work is demanding and busy<br />
-pray that in the mist of our busyness, God will show Himself mighty, that we will continue to seek His will in our lives, and that we can truly REST in Him.<br />
-He has been so faithful in our lives! We need prayer to be faithful back.<br />
-that God's timing will be made true and the two trips we will need to make to Ethiopia will be right when they need to be!<br />
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We are so grateful for your prayers and support! We love you all! God's blessings to you!<br />
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AshleyAshleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12771764750489375664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1462558721788080072.post-31747776237194498552010-10-16T17:31:00.000-05:002010-10-16T17:31:55.445-05:00Paperwork<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Here we are - hard at it. Feels like it will never end, but we know it will be so worth it the moment we see that sweet little face! God bless you today!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoNAGVY6HOg4NliFK4rgUUbrQR9ueY5P5YnuylNRSZm5oKv-q6p6ZjGgUJY1G5H_BDq2oFvF6RmGeDkEReSmjmglRVWXO-INIFjTv5gkrU1jJNlN8afFlFLoAciRpwMkVPlJBjc6mM6Zey/s1600/DSC_0003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoNAGVY6HOg4NliFK4rgUUbrQR9ueY5P5YnuylNRSZm5oKv-q6p6ZjGgUJY1G5H_BDq2oFvF6RmGeDkEReSmjmglRVWXO-INIFjTv5gkrU1jJNlN8afFlFLoAciRpwMkVPlJBjc6mM6Zey/s320/DSC_0003.JPG" width="302" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIE4hnxwIIUizoueqlG9zglfPb-BLgzbgoQmmIQzaufQZo-zIhA93pDhCHZtzO2PxqieN9DwkEq3oKHihZSekE0lI_M7hxCn8vK3vK7FhofqD-p6ibdxZxuqvGSM5VrTsX2WdnPTf6y0-3/s1600/DSC_0001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIE4hnxwIIUizoueqlG9zglfPb-BLgzbgoQmmIQzaufQZo-zIhA93pDhCHZtzO2PxqieN9DwkEq3oKHihZSekE0lI_M7hxCn8vK3vK7FhofqD-p6ibdxZxuqvGSM5VrTsX2WdnPTf6y0-3/s320/DSC_0001.JPG" width="272" /></a></div>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12771764750489375664noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1462558721788080072.post-83888765050800445742010-10-13T19:34:00.000-05:002010-10-13T19:34:20.625-05:00God Moment!Yesterday - in the gale-force winds and rain, David and I went to get our fingerprints at the Metro Jail downtown. It was a little strange...just glad we were getting fingerprinted for this reason instead of another! <br />
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I went to the post office today to mail our two sets (one for AGCI and one for our Home Agency). I had to get a money order for both, as well as a tracking number. So, at the end of it all, I had four small receipts and a piece of 81/2 x 11 paper. As I turned to leave I thought to myself, "I really need a paperclip to hold all these items together so I don't loose anything. Post Offices don't have containers of paperclips lying around, but it would be cool if God dropped one on the counter for me." No sooner had I thought that when - passing the main counter - I did not see one. However, I rounded the corner and tucked behind a display was sitting a paperclip! How cool is that?!?!? <b>Now, some might call that</b> <b>coincidence, but I call that a God moment! </b> I laughed out loud and praised God for His reassurance! I have asked for prayer about God being in the details. I have no doubt that at that moment someone was praying exactly that for us and God provided in a mighty way. Who thought a paperclip could bring so much joy? He is in even the littlest of things! <b>AMEN!</b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0NoQooJ_BGjP25YDohRw4pEGJMikI9tqWR8jUttgiIoAvjyfcoYvE99gSdqqvfjXDG6MvY7YEQ4rmTzne0Cq6RzBbBN5qChlsWDFdL1UuYJ_B9w9MrUyzEWGtJSHuFW0hVq-pAy5wTyii/s1600/IMG_0047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0NoQooJ_BGjP25YDohRw4pEGJMikI9tqWR8jUttgiIoAvjyfcoYvE99gSdqqvfjXDG6MvY7YEQ4rmTzne0Cq6RzBbBN5qChlsWDFdL1UuYJ_B9w9MrUyzEWGtJSHuFW0hVq-pAy5wTyii/s320/IMG_0047.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12771764750489375664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1462558721788080072.post-45661835270122483962010-10-13T19:16:00.001-05:002010-10-13T19:38:17.523-05:00Ordinary Hero Fallapalooza!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Evanne and I went to Fallapalooza, a fundraiser for Ordinary Hero. We met up with Chris, Michelle, Connor and Emma. Evanne had a great time with her precious cousin!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1dhuXS7IISiDYx_6vlVEvxjphzAfpWNxR1pjmUf-PGUqJpTjn9dmjluh80ljQjSf0yOow75CNjah8dsgsMkejXjnJhXYJQhJ_X0spJHgh_cUIPDw27mUxoQO5N79suIBNVcKqWSYW_7QK/s1600/Picture+11.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1dhuXS7IISiDYx_6vlVEvxjphzAfpWNxR1pjmUf-PGUqJpTjn9dmjluh80ljQjSf0yOow75CNjah8dsgsMkejXjnJhXYJQhJ_X0spJHgh_cUIPDw27mUxoQO5N79suIBNVcKqWSYW_7QK/s320/Picture+11.png" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Evanne and Emma</div><br />
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Once we fill these papers out, along with fingerprinting, paperwork from Catholic Charities (Home Study Ageny), three more home studies, etc., etc., then we can be put on the waiting list for our child! It is very exciting, but a lot of work. The kids are trying to keep us on task. The first exercise was to draw a picture of what we thought our child would look like. We got a lot of laughs out of that one, as I am not an artist (but am better at it then David)! The kids want us to be finished with all the paperwork NOW. "One day at a time," I say. Pray that I will stay diligent, as life is busy right now.Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12771764750489375664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1462558721788080072.post-40190676286470934822010-10-08T13:24:00.001-05:002010-10-10T13:34:04.811-05:00One Less - Matthew West (KKO Kids in Haiti)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><object height="344" style="background-image: url(http://i2.ytimg.com/vi/Ej7gQ0WxR1k/hqdefault.jpg);" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Ej7gQ0WxR1k?fs=1&hl=en_US"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Ej7gQ0WxR1k?fs=1&hl=en_US" width="425" height="344" allowscriptaccess="never" allowfullscreen="true" wmode="transparent" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed></object></div>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12771764750489375664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1462558721788080072.post-79406960607855273212010-10-04T21:32:00.003-05:002010-10-10T13:17:01.252-05:00The Beginning...Well, I'm still trying to figure things out, so understand this is a work in progress! I sit and READ, punch buttons, READ some more, delete, READ it again, and still cannot seem to put script and pictures where I want them! Good thing that I have a fourteen-year-old who not only thinks she knows it all, but actually does know it all! She sat down and created this awesome blog in about an hour. Her last comment to me was, "If you need anything Mom, just call me." I think she's afraid I'll mess up all of her hard work!!!<br />
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It's hard to believe that I am sitting at the computer entering my first blog about our adoption process! Our journey to J actually began in April 2007. As a family, we traveled with Kids Across America (KAA) to Rwanda. What an amazing experience! God put a soft spot in our hearts for the beautiful people of Africa. He put an extra soft spot in Evanne's heart for the orphans. She began talking to us about adoption for our family. It did not take long for her to get her brother on board with the idea. The two of them together were quite persuasive! Still, David and I were very much stiff-arming the idea. Adoption had never been on our radar screen!<br />
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Well, as the story goes, it may not have been on our radar screen, but it was on God's! He used Evanne and Watson over the years to melt our hearts. What do you say when your child says, "If you can give a child who doesn't have a home a home, and you can love them and show them the love of Jesus, why wouldn't you do that?" Not much! Soon it became clear to me that I needed to live the life I proclaimed to live.<br />
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I'm not a really adventurous soul, so God has to continually poke and prod me. In January 2010, He really started laying it on! Several things were introduced to my life in a sequence of events. I was in a book club at my church and read the book "Crazy Love" by Francis Chan. Talk about hitting me between the eyes with a 2x4! (Being "luke warm and spit out" by God is not something I desire!) Then He put in our path the opportunity to travel to Ethiopia on a Medical Mission trip in April. Again, David and I closed the idea because it was not spring break for our kids. But, as everyone knows, you cannot stop God! He once again used Evanne. She was relentless about going, so, you guessed it, she and I went. What an amazing experience! Brandon Heath's song kept playing in my mind while there: "Give Me Your Eyes". Again, God's power working in my life. Through much prayer and soul searching and rustling with God, I finally woke up to realize that God is in control - so I need to start trusting His leading! Again, how slow can I be?? <br />
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I came back from Ethiopia with God's resolve and peace in my heart. God had three of us on board, now He had to work on David. Not an easy task. David is a black and white guy. It is difficult for both of us to upset the apple cart, so to speak. God has blessed us in amazing ways! We have a comfortable life with two beautiful, healthy children. He has blessed us with wonderful extended family and great opportunities! So...why adopt? That's crazy talk! <br />
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God spoke and finally got through. He said, "Why not? Your excuses limit my power in your life." He laid on my heart His word in Luke 6, verse 46, "Why do you call me 'Lord, Lord', and do not do what I say?" Again, he used a book to speak deep into my soul: "Hole in our Gospel" by Richard Sterns. Please read this book. It will change your life!<br />
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As they say, the rest is history! David announced to the family in late July that he was willing to start finding out more information. His prayer was that God would make the process so easy and smooth that we could not deny that it is His will. So far, as usual, He's been faithful in answering that prayer! Not that we expected anything less from Almighty God! To Him be the Glory forever and ever! AMEN!<br />
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So, that is how I came to start this blog. I hope our journey will encourage and inspire each of you in the calling God has placed in your life. Be all in!<br />
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Blessing,<br />
AshleyAshleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12771764750489375664noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1462558721788080072.post-74190855408330780382010-10-04T17:11:00.002-05:002010-10-04T17:12:06.114-05:00Trying to figure out this whole "blog" thing! Have patience!Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12771764750489375664noreply@blogger.com0