Our First Moments with Sof and Helena

Meeting Sof for the first time

Me working my way into Helena's heart
Greg and Helena at Hope
Me holding Helena at Hope~ She's MINE!!!
Greg with Helena at New Flower Guest house

Blake and Sof in ET after playing a game of soccer together
Blake and Helena

Helena crashed out on flight from Dubai to NY
Helena meeting Lola Reagan and Sof having fun

Sisters playing with blocksSof riding a bike for the first time-That's our boy!!
The gang is all here~ Finally, picture perfect!!
All I can say is PRICELESS!

The whole drive from the New Flower to Hope, where Sof and Helena were, I kept thinking is this really happening. All three of us were nervous, anxious, gitty and overcome with emotion as we pulled up to the gate. From the minute we walked into Hope to see and get Sof and Helena for the first time I could barely breath. But the moment I saw Sof and his beautiful smile, bigger than the sun beaming with happiness calling out "Mom, Dad, brother and running towards us with arms open wide, my heart melted!!! With Sof now by our side we turned to Helena, who was being held by one of the caregivers, sadly she was not quite as enthusiastic to meet us. In fact, she screamed in terror and turned away from us, swinging her arm as if to say, go away. We couldn't help but laugh. Oh, this is how I would remember my first moment with my new daughter, NOT!! By looking at her I knew the way to her heart would be through her stomach, so I asked if I could feed her. Within minutes of me spoon feeding her and blowing kisses she was mine, all mine!!! Happy to say, once Helena was in my arms she would not go to any other. She even took to Greg, once he handed her a lolly pop. Both Sof and Helena were sweeter than we could have ever imagined. Blake once again stepping up, went with Sof downstairs by himself while Greg, Helena and I stayed inside and completed out paperwork.

After wanting and waiting so long to see them and hold them in person all I can say is that it was so amazing and there are no words to describe the joy I felt the first time I held them and kissed their sweet heads. They are both so cute and loving with hearts of gold it is glorious. Getting to know them and their habits, likes, dislikes, ways of communicating their wants was overwhelming the first few days. It was trying to catch up on the years we had lost in an instant.

Helena is just as coy as she appeared in her pictures. A total ham though to those who she lets into her circle. Beyond CUTE!! She loves to play peak a boo and squeal. It almost sounds like she is crying but she is laughing. Cracks us up. She reminds me so much of Caitlin when she was 2. Blake spent most of our time in ET trying to persuade Helena to like him or even to acknowledge him with no luck. She has finally come into bloom now that we have been home for some time. We think from watching her that she must be a little younger than 2 though. She is not potty trained and in many ways is so much like a baby. So my hearts desire to have another baby girl has been answered.

Sof is just as enthusiastic and animated as we gathered from watching him in video with his friends. Over the top!! His smile lights up the sky!!! He is so playful and all boy!! He is attached to Greg at the hip. He is loving and sweet to all, but daddy is the MAN!! The whole way home on the plane he spoke of Texas and how he wanted to learn to swim and ride a bike. He was seriously focused. He is so physically superior to any other kid I know. He is a freak of nature. He learned to ride a bike in 5 minutes and swim in just 2 days. He is already a dare devil on the bike, showing me how he can ride with no hands or feet on the bar. He even has a goose egg on his forehead from diving like a wild man into the pool, too close to the side. Not sure if it was due to a language error or just being an 8 year old boy.

Watching Sof's and Helena's firsts on the travel back home was exhausting and delightful. Sof's face as we rode on the escalator and elevator were so cute. He giggled the whole time. I really mean the whole 36 hour trip!! Helena on the other hand, noting she was sick was miserable. Tired, restless, sick and fussy. Not understanding what the heck was happening and why she had to sit still all the time. She was a trooper as well. But thanks to God's grace she has forgotten and forgiven us for putting her through that.

Now that we have been home a week and are back into the right time zone and swing of things, I can't believe we have only been home a week. The kids have all adjusted so well together. From the moment we got home they were as if they had been together all along. Even acting like siblings and being short with each other. Another blessing, is how well both Sof and Helena took to the dogs. The first 2 days were a little uneasy, but quickly Helena grew to love Nitro, Lola and Price!! So much so she loves to be showered in their wet kisses!! Sof loves the animals too. He even has decided he wants to feed the fish so he can have a pet too!

I am amazed that we have only had them for a week. As I put the kids to bed last night, kissing each one of their precious little heads, I could only feel as if I had been doing it for forever.

God's timing and hands in our lives and our children's is so apparent. I know we would not be here and have all of these little cuties without his love!!!

I am forever, humbled, awed, amazed, grateful for our dream of having our family together a reality.

It is so much sweeter than I ever imagined!!!!!! I only hope I can be the women, mother, wife, friend, daughter and child of God he has created me, blessed me to be!!

Tales from ET

Me, Linsey with our newest little ones

Blake and Ryan at Masuka

Blake and Sof at the Addis Museum
Chris and Meagan hanging at the New Flower
The whole gang at Masuka
Traditional dancing at Fasika

Helena looking like the exotic princess she isMe giving my sweet Sof kisses

Us at the Sheraton ET

Us at the New Flower from our balcony
New soda plant being built
Good times at Cozy place
Jaclyn and Minte

The three of us at the Gion Hotel in ET

An Orthodox Church in ET
Blake, Aiden, Sof and Helena at the New Flower
Our wild night at Fasika
Greg, Blake and I shoppin at the Friendship mall in ET


Where do I begin??? Even though it has been a week since we arrived home, it feels like an eternity already.

Our trip to Ethiopia was so amazing. The people are more beautiful than I have ever seen. So warm and gracious. The land was dry but full of Hope for better days to come. Addis Ababa, which is the capital of Ethiopia means: New Flower. It is the pride of Ethiopia, where all growth is taking place. It was good to see so much under construction, making way for a better economy. The food was a ceremony in instelf, to be used as a place and time of fellowship with friends and family. Not the fast food you see everywhere in the states. The people are all so proud of who they are and not centered on what they aren't or don't have. Such a beautifully simple way of life. Focusing on people and serving one another with joy in all they do, was inspiring to say the least. Then there was the food and dancing. Both a must experience. Served and expressed once again with joy, truly infectious!! We had such a wonderful time there, we only wish we had more time to spend getting deeper into the country and people. Maybe our next trip back will give us that opportunity.

We stayed at a place called the New Flower Guest House. Which was a 2 story house to be shared by fellow adoptive parents and staff. It was in the heart of the city surrounded by concrete walls separating our little world with our new ones from that of the city life around us. The house was enchanting, even on the days without water, electricity, phones, internet, etc, it was simply beautiful. The staff worked around the clock to serve all of us who stayed there. And with all our sick babies, that and hungry families that was a lot.

It was recommended by our agency coordinator as well as the lady who ran the New Flower Guest House not to go out into the city with our children for safety and social reasons, so we obliged. We were able to take them to the Addis Museum, the weaver's market for a little shopping as well as a few recommended restaurants. One of which as a fabulous Italian restaurant which was the best Italian food I have ever had. The kids all behaved wonderfully and so we took them for ice cream at at coffee shop that resembled our Starbucks, but with icecream as well. What a treat, not only the great food but to see the looks on Sofonyas' and Helena's faces were priceless!!!

Both Sofonyas and Helena were sick with tummy issues, pink eye, ear infection, sinus infections, ringworm, giardia, strep throat, so needless to say much of our time was tending to their needs for rest and recooperation.

We couldn't have been held captive with more lovely people. Finally meeting my Hope gal friends, Lisa, Nikko, Theresa, Linsey and Jaclyn as well as meeting some new friends Megan and Ryan and let me not forget Tim. We laughed, we cried and we gave thought and thanks for each day together! I am so grateful for sharing and getting to know everyone. Making memories with friends that will last a lifetime. I will never forget all our frazzled, silly, exhausted, goofy, overwhelmed, nonsensicle moments together!

Blake was a total champ. Rising to each occasion with grace and poise. Never once did we hear the words or attitude "this stinks, when can we go home". I have never been so PROUD of him before! He was gracious and welcoming to his new brother and sister as well as all the other families in the house. He was respectful to all the differences that he saw and experienced, never sounding or looking like a rude american boy. Never uttered the words "I'm bored" even after days of not being able to go anywhere or do anything, but just hang. Our first day out touring the city before we picked up Sof and Helena, we were stopped in traffic and it was hot so Blake rolled down his window. First lesson learned, don't roll down your window in traffic unless you want to be solicited by young hungry children. This little boy who obviously lived on the street and was very hungry went up to Blake's window begging like I have never seen before for food. Pour Blake unprepared, look at me with tears for we had nothing to give him, not even a dollar on us. Needless to say, from that day on when we went into town Blake always had a bag full of granola bars, which he handed out to all those we encountered on the way. Blake said at the end of our trip, "Mom, I will never say we have nothing to eat or there is nothing to play with again. I am sorry that I have taken all that I have for granted". I think he got the big picture as we had hoped.

I think we all learned to appreciate all that we have a little more!!!

It was truly a life changing adventure that we will never forget! And it would not have been possible if not for the assistance of so many friends and family. Thank you dad for blessing us by watching over Caitlin and Reagan while we were gone. They had the best time. In fact while in ET, during one of my conversations with Reagan , he said "Mom when are you all coming home" and I thought he was wondering because he missed us, but he replied " Oh really only two more days with Grandpa, I wish we had more time". Thank you Jesus!!! Even though it slightly hurt my delicate feelings, I was way more happy that he was having such a great time. Thank you to all my friends: Sigrid, Maureen, and Denise for providing play dates for the kids and giving my father his much deserved breaks. Thank you Mamaw, Papaw and Sharon for taking and picking us up and for always being there!! You all made a wonderful welcome home committee!!!

We are so thankful and so blessed!! Each day bringing a new adventure!!

Watch out ET here we come!!!!!

First let me say~ WOOOOHOOOO!!!

Finally our day has come for us to load up our luggage, donations and ourselves on the plane and head out to Ethiopia. I know I have said words cannot described what I am feeling, but I can honestly say I am locked up with excitement, nerves, fear, anticipation, but mostly joy! My heart feels as if it is going to come out of my chest it is beating so strong. I thought I would go for a run, but I don't think I need to at this point. I just want to spend every minute with Caitlin and Reagan until we leave this afternoon.
To think in just 2 days we will get to meet our children for the first time. I can't wait. It's a long trip over there, but I can't complain for we get to stay the night in Dubai so we will be nice and rested up for Sof and Helen on Sunday.
As much as I am excited about going my heart is torn leaving Caitlin and Reagan behind. I know they are in good hands with Grandpa Middlebrook and they will have the time of their lives, but Greg and I have never been away from them and to top it off we are out of the country. I am trying very hard to give both my fear and sadness to God.
I am so thankful everyone who has been there for us; supporting us, encouraging us, informing us, lifting us up in prayer. We would not be here if it weren't for you all!! Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
So I am signing off for now. I will not be posting from Ethiopia for access to a computer and internet is difficult. I will update when I return. Hoping I will have lots of pictures and stories to share.

Father God, I give thanks for this day to finally be upon us. For allowing us such a beautiful opporunity of a lifetime. I am grateful to all those you have placed in our lives, surrounding us with such love, support, friendship and trusted footsteps to follow. I pray that Greg, Blake, Reagan, Caitlin, my father, Sof, Helen and I be filled with the fruits of your spirit during the next 10 days. Give my father, the patience and endurance that he will need to take care of Caitlin and Reagan!!That any sadness, fear, harm be cast away! Father, I pray for a hedge of protection to be placed upon each of us and those around us. Let our hearts be light and our days be filled with joy, laughter and love. Let Sof and Helen meet us with open hearts. That we see this journey through your eyes. Taking each step, situation, and moment with the peace of knowing that you are with us all. That we bring glory and honor to your name to all that we do and say. Father God I lift up all of us and our needs to you!! It is in your precious and holy name I pray. AMEN!!!

Let the Good times Roll!!

So we are down to just 6 days until we head out to ET!!! I am both excited beyond belief and freaking out that I have forgotten to do something really important!! We are pretty much ready to go at this point, packed, money transfered, house ready, kids ready, papers ready, but yet I still feel unsettled. With as much time and energy that I have been putting into getting ready, I have been making sure each day has some element of fun to it and that our days our filled with the friends and family we love!

Like a chicken with my head cut off

Is pretty much how I feel these days!! Wow, since passing court last week, I have been scrambling to get our travel plans locked in, kids ready for school, lining up friends for Caitlin and Reagan to visit to break up the 9 days for my dad, getting donations, making sure I have proper clothing for Sof and Helen now that it's colder and much wetter; I could go on and on. All of this and I am still on cloud nine!!:))))

So our travel plans are we are leaving on August 15 and will return on August 24th at night. Just in time to see the kids off to school on the 25th. Meaning we leave in just 16 days!!!!!! It couldn't be here soon enough for me!

I still don't think it has really hit me for I am still getting to sleep just fine. I am so grateful for all of those who have gone before me and have been so honest in sharing their travel adventures and the realities of the adjustment phase for all members of the family. I know that the real challenge is still ahead of me and that probably when I get home I will look back at the wait as though it was a breeze in comparison to the difficulties that can come when we get home, but I feel at least better prepared to expect a storm!!

I can't wait, I know I will probably have at least 4 months of being in a fog and feeling overwhelmed and wondering "what was I thinking", but the best things in life do not come easily!!

I am Proud to Announce: Helena Karen Mott

Name: Helena Karen Mott

Birthday: July 4, 2006

Birthplace: Shesemene, Ethiopia

I am overcome with joy to be able to announce that Helena is officially ours as we have passed court!!! Our dreams and prayers have come true and I couldn't be happier. What makes this even sweeter, is that all of us in our group passed court together!! Congrats Lisa, Nikko and Theresa!
So I am off to start our travel plans to we can bring them home!!! Looks like we will be traveling the week of August 15- August 24. With the courts closing in just a couple of weeks the airlines are booking up quickly.
Thank you all for your constant support, prayers and encouragement! We are truly so grateful to you all and can't wait to share IN PERSON our newest additions!!

Thank you God for the whisper to Greg and I and the kids to start this journey.

Thank you God for all of those you placed in our path along the way to get us here.

Thank you God for this wonderful gift and honor of these two beautiful children.

Thank you God for the women who loved them enough to carry them and bring them into this world so that we may be privileged to love them and raise them.

Thank you God for giving us the strength and encouragement for this day becoming a reality.

Thank you God for all the friendships that we have made along the way.

Thank you God!!!

Roller Coasters

I think God let me know early yesterday morning, when I opened my bible straight to Job. Unfortunately once again it appears we have been cast aside in court. We still have 2 more weeks to the court closes, so I am not giving up yet! Though greatly dissapointed, I am blown away with the compassion and amazing support from my fellow Hope families!! Last night after so many of us old timers received our bad news, several of our Hope families rallied together for a prayer circle. Prayer in unity is a powerful tool!

Yesterday, I was literally on one of life's roller coasters as I took my kids with Renee Garner and her precious 4 to Six Flags for the day. Thank you Renee for being there when I received the news. I am so thankful to have been in a public place with children all around me when I found out we missed out again! The distraction of the park, kids and fellowship really saved me from wallowing in my disappointment. We came home late last night to see everyone's kind posts and prayer rally!! Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

I don't know why this is happening, I am not sure if God is trying to prepare us and make us stronger for the reality of how difficult it will be when we get home or if Satan has gotten his claws into our situation. Either way, there is nothing I can do to change it and so therefore I have decided to totally lift it up to the only one who can- God. I thought I had after our first setbacks with our China adoption and then when we came on to Hope and our hurdles the last few months, but as of yesterday, I think I finally TOTALLY let go.

As so many have said before, this adoption journey is not for the faint of heart. I believe what does not break me only makes me stronger. I am also a fighter, when someone tells me I can't do something or have something it just makes me fight harder for it!! So I am in this battle, standing firm in my conviction, that Helen as well as Fiori, Hermela and Efrata will be ours!!! I think we still have a chance to make it through before the closer, but if it takes until the fall, so be it!! We will all eventually get our children home and victory will be ours!! Embracing our little ones in the decades to come; these obstacles and this horrendous roller coaster will be a distant memory.

I am truly sorry to those of you who did not pass as well yesterday!! There is still a chance and as we can see in this group, a whole lot of HOPE!! Please know you are all in my prayers as well, including little miss Ava (Rebecca keep me posted) and Lisa-Marie. Keep the faith!!

A bible verse that has been coming to mind as well is 1 Peter 1:7;

These trials are only to test your faith, to show that it is strong and pure. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold- and your faith is far more precious to God than mere gold. And our children will be our finest treasures, they are so worth it!!

Father God today I stand firm in your word, I dress myself in your armor, and sing praises to the heaven for your glory of knowing Helen will be ours!! I give thanks for all that I have and knowing the blessings that are to come. Father, for those who are broken in spirit by these constant setbacks and heart aches, I lift them up to you, may your peace, comfort, hope and the vision of the day we are dancing with our children be upon them. It's in your Holy name I pray, AMEN!!

Looking for a miracle!!!

Unfortunately, all of Hope's court cases including ours for Helena are postponed until next week. It seems as though another large agency's court cases were put on hold a few months ago, while they were being investigated and they have been cleared. Therefore, all their cases are being put through before ours. I am frustrated, confused, angry and saddened by this to say the least. Enough already!!! At this point I think it's going to take a miracle to be able to bring both Sof and Helena home this summer. We will give it another week, but then if we have still not made it through court we will have to make our travel arrangements to just pick up Sof now and then make the second trip in the fall for Helena. Thank you all for your prayers, support, encouragement and friendship!! Nikko, Lisa and Theresa, thank you!!!

On the brighter side, today my friends, blessed me with a wonderful shower. Not only did the warm fellowship with my closest amigas lift my spirits, it also filled my belly full of great food, and blessed us richly with donations and gifts for the orphanage and for Sof and Helena. I am so grateful to have such amazing friends. Thank you Judy for putting it together!!! And thank you all my Fairway Bridge Buddies for coming!!!!
I will be continuing to ask God for a miracle and hope to share good news soon!!!!

POA Problems!! Shim to the Rescue!!

Well it looks as though after another round of failed court cases there is yet another issue, obsticle, in our (and all families with Hope) path. This time it is the Power of Attorney document, but not the families; Hope's POA document.

In order to represent us in court, the attorneys need a power of attorney from the adopting family as well as a power of attorney from the agency's owner, Shimeliss. Shimeliss's PoA expires in July 2008. The court interpreted this as the BEGINNING of July, and Hope interpreted it as the END of July. So the court is requiring a new agency power of attorney (not the adopting family's) before they will sign off on any of Hope's cases.Since providing the court with a new PoA requires that Shimeliss go through the whole authentication process and DHL to Ethiopia (just like each of us did), he doesn't have time to do this or none of us will make it before courts close. Therefore, he is just going to go to Ethiopia and appear in court for each of our cases in person. He is headed to Addis today and will be there until Hope's last court case which takes place on August 4.

I am so thankful to the angels at Hope (Grace, Shim, Rahel) that will stop at nothing to get the job done in order for us to bring our kids home. I am grateful beyond words for their continual sacrafies and committment to us and to the children!! Father God, bless them, keep them safe, sane, healthy and give them the endurance to do your work as you have called them to do!! Put a hedge of protection around them, the children, and all that they do so we may bring our children home!!--Soon, very soon!!!