Girls in China - need a home - PLUS baby formula needed

Ok - if anyone is interested in two girls from China - they are on their waiting children's list- let me know.  Our agency AAI posted something today.

Also they are in desperate need of baby formula for families to take over.  Not sure how we'll get it to them - but they need powder formula, children's medicine, socks, clothes and shoes.  If you have any and want to donate I'm sure we can find a way to get it all over there.  Just let me know.

Thanks all -

And just a note - I looked at our Lilly-pie ticker - its been 6 months since we started this officially with AAI - wow - doesn't seem like that long.  Amazing - all to be on a waiting list.  but I know in the end - we'll look back and laugh how fast this went.

Ok - fighting my sinus something - so spelling and mind aren't working well tonight.
Thanks all that follow and read -
Gail

random thoughts

Just random thoughts - I should really find out where we are on the waiting list - but honestly I like enjoying the thought we are just there.  I'm afraid to know if there are 20-30 people on the list. so I will just wait.
We are finally there - that's all that matters right?

and then the snow - yes we live in Michigan - I know that - but seriously NO ONE plowed our road - yeah not surprising for Redford - it is a township - so they never do it - but a few weeks ago they did - first ever so fast.  so who knows - but I got stuck trying to PULL INTO the drive way - hilarious!  Oh well -

Just dealing with a possible sinus issue and a little boy with a cold and runny nose still - but he's feeling better-

so nothing more to report - just know I should ask where we are on the wait list - so that if things do happen - we can be prepared with immunizations, the bed rooms - etc.  Or it will be crazy - like packing our bag for the hospital the NIGHT before I went in to have Nate!  who knew they'd include 2 weeks early - ha.  and still coming home to get the bad and to email/call people before really going to the hospital -but this time we will need to fly half way around the world.

Next worry - all the unrest in Africa and the middle est - so hoping it doesn't affect ET or Addiss  Ababa - I pray the peaceful and friendly people don't like that unrest - so we'll see.

Ok - off to rest- and tuck my one little man in - who at the moment is running around with ONLY SOCKS on - just doesn't know I can see hm - ha!  Looks like he's trying to find pjs or something.

Prayer request from a friend

For those that don't know us - please check out the link to our friends son Gabriel - he's about 3.5 years old and has some rare and unknown blood disorder.  VERY BAD - he needs blood transfusions about every 3-4 weeks now to just live.  Anyhow - during tests last summer to try to figure out the blood stuff (so rare less than 100 people world wide have it- and still not sure what it is)- so they found a brain malformation and some other spinal issues that require that he have surgery - so the email copied below is an update on this.  Rebekah also just had her 4th baby right before Christmas - he was a much needed blessing in the family's life -little Samuel.  

So anyhow - I realized so many people around the world read this - please keep them in your prayers and thoughts.  They need it.

Thanks

Gail

POST ABOUT GABE:

Family & Friends,

I finally found a moment to write…   Last week Gabriel had an MRI and we had a consultation with the U of M surgeon.  Although there was not much change with the size of the Syrinx in his spine (large cyst growing in the spinal cord that could potentially cause damage to the cord) we were warned of what could happen if we do not proceed with surgery.  There is a chance that Gabriel could lose the sensation in any or all of his extremities, control of his legs or arms, loss of bladder and/or bowel and many more possible symptoms. Worse part about it is there is no warning and some of the nerve damage cannot be reversed.  Upon my research and stumbling across other children’s stories I have seen some in wheelchairs, in chronic pain and many other unthinkable scenarios.   I think we both decided after this scary information that it’s only fair that we go ahead with the surgery to hopefully avoid these issues.  There is not guarantee the spinal Syrinx will resolve or stop growing with the brain surgery… we can only hope.  If it does not, we are looking at repeat brain surgeries and possible spinal surgery.  Every person with this brain malformation presents differently. They assume it will help but that is not always the case.  We are also very concerned with the complications that can arise.  The most common is a spinal fluid leak that warrants an immediate surgery to correct it. Although it is not particularly common with a Decompression Chiari surgery, a more serious complication can be paralysis.

So, at this time Jason and I are trying to make the final decision of which surgeon to go with.  We have two very experienced and qualified surgeons.  As I’m sure you can imagine, making the choice of who will go into our son’s brain is a difficult one.  Please pray God will give us wisdom…

The surgery will be within a month.  We are getting our ducks in a row and preparing emotionally the best we can.  Trying to be comfortable with this and researching as much as possible.  I think one of the major concerns is Gabriel losing his beautiful spirit.  He has come so far… Being sick for so long and going through what he’s gone through and now this… This is completely unrelated to the battle he’s been fighting for 3 years. I just don’t know how we are going to explain this to him.  He has no idea it’s coming. 

If you’ve ever said you would pray for us please do it now.  If we ever needed it before… it’s now.

I wanted to mention how very much we appreciate the support and compassion we’ve received from so many people.  From taking Ashton to and from school every day to bringing us meals and groceries to sending us beautiful cards and gift cards for our family.  Some of you have helped by babysitting, cooking for us, gifts, visits, prayers and even a phone call. I think the goal is to try and take whatever burden you can from us so we can gain strength, heal and support each other.  So we can focus on what we’ve been handed and make the most of it.   You know who you are and you have no idea how much it changes our perspective on this extremely difficult situation.  The support has shown us God’s mercy and love.  Thank you for being a part of that.  You will be blessed!  Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

Any day that our family or Gabriel crosses your mind please pray for peace, strength, hope and wisdom to make the best decisions.  Pray that nothing happens to him before the surgery takes place.  I have read a story of a child who had nerve damage before his scheduled surgery.

I will post as much as I can.  In between feedings, taking caring of four and preparing for the surgery.   As soon as I make the surgery date (probably this week) I will post the date. 

The Adler’s

New embassy

This is a positive sign - I like it.

Post from US Dept of State - 

1/31/11

In an important symbol of America’s commitment to an enduring friendship with Ethiopia, as well as our bilateral relationships with the Government of Ethiopia and the African Union, Deputy Secretary of State James B. Steinberg dedicated the new U.S. Embassy facility in Ethiopia today. Ethiopian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Hailemariam Desalegn and African Union Deputy Chairman Erastus Mwencha attended the ribbon cutting ceremony, as well as Deputy Director of the Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations, Lydia Muniz; U.S. Ambassador to Ethiopia, Donald E. Booth; and U.S. Ambassador to the African Union, Michael E. Battle.

The dedication of the New Embassy Compound (NEC) in Addis Ababa marks the 77th diplomatic facility to be completed by the Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations (OBO) since the 1999 enactment of the Secure Embassy Construction and Counterterrorism Act. In the last twelve years, OBO has moved more than 22,000 people into safer facilities. OBO has built 30 new facilities in Africa and has an additional seven projects in design or construction on the continent.

The New Embassy Compound, located just below Entoto Mountain and overlooking Addis Ababa, was designed to maintain much of the plant and wildlife that has existed on the site for many years. The building design integrates green building techniques and was one of the first Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) registered facilities in Ethiopia.

The multi-building complex provides more than approximately 1,000 U.S. embassy direct hire and locally employed staff, including the U.S. Mission to the African Union, with more than 19,000 square meters of working space.

B.L. Harbert International of Birmingham, Alabama, under a design/build contract, constructed the NEC; the architectural firm of Page Southerland Page of Arlington, Virginia designed the facility. The total approximate cost of the project, which generated jobs in both the United States and Ethiopia, is $157 million. The new facility was completed in August 2010, with, at times, more than 1,200 workers involved in the construction.

For further information, please contact Christine Foushee at FousheeCT@state.gov

or (703) 875-5751.

PRN: 2011/130

Back to Top

6 year old girl - available to adopt

Oh - if only we could take a child that old - but I know in my heart its not right.  Our agency sent out a note that they have a 6 year old girl available, but no one on the waiting lists are looking for that range.  Well at least they don't know.  I would LOVE a girl, but I just know that's so close to Nate's age and probably would be way harder for attachment issues and stuff.  Plus typically if they say she's 6 - she's probably more like 7 or 8  and they can't tell to she's home to the US.

I so hope someone can adopt her -

But some good news - as referrals have been really slow they know some younger kids are currently being evaluated by the Ethiopian govt and will soon be passed to our agency AAI to refer out to other families.  So that is good news.  And its good the due diligence is being done now - its a good start.

So I know we just got on the list recently - but man - just crazy.

Anyhow - for anyone out there in SE MI - we have a yahoo group started and a get together on the 26th - looking forward to meeting new people.  I'm also so thankful for these blogs as I've met some really great friends here -
Shannon - man I just pray our families get referrals close to each other and get to meet in ET.  That's my wish - it would be amazing!

Alright - this is mostly a blabbing email - but its still exciting.

God Bless everyone.
Gail

Happy Valentines Day

My new Hippo
  Nate's big KISS

Dossier ARRIVED safely

The agency emailed me last week and let me know that the Dossier safely arrived in Ethiopia last Friday!  So that's great news.  We're on the waiting list since about Tuesday last week - can't wait!  May take a few months, but that's alright.  We're finally done with the paperwork portion - yeah.

Gail

Wait times

So the agency says wait times are typically 4-6 months to a referral. Unfortunately, referrals have been REALLY slow to come the last few months.  So it could be longer.  But with us open to either gender (means open to a boy cuz a lot of people want girls) and we don't need a YOUNG child - it may happen faster.  We just can't count on any of these estimates and its totally out of their control.  Its all up to the ET government agency as to when the hand referrals to each agency over there.  And then there is a group of people a head of us here (still scared to know that number).

So we'll see.  I am still gonna go with 8-12 months for a referral - that way I won't be too disappointed.

Thanks for all the well wishes.
Gail

Waiting List - FINALLY

So its official - we are ON THE WAITING LIST!  Our Dossier is in the mail to ET as of today!  YEAH - we are so excited.

Now the real waiting begins.  Typically the wait for a boy is 8-10 months from today for a referral, a girl is 12-18 months.  We have asked for either gender - leaving something up to God - even though I still dream of little boys, I can still imagine a little girl as I see the cute girl stuff in the stores.  So I don't care.

Anyhow - those times are NOT promised - it all just depends on the system.  We're still hoping for under 2 - but up to 3 years old.  I"m sure as kids come available, we may have more chances to narrow those ages down.

Just exciting we are FINALLY on a waiting list.  I'm afraid to ask how many people are on the list before us - I"ll wait a while - I want to savor this moment.  Craig and I are very excited!

Anyhow - once we accept a referral - its typically 4-6 months to bring a child home - so probably sometime in 2012 we'll bring our child home.  Yeah.
Thanks for the posts everyone.
Love
Gail

Passed Ethiopian Embassy

Looks like our paperwork is DONE in DC - in under a week - yeah - The Assistant Stork ROCKS!  They are amazingly fast and just so kind and nice - can't say enough good about how nice Laura is.

Anyhow - per Fed  Ex the return package is in the mail back to the AAI HQ over near Grand Rapids, MI - so next step- they send it all to ET and we are officially on a waiting list.

Pray for this next step - we have to pull things together before that can happen - just pray things work out the way God has intended.

Also pray for healing for my nephew Cody -he was in a snowmobile accident earlier this week and still in the hospital for observations.  They are thinking he may have a closed head injury - that is just very scary alone.  but he's a strong young boy  -16 years old and we know he'll be fine and back out there riding and hunting again soon!  also prayers for his dad Dennis - he was in the accident - but wasn't hurt too bad - whip lash
Love
Gail

at the Embassy of Ethiopia

Wow - things seem to finally be moving forward!  I can't believe it - Laura from The Assistant Stork sent me an email to let me know the roads were fine and they took our Dossier to the US Dept of State and it was all sealed this morning.  Then they delivered it to the Embassy of Ethiopia and left it all there for them!  So hopefully they can pick it up tomorrow, and it will be in the mail to AAI by Friday - or early next week.  OH MY GOSH - just amazing.

A lot to freak out about - wish we could use that tax credit THIS YEAR - but I know that's not possible even though we're probably half way through the fees - we'll get there.  Please continue to pray - I keep reading other blogs and that miracles do happen.  Things just work out if they are meant to be and I have to believe God won't let us down on this - we worked so hard to get to this point.  We've lost so much in the last 7 years I can't believe he'd take this away from us now - so we'll continue to pray for our child - or the boy from my dreams - little Oliverta or Oliverte?

And if you really want some tears and read some great stories - you can look at the archives of this blog  - it was started in 2004 when we realized my mom was fighting leukemia, through to Nate's birth and the illnesses and losses of my in laws and my grandma - you can see some pictures of beautiful people of our lives - that have shaped our love and faith in God.  As hard as those times were, they built our faith and strength to what it is today - more than I ever imagined it would back in 2004.

God Bless
Gail

US Dept of State

Saw an email from The Assistant Stork courier - they are delivering our dossier TODAY to the US DOS and then dropping it off at the Embassy of ET - yippee!  Finally getting there -

Better start looking at grants and continue our prayers to make it all work out - we'll need a miracle- but soon we can get on that waiting list!  CAN'T wait

Check out the Assistant Stork Website at www.asststork.com - they are awesome so far.
Gail

Dossier IN DC Area

Yes - the dossier has arrived at The Assistant Stork offices!  Yeah - its there - or it was delivered.  So now we have to hope the weather holds out and they can get it to the US Dept of State this week.  And then probably to the Embassy of ET next week -then back to AAI - then its time to try and make the rest work out - yikes.  WE'll figure it out one way or another - but so close to being on a waiting list!  So close.

can't wait

Dossier IN THE MAIL

Finally - our I was able to get it ALL done today - the Dossier is IN THE MAIL!  The Assistant Stork is helping us out.  They will hand deliver everything one day next week to the US Dept of State for their authentication of our documents.  And then they will hand deliver it over to the Ethiopian Embassy!  Then hand pick it up - and mail it all back to our agency - then we have to pay the fees and they will mail it all to country.  THEN we go on the waiting list - yeah!  Just under 6 months to get all this done - seems like a forever process.  But it with the other government stuff - still would have only been a few weeks earlier - God wanted us to wait to get it all in.

Just think - ALMOST on the waiting list - yeah

Another side note - please pray for Sheri (my coworker) - she lost her 23 year old son David this week.  I can't imagine - how horrible.

Gail

Helping each other out - check out this famlies profile

Well Yes - posting lots this week.
Anyhow I just feel that we are all out there helping each other out - I'm friends now with so many total strangers that have given me advise or Craig advise in this process - its just amazing.  And we're all there for one common bond - growing families.

Anyhow our friends are trying to adopt domestically - take a look at their profile on www.americanadoptions.com - share this with anyone you know that may be a birth mother that is looking for a kind family for her child or just share.  The best stories I've heard about are how families find each other by word of mouth.  It works.

And plus - a tidbit on my day - Great Seal of MI - completed - a few more tasks and off to the UPS store to mail the package to the couriers!  Thank you Assistant Stork!
Gail