One year ago, my sweet friend Ashli went to Ethiopian court with me. One year ago, the Ethiopian government declared that Abigail would be forever part of the Jordan family. That decision brought joy and a little bit of fear because of the second picture below. Ashli speaks Amharic and kids are naturally drawn to her. We tried bubbles and stickers and funny faces, but Abigail wanted no part of it and/or us.
And then just a few weeks ago, this girl bundled up and went outside to touch the snow of Tennessee. All I can say is that the Lord is good. We thought we were bringing home a very sad and quiet child because she spoke so little while we visited her in the orphanage. Oh, we were so very wrong!
Abigail is bossy and talks a lot. She said to Derek the other night, "Nanny says that I taking too many questions." She asks questions about everything. She has the best laugh and is nothing but a delight to our family!
One year ago today, I met with Amen's birthmother and told her that the Ethiopian laws had changed and that we couldn't adopt Amen. It was heartbreaking for her and for me. My friend Ashli was there on that day too. She translated to make sure that everyone understood the situation. The Ethiopian attorney told us that the case was virtually impossible. Maybe someday I'll write more about how this impacted our family.
After this meeting, we went to the Sheraton to use the internet and send our families back home updates. Ashli was there when the tears started to flow. I really tried to hold them back, but I was overcome with emotion that afternoon.
Ashli rejoiced with me in the good times and mourned with me in the icky times.
Today, I rejoice with her that her Ethiopian daughter is coming home....just a year later from this photo. This photo from left to right is Ashli's daughter, Ashli and Amen.
I do not understand the ways of the Lord, but I can trust that they are perfect and that His plans for each of us are good! I am thankful that He writes our story instead of us writing it ourselves, because I know that He sees the full story and He knows exactly what we need.
The Lord gives and the Lord takes away. Blessed be the name of the Lord!
