The Mathews Family

Introducing! {Justice Hermela}

2011-01-13T14:26:00.005-06:00

Justice Hermela Mathews

First of all, I apologize that it has taken me over 2 months to post. While we were in Ethiopia, Blogger didn’t work at all (I was there with Justice for 6 weeks!) and since we have been home…well, we have been super busy falling into what I fondly call “Our new normal”.

All that to say…. (and better late than never)

We are super excited and proud (more than words could possibly describe) to announce the LONG AWAITED arrival of our Daughter...... Justice Hermela Mathews! She is 25+ lbs of energy and love and fun…spunky, smart, beautiful! And did I mention spunky?

Justice is everything we dreamed she would be (and MORE!) And while we have had some behavior challenges (which are to be expected) she has adjusted quickly her new American lifestyle.

She is learning English VERY quickly (so smart!), loves Barney, Dora, and Elmo, she sleeps through the night in her own bed and LOVES to eat, (although we are still working on those pesky fruits and vegetables!) She loves her dogs (which we were worried about) and going “car bye-bye” to the mall, the park, the gym…wherever...She loves to go!

I have half way completed her little video featuring pictures we received while waiting, pictures taken while in Ethiopia and a few of the first shots taken at home which I promise to post very soon.

I will also be blogging about the final steps of our adoption journey (which was full of challenges) and of course, about the life changing 6 weeks I spent in Addis Ababa.

Our Timeline {2 Years and 11 days}

2010-12-11T14:51:00.001-06:00

12.11.10: Travel Home!
12.09.10: Embassy
11.09.10: GOTCHA DAY!!
11.09.10: PASS! She is ours!
11.02.10: Court (did not pass)
10.30.10: Travel
10.29.10: MOWA (drama...)
10.13.10: Update CIS Fingerprints
10.05.10: New Dates: 10/29 & 11/2)
09.30.10: DID NOT PASS MOWA!
09.01.10: Travel Shots
07.14.10: COURT DATE!! (9/30 & 10/12)
06.24.10: REFERRAL!!!!
10.15.09: WAIT LIST!
10.10.09: CIS Approval!
08.21.09: CIS Appointment
07.10.09: Gladney Approved!
06.15.09: More Paperchasing!
06.11.09: Last Piece to Gladney
06.01.09: Dossier to KBS
06.01.09: Home Study Revisions
05.15.09: FBI Clearance!
05.13.09: Home Study Complete
05.12.09: Dossier in Process...
04.29.09: Gladney Packet #3
04.29.09: Request FBI Clearance
04.29.09: Fingerprints (FBI)
04.28.09: Hague Training
04.24.09: I-600A Receipt
04.23.09: Kyle Physical
04.16.09: Ordered Hague DVD'S
04.15.09: Jordan Physical
04.14.09: Christine Physical
04.13.09: Dogs & Cat Shots
04.10.09: I-600A Sent
04.03.09: Jeff Physical
04.01.09: Gladney Paperwork
02.02.09: Doc Drama: Check!
12.30.08: Document Drama
12.20.08: Ordered Documents
12.16.08: Gladney Application
12.15.08: Phone Orientation
12.05.08: Ready-set-go!

Dog Wash! {Fundraiser}

2010-10-17T12:21:00.003-05:00

We are having a charity dog wash on Sunday, October 24th from 1-4pm at Dogtopia-Waco. All donations benefit our travel costs to Ethiopia, Africa! (we hope to travel Oct 30th!)

Dog Baths- Baths include: a brush-out, shampoo & dry.
A $10 donation is suggested per wash.

Pet Adoptions- Fuzzy Friends Rescue will be on site!

Bake Sale- Purchase yummy treats for you & your favorite K-9!

MOWA, TRAVEL and COURT {Dates}

2010-10-12T12:00:00.001-05:00

We didn't get the news we were hoping for. The judge doesn't want to change ANYTHING in regards to our case. BUMMER...But...it's OK. We are thankful to have a MOWA date of 10/29 and a court date of 11/2! (even though they are SO CLOSE TOGETHER!)

Since they are so close together...that means we travel less than 24 hours after hearing if we pass MOWA. We have taken a HUGE step by faith a booked new tickets for the 30th.

Please join us and pray for these specific things: Birth Mom needs to be transported to Addis in time for MOWA on the 29th. Pray for all those pieces to come together. And then....that the judge would issue a favorable opinion RIGHT AWAY on the 29th....(we have heard of some cases not being "made official" for a day or two or more...YIKES!)

Anyway...there you have it!.... In the meantime (17 days between here and there) We are staying busy with fun stuff like CIS appointments (YES! Our fingerprints are going to expire 11/20) and we are also working on a DOG WASH FUNDRAISER!!! (Stay tuned!)

Fingerprints Expire {ugh!}

2010-10-12T11:25:00.000-05:00

UGH. Our CIS fingerprints expire on 11/20!!! So this means we have to travel up to Fort Worth and get our biometrics updated. Fun stuff. Just when you thought you were done with paperwork and jumping through hoops...think again.

We've got an appointment for the 26th, but with MOWA on the 29th and travel set for the 30th for Court on the 2nd....I think we are going to try and show up sometime this week and hope they will take us without early without an appointment. (I am not feeling warm and fuzzy about playing it so close!)

I have read lots of stories about CIS/fingerprint drama.....and I think it almost always works out...so I trying to stay calm, cool and collected.. Not easy. 17 days and counting...

H.O.P.E. {While we sleep}

2010-10-06T16:34:00.010-05:00

Since receiving the BAD NEWS, we have gotten our hearts and our minds around things and are feeling much better. Everything looks better in the light of a new day...and even better after a couple of sleeps.

Without going into too many details about our case or about the BIG MIX UP...here is the skinny:

We didn't pass court because Justice's birth Mother was unable to make it. (she has been detained)

So the court(s) in the region where she is now and in Addis have to work as a team and arrange for her to be transported to appear in court (MOWA).

Right now, we have a new date of 10/29 for MOWA and a new second court date (to appear) of 11/2....(once we pass on 10/29) This would give us approximately 72 hours (give or take) to get from Texas to Ethiopia, see our daughter and then appear in court. (YIKES!)

So....(since these dates are less than ideal....) tomorrow (tonight while we sleep) is a BIG DAY!!!

An in country (Ethiopia) representative from our agency will go and plead our case to a judge asking for a THIRD new MOWA date and a new summons for birth Mom to appear on said NEW MOWA DATE.

With all of that being said (sorry...I know it's confusing) This is what we are asking and believing for:

We are asking for GOD'S BEST. We are asking for mountains to be moved and for all the pieces to be fit together. We are asking favor and mercy and more favor!

We will keep you all updated as soon as we hear anything. Thanks again from the bottom of our hearts for your continued love and prayers and encouragement.

BAD NEWS. {an update}

2010-10-05T14:50:00.007-05:00

It's true. WE DID NOT PASS COURT after all.

Last Thursday we were told that we PASSED our MOWA court date. But sadly, yesterday, we got the call from our caseworker telling us that we actually DID NOT pass. That our case had been mixed up with another case.

Needless to say it came as a HUGE shock and we have been walking through a lot of disappointment. We were moving at top speed preparing to board a plane this Saturday and it's hard switch gears...really hard.

While we are not thrilled or happy about ANY of this, we DO have a lot to be thankful for and we want to do our best to focus on those things.

First and foremost.... Justice is fine. She is safe and happy and is being VERY well cared for. She is still OUR GIRL and we know that even though this delay is painful.... we will have her in our arms soon. We will bring her home soon. (just not as soon as we thought)

Our MOWA court has been re-scheduled for 10/29. To be honest, we are not overly thrilled that the date is so far down the calendar, BUT we are still thankful to have a date. As far as our second court date (to appear)...That is still pretty sketchy. Hopefully, we will know more about that soon.

There you have it. (for now.) Please pray for all the moving pieces both seen and unseen. That every piece would be shifted and moved into place. Quickly. AND that we would be covered in peace and with wisdom and continued grace for the journey. That we would trust and believe.

..."The mountains melt like wax before the LORD, before the Lord of all the earth".
Psalm 97:5

www Weirdness.

2010-10-04T08:38:00.004-05:00

It's a sad day. ~~Our~~ the Mathews family.net domain now belongs to someone in Australia. Weird.

We changed emails awhile ago and (in the midst of our adoption fog) clearly I must have forgotten to give godaddy the new one. With that, we didn't receive the notice that our domain was going to expire. Sometime between when it expired and now...our domain was purchased and it is no longer belongs to us.

The good news is that it happened BEFORE our trip (we leave in 5 days!) The bad news..I don't have time to deal with it now so for now...

We will be parked here: http://themathewsblog.blogspot.com/

Please bookmark us!

Good News AND an Update!

2010-10-02T11:00:00.002-05:00

We got the GOOD NEWS on Thursday early afternoon that we PASSED MOWA!!! Needless to say this is THE BEST NEWS and we are on cloud nine around here! This means that everything is a GO and we have hit the ground running. (Yard work, errands, packing, loose ends galore....)

AND...if that isn't enough....we got another update on Justice yesterday along with the most AMAZING picture.(still can't post pictures of baby girl until after our second court date 10/12)

Here's what the update said!:

H .has such a happy and playful spirit! Every time I see her, she is always smiling and welcomes any stranger that might come into the room. Although she is very social, she seems to be content playing with toys by herself too - as long as she is sitting right in the middle of friends so she doesn’t miss any of the action. When I visited today, she was singing her little heart out! Each time she would catch me looking at her she would flash her beautiful smile and tell me to come play with her. She is absolutely adorable!

We travel ONE WEEK from today which means that in just 8 short days....we will have our sweet girl in our arms!

Ready....Set...Go!

Paying it Forward {our turn!}

2010-09-24T10:18:00.000-05:00

It's time!!! Yay!!! It's time for us to Pay it Forward!!!! (and I can hardly wait!)

I cannot tell you what a gift and gigantic blessing it has been each time we have received a picture, video and or update about Justice. As soon as we received our referral, I emailed every family that I ~~had been stalking~~ knew was already in Addis or that would be traveling soon....

Everyone was more than happy to visit Justice and take pictures and video. And let me just say that those pictures were not only a sort of life line while we have been waiting to travel but will be treasured forever and always!

So...We can't wait to Pay it forward and we will be more than honored to deliver care packages, hugs, kisses and love...and take pictures, video too!

Please email us directly at: mail AT themathewsfam DOT net.

Please include your child's name, age, which house they are in and a picture. If you would like for us to deliver a care package- you will need to get it to us pretty soon (we travel in LESS than 2 weeks!!)

Shower & One Week {MOWA}

2010-09-23T11:49:00.001-05:00

Ok…So- WOW. Sometimes this journey still feels like a time warp of some kind. Time is FLYING and STALLING in a strange simultaneous fashion. (and it probably doesn't help that I am holding my breath ALOT which = a lack of much needed oxygen) At any rate….our MOWA court date is ONE WEEK FROM TODAY. ONE WEEK. Nine days later…it's off into the wild blue!

Since I last posted, there has been all kinds of excitement! Aside from the normal (continued) nesting and packing and such…Last week was homecoming week (which brings all kinds of extra this’s and that’s…) AND three of my sweet girlfriends hosted a beautiful shower for Justice!

There were THE MOST yummy cupcakes and goodies and can I just say that I really enjoyed having a baby shower and NOT BEING the size of a small barn! (While I LOVED having my sweet beautiful babies and there were special moments in my pregnancies…overall…I was not the most comfortable or attractive pregnant person in the universe so……) Anyway.. It was a gigantic blessing! Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Back to looking ahead. (I DO LONG for Living in the moment, really… I DO!) Our MOWA court date.

For those of you in the adoption community, you get this. IT’S BIG. For those of you who are not…trust me….IT’S BIG! Basically in a nut shell….This is when the courts (Ministry of Women’s Affairs) in Ethiopia rule favorable or (not) for our adoption to move forward. WE ARE BELIEVING THIS IS GOING TO BE a favorable decision. (period) Thank you Jesus!

Once we pass through..like I said…We are off and running (flying) just 9 days later and should see our girl (face-to-face) on the 10th of October!! COULD THIS BE MORE EXCITING????

And HEY!!!…While I’m typing away (and not sure when the next post will be) I want to give a SHOUT OUT and say Thanks to all of you out there who have been and are and continue to pray for our family and for our sweet girl Justice!!! …And for all of you who have helped us in so many ways! THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!

If you have one eye on yesterday, and one eye on tomorrow, you're going to be cockeyed today. -Anonymous

Don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today. (Matthew 6:27, 34)

Nesting and Gladney Friends

2010-09-10T09:05:00.002-05:00

The "nesting" instinct has officially set in. They say that "nesting" is an uncontrollable urge to clean one's house brought on by a desire to prepare a nest for the new baby, to tie up loose ends of old projects and to organize your world...

I am here to tell you that "They" (whoever THEY are...) are 100% correct. I am in an ~~almost~~ uncontrollable state all right!...AND I fully admit that I may be ~~a little bit~~ obsessed.

As far as the house...We had a garage sale last week (which by the way raised over $500 for our traveling costs!!!) so I cleaned out every closet and every drawer. Now...it's about organizing and finishing all of those pesky unfinished projects. Which really does FEEL GREAT!! I really do love "a place for everything and everything in it's place!"

We ~~finally~~ made our reservations at a guest house...which was a huge relief. (one less thing!!) I am excited to know of at least one other family that will be at the same guest house and even more excited that our kids (who are in the same Gladney house now...) will be able to hang out and play during our stay.

It's been a great comfort to chat with other Gladney Mommy's (I heart you all already!) who are going to be staying for Embassy. (I think there are at least 5 that I know of?) I am thinking we are going to have a blast and forge some life-long friendships in the process! Wow...what a journey!

28 days....(and counting.)

A Shot in the Arm {or 5!}

2010-09-02T09:00:00.001-05:00

This week is flying by! And yesterday was a GREAT DAY!

We got a really fun update on Justice and a funny picture. She is FULL of personality and energy and apparently...a little bossy too! Here is what the update said:

Still full of energy, this one! Nothing’s changed on that front. Today, I watched her play with the other H. in her house—who is over twice her age, by the way—and boss her around. It was pretty cute. She had many things to tell her, none of which the older H. did. Nevertheless, H. wanted her the older one to know that play was serious, and that it needed to be done in a certain way. The younger H. was smiling and laughing the whole time and so was the older one. It was a delight to observe.

AND more good news!...

We also can officially cross TRAVEL SHOTS off of our TO-DO-LIST! I won't say it was fun...

But a few hundred dollars (closer to four hundred), over three hours WAITING, some POKES and Bruises, sore arms... (AND some lite flu like symptoms)...WE ARE DONE and one step closer to getting on that plane!

34 days!

Should I stay or should I go?

2010-08-30T22:30:00.003-05:00

Since our referral and then our quick court date- time has started to flly! (just 39 days until we travel!) And until just a few days ago.....We had a BIG decision to make.

Was I going to going to stay in Ethiopia and wait for our embassy appointment or was I going to head home for a few weeks and then travel back?

Not an easy decision. I'm pretty sure we went back and forth a few ~~hundred~~ times. Bottom line: I'm staying! Now that we have decided, I can't really see it any other way. There are ALOT of good reasons to stay, but the most important reason? In a word, Justice. (JOY!)

We plan on taking placement as soon as possible after we pass court! This will give Jeff and the kids a few days with her before they head back to the good ol' US of A. Then, it will be me and the little Missy solo. (along with a few guest house buddies I hope!)

I'm actually REALLY excited about having this extra time to bond with Justice outside of our soon to be "normal" day-to-day life....And I'm thinking it's going to be a pretty special time for both of us. (big happy tears rolling down face)

I'm hopeful that we can break through the language barrier at least a little bit and work though any " kinks" before we make that LONG FLIGHT HOME!?

The whole thing is like a DREAM!

In the meantime.....I've got to get focused. Focused on....

More fundrasing...ANOTHER garage sale (this Saturday!) AND a car wash....(hopefully next Sunday..) Still putting items on my online store and selling things on ebay too!

Endless house projects (safety locks on cabinets, etc....) And loose ends like..

We've got all our travel shots except for that darn yellow fever!!!!...-so that's on our TO DO LIST.

AND while we DO have our tickets booked...(Thank you Jesus!) WE still DON'T know where we are going to stay.(it's tricky cause we don't know how long I will be staying!) We've gotta figure that one out asap. ( I think we are between two choices at this point?)

Luckily...I don't have to start packing just yet but I'm starting to think that is going to be a super BIG project and I may need a few tips. (hint-hint!)

And The Winner is......

2010-08-25T18:01:00.000-05:00

At ~~exactly~~ 5pm, Jordan- My beautiful daughter and faithful assistant took a minute out of homework time (and just after getting her travel shots!) to pick our winner!

Kelly Raudenbush!!!!...CONGRATS GIRL!!! (please send me your mailing address and I will get all this amazing stuff on it's way to your door!! Whoo-hoo!)

Kelly and her family our part of the adoption community! You can visit them on their family blog AND you have got to check out their website; We Are Grafted In....LOVE IT!!

Thank you, thank you, thank you to all of you who participated in our GIGANTIC GIVEAWAY! AND

Thanks again to all of you who donated merchandise and artworks to our giveaway!! (we could not have done it without you!!! YOU ARE THE BOMB!

Is your name in the bowl? {GIVEAWAY!!}

2010-08-25T10:35:00.004-05:00

The Bowl! {Giveaway Entries}

Hurry! There are only (approx) 7 hours left to be a part of our GIGANTIC GIVEAWAY!!!!

This giveaway ends tonight (Wednesday 8/25) at 5 O'clock PM! We will pick a name from the bowl at 5pm and announce the winner shortly there after! (We will take pictures or maybe even video of the drawing!)

Thank you so much for supporting us in our journey to Ethiopia! (We travel October 9th!...JUST 44 days!!)

Just scroll down to enter.....

GIVEAWAY! {3 more days!!!!}

2010-08-23T09:31:00.000-05:00

Our Gigantic Giveaway has THREE MORE DAYS until we pick a winner! This basket is FULL of amazing jewelry, tshirts, baby items....Here are just a few things inside.

To read more AND to take part in our giveway just scroll down to previous post!

Thank YOU!!!

Gigantic Giveaway! {YAY!}

2010-08-18T17:00:00.013-05:00

It's a Gigantic Giveaway !

A $331.95 Value- This basket is filled to the brim with unique items that have been generously donated to benefit our travel costs to Ethiopia, Africa in October.

Here's what's in the basket!

Ethiopia map pendant by Life a bit sweeter ($20 Value)

Map of Ethiopia on glass pendant. The pendant measures 2" x 2" and are packaged with a 16" silver-plated snake chain. Front of pendant: Country Map Back of pendant: Text reads "147 Million Orphans Minus One" Follow this families adoption journey at www.lifeabitsweeter/blogspot.com

Ethiopia Glass Magnets by Hand Crafted Hope ($5 Value)

This set of 4 Ethiopia themed 3/4 inch glass marble magnets are sure to spruce up your fridge, file cabinet or where ever! It includes one silhouette of Africa with a heart over Ethiopia, one silhouette of Ethiopia, one Ethiopian Flag, and one Ethiopian star. (Plus some really cute glass thumb tacks too!)

Safari Zoo Bib, Wipe Case and Pacifier Holder by New Life Artworks ($20 Value)

This super cute set is made with designer 100% cotton fabrics. Bib and pacifier holder are machine washable. Makes a great gift!

Let Love Grow Coffee Cuff by Love Psalm 21 ($10 Value)

This re-usable coffee cuff features a sweet, little tree (Oatmeal with orange tree) All 'Let Love Grow' products come with a beautiful hang tag ready for gift giving.

I Heart Ethiopia Bracelet by Adopting Ainsley ($42 Value)

Sterling Silver Disc bracelet made by Heather Curry. Adopting Ainsley is donating 25% of purchases made in August to our travel costs when you mention "The Mathews Family" at checkout! (THANKS GUYS!)

Africa Onesie AND an ADOPT AFRICA Magnet from One Chosen ($15 Value)

Brown safari animals silk screened in the shape of Africa on yellow Laughing Giraffe onesie. 100% Cotton.

Roasted Ethiopian Coffee (1 lb) from Wild Cat Coffee ($12 Value)

Wildcat Coffee Company is a small coffee roasting company that offers organic farm gate roasted-to-order coffee.

Africa Applique Bib from Adopt Africa ($9 Value)

Super cute white terry cloth bib with Africa/Frog applique. AND...Please visit Adopt Africa's website and check out her digital blog designs. Super creative blog headers, buttons and more!

"Enat" Pendant by Dos Bestios by ($20)
"Enat" means Mother in Amharic. Black and White pendant measures 7/8” x 7/8” this pendant comes with a silver bail and is finished with glaze. Comes in a matching gift tin

Little Africa Teething Toy ($12 Value)
Little Sapling Toys make wood teethers, organic blocks, Montessori toys, safe infant and toddler toys, modern rocking horses, traditional rattles and more - eco friendly and made in USA these organic wood toys are natural, eco-friendly toys AND... They Plant a tree for every toy sold!

Vintage Map Sterling Necklace by DLK Designs ($41 Value)
Round pendant measures approximately .75 of an inch. Each pendant comes with an 18 inch sterling silver ball chain.

Simply Love T-Shirt ($24.95 Value)
Front: "SIMPLY LOVE" (in red) with Africa Design. Back: Stamped Style Font: "MAN UP! Protect and love the fatherless" In Army Green Color. These T-Shirts are Unisex fit! Super soft roomy and comfy

One less Orphan..." T-shirt from Sewn in my heart ($20.00 Value)
This custom design t-shirt says: "One less orphan without a family tree"You can read more about this family and their adoption process on their blog: Flip Flops and lip gloss!

Lavender Africa Bib ($5 Value)

Cute Lavender Bib (100% cotton) Africa Applique front/ flannel material on the back (not pictured)

Africa Note Cards by Sugar Britches ($6 Value)

These cards have Africa on them and Ethiopia is highlighted with a little heart. The paper is mounted on Kraft card stock. The measurements are 4"x5.5". The inside of the card is blank

"Fly" Pendant by Crimson Cat Studios ($20)

This mixed media pendant was created on a domino! A beautiful purple butterfly with with word "fly" with some pretty blue bling! BEAUTIFUL!

Two BEAUTIFUL Fused Glass Pendants by Peace of Mind ($50 Value)

These are just beautiful! Made with fused glass and metal, these pendants are gorgeous! One is a seahorse stamped on white glass on a aqua glass background, the other, two pieces of melted glass (one a dragon fly) on a stamped metal back. (See picture) And don't forget to visit Peace of Mind on the web!

Here's how you enter this gigantic, super cool (THINK CHRISTMAS GIFTS!!!) Giveaway...

Donate $5 (or more) to our adoption fund. Each $5 donation buys your name in the bowl!
(one entry per $5 donation)

(THIS GIVEAWAY HAS EXPIRED!)
THEN.....IF YOU MAKE A DONATION: (this is how you can get more chances to win)
After you have made your donation and the various other added GET YOUR NAME IN THE BOWL choices...comment and tell us WHAT YOU DID. Be sure to include your email so we can let you know when you win!! (POSITIVE THINKING!)

This giveaway will go for one (1) WEEK Starting today (Wednesday at 5pm!) That means it ends next Wednesday (Wednesday- August 25th at 5pm SHARP!)

We will then (You guessed it) Pick a name from the BOWL! (we will taken pictures and have a witness to verify PICK!) and announce the winner via POSTING ON OUR BLOG and EMAIL.

Thank you in advance from the bottom of our hearts for being a part of our giveaway!

UPDATE! {and 2 months!}

2010-08-09T10:30:00.001-05:00

2 months = 60.8736998 days (but who's counting?)

So...we've got: GOOD NEWS and GOOD NEWS!!!

We got the BEST update on our girl last week along with a super fun picture too! She is so precious AND spunky and cute.... we can handle stand it!!!

Here's what the update said:

Well, H. is still the little bundle of cuteness and spunk she was last month. Today, as I was trying to take her picture near a door that looked out back toward the kitchen, she kept “flirting” with the gardener who outside the kitchen talking to one of the cooks. The gardener got a big kick out of her “hide-and-seek” game, as did I. She is such the charmer and delightful little ball of energy. I find it difficult not to pinch her cheeks constantly when I visit her!

AND.....

We travel 2 months from TODAY for court and will finally get to meet her and hold her and LOVE her in person!!

YAY!

Amharic {and the language barrier}

2010-07-31T11:57:00.000-05:00

As we approach the final stretch in our adoption process (we travel the first week of October for court!!) I am painfully aware of the fact that we know ZERO Amharic.

Does anyone out there know how/much and what words will be the most helpful. Our daughter is just learning Amharic herself and is just 26 months old.

Any advice or helpful hits regarding language and the barrier that we will face is welcomed and NEEDED.

So far, I have discovered this site and it looks pretty good!:

Amharic Kids is a great resource for Ethiopian adoptive family's. It was born out of a family's adoption journey.

It's got great Ethiopian cultural and language (Amharic) information and helps as well as books, toys and other items related to Ethiopia and Ethiopian adoption.

For those of you needing to brush up on your Amharic (like us!), click on Amharic to find a awesome Pronunciation guide. From there, you can click on the Words & Alphabet links for sound clips of common words and phrases.

Fundraising Efforts Continue {T-Shirts}

2010-07-25T17:47:00.004-05:00

We are super excited to announce that we are now selling SIMPLY LOVE T-Shirts!

We are selling the shirts to raise money to help pay for our travel to Ethiopia and for humanitarian aid. We will be putting our first order in any day- so order yours today! (price includes shipping!!!)

Right now we are offering three awesome designs/colors. (click image to enlarge) *You can easily order your t-shirt here using paypal and/or any credit/debit card. (Click the style/size you would like and click Add to Cart!

Woman's-Alternative Apparel Vintage Fitted Cut (Espresso)

Front: SIMPLY LOVE (in blue) with blue swirls and Africa design. Back: "Love will always find a way" (in white). This shirt is super soft and slim- form fitting longer cut with cap sleeve. (We recommend ordering 1 size bigger due to slim cut)

100% combed ringspun cotton.
Regular fit. (although fits SLIM)
Tapered waist.

Unisex Soft Style (Black)

Front: SIMPLY LOVE (in white) With blue swirls and Africa design. Back: "Love will always find a way". In Black. These T-Shirts are true Unisex! Super soft roomy and comfy fit. Perfect for Women and Men alike!

100% preshrunk ringspun cotton jersey.
Seamless double-needle stitched collar.
Taped neck and shoulders.

Men's Unisex-(Army Green)

Front: "SIMPLY LOVE" (in red) with Africa Design. Back: Stamped Style Font: "MAN UP! Protect and love the fatherless" In Army Green Color. These T-Shirts are Unisex fit! Super soft roomy and comfy fit.

100% preshrunk combed ringspun cotton.
Taped shoulder-to-shoulder.
TearAway™ label.
Fashion fit.

**Please allow two (2) weeks for delivery

**If you would prefer to send a money order or check please email or comment.

Thank you!

COURT DATE {YAY!}

2010-07-14T12:29:00.002-05:00

WE HAVE A COURT DATE!!!!

WOW...What a suprise! Kristen called this morning with a court date! (two actually). We still have to wait until after the rainy season, but our MOWA date is September 30 and our Court date (the one when we travel AND get to visit baby girl!) is on October 12! This means we will travel October 10th-17th!

It is the best news to actually have DATES!!!! Now we can really focus in on all the to-do's around the house and in preparation for baby girl's homecoming!!!! (which will be 2-6 weeks after we pass court)

** Side note: This is a picture of me looking SUPER EXCITED (taken yesterday). Jordan said "look excited" when taking my picture to promote our Simply Love/Africa T-shirts! We are selling them to raise money for our travel expenses and humanitarian aid for orphans in Ethiopia!

Now...not only am I excited about our T-shirts...I'm SUPER EXCITED about our court dates!

What an amazing surprise!

After the rain {Peace}

2010-07-12T11:09:00.003-05:00

We have ~~officially~~ missed the window. The very small window of time that would have been considered a miracle. It would have been a miracle to receive a court date in time before rainy season. (The Ethiopian courts close for the rainy season- August thu late September or October)

So...looks like we will see our girl ...hold our girl...and bring our girl home- sometime AFTER THE RAIN.

While we love a good miracle over here at the Mathews ...We are OK with it. Really. As a matter of fact, it's more than just OK. There is PEACE.

And after ALL we've been through (so far)....

Let's hear it for PEACE!

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you: not as the world gives, give I to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

John 14:27

JUSTICE JARS {Fundraising}

2010-07-10T11:11:00.000-05:00

Our Justice Jars have help us raise over $400 to date!

***From original JUSTICE JAR POST

These are JUSTICE JARS!

We have been busy making these cute little jars using recycled jars of all shapes & sizes, decorative papers, stickers, threads, buttons, bling, glue, paint, and a whole bunch of love!

Over the next few days & weeks we will be delivering JUSTICE JARS to friends and family.

It is our hope that JUSTICE JARS will serve a three-fold purpose:

1. Serve as a tangible reminder in your home to prompt you to pray for our adoption process, our daughter Justice and for the millions of orphans world-wide.

2. To collect donations to help with the travel costs to Ethiopia.

3. To raise money for humanitarian aid items that we will hand deliver to orphanages that we will be visiting while we are in Ethiopia.

If you would like a Justice Jar, please comment or email (mail AT themathewsfam DOT net) us and we will get it to you right away!

Thanks!

Get ready!...Get Set...WAIT.

2010-07-07T10:23:00.001-05:00

We are still on cloud nine since receiving our referral. Our sweet girl's little face is all over the house, in our phones, on our computers.....everywhere! And I think I watch the clip of video that we have of her (Thanks Billy!) at least 3 times a day.....

And while we are in the clouds.....the reality is that we are back to WAITING. A NEW kind of waiting. Waiting for our court date. Which....will probably be sometime after the rainy season. UGH. (more on that in another post).

This stage in the adoption process is the HURRY UP and WAIT stage. Hurry up because you never know...we just may be the exception to the rule and get a court date with lightening speed and so WE NEED TO BE READY!

Aside from the fact that being prepared is a GOOD THING....The best way I know to WAIT is to keep busy.

So, I'm back to keeping ~~too~~ busy AND I've got my lists to prove it! When I say lists I do mean LISTS...plural with an an S. (meaning more than one!)

Aside from the normal, day-to-day to do's ....

I've got a list of things to do in baby girl's room, a list of gear and clothing we need for baby girl, a list of things I would like to get done around the house, a list of fund-raising projects, (ie: t-shirts, a potential car wash, a cut-a-thon and possibly yet another garage sale?)... I've got a list of things to get done in my studio/my online store, and or course...I've got a list of things to do before we can travel and soon...(like today) I will have to start a packing list as well. YIKES!

And OH.... YES!!!! (Although it's not on any of my lists.) Let's not forget...our biggest TO DO is....to remember to enjoy the journey! AND breath...(in through the nose and out through the mouth.) Seriously, it helps.

The Call {Story}

2010-06-24T23:59:00.003-05:00

I should mention (disclaimer here) that my feet have not touched the ground just yet...my head is still WAY up in the clouds...and I can't take my eyes off of our girl's BEAUTIFUL face for more than just a few moments...so I hope the following isn't' too all over the place.

I will start by saying that yesterday was a hard day. I had a ~~near~~ meltdown. I can honestly say that I could feel the knot that I tied to the end of my rope ... unwinding. (You know....."when you are at the end of your rope...tie a knot and hang on"...??? Well, THAT knot...was unwinding and I felt like I was falling.)

After a good nights sleep I felt better although not in the best of moods. I didn't bother to dress cute, do my hair and make-up or check the battery on the camera. (like most days in WAITING)

I just didn't have hope for today. (Sad, but true) I was NOT full of faith for our referral and I was already bracing myself for another week to pass by...(I wish I could say I JUST KNEW IT WAS THE DAY...but I just didn't)

With that, Today was a pretty "normal" day. I got busy around the house, worked in my studio, helped Jeff with some stuff on the boat, took a swim, had a sandwich (mentioned to Jeff -like a hundred times before...that; "tomorrow was Friday already"...) and headed back out to the studio.

I was just plugging in my glue gun when my cell phone went off. (it was 2:49 PM) I just barely glanced over at it and...THERE IT WAS! 817!

I think I said "NO WAY!" and as I answered....and seriously...my heart felt like it would jump out of my chest as I said:; (barely) "HELLO?????.

Kristen kind of laughed and said "Hi Christine...this is Kristen.....THIS IS IT!...I have your referral"...

I started to cry and laugh and cry and started to babble (yep...I'm pretty sure I babbled) and headed into the house to get Jeff (he works from home). I said..."I'm not letting you off the phone, ok????" She said, "OK"..."no problem...

When I walked into his office, he was on a business call, which I completely ignored- waving the phone (~~sort of~~ like a crazy person) trying to get the words out...I said.."Referral...it's our referral...it's Kristen"...

He just looked at me with this confused look on his face for what seemed like forever and then HE GETS IT AND SAYS..."OH....WOW...OK!"...and quickly explains what's going on to his client and gets off the phone.

While we set up the laptop and then waited for the emails to come through; I set up the camera on the tri-pod (I somehow found it and it was charged!), brushed my hair and thru it up into a clip thing, put on some chap-stick (at least, right?) and OF COURSE...grabbed the Kleenex box!

So we get set all set...in front of the laptop...and we ask the first BIG QUESTION:

How old is she? (2!) TEARS. Laughter...More tears..

then a few details...WOW!.....(more on that later...)

and then...the big moment....the pictures! (26 of them!)

All I can say is that in the split second when I first set my eyes on her sweet little face ...I FELT THE BIGGEST WAVE OF RELIEF AND JOY AND LOVE.....She is healthy and beautiful...and PRECIOUS!! She is perfect!!

And YES...That moment was more than worth the wait. MORE than worth it.

REFERRAL!!!!!!!

2010-06-24T17:18:00.000-05:00

She is more beautiful than we could have ever imagined!!! WORTH EVERY SINGLE SECOND!!!!

25 months...big brown eyes, sweet litte lips...spunky personality!

More details soon...

WE ARE OVER THE MOON!!!

Eight {8!}

2010-06-15T15:00:00.000-05:00

Eight (8) yes....EIGHT months!

Well, well, well. We hit the 8 month mark. Can't really believe it....Just DID NOT think it would (in a GAZILLION years) take over 8 months for our referral. Yet...we are are. Still waiting.

So ...we are trying really hard not to think about court closing for rainy season or worry about the TWO trips to Ethiopia and all the details...all the t's that still will need to be crossed..AND all the .i's that remain to be DOTTED...

Trying to focus on all the good things going on in our lives (countless blessings!) and live in each moment....

AND....as always...the good news is that with everyday that passes, we are ONE DAY closer to seeing our baby girl's precious face. AND we know WITHOUT a doubt that it (all of it) will be worth it....MORE THAN WORTH IT ALL.

Keeping Busy. Getting Crafty. Raising Money.

2010-05-19T10:51:00.007-05:00

With the beautiful spring weather (and while waiting of course!) I have been spending a lot of time in my studio getting crafty. I have fired up my sewing machine and have been sewing up a storm!

I am adding new items to my online store DAILY and have big plans in the coming days and weeks for some really neat items for babies, toddlers and grown-ups too!

Please visit my online store and take a peek....(and feel free to share ie: facebook, blog, email....)

ALL proceeds benefit our travel expenses to Ethiopia (we will travel TWICE) and humanitarian aid items.

I LOVE special orders, so if you have something unique in mind just shoot me an email (info AT newlifeartworks DOT COM) or comment.

Thanks!

New Life Artworks

Etsy: Your place to buy & sell all things handmade
newlifeartworks.etsy.com

Seven Months {NO WAY!}

2010-05-15T08:41:00.002-05:00

Seven {7} months and still waiting...

No Way! Right?!
That's what I said. A few months ago I was going through the calendar "planning" our upcoming meetings, birthdays, parties, trips and such...When I hit March I marked; "5 months waiting" ...( thinking...oh I hope not...)

And then skipped to April 15th and wrote "TAX DAY and 6 months waiting" (Thinking to myself...NO WAY!...We won't see 6 months waiting!...) .

Then ..I quickly flipped to May and there it was. May 15th- staring back at me nestled between Jeff's birthday, Mother's Day and Kyle's BIG 20th....and I thought NOPE...it's never going happen...I HAVE FAITH. And so....I didn't even mark it.

NO WAY in my wildest dreams (or worst nightmares) would I have thought we would wait for 7 months to see our precious girl's little face. Surely not after all the drama we've gone through during this process....(the average wait for a toddler age child has been 4-5.5 months)

Think again. Wrong. ouch.

But....Here we are. 7 months! and we wait....(pushing in and pressing on!!!!)

PS.

And No. I have not marked June 15th "8 months waiting"... June 15th is our oldest Son's 25th birthday (yes, you read that correctly....and yes...we are a little bit crazy!) That day is officially taken...so let's just hope we have made it through the waiting before then!

Sending up prayers, crossing my fingers and my my toes!

Cookies 4 Kids!

2010-05-03T16:31:00.001-05:00

For a limited time (May 3-16), all Pei Wei restaurants in AZ and TX will be selling Cookies4Kids (Double Chocolate Chunk Oatmeal Cookie for $1.00). All proceeds from this promotion will benefit Gladney’s (Our adoption agency!) humanitarian aid efforts around the world.

6 Months Waiting {and Stalking}

2010-04-15T09:41:00.002-05:00

Six (6) Months on Wait List! UGH.

We never thought we would see the 6 month mark. But...here we are. Waiting. Waiting. Waiting Waiting.

As far as we have yet to go...we have come a long way.

Yesterday I looked out the window to see the mail man stop at our mailbox, and I was reminded... There was a day that we waited for the mail man EVERYDAY. We were mailbox stalkers. (I wonder if our mail man thought we were weird?)

Then..we graduated to stalking email. I had the volume turned up on my computer as loud as it can go and set to DING-DONG whenever an email came from Gladney. We were email stalkers.

Now....we stalk our cell phones. (and I stalk Jeff's phone AND the land line too...just in case) The only time I don't have my cell phone right next to me or in my back pocket is when I'm in the shower....

And oh...We (or I should clarify...I...) Stalk ALL adoption blogs. I am an adoption blog stalker. I guess it helps me to know that I am not alone. AND I have learned SO MUCH through my adoption blog stalking! So much wisdom and inspiration...So encouraging to see picutres and read stories of those who have gone before us!

Aside from all the stalking...

We are keeping busy while we wait. (And we are having a lot of fun too.) We have our big kids (who are amazing!!!) and some great friends.....Jeff is super busy at work and I always have several unfinished and in progress projects going at all times.

I have all but finished the munchkins room...(actually it's dangerously close to being overdone?....) I have been busy crafting and sewing up a storm. I have almost completed a new website for the salon... I have been working out a lot. (it's better than eating) I do yoga several times a week which helps me to breath (in and out) and relax..... and oh... I shop.

Although... it's hard to shop for the munchkin since we don't know how old she is or her size, etc....so shopping is limited and a bit frustrating at this point. (Confession: I had a mini meltdown at Target in the munchkin department last week...but that's another post...)

ANYWAY....All that to say.... Six (6) months.....CHECK!

OOh-OO Child....

2010-03-27T08:04:00.000-05:00

This one goes out to all the waiting Mommy's and Daddy's out there....

Ooh-oo child, things are gonna get easier
Ooh-oo child, things'll get brighter
Ooh-oo child, things are gonna get easier
Ooh-oo child, things'll be brighter

Some day, yeah
We'll put it together and we'll get it all done
Some day
When your head is much lighter
Some day, yeah
We'll walk in the rays of a beautiful sun
Some day
When the world is much brighter

Ooh-oo child, things are gonna be easier
Ooh-oo child, things'll be brighter
Ooh-oo child, things are gonna be easier
Ooh-oo child, things'll be brighter

Some day, yeah
We'll put it together and we'll get it all done
Some day
When your head is much lighter
Some day, yeah
We'll walk in the rays of a beautiful sun
Some day
When the world is much brighter

Some day, some day, some day
We'll get it together and we'll get it all done
Some day
When your head is much lighter
Some day, some day, some day
We'll walk in the rays of a beautiful sun
Some day
When the world is much brighter

Ooh-oo child, things are gonna get easier
Ooh-oo child, things'll be brighter
Ooh-oo child, things are gonna get easier
Ooh-oo child, things'll be brighter

Right now
You just wait and see how things are gonna be
Right now...

5 Months {waiting}

2010-03-15T11:37:00.000-05:00

We've Been on Wait List 5 Months Today!

Because we hit so many other "road blocks" early on in our adoption process....We really believed that we would zoom through wait list and on to Court...

Clearly things don't always go the way we think or the way we want. And as far as Believing...We still believe. It's just about the timing....

While there are good days and bad days in the the midst of the waiting.....we will wait. We will wait for as long as it takes. And it will be worth every second.

I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living
Psalm 27:13

"It may be Friday...but Sunday's comin'!"

Red Tape and Hoops

2010-03-13T10:34:00.001-06:00

Early in the week, the US State Department announced that visa processing for children adopted from Ethiopia will take on new requirements, which may cause a slight delay in the process. (ya think?!)

Then, on Wednesday, the second notice came. Effective immediately, federal courts in Ethiopia require families to travel twice; once for court date to meet your child prior to adoption, allowing the judge to make any necessary inquiries and the second trip to pick up your child once you have passed court and their visa has been processed.

The extra red tape & hoops, time (more waiting!), cost and just overall stress these changes bring is tough and disappointing to say the least...But the real thing that I'm having trouble with is the idea of being with our daughter for 5 days and then leaving her behind (for 3-6 weeks). When I think of leaving her...it makes my head spin and my stomach flip. (although I am trying to take the wise advice of another Gladney adopting family and NOT FOCUS on that right now...)

There is good news. We will see and hold our daughter sooner than later.....AND we have been given yet another opportunity to trust and walk in faith for perfect timing, financial provision...ETC....

And it's true...when the going gets tough ...the tough KEEP GOING. We are resolved and determined to bring our daughter home. No mater the red tape or how many hoops we have to jump through....we will cut through it...we will jump!

We will not be moved.

A {Dream} is a wish your heart makes

2010-03-03T16:54:00.005-06:00

Dream Pillow for Baby J.

With each stitch my thoughts were set on our sweet Baby J.. While I added the final touch of trim I had this little song from Cinderella swirling around in my head. It's almost 2 O'clock am in Ethiopia. Sweet Dreams little one.

A Dream is a wish your heart makes
A dream is a wish your heart makes
When you're fast asleep
In dreams you lose your heartaches
Whatever you wish for, you keep
Have faith in your dreams and someday
Your rainbow will come smiling thru
No matter how your heart is grieving
If you keep on believing
the dream that you wish will come true

Here's the video clip!

Do Something. Now.

2010-03-03T15:01:00.001-06:00

Do Something Now from Children's HopeChest on Vimeo.

To get involved in helping the widow and and the orphan, visit hopechest.org for more information.

Anticipation {4 month Mark}

2010-02-15T08:59:00.001-06:00

Four (4) months on Wait List!

That's right....four months on the wait list today!

In some ways it's gone pretty fast..but it ultimately, waiting for our referral has been the hardest WAIT we've ever experienced in the Mathews house to date.

Just when you think the level of anticipation can't get any higher...you turn around to find another month crossed off the calendar.

"Anticipation or being enthusiastic, is an emotion involving pleasure (and sometimes anxiety) in considering some expected or longed-for good event, irritation at having to wait."

Closed Today

2010-02-12T12:43:00.000-06:00

Snow in Texas!

Snow day in Texas + "Gladney's Fort Worth Office will be closed Friday, February 12, 2010 due to inclement weather!" (facebook post) = NO REFERRAL TODAY.

TOMS!

2010-02-09T12:40:00.006-06:00

Buy Shoes. Give Shoes. Help Us. (Click on shoes!)

We've Partnered with Tom's Shoes!

When you purchase a pair of shoes from Tom's Shoes they give a pair to a child & (When you click from our website) Tom's will give us 10% of the sale amount towards our adoption costs!

More Information about TOMS One for One commitment:

TOMS simple One for One commitment to give a pair of new shoes to children in need around the world with every pair sold is revolutionizing the way consumers shop; with TOMS, shopping equals giving. TOMS One for One business model transforms our customers into benefactors, which allows us to grow a truly sustainable business rather than depending on fundraising for support.

This One for One model has encouraged conscientious consumers to purchase and give more than 400,000 pairs of new shoes to children in need in just four years.

TOMS has also inspired other companies to implement a One for One model. Ralph Lauren now sells co-branded Polo Rugby TOMS, giving a matched pair with every pair sold. Element Skateboards has issued limited edition TOMS + Element shoes as well as a One for One skateboard, which will forever be included in their line of products. With every skateboard purchased, one will be given to a child at the Indigo Skate Camp in Durban, South Africa.It is TOMS hope that as our One for One movement continues to grow, more and more companies will look to incorporate giving into what they do.

Want to join the TOMS Shoes Affiliate program?

Click Here!

PJ's For Orphans {Humanitarian Aid}

2010-01-25T09:47:00.004-06:00

Humanitarian Aid Items (more info...)

We have decided on clothing items for our humanitarian aid items that we will take along with us when we travel to Ethiopia. So far, we have purchased over $300 of sweet, soft and oh-so cute pj's and one piece outfits sizes 3-12 months for both girls and boys!....SO FUN!

We are also starting to collect fun treats to take along to the orphanages that we will be visiting like sunglasses, bubbles, stickers, coloring books and small toys.

Junk Posse Jewelry {Support Adoptions}

2010-01-19T16:00:00.002-06:00

Tracy of JunkPosse makes THE MOST AMAZING jewelry! AND...

She is donates a percentage of the sales from several of her Africa adoption necklaces to benefit the adoption travel expenses for Josh and Amy Bottomly (Ethiopia or BUST) and others...

I am super excited because my parents (thank Mom and Dad...) ordered me a special necklace for my birthday. It's going to be so awesome..... (will post a picture when I get it!) Anyway...

Please take a minute to visit Junk Posse Jewelry and consider purchasing one of her beautiful pieces.

3 Months..{on wait list}

2010-01-15T13:19:00.003-06:00

Yep. Today marks 3 months on the wait list. With the average wait time being 4 months, the three month mark means we are well within "the window"....

Our camera is charged and ready...We are ready!

“Patience is the art of hoping.”

Buy Coffee. Help Orphans.

2010-01-14T09:00:00.002-06:00

http://www.justlovecoffee.com/TheMathews

We have partnered with Just Love Coffee to help raise funds for orphans and for our adoption travel costs! Just Love Coffee Roasters have lots of yummy free trade coffee choices as well as t-shirts, hats, coffee mugs and more!

A portion of the proceeds of Just Love Coffee from our store comes directly to us each month and also go to help build a school for older children in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Kids care holds a special place in founder Rob Webb's heart because two of his daughters were loved and cared for here prior to their adoption.

One Year! {...and a quickie little update}

2009-12-04T08:43:00.011-06:00

OK! We've officially hit the one year mark! One year jumping through hoops, dotting i's, crossing t's, cutting through red tape...and now...waiting. In some ways it seems like forever and in other ways..I must admit, it's actually flown by!

The year has been full and rich we are thankful! SO THANKFUL!

Mr. J. loves, loves, loves his job! He works mostly from home; loves that 30 second commute just past the coffee pot in the morning! And...working in his sweats isn't such a bad deal either!

Aside from my "norm" I spent a good part of the past year chasing paper, organizing our fund raising efforts and (last but not least!) stalking adoption blogs. I have been decorating Justice's room (which has been a blast!) I still have some clouds to paint on the ceiling and a few touches here and there..but they may have to wait til we get through the holidays!

Mr. J. and I are excited to be celebrating 20 years of marriage on the 16th! Wow!!!! We are going to celebrate with a romantic trip to Austin...so excited!....

T and J are doing well. They are pretty busy....the salon is a lot of work and is thriving! They have had several fashion shows and photo shoots this year too which is keeps things extra busy. They plan to travel to Ariziona and celebrate Christmas with J's family. J's family recently welcomed their newly adopted litttle boy, to the family so they will have fun Christmas with them for sure!

Big K. is loving life! He transferred to UT Austin this fall and is living in an apartment just off campus. He's got three awesome roommates which we are thankful for. He has been soaking every bit of college life..going to all the Texas home games and such..... He has been pulling amazing grades (working super hard!) and is looking forward to winter break. He will be home next week and through the New Year. Can't wait!

Little J. is going to celebrate her sweet 16 on Monday and is getting her drivers license! (YIKES!) She is a very busy girl...babysitting jobs, student counsel and practicing her lines...( She was recently rewarded the part of "MEG" in the school play, Little Women!)

As far as Baby J and our adoption:.... We are waiting. We've been on the wait list 8 weeks (this Thursday) The average wait for a toddler age child is 4 months. We are ready! SO READY! (We'll keep y'all posted!)

So... that wraps up this quickie little update....hope to update more throughout the holidays!

Call it a clan, call it a network, call it a tribe, call it a family. Whatever you call it, whoever you are, you need one. ~Jane Howard

Waiting a good wait.

2009-12-01T15:50:00.013-06:00

So, you've all heard the saying, "fight the good fight", right? Well...(as of today!...AGAIN!) We here at the Mathews house are resolved to wait a good wait. (I can speak for all of us because I manage our blog.) :)

Today, while stalking our favorite adoption blogs, I came across this quote and it reminded me and inspired me! (thanks "Journey to Ethiopia"!)

"Waiting is one of God's most powerful tools of grace. God doesn't just give us grace for the wait. The wait itself is a gift of grace. You see, waiting is not only about what you will receive at the end of the wait. Waiting is about what you will become as you wait."

-Paul David Tripp

The quote inspired me to be mindful during while waiting to enjoy the journey as we look forward to the "destination". To trust in His timing for our family and for our daughter because after all, His timing is perfect! (and mine?...not so much.)

What He has started, He will finish. What He calls us to....He equips us for.. He's got us. He's got Justice. He's got this....

The message here. Be still and know. (Yes and amen.) Be patient. (oh no! Not that again!)

I have this little book that I refer to a lot. This is what it has to say about patience:

Patience is: a gentle endurance. A tranquil waiting or expectation. Composure during a long siege. A tolerant understanding. Knowing that God has everything under control. Waiting without complaint for God's perfect timing.

Oh...I like that. And I want some more of that in my life. But seriously, I don't like praying for patience. (you know why, right?!... Because every time I pray for patience...I seem to end up in the longest line, the worst traffic or on the phone with the most irritating/irrational customer serve representative on the face of the planet!)

So...I am not hoping for or praying for more patience. I am hoping AND praying to wait well. (do you think there is a difference?)

"Let patience have he perfect work that you may be perfect and entire and wanting nothing"
James 1:4

"Walk worthy for the calling with which you were called"
Eph 4:1

One (1) Month {waiting}

2009-11-15T09:14:00.002-06:00

One (1) month waiting=CHECK! (But who's counting?)

“Patience is waiting. Not passively waiting. That is laziness. But to keep going when the going is hard and slow - that is patience.”

Justice For All {Her Song}

2009-11-05T09:19:00.004-06:00

T. James wrote this song early in our adoption journey. We can't wait for the day when our daughter Justice can dance to her song!

We hope that it blesses you and fills your heart with compassion for the orphan.
Justice For All
Written by T. James

You had a picture and we had ours
it was selfish
not selfless
but after seeing where they live
hearing them pray for
someone to save them

I say go and don't look back
cause I cant wait to see her face
I say go and don’t look back
I cant wait to see her face

Even though they've got dirty hands and feet
they've got the purest eyes
hearts that want to be free
Even though they've got dirty hands and feet
they've got the purest hearts
and their eyes will set you free

So I say go and don't look back
I cant wait to see her face

Her name is Justice
yes it's true
she's my sister

Her name is Justice
yes it's true
and I love you
Her name is Justice
yes it's true
Her name is Justice
Yes it's true

it's Justice for all
Justice for all
Justice for all
it's Justice for all

So I say go and don’t look back
I cant wait to see her face
see your face

The Family {Updated 10/09}

2009-10-29T15:05:00.019-05:00

The Mathews Family

Humanitarian Aid {Donations Welcome!}

2009-10-16T08:10:00.005-05:00

When we travel to Ethiopia to pick up baby J. Gladney requires that we bring $200 worth of humanitarian aid items for orphans in Addis Ababa. We would like to bring more! ALOT MORE!

Here is the list of the immediate needs of the orphanages and foster care facilities that we will be visiting in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia:

1. Infant clothing (new); Boys and Girls; sizes 0-12 months.

2. Huggies Snug and Dry Diapers, Extra Large Case – Size 1, 2, or 3; $37.99 each (no tax or shipping on http://www.1800diapers.com/. Use Referral Code: THCE5959 and get $2.00 off the order) Even though diapers are readily available in Addis, it is more expensive to purchase them there and they tend to leak.

3. Huggies Natural Care Wipes (Unscented); 576 count; $19.99 ***no tax or shipping on http://www.1800diapers.com/

4. Nestle Good Start Supreme DHA/ARA; powder; 25.7 oz. can; $27.99 per can ***no tax or shipping on http://www.1800diapers.com/

5. A + D Original Ointment, Diaper Rash and All-Purpose Skincare Formula; 1 lb.; $9.49 on http://www.drugstore.com/.

6. Purell Hand Sanitizer NXT Refill, 1000ml Item # 2156-08EA $10.95 http://www.cwimedical.com/purell-hand-sanitizer.html

7. Purell Hand Sanitizer NXT Dispenser, Item # 2120-06EA $9.99 ea. http://www.cwimedical.com/purell-hand-sanitizer.html

8. Lubrisilk, 16 oz. Item # 00166PEA $8.50 ea. http://www.cwimedical.com/lubrisilk.html

9. Baby bottles; small and large size Gerber plastic bottles preferred (solid colored bottles that come in a multi-color pack of bottles). Replacement nipples for the bottles are also needed.

WAIT LIST!

2009-10-15T17:06:00.005-05:00

WHOO-HOO!!

Yep...that's right...WE ARE ON THE WAIT LIST!!!!!! (just got word about an hour or so ago....)

No more stalking the mailbox or the EMAIL box...now...we shift over to stalking our cell phones!

Right now the wait for a referral is an average of four (4) months for a child ages 13 mo and older... So now....We are no longer waiting to wait. WE ARE OFFICALLY WAITING!

YES AND AMEN AND THANK YOU JESUS!

GOT IT! {CIS Approval!}

2009-10-12T08:33:00.005-05:00

We have received our CIS approval (AKA I-171H) letter!!!!

Today we will get it off to Kate (KBS) via FedEx (OVERNIGHT!) with a prayer and a hope that we will hit the waitlist in a matter of days!

Halleluiah! We are one more step closer to having our sweet baby girl in our arms!

T. James

2009-10-09T13:57:00.003-05:00

http://www.salonevidence.com/

One Less Thing! {Fingerprints}

2009-08-23T09:26:00.000-05:00

On Friday, we had our biometrics (a fancy name for digital fingerprints) done!

Now, we just wait for our USCIS approval letter. It is our LAST piece of paper for our adoption.

As soon as we receive this approval letter....it will be just a few days and we will be WAITLISTED!

CIS Appointment {hurray!}

2009-08-12T13:32:00.006-05:00

We have our fingerprint appointment for August 21! Once this is done...all we do is wait for our CIS approval and then our dossier will be complete!

Once Kate gets the dossier ready...it will be off to Ethiopia and we will be (finally!) done with the paperchase and placed on the offical wait list!!!!

Eight (8) Months

2009-08-06T23:38:00.005-05:00

Today (August 5, 2009) marks 8months. (That's right....another one bites the dust!)

Eight (8) months into the adoption process...And counting!.....

Thought the "8" on a race track was appropriate...this sorts feels like a race sometimes.

“…. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.” Hebrews 12:1-3

Gladney Approved! {YES!}

2009-07-10T14:17:00.007-05:00

That's right! We are officially Gladney approved! (and it only took alittle over 7 months!)

For those familiar with the adoption process...you know that this is a big hurdle! A VERY VERY EXCITING MILESTONE!

The next step is completing our dossier; which of course includes CIS approval. (other than that...we are just missing a couple little things that should be quick and painless and do-able by next week sometime!)

Once we've got that dossier done, we will hit....WAIT LIST!

Hallelujah!!!!!!!!

Seven (7) Months {...and counting!}

2009-07-05T11:43:00.001-05:00

Today (July 5th, 2009) marks 7 months. Seven (7) months into the adoption process...

And counting!.....

(PS. Adoption is not for whimps!)

...For we live by faith, not by sight.
1 Cor 5:7

More on Paperwork! {good news, bad news}

2009-06-16T12:48:00.008-05:00

The good news is that our Gladney file seems to be complete (except for our home study which is being revised and CIS approval) Both of which are completely out of our hands. So-it seems like we should have Gladney approval any time now?

The bad news is that we got an update from Kate at KBS and we've got several changes and document re-do's for our dossier to deal with! (two of which are life & health insurance documents which were like pulling teeth to get our hands on in the first place! UGH!)

Anyway....it's all "do-able".....we just thought we were done with paperwork! (Silly, right?)

We thought we were moving on to new things like decorating Justice's room, shopping for toddler gear, collecting humanitarian aid items, learning Amharic, etc....

Words like diligence, determination and perseverance come to mind.....

Off to the paper chase....

(comments, insight, encouragment AND prayers are appreciated!)

Six Months {...and counting}

2009-06-05T01:07:00.003-05:00

Today (June 5th, 2009) marks 6 months. Six (6) months into the adoption process...

And counting!.....

...For we live by faith, not by sight.

1 Cor 5:7

Paperwork & Waiting to WAIT

2009-05-28T15:01:00.016-05:00

Today we are sending the last few pieces of paperwork to Gladney (minus 1 little piece of paper unless we have a miracle in the mailbox today!)

AND we are sending off our dossier paperwork to Kate (minus 1 piece of paper unless we have a second miracle in the mailbox today!)

We are leaving for a week long (much needed and much anticipated) vacation. (more on that later...) So- even though we are missing these two small little pieces... we thought it best to get everything else on it's way before we go...

This stage in the process...the... "Waiting to WAIT" is not much fun. AND The PAPER CHASE has not been all that much fun either to be honest.

We are looking SO forward to being Gladney approved and placed on the WAIT list....(this is our current short-term goal in the adoption process)

Once we hit the wait list....

The average WAIT for a 13month old and up (we are asking for 13mo-3year old) is approximately 4 months! (not too bad...)

Writers Block! {HELP!}

2009-05-20T14:11:00.002-05:00

So we've been working on our dossier. We are so close! Just need to write this darn Adoptive Parent Statement....Oh Boy!

Does anyone have any tips? We are suffering from serious writer's block here!

Over an hour watching the cursor blink.....type. delete. type. delete....

UGH...!!!!

Happy Birthday Kyle!

2009-05-20T10:09:00.004-05:00

Kyle in Austin-Spring 2009

FBI CLEARANCE!

2009-05-15T14:32:00.001-05:00

We are happy to report that the FBI moved at super warp speed fast on our request for FBI clearance! We are clear...with no arrests! Happy Day!

(Gotta love the Department of Justice Logo!) We see Justice everywhere!

Home Study Complete

2009-05-13T15:44:00.000-05:00

We had our home study today! Not only was it painless..it was actually....enjoyable! Our social worker was super nice....

We learned a lot about Ethiopia and the process...about the children....there wasn't enough time to ask all the questions that we have.

It won't be long and our homestudy will be on it's way to CIS, Gladney and then to ETHIOPIA!

Now we're cooking with gas! :)

Home Study! {Tomorrow}

2009-05-12T13:13:00.000-05:00

Yep!!! It's true....we've made it to our home study! (it's tomorrow!)

We are super excited to be passing through this major milestone in the adoption process and should be well on our way to wait list very, very soon!

We can't wait to be finished with paper chasing and start decorating! We have tons of cute ideas for Justice's room (including a sky painted ceiling and joyous yellow walls....)

We are starting to research the best strollers, car seats, highchairs, books, toys, etc....It's easy to forget how much gear little one's require and oh what cute, cute, cute gear there is out there!!! SO MUCH FUN!

Anyway....just though we'd give y'all an update on our progress. Please remember us in your thoughts and prayers. (pray that our home study will go well, and that the paperwork will be processed quickly!!!)

T-Shirts For Justice

2009-05-11T22:27:00.001-05:00

make custom gifts at Zazzle

Check back for more really cool designs coming soon!

JUSTICE JARS! {Pray, Give, Help}

2009-05-01T08:11:00.001-05:00

These are JUSTICE JARS!

We have been busy making these cute little jars using recycled jars of all shapes & sizes, decorative papers, stickers, threads, buttons, bling, glue, paint, and a whole bunch of love!

Over the next few days & weeks we will be delivering JUSTICE JARS to friends and family.

It is our hope that JUSTICE JARS will serve a three-fold purpose:

1. As a tangible reminder in your home to prompt you to pray for our adoption process, our daughter Justice and for the millions of orphans world-wide.

2. To collect donations to help with the travel costs to Ethiopia.

3. To raise money for humanitarian aid items that we will hand deliver to orphanages that we will be visiting while we are in Ethiopia.

Fingerprints {FBI Clearance}

2009-04-29T11:20:00.002-05:00

Getting your fingerprints is kinda fun (and messy!)

We sent our FBI clearance request with our finger prints today.

We sent them overnight FedEx with "INTERNATIONAL ADOPTION. PROCESS ASAP PLEASE" written in BIG letters on both sides in black marker.....

Wondering if our idea of ASAP and the FBI'S interpretation of ASAP are the same? Sure hope so!

Now that I have seen... {Drawn from water}

2009-04-27T11:22:00.002-05:00

Let your heart connect to this...

Word Mosaic : {Justice}

2009-04-19T19:42:00.000-05:00

Happy Easter!

2009-04-12T13:45:00.000-05:00

Easter says you can put truth in a grave, but it won't stay there.
~Clarence W. Hall

The resurrection gives my life meaning and direction and the opportunity to start over no matter what my circumstances.
~Robert Flatt

Where man sees but withered leaves, God sees sweet flowers growing.
~Albert Laighton

But from this earth, this grave, this dust,My God shall raise me up, I trust.
~Walter Raleigh

Our Lord has written the promise of the resurrection, not in books alone, but in every leaf in spring-time.
~Martin Luther

The Mr. and Mrs. {the story of us}

2009-03-31T12:45:00.004-05:00

We met in the summer of 1989 while working at a night club. Was it love at first sight?....Pretty close to it! After a whirlwind courtship, we were married in the winter of 1989.

We jumped into family life with both feet! Jeff was excited about his new role as husband and Father and needless to say, Tyler was thrilled to have Jeff as his Step Daddy.

We celebrated the birth of our second son Kyle in the Spring of 1990.

In the fall, we took a family trip to Arizona to visit Jeff's parents. We fell in love with the Valley of the Sun and decided it make it home in Spring of 1991.

In June of 1991, we bought our first home and shortly after we started attending a Bible Church. It was there, that we made the decision for Christ in June of 1992.

In the Winter of 1993, we joyfully welcomed the birth of our Daughter, Jordan.

In the winter of 2003, we made a bold move and relocated the family to Texas! (Sometimes....it's the bold move that pays off!) We love, love, love Texas! (Really, we do!)

Today, we are super excited as we wait for our new daughter to join our family. We can't wait to make the trip to Ethiopia to bring her home. (and we are praying it will be sooner than later!)

Along the way- The past 19 years have been filled with joy (and sorrow), ups (and downs), peaks (and valleys) all "par for the course" in marriage. (Hey...Marriage is not for wimps!..it can be hard work sometimes but it is worth it!)

Through it all...we are committed to our marriage and to our family. We look forward to watching our kids continue to grow and thrive, to becoming Grandparents (someday), perhaps traveling the world a bit and even growing ..together.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.

I Cor 13: 4-8

Why Ethiopia?

2009-03-03T23:12:00.000-06:00

• One in six children die before their fifth birthday

• 44% of the population of Ethiopia is under 15 years old

• 60% of children in Ethiopia are stunted because of malnutrition

• The median age in Ethiopia is 17.8 years

• 1.5 million people are infected with AIDS (6th highest in the world)
• 720,000 children have been orphaned by AIDS alone, and there are 4.6 million orphans in Ethiopia.

• Per capita, Ethiopia receives less aid than any country in Africa

• In the 90s the population (3%) grew faster than food production (2.2%)• Drought struck the country from 2000-2002 (first year no crops, second year no seeds, third year no animals)

• Half the children in Ethiopia will never attend school. 88% will never attend secondary school.

• Coffee prices (Ethiopia’s only major export) fell 40-60% from 1998-2002.

• Ethiopia’s doctor to children ratio is 1 to 24,000.

• In 1993, after 30 long years of war, Eritrea broke from Ethiopia and became an independent nation leaving Ethiopia landlocked without any major seafaring ports.

"Lord, you know the hopes of the helpless. Surely you will hear their cries and comfort them. Surely you will bring justice to the orphans and the oppressed, so mere people can no longer terrify them"

Psalm 10:17-18

Nunc Pro Tunc! {now for then}

2009-02-21T15:02:00.001-06:00

The best news!

The judge awarded our plea for Nunc Pro Tunc! (Now for then) So, after being "illegally" married for 20 years.... We have now been Legally married for 20 years!

With that, now we can move on with our lives and forward with our adoption process full steam ahead!

Here's to Hope!

2009-02-20T12:00:00.002-06:00

Today our new attorney will take our second plea to court. (Did I mention we hired a new attorney?) Anyway...we like him and he seems to have things under control although we are NOT putting our trust in the justice system, our attorney, or any judge. Ultimately- GOD is in control....

So....(breathing in through the nose and out through the mouth...)We've done all we can do....now we put in in God's hands.

hope

1. To wish for something with expectation of its fulfillment.
2. Archaic To have confidence; trust.
3. To look forward to with confidence or expectation

Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.—Romans 12:12

Watch out world!

2009-02-06T18:15:00.002-06:00

It's official! Our baby is now well on her way to being licensed in the State of Texas to drive a motor vehicle! That's right folks!- Jordan got her drivers permit today!

The world as we know it may never be the same! (just kidding!)

Love you girl!

No slam dunk here

2009-01-22T13:56:00.000-06:00

The outcome at court yesterday was not favorable. AND was far from the slam dunk our attorney promised. The judge (for whatever reason) denied our plea in court.

Long story short- It looks as if we may have a fight on our hands. We are very disappointed, but far from defeated.

Our attorney says, "...it may take months" and "...will be costly" and (interesting enough) "...this is just ridiculous and feels like an obstruction of Justice" (more on that later)

And so....we fall forward. We are seeking additional counsel and praying for wisdom and direction, etc.

We trust that our steps are ordered in His perfect timing.... AND that at the end of this journey all of "this" will only make holding our daughter in our arms more sweet-that this "injustice" will only give more power to the meaning of her name.

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything"

James 1:2

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified beacuase of them, for the Lord your
God goes with you; he will nevere leave you nor forsake you."

Deut 31:6

Light at the end

2009-01-21T08:36:00.000-06:00

GGGGGG

In regards to our recent "document drama"......There is light at the end of the tunnel! We have a court date in Washington state today! Our attorney says; "...it should be a slam dunk". So, God willing- we will be on the other side of this trail by the end of the day!

This unexpected development has proven to be good for us in the long run. (He really does work all things for good!) It's been a good reminder of what we say we believe about faith. It's been an opportunity to live what we believe.

Walking by faith and not by sight sounds simple enough while life is going along as "planned".
But it's when the rubber meets the road that we find out that true faith not only requires
decision, but action.

Thankfully, His power is perfected in our weakness and His grace is enough!

We are grateful for the many friends and family who have offered wisdom, and encouragement
and who have even helped us to see the humor in this whole mess.

We want you all to know how much we love and appreciate each one of you!

Looking forward to posting a good report soon!.....

"Life is 10% circumstance and 90% attitude"
-author unknown

My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.
2 Corinthians 12:8-10

Just as the body is dead without breath, so also faith is dead without good works.
James 2:25-26

Tagged!

2009-01-20T14:31:00.000-06:00

Jeff was once a flight attendant
Christine used to play the flute
Tyler is a two time high hurdle state champ!
We (collectivley) have lived in 6 states
Jessica was barista at Starbucks
Jordan wants to be a neo-natal nurse
Kyle is left handed

Tagged:

Every little bit helps

2009-01-18T14:24:00.000-06:00

sssss
ssss

Choose (PRODUCT) RED Special Edition iPod models and iTunes Gift Cards, and Apple
gives a portion of the purchase price to the Global Fund to help eliminate AIDS in Africa.
You make choices every day, from the clothes you wear to the music you play. Now
making a choice means making a difference.

With every iPod shuffle, iPod nano, or iTunes Gift Card (PRODUCT) RED purchased,
a part of the proceeds go directly to the Global Fund. Listening to music never felt
so good.

Document Drama

2009-01-13T10:42:00.001-06:00

In the midst of paper chasing, we are experiencing what is noted on our time line
(to the right) as "document drama". Going in, we knew that through the adoption
process, we were sure to hit a few speed bumps. This...it feels like a road block!

While we won't go into the specifics of our latest development, let's just say that
it has been a shocker! It came way off from left field and is dis-concerning to say
the least. The worst thing is that "it" is holding up this already long and
daunting process.... It is adding days, weeks or possibility months!

Thankfully, so far, we have done pretty well. We have kept our wits about us
(for the most part) and not allowed "it" to bring division. And although a bit
stressed and stretched (Christine did go into the ugly cry once or twice...)
we are still standing as a strong and united front.

The good news and the long and the short of it is that this road block can be fixed.
It is nothing that a good attorney, a few thousand dollars and a month or so won't cure.

So, as we walk through this unexpected trial, we ask that all of you out there would
pray! Please pray specifically for God's favor over this "road block", for continued
strength to push forward, grace as we wait....

Pray for our baby girl who is currently somewhere in Ethiopia waiting for her forever
family to find her and bring her home. Pray that she would be safe, well cared for and
loved in the midst of her circumstances.

"...for we walk by faith and not by sight"
2 cor 5:7

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because
you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must
finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything"
James 1:2

Happy Birthday Jesus!

2008-12-23T10:38:00.003-06:00

It's beginning to look like Christmas at our house! (It's cold outside!) And we've got all of our shopping done, everything is wrapped and under the tree (or shipped to far away family).

We've done a little bit of Christmas baking (hope to do more), played a killer family game of Monopoly and have watched a few Christmas movies too. (We are saving "It's a wonderful life" for Christmas eve...)

Our Christmas day plan is to cuddle up by the fire/Christmas tree, open gifts, eat yummy food (all day long!), play games and just be together. If the weather is decent, we may take the dogs on a nice long walk on the dam like we did last year. (It may be a new family tradition?)

Whatever we do, please know that our hearts are with each of you! We pray that you enjoy the gift of faith, the blessing of hope and the peace of His love this Christmas and always!

Happy Birthday Jordan!

2008-12-22T12:22:00.003-06:00

The Mathews {about us}

2008-12-21T10:22:00.006-06:00

Our family was officially established in 1989.

We currently live in the great state of Texas by way of- California, Hawaii, Washington, and Arizona. Life is full (and busy!) with everyone going in what seems to be a thousand different directions, in our house, there is never a dull moment!

We are awesomely blessed with great careers, an amazing church family & fun, loving friends and family-both near & far!

We are super excited about are latest adventure- ADOPTION! We are currently navigating through the adoption process and hope to bring the latest addition to our family home soon. (All the way from Ethiopia, Africa!)

We hope you have enjoy clicking through the pages of our little family blog.

Take good care and God Bless!