Should I stay or should I go?

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!)

Gigantic Giveaway! {YAY!}

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...

1. 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)
   
   
   
   
   
   • BLOG about our giveaway (including links) and You get your name in the bowl AGAIN!
     
     
   • If you TWEET and or share about our giveaway on facebook....YOU GOT IT...You get your name in the bowl YET AGAIN!
     
     
   • AND last but NOT LEAST...if you follow our blog (right hand side) YOU GET your name in the bowl AGAIN!!! whoo-hoo!!!
     
     
   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!

Amharic {and the language barrier}

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.

COURT DATE {YAY!}

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!  

Red Tape and Hoops

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.

Do Something. Now.

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.

PJ's For Orphans {Humanitarian Aid}

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}

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.

Buy Coffee. Help Orphans.

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.

Justice For All {Her Song}

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

Humanitarian Aid {Donations Welcome!}

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.

JUSTICE JARS! {Pray, Give, Help}

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.

Why Ethiopia?

• 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