24 Hours to go

I'm full of a range of emotions today as we make our final preparations for Ethiopia. While I know it's going to be an amazing journey, I am deeply sad to leave our little Ean. Being away from him for one night is hard let alone 5 and half way around the world! I'm super thankful for the Bailey's and their love for our little guy. I know he'll be in great hands and have a wonderful time.

I'm sure we'll have lots to share after we return. For now, I ask for prayers from all of our dear friends:

- Please pray for safety for our travel and for Ean here at home
- For health and healing (we've all been sick)
- God's clarity and vision for our family in Africa
- For favor with our court appearance
- Connecting with our daughter Evy
- Our time with Tsion's family in Addis
- For sanity during 17+ hours of flying

Hugs and love from the Borja's.

So Thankful

It's easy to get so wrapped up in preparation for the holidays...the turkey...the shopping...the Christmas tree to overlook the many blessings in our life. This year, I really want to slow down and enjoy the season in its fullness. I'm starting today by reminding myself of all that our family has to be thankful for this year:

- Good Health
- Provision for our Family
- Many amazing memories watching Ean grow
- The sweetest caregiver for our kids we could have ever wanted
- New Friendships and Rekindling old ones
- A new Church Home
- An amazing baby girl waiting for us in Africa
- And above all the grace, love, and provision from our Lord

Happy Thanksgiving!

In the Present

I've been struggling a lot lately with all of the uncertainty in our life right now. For a Type A gal - it's a mess! Fear has been eating my lunch. And, I guess that God knew in advance how much uncertainty there would be going through this adoption process to push me to the edge and closer to Him.

As we hit the 2 week mark before our first trip to Ethiopia to meet our baby girl, Carlos shared a few scriptures with me and encouraged me that we really have to be present wherever God has us. For today, what I know for certain, is that we've been called to adopt this baby girl. I guess God knew all along that I'd eventually accept that all I need is a map for today. The rest is up to Him.

So, here I am today Lord, ready to take this step of faith to open my eyes and ears to Your vision for our family in Africa. I pray that you will prepare our hearts to receive ALL of your blessings and direction during our days in Ethiopia. Direct our steps, Father.

Coming out of the "Crazy Closet"

I spoke with one of my dear friends this week (I consider him my "spiritual father") and he said something to me that I couldn't resist posting....

I shared with him about our upcoming trip to Ethiopia, the excitement, the fear, the feelings that perhaps everyone around us think we're crazy. That is, we don't know what is going to happen with my job and Carlos is still looking for one - yet we're bringing home a new baby soon! Crazy...maddening some days!!!

As we spoke about the journey God has had us on this year from provision for the adoption to connecting us with Ethiopians here in our small city to the burden He's put on my heart for African orphans - we laughed. He said, "The Lord doesn't call us to live a life without risk. He calls us to live fearless lives, seizing each day, and embracing the CRAZY RIDE." You'd have to know him to appreciate the nonchalant way he says things. I see him as the crazy one!

So, after I cried, shared my fears and laughed with him - He said - "You need to come out of the "Crazy Closet" - don't be afraid to be seen as "Crazy" to the rest of the world."

Hmm, well, isn't that so true. I don't think anyone who follows Christ, takes risks, and throws their hands high in the air enjoying the thrill of the ride appears NORMAL. So, I guess I'm in good company these days....

The Big Move

We received the long awaited news yesterday that our baby girl is now in Addis Ababa! That's a big step towards bringing her home. For one, it's a great care center, and they have access to more medical tests, etc. if needed. On one hand, I'm really happy, but on the other I'm sad for her. I can't imagine her leaving the only caregivers she's known for the LONG ride from Durame to Addis. I'm praying for her daily that the transition will be smooth, and that she will not feel afraid or alone.

As excited as I am that we are now 4 weeks away from leaving to see her, I grow increasingly sad that we will be returning without her. But, I know that God has a plan and His timing is perfect. He knows when we will all be ready to be united as one family. Until that day, we continue to pray and prepare for our new addition.

Sweet dreams my little one...