UGH!

I knew there was a reason I was dreading today. 5 weeks have past, our boy has grown, since our last court date. One would think things would work out eventually after 2 failed court dates and 15 months from time of referral to get the paperwork and needed things done. Guess it takes us a little longer... Words can not describe how discouraged and empty I feel. I don't know exactly what happened, but Titus' mom did show up, so that wasn't it. We supposedly have a court date in December (late). I hear things are moving where Elias is concerned so that is good. At this point, I struggle with "Is this ever going to happen?" "Did God really call us to this?" "Is this what God has for us?" But I know it will and God is faithful, even when people drop the ball. I know God will bring good out of this and I am confident that God will show us His Goodness and Wisdom when all is said and done. But for now, I am just really exhausted of this whole journey. I honestly want to move my family to Africa and take care of our sons until we can bring them home. Unbelievable.

Cruising: Take 2!

We made it! We had a wonderful time with my parents on the cruise they blessed us with! We went to Nassau and to Key West. It was beautiful and the sitting on our balcony watching the ocean was amazing! How majestic and powerful the ocean is! Just points to how BIG and AMAZING our mighty God is! So cool! Here are some pics! Thanks so much Nana and Papa!

CVS Rocks!!!

I love CVS! I have been coupon clipping like crazy and when you combine the coupons with CVS coupons, Extra Care Bucks and $5 off $20 purchase coupons, you get a whole lot for a whole little!!! I am hooked and my kids think I'm crazy :) I learned how to do this with the help of these 3 sites. The third one is for Walgreens. I have got good deals there too, but not as amazing as CVS.
1) www.southernsavers.com
2) www.iheartcvs.com
3) www.iheartwags.com

These sites tell you how to use the system and it does take some time to figure out initially, but once you do, it is relatively easy (and addictive)! There are only coupons you can print and I always get the Sunday paper. In the top picture, I spent $4.19 out of pocket. The next picture I spent $4.55 and that included 2 boxes of cereal, 4/12 packs of Coke Zero and lots of medicine. I wouldn't normally buy the Glade products, but when you make money on them, why not? It is worth the work to get these kind of deals. Happy shopping!!!

Court Date #3

On Friday, October 30th I sat with my Bible open and just cried. I asked God "Are you in this? Are you really going to bring this to pass? Can't you at least give me some news? During this adoption process, I have come to dread Fridays. Fridays mean we won't get any more news for at least a few days. At around 3:30 I was entertaining my "no-news" pity-party, since in Ethiopia, courts had been closed for hours and we had already heard from the director--no news for our case. (Some MAJOR good news though--the little boy with the heart problem DID PASS court!!!!) When Vince got home we went out to eat. We came back home that night and Pam had called and emailed us. The guy in Ethiopia had emailed her at 2:30 am ET time and told her that we had a court date. The reason I didn't put this up on the blog yet, was because we didn't have the exact date. Our date is November 30th! I just felt so loved, because I God answered my needy prayer. I am really hoping that they can get Elias' paper work ready and they can hear both of their cases together. Pray for that. One trip would be so much better than two!!
That following Sunday, our minister preached on Exodus 5:22-6:13. Moses asks "O Lord, why have You brought harm to this people? Why did you ever send me?...You have not delivered Your people at all." The Lord then tells him: I have heard the groanings, I will deliver you, I will redeem you, I will take you for my people and you shall know I am the Lord your God.