The Judge has ruled! Abby passed court!

We heard today that Abigail passed her part of the court process in Ethiopia. This may sound too easy-like well, duh, why wouldn't she "pass". But is wasn't that simple and we are grateful to our great God that he has once again moved us one step closer to our baby girl across the globe.

You see, EVERY single document from the different authorities in Ethiopia that have to do with adoption had to be in place at the court appointment. If even one was missing they would have had to re-schedule it. Every single person from police to social worker to the judge(which they only have 1 I have heard) had to have shown up and all this happened. They said we would have a 50% chance of passing the first time-all these things being there and ready-and we thankfully did.

Now all we have to do is show up and testify in court in 3 short weeks that yes, she is the daughter we want. We long to hear the words from that judge, "She is all yours". Then, after that, she will be legally ours in Ethiopia's eyes and then we just wait for the United States Embassy to do their part in getting her visa and passport ready-so that we can go have our embassy appointment and bring her home (we hope this is the week of Christmas as we have heard that the 2 December embassy dates are Dec. 13th and 27th) The Embassy only has 2 dates a month-99% of those are on Mondays...so we have to make one of these in order to get her home before the end of the year.

Pray for us as our court date approaches-that we will have a peace as remember we haven't flown for over 14 years and are a little nervous. Pray as we pack, arrange care for the kids, etc that we can get everything done and not forget anything important. Pray for us emotionally and spiritually that we will stay strong as this is a huge transition in our lives. Lastly keep praying for Abby that she stays strong and healthy and that her heart is prepared for our family here.

We got a new picture of her this week and she looks great-healthy, and VERY solid (translation beefy, chunky, firm) whatever you want to call it that girl has some serious cheeks on her. It is good to know she is being well fed. Another adoptive mom from our adoption agency was over there for their court appointment and got to hold and feed Abigail and she said she was "Beautiful and just a doll, very alert and perfect". We are so blessed!