Video of Zoey Hiwot

Here is some super cute footage of Zoey Hiwot! This was taken in January when our friends Brittney and James went to visit her. She is such a happy girl! If you want to hear, you may want to mute our music on the blog.

Introducing...

Zoey Hiwot Brown!
Yes, since you are seeing her picture, this means she has passed court and considered legally adopted by the Ethiopian courts. Isn't that the most beautiful smile that you've ever seen? Our next step is to be assigned a date to receive a visa appointment from the US Embassy. Right now it looks like we will travel late August/early September.
We are so excited and thankful that Hiwot will be coming home soon. We can't wait until the day that we are able to tell everyone that Chera and Kenenisa will be coming home too! Thank you so much for the continued prayers and encouragement!

Cute Picture

As I have mentioned before, we are not allowed to post pictures of the kids until they pass court in Ethiopia. Since there are no close ups of the babies in this picture, I am able to post it. Hiwot's crib is the one all the way to the right. She is fast asleep. The pink paper on the wall is a picture we sent her with our picture, her picture and a message that we love her. Just thought it was a fun pic to post. Hopefully soon we will be able to post pics that show her beautiful, giant smile!

On another note, they boys process is still uncertain and we are in great need of prayer. A friend is making a prayer calendar for us. We need a few more people to complete it. The goal is to have a person for each day of the month. If you would like to participate, email Jen at jbrunig@hotmail.com. Feel free to tell friends and family that may like to be part of the calendar too.

Anniversary

Three years ago today I married the man of my dreams. The past three years have been more wonderful than I could have ever imagined. Happy Anniversary Justin!

Chera and Kenenisa

As most of you know by now, we have recently found out that a mistake was made and Chera and Kenenisa were never filed for court. There was a mix up with our last name. We are basically in the same spot that we have been in for a while. Their files are not complete and we have no idea when this will be fixed. If you remember, we found this out in November. An employee of the orphanage was doing paperwork incorrectly and this effected Chera and Kenenisa as well as many other children. This was a huge letdown for us, but we have faith that our boys will be with us soon. Thankfully, we know that they are safe, happy and taken care of. I am so thankful that we have had so many friends who have seen them and spent time with them. At least through all of this waiting I am not anxious about their well-being.
On a positive note, we are hoping to hear something about Hiwot soon. She has been filed for about 2 and a half months now and that seems to be around how long its taking for everyone to receive a court date and pass. I am working on Hiwot's room today, hopefully I can post some pictures of my progress soon!

Hope Orphanage

While the Hanels and Wilkersons were in Ethiopia, they had the wonderful idea to tape their trip to our children's orphanage. Although they used the same agency, their kids were in another orphanage. We love learning as much about our kids as possible so we were so happy to see this. Towards the end of the second video, they pull up to a tan, apartment like building. This is the orphanage! Our kids are in there! It is reassuring that the building looks very nice. We have only heard good things about the quality of care Chera, Kenenisa, and Hiwot are receiving.
Since I can't post pictures of the kids, I am so happy that you can all see this! Thank you so much Hanel and Wilkerson Families!!!

Welcome Home

Last night night we were able to attend the airport arrival for 2 friends coming home with their beautiful children. First, Melat and her family came home and later, Bereket and his family came home. Bereket's parents Mike and Emily are friends of ours at church and sent the email that I posted in the last blog. Both families were so wonderful and spent time with our kids. It makes it all so much more real. Both Melat and Bereket's journey to the US have been problematic. Their families ran into so many road blocks through out the process. Now they are home with their forever family!
Emily said that the kids are doing wonderful. It sounds like Chera receptive English skills are pretty good. As Emily talked to him, he translated for Kenenisa. Emily said that Hiwot is progressing and should be sitting up soon. She is such a miracle baby, even the smallest progress says so much. Here are the pictures of the airport arrival. I can't wait until you can all come see us come home with all of our kids!


The Hanel Family!


This is my "try really hard not to hysterically cry face."


How cute is this guy?