16.

1. Remember that awful ticket I got recently?? I went to court for it--had to--and do ya'll know what? They dismissed the WHOLE thing. "Praise Jesus" was what I was singing.

2. Today the sky was crying (Stevie Ray Vaughan reference,) and frankly, so was I. I am perhaps just a bit tense lately. Ahem. But I felt much better afterwards.

3. Bad news on the diaper front. I have been obsessing over cloth for years, right, Kellsey? We currently live without a washer/dryer, so I planned to use this fantastic diaper service--the only one I've found in town. For a couple of years, I've been checking back periodically, just to make sure they were still in business. (We don't exactly live in a "green" city. Well, it's into "green" if by "green" you mean money.) Anyway, the other day I did my monthly OCD website check, and yep, they're out of business. I am really sad. I can't see myself trying to lug nasty cloth diapers to our gross, wimpy, on-site washers that barely clean our clothes adequately. So, I'm looking into gDiapers. *sigh*


We are praying for several court dates on the 3rd; praying you all make it through on the first go.



In conclusion, I can't wait to see my baby's face.

Workin' on 16.

Reading: The Moviegoer by Walker Percy.

Watching: recent Lost episodes I've missed due to work.

Hoping: that we get our referral awfully soon, and that Chris and Shasta pass court on June 3rd!

Laughing: at my student Doehui's hilarious narration of how nearly all his tropical fish died, and how he then bought a "tiny lobster" (ie. a crab) who wasn't supposed to hurt the remaining fish, and then how the "tiny lobster" ended up pinching all the remaining fish in half, whereupon his father killed the "tiny lobster."

Wondering: if this article would be of any help to those of you traveling soon!!

Including: a random picture of a meerkat, because meerkats are always funny, even when you're waiting for referral or a court date.

Have a great weekend.

Tragic Accident. Please Pray.

I couldn't believe this when I read it just now, but Steven Curtis Chapman's 5 yr. old daughter was struck and killed by a car today at their home. As you all know, probably, Chapman and his family have been huge advocates for international adoption. Maria, their youngest daughter who was killed, was adopted. We should pray for Chapman and his family. I can't imagine.

Two things.

1. Tonight we are *rejoicing* with the sweet Fournet family, who got their referral today!!! 11 month old twins! This family has waited.....and waited......and waited.....with grace.

2. The children are in danger in Ethiopia. Please pray.

THE WAIT and some Emmylou

As the wait continues, I thought I would post a couple of videos for my wife to watch. Because I spend my days at school grading papers, planning next year, trying to teach kids how to write, etc., I don't have a lot of time to think about THE WAIT. Most days, however, Jana is at home by herself during the day, so I thought I would post these videos for her. We have loved these songs for some time now (well, not so much "Blackhawk" though we do love the album from which it comes, Wrecking Ball), and I hope the familiarity and beauty of them helps her forget THE WAIT for a few moments.

I've been listening to a lot of Emmylou Harris lately. Her music's helping make it through my stacks of papers I have to grade. So, the first is Emmylou Harris singing some songs--"Orphan Girl" and "Blackhawk"--from her album Wrecking Ball. "Orphan Girl" also just so happens to have been written by Gillian Welch, another one of our favorites. This clip also has Daniel Lanois playing guitar (in the large dark glasses and stocking cap).



Last, we have "The Maker" by Daniel Lanois, which has been covered by numerous folks--Emmylou Harris, Willie Nelson, Dave Matthews to name a few. This version has a guest appearance by Emmylou (yes, I "youtubed" Emmylou. I was looking for video of her singing her song "Red Dirt Girl" and wanted to see how to play it).



Love you, Sweetie.

Happy 15 Weeks!

As you probably know, I've put off buying anything for our trip to Africa or for the baby. However, I've now reached the point where I'm more nervous about having *nothing* prepared than I am about possible delays. I know the delays are very possible. But I think I am ready to *begin* nesting.

Some friends are starting to plan a shower for me and our daughter-to-be! Thanks friends! I'm excited.

Sweet Alexanders.

Please pray for our local friends, the Alexanders. They've had a huge loss. Feeling sad for them today.

Workin' on week 14.

So much to be thankful for. A lot of beauty in my life.

So many referrals in the past few days. I am no longer Zen-girl. Actually I'm about to jump out of my skin.

Got pulled over yesterday.

This weekend:

***Edited to Add: Chris has his own version of "The Call" on his blog. Both C and S's posts make me do the ugly cry.

We are celebrating with our Gladney blog buddies, Chris and Shasta, who got their referral on Friday---**one day** after they entered the window!!! A precious 11 month old boy....

Also, if you are sad....

you should watch this. It will make you happy! I'm not going to lie--Michael and I have danced around the house to Vampire Weekend lately. Plus, one of the band's influences is African music.

So you see, this post is relevant after all.

12.

So-- last Tuesday, we officially entered "the referral window."

We are praying for a May referral....ETA: so that we have a fightin' chance to make it through the courts before they close for the rainy season.

Have a good week!!!