Good news, good news....

We had our pre-travel conference call yesterday, which was an exciting time and makes it feel like our upcoming trip is real and actually going to happen! We are so excited!  We are in the midst of shopping for last minute things and beginning to pack. Hurray!

Today we received more good news from America World...an update on the MOWA situation which stated:
 

We are writing to update you on the current situation in Ethiopia.  While meetings between Ethiopian government officials continue, we have seen positive steps.  Within MOWA, there have been significant and positive personnel changes which have resulted in overall staff turnover and changes in the adoption unit.  This unit is now called the Ministry of Women, Children and Youth Affairs (MOWCYA).  We are hopeful and expectant that the new leadership will not only support processing an adequate number of favorable recommendation letters, but also implement policies that will best serve the children.  Due to the staffing changes, we anticipate much transition over the next few weeks.  However, we expect that once everyone is settled into their new positions, MOWCYA will work to process a higher number of recommendation letters than they currently are able to process. 

Another huge blessing today was receiving an update from Lifesong. We opened our email to find both large and small donations which will now cover our entire airline expenses for this first trip. We thank you and praise God for your generosity!! What a mighty God we serve -  One who works in hearts, minds and pocketbooks to bring blessings to others.
 
We are praying our case will have favor with the Ethiopian officials (especially those at MOWA who need to write our final approval letters) and we look forward to bringing the boys home as soon as possible. Once we pass court and officially become the boys' parents we can post pictures. Brace yourselves for the upcoming onslaught of pictures from this proud momma!!

Well...I'd better get packing!