Today is our anniversary...we have been married 15 years! They have been 15 awesome years, and we can't wait to see what the next 15 hold. In comparison, it's been just over a month since we received our referral and already it seems as if our son has grown significantly. We recently received some 4 month pictures and he is as adorable as ever! He has grown a little and has the cutest smile and most gorgeous eyes. It is so hard to look at Jeremiah (yes, we have chosen a name! ~ Jeremiah Ashen), but to have never held him; To see his bright eyes, but never watched him sleep; To see his chubby cheeks, but never kissed on them. As our anticipation builds, our love for him also builds.
We are still waiting to hear that we have been submitted to court and then we will have to wait for a court date. Unfortunately, the courts in Ethiopia close in August and September. Therefore, the earliest that we will have a court date is October...but, we are more realistically looking at November. From there we will have to wait another 1-3 months until we can actually bring him home. As much as we would love to have him home by Christmas, it is becoming more apparent that it will be after the first of the year.
One milestone produces another hurdle. We pray for him daily...that his care givers will love him, take care of him, and protect him. We pray that all of the legal matters go smoothly and there are not any delays with court. Most of all we praise God for all of our blessings and are honored to play a small role in His plans.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Monday, July 4, 2011
Love At First Sight
The last few weeks have been quite busy in the Sutliff household. A week after school was out for Julie and the kids, we left for vacation. Since Jaden's dance recital was on the day we had planned on leaving, we left later than usual and ended up driving all night. Since the kids were able to sleep most of the way, they didn't think the 13 hour drive was that bad! Needless to say, we had a great time at Woodloch and then headed to Connecticutt to visit Julie's best friend Katie. Since I was leaving on June 22nd for a mission trip to Honduras, I flew home on Monday, June 20th. Julie and the kids ended up staying for another week and came home on the 29th. I returned home from Honduras on July 1st.
We had a feeling that we may hear something about a referral while I was in Honduras and unreachable...but, we also knew our case manager was going on vacation from July 1st through the 15th and felt our wait may just continue on. However, Julie received a call from Bethany's home office at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, July 1st. While I was traveling home...Julie was hearing the details of our son for the first time. Yes, we received our referral!!! The excitement of knowing specific details of our son and that we are now another step closer to meeting him is making this process all too real.
Our son, was born on March 28th...which makes him 3 months old! He is healthy and weighs about 10 lbs. He has big beautiful eyes and a lot of hair. We immediately fell in love and now have a face to go along with our prayers. Even though it's progress, we are now in the next phase of waiting. We have some paperwork to fill out and then we will wait to hear the date for our first court hearing. This trip will enable us to meet him for the first time. Although we have some time before we will bring him home, we are excited to finally be matched with a child.
We will keep you posted as we learn more. In the meantime, please continue to pray that the process goes smoothly and God protects our little boy.
We had a feeling that we may hear something about a referral while I was in Honduras and unreachable...but, we also knew our case manager was going on vacation from July 1st through the 15th and felt our wait may just continue on. However, Julie received a call from Bethany's home office at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, July 1st. While I was traveling home...Julie was hearing the details of our son for the first time. Yes, we received our referral!!! The excitement of knowing specific details of our son and that we are now another step closer to meeting him is making this process all too real.
Our son, was born on March 28th...which makes him 3 months old! He is healthy and weighs about 10 lbs. He has big beautiful eyes and a lot of hair. We immediately fell in love and now have a face to go along with our prayers. Even though it's progress, we are now in the next phase of waiting. We have some paperwork to fill out and then we will wait to hear the date for our first court hearing. This trip will enable us to meet him for the first time. Although we have some time before we will bring him home, we are excited to finally be matched with a child.
We will keep you posted as we learn more. In the meantime, please continue to pray that the process goes smoothly and God protects our little boy.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Red Light...Green Light
Anticipation continues to build as we await the precious phone call revealing the details of our child. Unlike a pregnancy, the physical aspects and approximate due date is missing...however, we are still experiencing the excitement and apprehensiveness that comes with being expectant parents. Although it's hard to imagine right now, we know the day is coming sooner than later.
As mentioned in the last update, there have been some delays within the Ethiopian government as it relates to adoptions. Official (as official as anything in a third world country can be) word came a few weeks ago that the agency that writes the approval letters for court will be reducing the number of letters per day to 5 (that's from 40-50 per day). The reasoning that this was changed is not known, however other areas of the government did not agree with this change and replaced all of the workers in that specific department. Recently, we received word that they are now processing around 20 letters per day...which is good news, but not 40-50 as before. Some of the background is due to illegal/unethical adoptions taking place and the need for more investigative and thorough work - which we are 100% in favor of as long as it doesn't make the process cumbersome and so long that the children are directly affected. We are not getting too worked up about all of this because we know that it will probably change again.
As we are already 8 months into the referral waiting process, the time since our entire adoption process started is 17 months...which seems like an eternity. However, it really has passed quickly. I'm afraid that the closer we get, the slower time will move. People are always asking us if we have any updates or if anything new is going on ~ and we keep giving the same response...not yet. The day is coming though, that we will be able to share specific details of our little guy. Details like how much hair he has, how old he is, and of course how beautiful he is! Please continue to be in prayer for the entire Ethiopian adoption process, the orphaned children in this world, and patience for all of the adoptive parents.
As mentioned in the last update, there have been some delays within the Ethiopian government as it relates to adoptions. Official (as official as anything in a third world country can be) word came a few weeks ago that the agency that writes the approval letters for court will be reducing the number of letters per day to 5 (that's from 40-50 per day). The reasoning that this was changed is not known, however other areas of the government did not agree with this change and replaced all of the workers in that specific department. Recently, we received word that they are now processing around 20 letters per day...which is good news, but not 40-50 as before. Some of the background is due to illegal/unethical adoptions taking place and the need for more investigative and thorough work - which we are 100% in favor of as long as it doesn't make the process cumbersome and so long that the children are directly affected. We are not getting too worked up about all of this because we know that it will probably change again.
As we are already 8 months into the referral waiting process, the time since our entire adoption process started is 17 months...which seems like an eternity. However, it really has passed quickly. I'm afraid that the closer we get, the slower time will move. People are always asking us if we have any updates or if anything new is going on ~ and we keep giving the same response...not yet. The day is coming though, that we will be able to share specific details of our little guy. Details like how much hair he has, how old he is, and of course how beautiful he is! Please continue to be in prayer for the entire Ethiopian adoption process, the orphaned children in this world, and patience for all of the adoptive parents.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
A Milestone (at least on paper)
It's hard to believe that it has already been 6 months since we submitted our dossier. Although there are days that the waiting is painful in regard to the adoption process...life continues to happen which helps keep us focused and determined to accept God's timing.
According to the adoption agency, the average waiting time for an Ethiopian referral is 6-9 months after the dossier is submitted. So...here we are! It's been 6 months and the excitement is building. Unfortunately, in keeping up with the forums and blogs from Bethany and other families, we have learned that the waiting period for Ethiopian adoptions has been getting longer - not in all cases, but nonetheless families do appear to be waiting longer. From what we understand, this is due to some concerns about illegal adoptions from the Ethiopian government which has caused increased investigations and the growth of adotions from Ethiopia. We just continue to pray and trust that God has a plan.
I thought that I would leave you with a few facts about Ethiopia that may surprise you:
The Calendar There are 13 months in the Ethiopian Calendar! Each month has 30 days and the last month has only 5 or 6 days. New Year's is celebrated in September and there is a 7 year difference with the western calendar. For example, in 2011 it is actually 2004.
The Clock/Time of Day The Ethiopian clock begins & changes time at first light or at 6am rather than at midnight. When you ask an Ethiopian what time it is, although, it's 12 n00n because the sun is right above your head, they would tell you that it's 6:00 o'clock (in the morning) which is also when the date changes; at 6am rather than 12 midnight. It can be very confusing!
Literacy Rate The literacy rate in Ethiopia is 43%...compared to 99% in the United States.
Average Income US$200 per year
Orphans 4.8 Million
Thank you for your continued prayers.
According to the adoption agency, the average waiting time for an Ethiopian referral is 6-9 months after the dossier is submitted. So...here we are! It's been 6 months and the excitement is building. Unfortunately, in keeping up with the forums and blogs from Bethany and other families, we have learned that the waiting period for Ethiopian adoptions has been getting longer - not in all cases, but nonetheless families do appear to be waiting longer. From what we understand, this is due to some concerns about illegal adoptions from the Ethiopian government which has caused increased investigations and the growth of adotions from Ethiopia. We just continue to pray and trust that God has a plan.
I thought that I would leave you with a few facts about Ethiopia that may surprise you:
The Calendar There are 13 months in the Ethiopian Calendar! Each month has 30 days and the last month has only 5 or 6 days. New Year's is celebrated in September and there is a 7 year difference with the western calendar. For example, in 2011 it is actually 2004.
The Clock/Time of Day The Ethiopian clock begins & changes time at first light or at 6am rather than at midnight. When you ask an Ethiopian what time it is, although, it's 12 n00n because the sun is right above your head, they would tell you that it's 6:00 o'clock (in the morning) which is also when the date changes; at 6am rather than 12 midnight. It can be very confusing!
Literacy Rate The literacy rate in Ethiopia is 43%...compared to 99% in the United States.
Average Income US$200 per year
Orphans 4.8 Million
Thank you for your continued prayers.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Disheartenment
Today I listened in on a conference call set up to help families understand the current situation in Ethiopia. Apparently, there have been delays with families getting court appointments and embassy dates for travel caused by some corruption within the Ethiopian adoption process. Unfortunately, with anything good...comes bad. When greedy people see a good thing happening, they immediately want a part of it and cause havoc. There have been suspicious activities with some of the adoption agencies and orphanages within Ethiopia as it relates to unorthodox adoptions. People trying to make a quick buck by finding children meeting certain criteria that are not abandoned or orphaned and getting them 'into the system'. There have also been reported cases of parents selling their children to certain orphanges...which for a family in despair and desparate to support themselves is a very enticing proposition. I want to clarify that this is a very small part of the entire adoption process in Ethiopia and that Bethany Christian Services is not a part of the investigation, however one bad apple causes the entire system to go into gridlock.
I know for us, a family that is awaiting the day that we are presented with a referral of a child, the waiting is very difficult. However, as I listened to the other families today asking questions, I realized that most of them already had referrals and were waiting for their court date or embassy date for travel. I quickly realized how hard it must be for them...already knowing who their child is...seeing photos of them...perhaps already meeting them...and then hear about possible delays. Knowing that you have already prepared a place in your heart and home for this child, only to receive reports and photos of your child's development...of your child growing up thousands of miles away. At the ages of most of these children, a couple of months makes a big difference. The difference between crawling and walking; the difference between making noises and talking; the difference between bonding with a nanny or their forever family. I can't imagine the disheartenment that they must be going through.
Please be in prayer for this entire situation. Specifically for the Ethiopian adoption process and the investigation to conclude and the timing of the court dates and embassy dates to improve. For the families that have received referrals and are waiting to travel to Ethiopia to either meet their child or bring them home. For the children that are in the orphanages that they continue to receive good care and are safe. And for us...that we will remain faithful to our commitment and know that God is in control and His will be done.
I know for us, a family that is awaiting the day that we are presented with a referral of a child, the waiting is very difficult. However, as I listened to the other families today asking questions, I realized that most of them already had referrals and were waiting for their court date or embassy date for travel. I quickly realized how hard it must be for them...already knowing who their child is...seeing photos of them...perhaps already meeting them...and then hear about possible delays. Knowing that you have already prepared a place in your heart and home for this child, only to receive reports and photos of your child's development...of your child growing up thousands of miles away. At the ages of most of these children, a couple of months makes a big difference. The difference between crawling and walking; the difference between making noises and talking; the difference between bonding with a nanny or their forever family. I can't imagine the disheartenment that they must be going through.
Please be in prayer for this entire situation. Specifically for the Ethiopian adoption process and the investigation to conclude and the timing of the court dates and embassy dates to improve. For the families that have received referrals and are waiting to travel to Ethiopia to either meet their child or bring them home. For the children that are in the orphanages that they continue to receive good care and are safe. And for us...that we will remain faithful to our commitment and know that God is in control and His will be done.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Christmas Blessings
I'm finding it easy to get caught up in our everyday life and briefly forget about the fact that we are on the edge of a major life change. It's the simple things like seeing a mother loving on her baby, or planning something on the calendar for 2011, or preparing Christmas cards that brings everything back to reality and stirs up the anticipation of bringing a new baby boy home for the first time.
With the Christmas season quickly seeping into every aspect of our lives, the excitement of adoption continues to build. It brings reminders of all the changes to come with thoughts of our last Christmas pictures with just the four of us...thoughts of waking up Christmas morning without a baby playing with all of the paper and boxes...and not worrying about 'baby-proofing' the Christmas tree, everything changes the minute we bring our new baby boy home for the first time.
I'm continued to be drawn to the fact that God delivered a new baby boy home for the first time on that cold night some 2,000 years ago as a Savior was born! My Savior was born...your Savior was born. My prayer during this special time of the year is that we reflect on the change that the birth of this baby boy brought to us. Change that lasts an eternity...everlasting change as we are cleansed white as snow and walk with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Merry Christmas!
With the Christmas season quickly seeping into every aspect of our lives, the excitement of adoption continues to build. It brings reminders of all the changes to come with thoughts of our last Christmas pictures with just the four of us...thoughts of waking up Christmas morning without a baby playing with all of the paper and boxes...and not worrying about 'baby-proofing' the Christmas tree, everything changes the minute we bring our new baby boy home for the first time.
I'm continued to be drawn to the fact that God delivered a new baby boy home for the first time on that cold night some 2,000 years ago as a Savior was born! My Savior was born...your Savior was born. My prayer during this special time of the year is that we reflect on the change that the birth of this baby boy brought to us. Change that lasts an eternity...everlasting change as we are cleansed white as snow and walk with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Merry Christmas!
Monday, October 4, 2010
Shooting Stars
Although it seems as though we just started on this journey...almost a year has passed since we first began the process. It's hard to believe that we have already been waiting two months since our completed dossier was sent away. We are definitely ready to see the child that God is sending us, but we realize that it will be in His time and that He is still preparing the road...not only with us, but our family and friends. While we recognize that some people find it difficult to completely understand our motivation, we truly know that we are fulfilling a request from our Savior. A request that involves sacrifice and faith; a request that involves unconditional love and security; a request that involves unity and compassion.
We received notice over the weekend that we are one more step closer to a referral as our dossier has completed all of the necessary steps. It has been authenticated, translated and registered with the MOWA (Ministry of Women's Affairs-the adoption authority in Ethiopia). Now we are officially ready to receive a referral. A referral is when we are presented with the biography, medical history, family history and photos of the child that we will be matched with. This is very exciting as it will be the first time that we actually "meet" (even if it's only on paper) our son.
I have to share something else that happened over the weekend. Throughout this whole process, as I have been praying, dreaming and anticipating the delivery of our son...I have secretly hoped that God would show me a sign when our child was born. I know this seems a little hokey, but how cool would it be to experience the birth of our son in a non-physical way thousands of miles away. So, as I have been thinking about this and praying, I would question different things that would happen and wonder "was that my sign?". But, then I would just say to myself...no, it was just that I was thinking about it at that time. Well, on Saturday evening as Julie and I were on our way to Montezuma to pick Jaden and Justin up from Julie's dads house, we both saw a shooting star falling in the night sky and then it just fizzled out...like a spark that made its way from a fire. I can count the number of shooting stars that I have seen in my lifetime on one hand...and the more that I think about that star, I can't help but wonder if that was our 'sign'. God has definitely used a star in the past to announce a birth. I know...silly huh?? But, how cool would it be to find out that the child that we have been matched with was born on October 2nd? Can I at least dream?
This experience also made me think of the lyrics of a song by Mainstay called Stars are Singing. The lyrics are as follows:
Under open skies I leave the day behind
Wonder in my eyes, the world feels so alive
I just speak Your name and my heart seems to change
God of truth and grace, I can only praise You
And the stars are singing out
the glory of Your wondrous love
Heaven's reaching down
to show me all that You have done for me
Healer of my heart, come burn away the dark
Under soft twilight, I can hear your voice tonight
Your name is higher than the Heavens
Your glory fills a million skies
Your heart is reaching down from heaven
and my soul cries out to You
We are so blessed...blessed beyond complete understanding.
We received notice over the weekend that we are one more step closer to a referral as our dossier has completed all of the necessary steps. It has been authenticated, translated and registered with the MOWA (Ministry of Women's Affairs-the adoption authority in Ethiopia). Now we are officially ready to receive a referral. A referral is when we are presented with the biography, medical history, family history and photos of the child that we will be matched with. This is very exciting as it will be the first time that we actually "meet" (even if it's only on paper) our son.
I have to share something else that happened over the weekend. Throughout this whole process, as I have been praying, dreaming and anticipating the delivery of our son...I have secretly hoped that God would show me a sign when our child was born. I know this seems a little hokey, but how cool would it be to experience the birth of our son in a non-physical way thousands of miles away. So, as I have been thinking about this and praying, I would question different things that would happen and wonder "was that my sign?". But, then I would just say to myself...no, it was just that I was thinking about it at that time. Well, on Saturday evening as Julie and I were on our way to Montezuma to pick Jaden and Justin up from Julie's dads house, we both saw a shooting star falling in the night sky and then it just fizzled out...like a spark that made its way from a fire. I can count the number of shooting stars that I have seen in my lifetime on one hand...and the more that I think about that star, I can't help but wonder if that was our 'sign'. God has definitely used a star in the past to announce a birth. I know...silly huh?? But, how cool would it be to find out that the child that we have been matched with was born on October 2nd? Can I at least dream?
This experience also made me think of the lyrics of a song by Mainstay called Stars are Singing. The lyrics are as follows:
Under open skies I leave the day behind
Wonder in my eyes, the world feels so alive
I just speak Your name and my heart seems to change
God of truth and grace, I can only praise You
And the stars are singing out
the glory of Your wondrous love
Heaven's reaching down
to show me all that You have done for me
Healer of my heart, come burn away the dark
Under soft twilight, I can hear your voice tonight
Your name is higher than the Heavens
Your glory fills a million skies
Your heart is reaching down from heaven
and my soul cries out to You
We are so blessed...blessed beyond complete understanding.
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