Happy Halloween

Our nephew and DJ Myles Rock

Soon-to-Be Big Brother

Two days in a row we've gotten messages from sweet friends in Addis about Leul. Thought I'd share!

"Just wanted to let you know that I saw Leul today at the Gladney Center. He seemed so happy today. He was holding the hands of smaller children and helping them around. So sweet - he's destined to be a great big brother!"

"I did want to tell you that I got to see Leul yesterday at the Gladney office! He just seems like the sweetest boy. There was another little 3 year old boy there and Leul was looking after him, helping him into the van and taking him to get a drink. He is going to be a great big brother! Just wanted you to know that we saw him and he looked great!"

So sweet! Can't wait for him to meet Myles on November 13th!!!

A Scare

No, this isn't a premature Halloween post, but rather a recap of our day yesterday.

I woke up to read some disturbing news on Facebook about Leul's orphanage, so I immediately called our adoption caseworker to find out what was going on. Without going into specifics, there was an incident at the orphanage. Some boys were hurt, the police got involved, and in the confusion at the scene, it's my understanding that many boys older than 9 were arrested.

It was difficult to try to piece together what happened, but thankfully we have several friends in-country who could fill in the gaps.

Leul wasn't involved and wasn't hurt. However, it became too dangerous for him to stay there, so our adoption agency was able to use our adoption decree to remove him and take him to their foster care center.

We are so thankful that Gladney acted so quickly and got him to a safe place. We also feel incredibly blessed that we passed court when we did so he was able to be taken out of this tough situation.

Please pray for the orphanage boys. We've spent quite a bit of time at this orphanage — we were just there two weeks ago — and the boys we've come into contact with are sweet, smart young men. They are really hurting right now.

Please also pray for Leul as he makes this unexpected transition. In another week and a half, we will take placement before our embassy date.

It's been a really tough decision for us, but just Chris will be returning for our embassy date. Myles had amazing care while we were gone, but he didn't react well to us being gone for so long. And though we would love to take him with us, he's a little too young, the flights are too long, and the turnaround is too quick. I am beyond bummed, and I'm really sad we won't get to see our travel friends again. But it's the best decision for us right now. Chris and I have another trip planned for Ethiopia next fall, so I at least have that to look forward to! More on that later.

"He's Yours"

We are back from Ethiopia! We had another amazing trip. I have so many stories to share that I hope I can remember them all.

But the big news is, we passed court! Introducing Leul Hollomon.



We got in Sunday night and were back at work Monday morning, plus Myles has been a little mad at us for leaving him so long. :/ So, we are tired and jet-lagged to say the least! I'll try to post more soon.

We're Back On!

We are cleared to travel! What a difference a day makes. Our agency worked some things out, and we leave Saturday. Lots to do! Very thankful and praising God!

Not Today

We did not pass today. I'm not sure if our case is still open or if we will wait to be reassigned another court date.

The Time Has Come

Tomorrow we find out if we passed our first phase of court and get to leave for Ethiopia on Saturday...please pray for us!

My husband is also turning 29 for the second year. :) Happy birthday, Chris!