We're Leavin' On A Jet Plane...

We received news early this morning that the Embassy does indeed have our file (a common misspelling of our last name was the ultimate culprit!) and so we are cleared for take off. There is a chance that the Embassy, while reviewing our paperwork that will now be submitted (they had to have our file before the agency could submit the girls' paperwork) decides to do an investigation or finds that something is missing. If that occurs then we could be delayed in Addis while the situation is rectified (usually a three to four day thing). This rarely happens though, which means...yup, it'll probably happen to us. BUT, we're going to try to think positively and hope that it is smooth sailing from here on out.

Travel plans: We will be flying out Thurs. morning, we will overnight in D.C. then catch a morning flight straight to Addis. We will arrive there on Sat. morning (Ethiopia is nine hours ahead of MST) and fly to Mekele that afternoon. While in Mekele we will visit the care center where the girls spent the past year and hopefully get a better idea of the culture and atmosphere of the region where the girls are from. We will fly back to Addis on Monday and will wait impatiently to meet the girls Tuesday morning. From that point on, they will be permanently in our care (yipppeee!) and we will do our best not to scare them by our (my) blubbering and nonsensical sobbing. (0:

The Embassy appointment where we hopefully will receive the travel visa's for the girls will be on Wednesday, and we will leave for home, ALL FOUR OF US, on Thursday. (-:

Please keep the prayers coming as we seriously are not out of the woods yet. I will not breathe easy until my daughters step inside their new home.

Thanks to all for your love and support, we are getting closer!!!!!

Oh yes, I have had some requests for a quick language lesson, so I will try to do the next blog entry on "A few words and phrases in Tigrinya."

Tsegereda and Rodas....we're comin' girls!!!!

It Always Comes Down To Paperwork...

We are ready to go. Flights are booked (leaving Thursday, June 3rd). Mom is traveling by train on Sunday to stay with the boys. Piles are being created for things to be packed. Prescriptions are being filled. Little and big girl clothes are being picked out and carefully folded to go. A stroller has been purchased and somehow needs to fit into one of the too-small suitcases. Hmmm.

There is one catch, however...

THE EMBASSY IN ETHIOPIA STILL DOES NOT HAVE OUR PAPERWORK!!!!!!!

Months ago, when we were issued our 171H from the USCIS (Immigration Services) which approves us to adopt from abroad, we were assured that it would make it to Addis Ababa (I specifically called and asked about its transfer). Last week, when we were told by our agency Director that the Embassy in Addis had not received it, I was told by a woman at the National Visa Center that it would be resent and would be there in two to three days. The Embassy is open Monday through Thursday, so when our director checked yesterday, guess what? It was NOT THERE!!!!

I called all day yesterday and could not get through to the NVC (constant busy signal). I just sent an email to the Embassy requesting assistance and sending them a copy of our 171H as proof that it exists, but they are closing for the day (ET is nine hours ahead of us). We are running out of time and I am so scared that one little piece of paper is going to cost us and our daughters more time away from each other as well as hundreds of dollars in flight change fees, Mom possibly traveling all the way from Colorado for NOTHING, and then having to find someone else to watch the boys while we go for (hopefully) the June 23rd Embassy date.

It is so frustrating to travel on this journey as far as we have, to have the greatest obstacle be a single piece of paper--ONE WHICH I HAVE IN MY HAND. I am tired and I am scared and I am praying that the NVC treats us not as another number bothering them, but as a family just wanting to be whole and trying to move heaven and earth to do so...

Are You Busy June 9th???

Well, we might be seeing as our agency just called today to say our paperwork will be ready in time for the June 9th Embassy date so if we want, we can travel to pick up our girls then!

AAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

As I told some friends dealing with the same issue: Are we ready? No way. Are we going to be ready? No way. Are we going to try to make the June 9th travel date? YOU BET!!!!

We have waited two years for this moment and those two years have taught us to not waste a single moment. If we can get the girls earlier, then we need to because who knows what might happen in three or four weeks! There is a reason we were provided with this opportunity and although all my hair will likely turn straight due to the stress, WE ARE THERE!

Of course, there is one possible barrier and that is the fact the the U.S. Embassy in Ethiopia does not have our 171H, or approval to adopt, paperwork. Without this they will not issue our girls visas to come to the U.S. It was sent, they just did not receive it. So, the National Visa Center is in the process of re-sending it now and it should be in ET by the end of the week. If this does not happen before we need to travel, then we will have to delay travel until the June 23rd original Embassy date.

You know, there's always something! (0:

We did find out that the girls were moved from Mekele to Addis Ababa yesterday (they had their first airplane flight!). So, they have now left the place that they have lived for almost a year and have had another big change in their short little lives...but, that means we are getting closer!

Anyways, stay tuned because who knows what will happen tomorrow!!!

Tsegereda and Rodas, we'll be there before you know it!

And ANOTHER New Addition to Introduce...

I can't believe it, but I received a call today from our Adoption Coordinator to say that the judge had already looked at the newly submitted paperwork and deemed all was well. He passed our T's case...so we are now, OFFICIALLY, the parents of two beautiful Ethiopian girls!

WAHOOOO!!!!!!

So, I would love to introduce our oldest daughter, Tsegereda. Her birth certificate will say that she is six years old, but we are quite certain that she is somewhere between 7-10. I guess time will tell. She is the exact same size as our Wyatt, with the most beautiful curls and sweetest smile. There is a depth to both her and Rodas' eyes--as though they have seen so much more than their years indicate. I cannot wait to gaze into them in person. Her name means "rose" in Tigrinya...and I think it fits her perfectly!

For those wondering, Tsegereda did not have a known birth date, so we were honored to choose January 18 for her special day. It is not only Martin Luther King Jr. celebrated birthday, but also the day we signed the contract to pursue adopting her and Rodas. Rodas' name means "bible" and her birth date will be November 23, a date she will share with a very special angel (Colt's mother).

We would like to give the girls an "American" middle name and retain their Ethiopian names as their first. It will be their choice which name they wish to go by, and we will call them by both after they become comfortable with us. Their name is essentially all that they are bringing with them from their homeland, it is all they know. We will not take that from them, but we also wish to share with them our heritage and give them a special name for each of them. It has been a family decision, and although I'm pretty sure that we're decided, I want to wait until all the votes are positively in... (0:

TRAVEL??

Our Adoption Coordinator said that, barring any unexpected occurrences, it is very likely that we will be able to travel to get our girls for the June 23rd Embassy Date. EEEKK! All of a sudden that seems very close! But we'll be ready...

One concern is that the Ethiopian elections will be held on May 23rd and the results announced on June 21. Elections in Africa can often be like a simmering pot that suddenly boils over. We will be paying close attention to political events and conflicts up until we travel.

Thanks to everyone for their love, prayers and support! Although the journey is far from over, we feel as though a major summit has just been reached!

So, Miss Tsegereda, we waited only a day and that still was too long. We are so happy that you have joined our family and we hope that you and your sister Rodas will love and cherish us as much as we already love and cherish you. Efetweeka!

Introducing the newest addition to the Mortenson Crew:

I'd like to formally introduce our beloved Miss Rodas, who as of today is legally OUR DAUGHTER!!!! WAHOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

She has no idea how long we have been searching for her, or how blessed we are that we found her!

As you probably have guessed, we passed court successfully today which means that Rodas is now legally our daughter. We also had a court hearing for parental rights of Miss T, but that case did not pass--although it is not as bad as it could have been. The case was missing some paperwork and instead of rescheduling the court date, which is usually done, the judge simply requested the missing paperwork be supplied as soon as possible. If all looks well then the case will pass--possibly as soon as this time next week. HOPEFULLY this is how it will work! Please keep the prayers coming! If all goes as hoped, we might possibly even be able to travel for the June 23rd Embassy date!

Rodas has been described by those who have met her as reserved, but very warm and endearing once she is comfortable with you. The many pictures of her that we have show a little girl with penetrating looks and rare smiles. She doesn't seem to be too fond of cameras, but it is obvious the love that she has for her "sister" T. The few but brilliant smiles from her that we've seen were captured in pictures with the two of them together. I can't wait to make their sisterhood a reality!

We are thrilled with Rodas passing court, but we will be ecstatic when BOTH of our girls are legally in our family...where they have already been for months in our hearts.

I can't believe that I have a daughter! Who's possibly already potty-trained!!! WOW.
I am blessed.

So, Miss Rodas, Mom and Dad will be coming for you soon! You're brothers are excited about their new little sister and we can't wait until Miss T is your true sister as well!

Happy Mother's Day!

Wyatt woke me at the crack of dawn to give this to me...I am so blessed!









...and this is what now graces Blueberry, our car, (thanks Babe!):

WE HAVE A COURT DATE!!!!!!!

WEDNESDAY, MAY 12th!!!!!!!!!!!

Somehow, amazingly, our court date has been scheduled for next week! By next Wednesday, Wyatt and Noah could, finally, legally, have two sisters.

Now, given the fact that we actually have two cases that will be heard, there are a number of possibilities that actually could occur: both cases could pass on the first try and yippee, we're parents again and waiting for the court decree and embassy date to be scheduled (when we travel); OR, one case could pass and one fails (likely due to missing paperwork) which would mean that the failed case would be rescheduled and the other would proceed to issuing court decree and scheduling embassy date (logistically, we'll figure out how to cross that bridge if we get to it); thirdly, both cases could fail and then we just have to wait for the second court date (where all the above options can occur again). So, we are definitely not out of the woods yet, but at least we are moving FORWARD!!!!!! (-:

Once we pass court (hopefully next week!!!), we must wait for them to provide a court decree, which can sometimes take up to two weeks, and then the embassy date will be scheduled (usually 6-8 weeks after successful court). We will travel to Ethiopia for the Embassy date, and then bring our girls home to start a new roller coaster ride!!! So, if everything is successful on the first try, and the Embassy does not throw us any curve balls by aging T older than 10, we could possibly be traveling to get the girls by the end of June or early July. Most likely it will not be that soon, but you never know! The one thing these past two years have taught us: expect the unexpected! :0)

If you want to throw a prayer or two our way next Tues/Weds, we'll take all you can give! (-:

Thanks for your support and stay tuned! :0)

Nope, Not Monday!

Okay, so "Come Monday, everything will be alright" wasn't true. Maybe "Come Tuesday" or "Come Wednesday" will be more accurate! Right now we can only hope...

Yes, this means that we are still waiting to hear when our court date has been scheduled. Hopefully we will hear sometime this week, but you know how that's gone so far. ;0)

I did not, however, fret about the court date all weekend because surprisingly I had another adoption issue on my mind...trying to figure out how old my oldest daughter truly is! Let's go back a few weeks: the U.S. Embassy in Ethiopia has begun to have a medical doctor assess a child's age during the Embassy medical exam, done shortly before the Embassy interview in which you apply and hopefully receive your child's visa to enter the United States. Two traveling families were recently delayed in Ethiopia because their children were given ages by the Embassy doctor much older than what was on their paperwork--AND older than the families were approved to adopt in their home studies. So, they had to have their home studies amended and submitted to the USCIS (Immigration Service) before they could bring their children home. Amazingly they were both able to do it within a few days thanks to some very helpful U.S. social workers and Embassy personnel.

When I first heard about this I actually gave a sigh of relief because during our home study update last fall I had requested our age range for children be increased to 10 years old. We knew that we wanted to try to adopt children younger than Wyatt, but we'd seen enough crazy stuff that I thought I'd just play it safe. Just because you put 10 years does not mean you have to adopt a 10 year old, it just means you are approved to adopt children up to that age. Miss T is supposed to be 6, although we figured she was probably closer to 7, maybe even 8, given her size and tooth loss (she is the same size as Wyatt and has the same tooth missing that Wyatt does). That's a long ways from 10 years old, so I figured we would be fine.

Well, panic started to set in on Friday when it came out that the Embassy added three to four years onto some of the children's ages. I did the math and thought if they look at T and add four to five years to her age, we could be in big trouble. For most people, a home study amendment is a pain but not too difficult. For us it would be EXCRUCIATING! When our home study agency found out that we were adopting from Ethiopia through a different agency, they wanted to drop us cold. They actually told us when we requested a change of country to Ethiopia amendment (a piece of paper with one paragraph on it saying we were changing countries) that they would no longer help us. They actually DID drop us cold without batting an eye. If we hadn't fought tooth and nail and pleaded incessantly until they agreed to do that one additional thing for us, then we would have had to do a WHOLE NEW HOME STUDY! That would have taken a couple of months at least and two or more thousand dollars, at least. We agreed that we would not ask anything more of them and would find someone else to do our post-placement reports after the girls came home (Ethiopia requires reports, done by a LCSW, at three months, six months and one year after you bring your adopted children home).

So, panic is squeezing my heart at the thought of "what if the Embassy puts T at 11?" Our home study agency will not lift a finger to help us. We'll have serious issues. Another social worker cannot do an amendment and add it to your home study--they would have to do a whole new home study.

I sent out a note to the agency Yahoo email group asking for opinions of those that have traveled to Mekele and met T. How old do you think she is? Guesses ranged from 7 to 11, most putting her in the 8-10 year range. So, there's still hope but there's still a chance that the Embassy doctor puts her at the high age estimate of 11 as well. EEEK! We are going to be living on egg shells from the time we receive our court decree to the time when we hear about the Embassy medical exam results (which hopefully we will hear about before we travel...).

Then there is also the issue of preparing mentally for a much older T than originally planned for. We love her no matter what and will do whatever it takes to bring her home, but the fact is, we've been preparing for a 7-8 year old, not a 9-10 year old. Now, we're not quite sure WHAT to prepare for. We can and will handle it, and to be honest, she will likely be much "younger" in many ways anyways. We will do our best to address her needs best at whatever level she is at, despite what age she is given.

Wyatt is another issue. He has clung to the idea of being the "big brother" and the oldest child in our family. It is his safety blanket in the face of the uncertainty of his new sisters, and he has been adamant that he wants to be the oldest, even if T's birthday is only one day later than his. The fact that his sister may in fact be older than him will be very difficult for him to swallow. We will be honest with him, and focus on how she will likely look to him no matter what to help her navigate this crazy new culture. Already figuring there was a chance she was his age or slightly older, we had already begun talking to him about how he will be the older brother no matter what her age is. Now we really need to push it, and let him know the likely reality of it. Poor kid, for two years he has been so wonderful about the idea of sharing his family with two new siblings--this is the only thing that he has truly asked for (other than "does it have to be two girls?") :0) I know that he will open his mind and heart to her, I just wish that it didn't have to be so difficult!

So, we sit and wait. Wait for a court date. Wait and see how old the Embassy doctor believes our daughter to be. And we pray. Because right now, we are not in control of anything and things could get a whole lot harder (joy, oh joy, we know how that goes...). Please keep your fingers crossed for us. Maybe some toes as well...