What will we bring...

Let me preface this by saying, that no, there is nothing new just yet.  We keep on hoping that this week will be our week.  It has been an incredibly difficult wait, and we are so ready for this portion of our wait to finally be over.  Please keep on praying.

In the last few days, we have been getting some interesting questions from friends, family, and blog readers, about how we are preparing for what will be a life changing trip to Ethiopia.  We (Hilary, almost entirely) has been slowly but surely building up an inventory of stuff we will be taking with us as we prepare for the "long stay" in Ethiopia.  In future days, we will probably post our list of items.  This list is an accumulation of reviewing other lists, and then adding to make it our own.

Here are some pictures of some items that we have already purchased and gathered together (for those who care :) )

 (don't mind my foot in the pic above, but yes, it will join us in Ethiopia as well)

So, much of this stuff is ready to go.  Now the question is whether we have thought sufficiently of everything in preparation of this trip.  How will we entertain the girls for those long flights, those many days, and weeks in Ethiopia?  Will we be able to get all of the stuff we want/need into 4 suitcases to get to Ethiopia (I suppose we will probably be allowed 8 suitcases on the way back since we will be 4 travelers, so coming back should be easier)?  So many questions, and things to prepare for... 

Now all we need is a date to prepare for!

So readers (adoptive parents and everyone else), anything in these pictures surprise you?  Anything that you think is overkill?  We will try and post a list in the next few days, so you can get an even better idea just how loaded down we will be on our way there.

Remembering!

Even though this isn't a post about adoption, I felt that this still belonged here. After a week that turned many lives upside down, I thought I would remember the two people I knew best from the tragedy.

BVH was a great, but humble man. He was such a great supporter of our adoption process, and we felt that support on a weekly basis when we would have discussions on the peril and successes of the process. While he was often cynical about the processes we were going through, he was never wavering in his support. He and I spent a great deal of time discussing the many work projects he had going on at home, and he kept on encouraging to do some of those projects I might not have had the confidence completing otherwise. BVH tirelessly worked on behalf of First Nations communities, especially clients of our little company. I learnt a great deal about First Nation issues through our discussions in his office. BVH, we will miss your booming voice in the corner office, your well thought out nicknames, your daily wisecracks about lotus, technology, and of course ourselves. Thanks Ben for who you were!

CE was also a great supporter of our adoption. One of the last things she said to me after one of our many adoption discussions was "hang in there Sheldon, those kids are coming.". Throughout the time I knew her, she often provided support for our process, and even suggested other options if Ethiopia didn't work out. CE almost always had a smile on her face, and you could usually hear her voice across the office, laughing and joking, especially with BVH and CC. She had a great sense of humor, and her "hatred" of the Patriots will be missed :).

BVH and CE, I can't believe you are gone. You were both so full of life, love, and enthusiasm. Our office and lives are truly better for knowing you. Rest In Peace my friends.

On a quick side note, condolences to the families of MC as well. While I did not know her as well, I did appreciate the work she put in for her community. She was a positive person who was well loved in the community. We will miss your friendly attitude in our office.

Please pray for the people affected by this tragedy, especially the families, the community of NSL, and our office staff as we all grieve and plan for the future without our loved ones. Please also pray for the survivor, who we are so thankful made it through, but has a long recovery ahead of him.

-Sheldon

Happy Birthday (again)!

Because I will have to eventually learn how to post pictures, and because Hilary and I were having some fun with pictures today, here is the birthday "cake" of day.  We felt that we would do "cakes" for both girls, just cause we want to, and it's our blog, so there :)

There, Happy Birthday A and S.  You'll soon get to eat cakes just like these :)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Today is our soon-to-be oldest daughter's birthday. Hang on our dear girl, we are coming. We look forward to spending many birthdays WITH you, and not thousands of miles away.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!