Monday, April 12, 2010

Final Preparations

Umm… Tomorrow we get on a plane...Woohoo!

We just heard that we are confirmed for our Embassy appointment! Thanks for praying us through!

We had a great weekend, full of preparation and lots of “hey, we should do this, because after the girls come…” moments. ;)

Because I have much to write about, I will do it in sections, then you can read the ones that sound fun to you.  Just like a good "Choose Your Own Adventure" book.

Packing

This gets it own section because, whew!, it has been…strategic. I have never packed so light for myself and then still had so much luggage! We are taking donations over, clothes, shoes, formula, baby Tylenol, a computer (+ monitor), etc. Jon and I are packing in the same suitcase and we need our clothes, video camera, camera, any food we want, toiletries, toys for the care center and…my blowdryer. I know, totally should leave it…I might. We are going to use that 50 lb limit on every bag! Not going to waste it! :)

We borrowed the giant camouflage duffels in the hope that customs officials won’t even see them. :)  They are amazing and HUGE!








Weather

Africa=Hot, right? Our agency instructed us that women should always cover knees and shoulders and in most situations elbows too…I was flipping out, but apparently I was wrong, Ethiopia is not that hot. It looks like an average day, temps are in the 70’s.

Blogging While We Are Gone

My dear sister, Kristen, “Miss Kris” if you want to be her forever friend, has graciously agreed to blog for us. I don’t think I can get on blogger from Ethiopia, so I will e-mail her and she will pass important info along (and any other fun tidbits she has to offer).


Here is a recent pic of "Miss Kris" and Chad.
(I am seriously cracking myself up, imagining you all going up to her and seeing her reaction to you calling her Miss Kris)...


We are good friends, except when she tries to light my hair on fire.  :)







Preparation: It’s beginning to look a lot like babies…


Yes, we now have a "Pack n' Play" at the foot of our bed.  We are going to start them in our room and then move them into the nursery.  We also plan on having them in the same crib, at least for awhile. 

"We are doubling our family and tripling our stuff!" -Jon Gerst

It is amazing how much and how big baby stuff is! We have installed the carseats, assembled the high chairs, swing, etc.  The nursery is ready, just waiting for babies!

Sunday School Spring Party
I am so going to miss SS.  We had a Spring Party yesterday and here are a few pics...
I might blog again tomorrow on our 5 hour layover...in Chicago!  Grr.  Maybe we will watch the Cubs.
Thank you for your love, support and prayers. We appreciate it more than we can ever say and know we need your ongoing prayers throughout our trip and transition time.

11 comments:

Mindy said...

Amy, I am SO excited (and a wee bit jealous!) of you guys! I'm in tears thinking about what all you're going through and thinking that this will be us in a matter of time. Wow! It seems so surreal that your time is FINALLY here! I can not wait to see pictures of your trip. My heart is so there and with you every step of the way! I will be praying for you and thinking of you often!!

Sandra said...

praying for a safe trip. I can only imagine the excitment and nervousness you are feeling....So excited for you and looking forward to seeing pictures of your trip and most importantly your girls.

emilykate said...

Wasn't able to get to you in church yesterday, but I have really been thinking about you guys and will be praying!!

David and Larisa said...

We are praying! Just enjoy your time in Ethiopia - it is an amazing, heartbreaking country. We can't wait to hear about your journey. And Amy - IMO, totally LEAVE the blowdryer home! I thought that I just HAD to have mine along too, and I don't think that I used it even once. Most of the time there was no electricity anyway while we were getting ready for the day. Just my 2 cents!

Anyway, have a marvelous time with your babies!

Jennifer said...

So excited for you! Love the picture of your room with the p-n-p. So beautiful and sweet.

Have fun!

sarah.flyingkites said...

How exciting!!

You are in my prayers! Safe travels!

Jane E said...

We are sooooo excited for your GROWING family! Soak up every minute and write things down-it is such a whirlwind and can be emotionally exhausting, but you want to be able to remember details for yourself, but even more to share with the girls as they grow. We love you!

mark and angie said...

Praying for you! How exciting!!

**Eagerly anticipating updates from "Miss Kris" :)

The Lehman's said...

Praying for a very safe trip. Looking forward to "Miss Kris" updates. Can't wait to see pictures with you guys and the girls. May the Lord continue to bless you guys. julie :)

Susan H. said...

I am so excited for you both!! We will be praying as you go. I can't imagine trying to sleep tonight:-)!!! Thanks for sharing the journey.

Anonymous said...

Can't wait to hear about your trip. We're praying for you and your beautiful girls! Soak it all in! We'll be praying for you on the plane ride with the kiddos (that's the part that scares me the most)! I'm sure they'll do well!