our six

This was taken on Christmas day. Britt came home Monday evening and we had a good week together. The girls seemed to enjoy all the activity and we all looked back to last year and when they were not here. It is hard to believe it has been 8 1/2 months already. There have been some tough days but over all the joy sure out weighs those bad moments. We are so blessed to have not only 4 wonderful sons but also 2 sweet, darling girls. Evie and I shopped for her brothers and she had a good time picking out different things for each of them.(Dollar Store!!) Now as we just enjoy some slow days at home we have time to thank the Lord for the laughter the girls have brought to us. We always have been a goofy kind of family but adding Mazie and Evie and their "antics" have just brought out the best in all of us. Mazie will steal your heart. She loves to call her self our "baby girl", something J has said to her from day one. I know that we are "older" parents but I think what our ages make us realize is that time moves on so quickly that you need to grab a hold and go with it!! We are smiling and loving each day and we pray that as the girls grow they will realize just how much they were prayed for and wanted by not only their parents but their 4 older brothers too. Evie finally got her ears pierced yesterday and she looks so sweet. She is coming along in school at a good pace and learning that knowledge is not easy. She has her "moods" because she is a perfectionist but on a whole she is moving forward. Her world has changed so much and she has had a lot to deal with. She does know we all love her and feels good about that so I know the Lord will help her and us with the rest of "it". As a family we have all experienced changes and I hope that you will all pray for us as we continue to work through these changes. We know that this is what God wanted for our family and we pray that others will also reach out to children across the globe that just need to know that someone cares for them and will teach them about the love of our Lord.

December 11th???

Can it all ready be December 11th? Can you believe I have done no shopping at all!! I know what I want to pick up for the boys and the girls but just haven't had the time. I hope to get to it next week. Mazie might be hard though? She wants a hippotumas for Christmas!! HAHA!! Have any of you heard that old Christmas song? It is from 1953. A girl sang it at the concert a couple weeks ago and Mazie loves singing it. She likes the Christmas music and called one of the Santa's "Santa Baby". We are all really enjoying watching the girls as they experience their first Christmas season in the USA.

laundry, oh my!!!

I am sorry again that I have not updated lately!! The days go by so quickly. I have gotten a couple of substitute jobs at 2 different pre-schools. On the days that I work I end up behind on just about everything. I am starting to realize though that even when I do stay on top of everything the dirty clothes return the next day again and the dust bunnies still hang out under my chairs. I hope that I am becoming more tolerant of my own short comings.
We took the girls to a beautiful Ethiopian choir concert on Saturday night. It was good to see friends from our yahoo group there. Deanna sang and I was so touched by her love of the Lord and how it came out in her voice. Evie enjoyed seeing her daughters and we hope to see them again soon.
Mazie got to go to school on Monday. The 1 pre-school that I worked at allowed her to join the 2 year old class for the morning. She had so much fun and now talks about "her school." When I was done I went to get her and I hugged on her and cried. She gave me those special pats on my neck and allowed me to hold her close. You see we prayed and waited so long for our girls and I all of the sudden felt like our time was going to fly by and I may forget all these sweet times. Lord, please let me remember to enjoy the quiet every day things. All too soon the children will be grown.

some more pictures

pictures

Let me see if I can do this again!!

good morning

It is pizza day at our house!! But please don't tell Mazie until after all of our errands are done. She has been known to invite the Walmart greeter to our home for pizza. Just wanted to say a quick hello. Our 2nd update on the girls was approved and sent onto Ethiopia. I had the opportunity to encourage a family thinking about adoption. Like I told her it is not an easy road to walk and sometimes you can feel like you are crawling over rocky dirt roads. When God calls you to do something you better do it. I can say honestly I am not the same person I was 3 years ago when our journey began. The girls have changed each of us. I am praying about writing my honest story. Pray that I can get all the "real" stuff down on paper and encourage others!! God bless you, enjoy your very own pizza day!!! in God alone, Sharry

so sorry

Hi all, Is there anyone actually reading this? It has been a busy time here and my blogging is really lacking. We just finished up the 2nd update for the girls. They are doing remarkably well. Evie is having a good time at school and although she thinks she should be doing better her teacher and esl teacher both say she is doing better than they could imagine. She has come out in so many ways and now does speak about Ethiopia and her life there. We have had some sad moments but she recovers quickly and we move on. Mazie is doing terrific with really no signs of missing the past. One thing we are sure of is that the girls were in a Christian home with praying adults around them. Evie speaks about a friends mom that prayed for her and rejoiced when Evie and Mazie were "picked" and was happy that Evie would go to a loving family. Put yourself in our shoes for just a moment: raising 4 sons, loud, wrestling always, carrying on always, very noisy but FUN!! Now introduce 2 sweet girls. God put just the right ones in our family because Evie (all 63 pounds) can keep right up with the best of them. Mazie just smiles and melts the boys hearts even when she is pestering. Some sweet things she does: calls people "Pooples ", waffles, baffles, worries about her brothers eating. Both girls love football games and cheering. Mazie cheers "go Broughton go!!" go mold, go purple(go gold, go purple)She loves to go chopping and cockcos(Costco), jsut about every day she wants to go to the mull(mall!!) so you can see we adore her and all of her 2 year old ways. Both girls were truly meant to be ours and we are so thankful!!

Tate turns 16 tomorrow!! WOW we are off to Mahaffey for the Applefest and are happy to be able to spend some time with Mom,Chip, Bobbette, Bob and Marlie and possibly Lisa and her 2 girls. Tate has some friends coming to spend time with him and it should be a great week-end.

I am back in the classroom on Monday. I will be subbing in a small pre-school that a friend of a friend works at. I visited the other day and it looks like a nice situation. Like everyone else these are scary financial days and so I thought I needed to try and bring in a bit of extra income. Pray that it all goes well and pray for us as we travel.

Thank you for reading this whoever you are!! The pictures are from the girls dedication done at camp with David leading the service. The girls were beautiful in their Ethiopian dresses.

school started!

Well the kids all started school last week and it was a good week! Kolby and Tate's schedules are all worked out and so the routine begins. Evie's teacher for 3rd grade is a man and although I thought it would be a problem (only because of the cultural stuff) she really likes him. If you remember she went to school for the last 5 weeks after she arrived in the spring and did very well. Two of her friends are in the class and they are very helpful. She enjoys going each day and we are seeing progress. She has finally started to tell us a bit about Ethiopia and sometimes it makes her sad. Last week she had a sad night after I had told her at dinner that she needed to eat all of her food because she was a skinny minny!! Now she usually tells us that she is not skinny but for some reason that night it reminded her of a family friend that was always telling her to eat because she was too skinny. We talked, we cried, and I held her and then we prayed together. She worked her way through and I am sure there will be more episodes as she goes though so many changes living here. On Sunday we went to the mall and I allowed her to pick out lotion at Bath and Body Works. Even though I told her she only needs to use a little bit last night she must have used a ton because I could smell her coming down the steps. So with more instruction she now understands that she only needs a tiny bit and she uses it in the morning before going to school. Mazie was excited to have everyone out the door so that she could "ply" with mommy. She follows me around and loves to help in her own special ways!!! Remember she's 2!! So the school year is off to a good start. Kolby starts a new job next week at Journeys. He is happy about it. I am still trying to figure out how to post pictures now that I am using the lap top. Take care, blessings, Sharry

safe

Hello everyone.
Just an update about Kolby and Tate they arrived safely home on Sunday. They had a wonderful summer at Triple R and we are thankful for that opportunity for both of them.
Evie visits her school on Friday and we will meet her new teacher. Kolby and Tate both have their schedules now but Kolby's is missing a couple classes. He is off to Broughton tomorrow to get it fixed.
It is sad to see our summer gone but we are thankful for all the special times we have had.
Thank you to all of you reading this "every day, umdrum stuff" about our family. We are a family trying to live for the Lord each day. We aren't perfect but we are saved!!! God bless you tonight. Now go get some chocolate ice cream and put chocolate syrup on it. That's Evie's favorite!! :-)

pizza night

Hi all, It is raining outside and the girls are inside keeping busy. Evie has her doll house set up in her room and she is listening to her new worship cd very loudly!! Mazie is singing in the sunroom. She thinks noone is listening but I can hear her sweet voice.
Kolby and Tate are coming home this week-end. I have really missed them but I am glad that they have had this experience at Triple R this summer.
Nothing new going on here. It's pizza night which is Evie's favorite. She had a shot this morning and is done for a little while. It was cool to talk with the nurse. She has been her in NC for a year and is a sweet Christian. She commented that she thinks that it is neat to see so many adopting families here in the south.
Dru interviewed for an assistant manager job yesterday. He is still on God's "waiting" list. I have been thankful to have him here with us and his sisters. I know that there will be a time that God calls him in a different direction.
I have had a week where I have really missed my mom. I know that God's plan is for us to be here but the distance from mom, Grandma and the rest of my family is something I still really have not gotten used to.
Thank you for your friendship and your support. I love you all!! Hey Ellen, I am praying for you. Consider yourself"kicked in the butt!!"

excuse me!!

Please excuse the last post. I was trying to enter a contest to win a very cute outfit for Mazie. I am so computer "dumb".
All is well here. Today is 4 months in America with our beauties!! They are both wonderful girls and it has been basically a joy!! Evie is doing well with her English and she is looking forward to 3rd grade starting in a couple weeks. She has been working on her letters and words and we have fun rearranging her sentences. She stayed up and cheered for the USA team to walk into the Olympics and was about to say her prayers when I called her back down to watch the Ethiopian team walk in. We have enjoyed watching the events together and like most girls loves the gymnastics. It has been a busy summer but a good one too. What did we do last summer? There have been so many firsts for our new daughters. I continue to pray that I will be the mom they need not only today but tomorrow and as they grow. Kolby has his camera at Triple R so we do not have the memory card to post updated pictures. We will try to do that next week. Mazie what a sweetie. Her and I have been walking together or at least I have been walking and she gets to ride in the stroller. We love to sing very very loud and she only once in a while says" be quiet". Each morning she looks for her poople! Let me explain poople is people and she eats Cheerios for breakfast and there are people on the back of the box. At camp she was fascinated with all the poople coming to camp. Now she has noticed that there are poople every where.
Kolby and Tate return home on Friday or Saturday and I have really missed them. Mazie has been wanting to ugg them ever since they left. Please pray for them as they travel. They drove out there themselves in the Neon. (it is 13 years old)
Hey, by the way no one has sent me their email addresses. Please email me at jayandsharry@nc.rr.com so that I can start my new address book. Take care blessings to all of you. I hope that you have as good of a day as I will have!! Sharry

Nantucket Weekend GIVEAWAY!!!!

Hi, I would love this outfit for my little girl!! Sharry Nantucket Weekend GIVEAWAY!!!!

oh my!!!!

So sorry that it has been so long since my last update. What a wonderful time we had at Mahaffey. The girls were dedicated by my brother and all of my family was there except my brother Dan. The girls looked beautiful in their Ethiopian dresses and Jay and I also wore our clothes that we bought in Ethiopia. Evie is doing very well and we are happy to say that she seems pretty settled into the family. She has begun to test more but this is common. As an 8 year old she is mature but she has a silly, playful side too. She loves any type of game but she does not like to lose. At camp we met a CWA family that adopted 3 children in Jan. 07. Evie liked talking to their oldest daughter and the family only lives about 3 1/2 hours away so possibly we can get together with them again. My brother David is in that area too. Mazie is still the bright sunshine that shines so brightly. What a tug to my heart when that sweet voice says "I love you mama!" She usually gets up in the morning ready to go (just like her mama). I pray that Jay and I are the parents these girls need and that our family is the family they need too. We know that with out a doubt that God placed these girls with us. As their language improves we look forward to teaching them about God's love for them and us. I will update again soon but need to run to see why Mazie is calling me. Blessings

3 months here!!

The girls have been in America for 3 months now. I can honestly say it is hard to believe that they have not always been here. Evie is doing well with her English and understanding those around her. She has had the opportunity to meet all of her extended family on my side. We made up photo albums and she looks at everyone and remembers their names.
This week we return to PA. to our cottage at Mahaffey. Family camp begins on Friday and we are so excited that everyone will be there. On Sunday the girls will be dedicated by my brother David beside the Susquehanna River. I am so pleased that Britt will be flying in on Thursday and Dru will come up with Jay.
I am also happy that my mom is there and I get to spend this special time with her too. I often say that we know that the Lord brought us to North Carolina and that this is where we are suppose to be but it doesn't make it any easier that mom and the rest of my siblings are in PA. (except David and Lisa, they are now in VA.) Any how it should be a good week with some much needed relaxing time for Jay, he has been working so hard, and some "bonding" time for the girls and all of their cousins and Uncles and Aunts.
Pray that all of our traveling will go smoothly and that we have no more car troubles. Pray that when I drive on Tuesday and Jay on Friday that we will be rested and alert to all that is going on around us. Do I dare say pray for decent gas prices too!!!
As I noted earlier our computer bit the dust. We will need to replace it as Tate and Kolby have school starting in August and along with that will be the usual school work etc... Please pray that we can find a good computer and that the money is in place to purchase it. We are still paying the cost of airline tickets from Ethiopia 1/2 down 1/2 to go which totals around 2500.00. God is good and we know that He has taken care of us through all of the process. If you could only see how the girls interact with the family you would understand that they were meant for our family long before we knew they would be a part of it. God had all of this in His palm all along!!! Praise God!! Sharry

help

Just asking for a bit of help from those of you that read and keep up with our blog. Our computer bit the dust and J is trying to retrieve pictures from it. I also need to get emails from some of you because I had not saved them in the right place. If you traveled with us to Ethiopia and have pictures you could share we would appreciate it. Pray that some how J can work some magic and save them.
Happy 4th to all of us!! We live in a terrific country where freedom is REAL.
In the meantime Mazie is excited that she was able to wake daddy up today with a BIG ug!! (hug) Evie is once again setting up her "house" on the deck. She loves the tent Aunt Bobbette and Uncle Chip got for her. We laugh but also speak "firmly" that she must share as easily as she expects others too. For instance anything that is hers is hers but anything that is Mazie's is also hers. Sometimes that doesn't workout real well. She is learning though!! Bless her she now has "things" of her own. till later!!

July 1,08

I can hardly believe it is July 1. The girls and I returned late Saturday afternoon. What a joyous time we had. Both Evie and Mazie seemed to take to all their new relatives. It was so nice to see the interactions with Aunts and Uncles and all the cousins. Mom taught Evie to do stitcheries and she is already working on her 3rd one. Mazie continues to do well and is now in her "panties" all day. Not once in the 9 1/2 drive to moms did Mazie fuss to get out of her seat. The same for the trip back. She only slept for about 45 minutes but watched out the window and played with her doll and bunny. Evie was sweet and helped hand food etc... God has blessed me with 2 special girls.
We pick up Tate on Saturday and the girls and I will leave again with Tate to go to Mahaffey family camp on either the 14th or 15th. On the way home we stopped to see David and Lisa and the children. They are settleing into their new home and looking forward to what God has in store for their ministry. Please pray for them as they are both also looking for jobs. David is in a relatively new church so I am sure money is tight.
Please pray for us too as we feel bombed by satan. The car expenses we have had, still oweing for plane tickets and now the family computer is "gone" I am not sure what could be next but please pray with us that nothing else goes wrong as far as having to get it fixed and paying for it. We are reamining faithful even under this barage of unexpected finances.
God bless you

good bye!!

Yesterday we drove Kolby and Tate to Triple R ranch to work. Tate will be there 3 weeks and Kolby 5. The house is so quiet and Evie is searching for someone to play Candyland with her. We miss them already but I know that it is a good time for them and a growing time. We will get 2 weeks with Kolby in July and then he will go back to finish off the summer before starting his senior year. Tate is working till July 4 because he is only 15 he can only work 1 session at a time. The girls are doing remarkably well for being with us only 2 months. I am amazed daily how well they have "fit"in. God is good!! My grandma was well enough to go back to her high rise apartment last week. She celebrates 89 years in July!! What a legacy she has given us. The girls and I will be driving to PA. to see her and my mom and the rest of the crew later this week. I am anxious for the girls to meet everyone. Thank you to those of you that read my updates. I will not post regularly this summer just because of the trips to PA. etc... Know that I love each of you. Pray that we, me, is alert and safe as I drive to my mom's place and to our camp and back again. To Nancy and Mark, we are thrilled for you and know just how excited you are at this time in your lives. God bless you all!!! love, Sharry

time flies!!

Here it is Friday again. The time flies so fast around here. Yesterday the girls started their immunizations. The doctor also took blood so that he can test to see if they have any natural immunities to some of the things they would be getting shots for. It could save us some time and some "pain" for the girls. We had a school picnic last evening and met the little girl that Evie adores in her class. Shaye just lives up the road from us so we hope to get them together this summer. Mazie is pretty much potty trained now, praise God!! Now though her shorts fall off her little behind. What a cutie. Evie is doing well and is soooooooooo excited to see and meet Britt this week-end. We have missed him. Pray for him because he is still in pain from his surgery and will be sitting in a cramped plane. I am so anxious to get the girls to PA. to meet my mom and the rest of the crew. Bobbette, my sister-in-law has been so supportive and I want everyone to love these girls like we do. I haven't posted pictures because I forgot how. Give me time to relearn. Praise God from whom all blessings come!! love, Sharry ps Sherry if you read this I sure do miss you!!

good nught have a good day!!

Evie loves to say good night have a good day all in one sentence. And yesterday while Jay was at the mall a lady pulled out in front of him and Evie made the comment that cars need to say excuse me. Here in Raleigh I think she's right!! The night is quiet and I am off to bed. I am just thanking my Lord for the wonderful sons that He allowed me to have and for the terrific daughters He gave to me (us) at this time in our lives. God is so good!! remember "good night have a good day!!"

hello!!

Since the boys have cell phones it seems like phones ring a lot around here. (or viberate!) Mazie loves to talk and tell stories to any one that calls. What we really need though is a phone that shows her face as she tells the story. It would make you laugh!! Only 2 more weeks of school. Evie is going to miss going every day. She has come so far in the short 6 weeks that they have been here. Britt is flying here on the 8th and we are looking forward to spending a couple days with him before Kolby and Tate are off to Triple R for work. Kolby is gone for most of the summer and Tate is gone for 3 weeks. Cayli and her friend Emily are visiting this week-end and the girls are looking forward to seeing Cayli, me too!! Well bettter run, I can hear Mazie bothering Dru as he tries to eat a late breakfast/early lunch. Blessings, Sharry

yesterday!!

Well yesterday morning Mazie and I packed up the car and off we went hoping to surprise my mom and the rest of the family. About 2 hours into the trip and going up the VA. mountains my car overheated. Oh no!!! We ended up being able to make it to the next exit and after a gallon of water and antifreeze we decided to not chance it and much to my sadness we turned around. I miss my mom and had hoped to cheer her up a bit. It has been hard with my grandma's broken hip and her recovery. So for sitting in the car basically from 9-3:30 Mazie did a fine job. The other bad thing is that now the car needs a thermostat and the van is sitting because it needs a radiator hose replaced and the neon is getting work done too. OK move forward and thank God that Mazie and I made it back safely and that some how all 3 cars will be back on the road soon. Smile today!!!!!!!!

Britt's surgery

Britt called earlier and the surgery is done. He is in pain but the doctor said all went well. Britt's friend is staying with him for several days because Britt is supposed to stay off his leg for 48 hours. Please continue to pray for him. Thank you.

welcome shower

Yesterday my dear friends Julie and Amanda and my church family threw a Welcome shower for the girls. How special of them. There was yummy food and very nice gifts. The girls will enjoy the gifts for a long time, puzzles, books, clothes, dolls, doll furniture, games WOW!!! Dru took pictures. I will post them later. As the girls learn more English we will share with them just how much people loved them before they ever met them.
All has been well here. We have noticed that when Evie's feelings are hurt or she has to be corrected for misbehaving she will go to her room and "sink" into herself. It is much easier to understand her moods now and at times we really do not let her sulk for long. She is almost always very sweet and helpful and full of giggles and silliness. We love her!! Her relationships with the boys get stronger each day. Evie's English is also getting pretty good. I think she understands most of what we say to her or we can at least explain it out to her. We are so proud of her!! Mazie, well what can I say. What a sweetheart. We adore her even when the typical 2 year old behavior happens. I am amazed at loving her so easily but then how could you not, she is so funny and cute. If I suggest "going" she literally flips out. Eating is a favorite past time and going to Costco too. Mazie is a shoe girl and has tried to talk me into buying her new ones no matter where we go. She has the most beautiful eyes and know exactly how to look at you!! Thank you Lord for placing in our care the perfect girls for our family!!

Mothers Day

What a wonderful family I have!! My sons bought and sent me an edible arrangement. It was beautiful and tasty. I shared with everyone(except Britt, he's in FL) and we ate it in about 30 minutes. Evie and Mazie both like fresh pineapple and strawberries. Thanks boys, I love you all and you really are my "four bless yous!!". J got me an IBM "chips" recipe book. It has recipes from all over the world and it is all yummy chocolate stuff!! He also gave me a necklace and matching earrings!! It was a special day because we finally have our 2 girls home!! By the way Evie made me a card in school with her picture on it. She wrote I love you mommy 3x in it!! I melted when she gave it to me last week. She did suffer some injuries while taking the picture. Evie was holding a baby chick and she said it kept pecking her hand. Her expression was so funny!!
Yesterday we spent the day with Cayli and her family celebrating her graduation from Gardner-Webb. What a good day it was. The girls experienced their first night in a hotel and Evie her first shower. She always takes bath at home. The water scared her at first but then she ended up loving it.
I want to take this space now to thank my mom for her love and support. She doesn't have a computer but I need to say thank you.Youhave always been the best example to me. Because of your unconditional love for me and my siblings I have always wanted to have children to inspire to be the best that they can be. We do not always see eye to eye but we do know and love the same Lord and your faith and strength have given me the courage to walk through life's difficult times. Thank you for loving me and us all so much and thank you for loving dad so much too. God bless you!!

pictures

Hi all I have posted some pictures to the blog. Most are self explanatory but maybe the one with Kolby and Mazie. It was taken before Kolby drove off to the prom. The girls are beautiful!! We are doing fine and they seem to be too. blessings, Sharry

1 month!

It is hard to believe that 1 month ago CWAE brought our new daughters to the guest house for us!! It has been a difficult month and a joyous month. I am now healthy, Evie is loving school and Mazie is an adorable 2 year old!! Our whole family "style" has changed. The boys are here more often and the girls make us laugh daily. Evie has improved so much with her English and even though she does not always understand how to respond she usually understands the direction. She spent almost all day Saturday on the trampoline. She looks forward to school and especially time with her brothers. Yesterday she wanted to call Britt and she actually asked him a couple questions and then responded back to him. Mazie is so funny and sweet. She knows how to get daddy to do what she wants him to do and in fact her brothers too. Both girls went to Kolby and Tate's spring concert last Thursday night and for over 2 hours they were wonderful. I have been told that since we were adopting I should get rid of my Sebring convertible and actually we did think of doing that to help raise money but since it is paid off and we know the "history" we decided not to. If you could see Evie and Mazie's faces as I drive them in it you would smile. There have been so many firsts this past month and there will be many more to come. At this point we are just so thankful that everyone seems fine now and in this moment. What is in the future we do not know but we do know that doing what God called us to do, adopt, has blessed us beyond measure. God bless each of you and if you want any info. about adoption please caontact me.

Praise God

Dru and I just went to pick up Evie from her first day of school!! Her very sweet teacher brought her to the office and she was smiling from ear to ear. The teacher said she had a wonderful day. Other staff in the school said that each time they saw her she was smiling. Dru is working with her on her colors right now. My friend Anne brought over some clothing for Evie and as we went through Evie already picked out a purple sweater that she wants to wear tomorrow. I could just cry from happiness she seemed to do very well!! Thank you Lord, you answered again and the sun is shining in Evie's eyes today!!

doing fine

Well it has been a long week for me but I am finally feeling better. The girls are doing well and understanding us a bit better each day. Mazie in her 2 year old mind is just wonderful. Evie is understanding us but we walk her through everything to make sure she does understand. She loves playing memory and foose ball with the boys. The weather is beautiful here so I promised her that we would pick out some flowers and plant them. Life goes on.... blessings

One week

Well we have been home for a little over a week and what a week it has been. Jay and I both got sick in Ethiopia and last Tuesday I ended up at the doctors. After a chest ex ray I was told I had pneumonia. I do not believe I have ever felt so sick. It has completely wiped me out. It looks like now after some very strong medicines I am on the mend. Please pray for all of us as we recover! Our friends and church have brought more meals in and that was a huge help to Jay. The girls seem to be adjusting well. Evie is understanding some of what is said to her. We are seriously thinking of enrolling her in school to help her English along. Pray about that decision for her please. Mazie is a typical 2 year old and speaks several languages but understands us about 99% of the time.
On another note my grandma feel last week and broke her hip. She will turn 89 in July. Surgery is scheduled for this morning. Please pray for the doctors quick skill her herat is very weak. Britt called and his sugery is scheduled for the end of May. He is trying to get it changed because he has the 30 hour famine going on with his youth.
So the beat goes on in Raleigh. We love each of you. God bless

home at last!!

Well we are back to Raleigh. Actually we arrived home on Saturday. Our friends Julie, Rob, Sierra and David brought over balloons and made a sign and Dru painted one too to welcome us back to the states. I must admit I am not missing Ethiopia. Mazie(Bamlak) shared a cold with us and Jay and I are both pretty sick. The girls seem for the most part to be doing well. The language with Evie(Hiwot) is the most difficult. She has been taught to give us complete respect so sometimes we have not idea if she really wants to eat cheerios or she's just being sweet. We are so thankful to a couple people in our church that brought meals to Dru, Kolby and Tate while we were gone. We also felt the prayers of all of our dear friends and especially family. Please continue to pray that Jay and I recover quickly and for the continued adjustment of our daughters. By the way the note Dru said I wrote was actually written correctly but I guess I went into over load for the boys and had directions all over the place. We thank God that He has helped us to raise up young men that love Him and that we really never worried about them. We just missed them allALOT. I will post again soon and we hope to have pictures ready soon too. Thanks for everything. God's blessings on you!! Sharry, Jay and family

In Ethiopia

Hey everybody this is Dru, the second son! Well my parents are in Ethiopia and are safe. A note, one of many notes left around the house reminding me of tasks needing completion, described to me the process of posting this new blog with the directions to tell everyone that they are safely touched down (six points for the home team) in Ethiopia. Adding to that note, Mom and Dad have already gotten to meet the girls!! Hooray! So pray for the adjustment for both my family and our new additions. We are so thankful to our Heavenly Father who adopted us into his big, big family. And thank you all for your continued prayers. BTW- One of my notes read, "Shout dogs in laundry foam," which I take to mean "Shut dogs in laundry room." May God bless you in your continued journey with Him!

bye again!!

J is checking over the paperwork and getting everything in order. The bags are at the front door and I am in panic mode. This journey started in August of 2005 at that time we thought we were to go to China but God's plans were different and now tomorrow we are off to Ethiopia. In so many ways it still does not seem possible. We have basically lived our lives in the same manner as before August 05 (except for the saving and budgeting) but with in 3 days we are changing our lives, the boys, and most importantly 2 little girls. Oh my Lord, please stay close to us!!! Once again we want to thank Caroline's Promise for their grant. Without that help we would have had a huge travel credit bill. God is good though and He provided when we were not sure how it could happen. Could you please take a moment and check out the web site for Caroline's Promise. www.carolinespromise4u.org They are doing terrific things with the ministry and we want everyone to read all about it and support them if you can!! So now back to running around the house doing nothing but being nervous and anxious!! By the way I asked Tate today if he thought his sisters would like their new mom and he says "SURE!!" I think they are going to adore their big brothers that have prayed for them for so long!! And for the dad that can not wait to hold them. Keep praying for Britt he should hear about his surgery date in the next day or so. love to all of you:-)

see you in a week

Today is my last post until we return with our daughters. We will try to send email to the boys but not sure how well that will work. Please keep us all in your prayers as we embark on this new journey. I am not sure how much we will sleep tonight so maybe we will sleep in the plane. If you know me you know that I am an anxious traveler. As a result I can end up with serve back pain. Please pray that I do not have any of this pain. Once again we can not thank all of you enough for the prayers. God is good and we know that He is and will always be in control. Much love to you, Sharry and Jay

counting down

Well it is Monday March 31 and we are counting down the days!! Praise God for all kinds of small miracles happening to our family. At this point I am not nervous about anything but making sure that we have all of our paperwork with us. We just strongly ask for your prayer support. I have a dining room table with lists and forms all lined up. With the help of Julie and Rob we also have suitcases ready to go. The girls are packed and now I will concentrate on getting Jay and my things together. Thank you cell group for the special time of prayer last night. It is reassuring to know that your prayers are with us and that while we are gone you will continue to pray. I am glad that we have a community of believers that love us and most important love our sons and daughters.

coming!!

Evie and Mazie, Your parents are coming!! Yea, Our case worker called this morning we have our embassy date for the 8th of April. We will fly out on the 4th and return the following Friday. So much to do so much to think about!! Please be in prayer for our 3 sons staying at home. They will most certainly end up tired and will get on each others nerves because rather said or not they are nervous too. I mean think about it for the last 15 1/2 years mom has been the only girl in the house!! Things will change! I will update later but gotta run and make lists!! Praise God I'm seeing His glory today!!

disappointed!!

Can someone out there say a prayer for me?? I am so disappointed that we didn't hear anything today. My Lord what are you teaching me now?? I did get a bunch of cleaning done today and went to the Walmart to pick up Gain and a new sweeper belt. I swept up one of my slipper socks in my zeal for cleaning!! Well off to make the pot stickers for supper. Please God send me a message tomorrow!! I want to hold our girls!!

Easter Sunday

Happy Easter to each of you. It was a beautiful day and one that God let all His glory shine! I am so happy to have been in a service were God's presence was felt. My Lord gave His son that day and then He brought Him up from the grave to sit on His right side. AMEN!! I am by no means a Bible scholar. I do know though that the Lord loves each of us. Yesterday morning I called a new friend, Nancy, from "upnorth". Her and her husband are adopting 2 children from Ethiopia. They also are using CWA which was nice to hear since we are pleased with them and recommend them to other people. Walking with the Lord is not easy and in my very sinful nature I only ask for my sins to be forgiven and Christ's blood wash me clean. I know that in my past there have been things I did not listen to and I am sure there will be things in the future that I will question and even possibly ignore but this calling we could not ignore. God has asked us each to take care of His children and how could we not love and cherish just 2 of His children that would possibly never have a chance to hear or learn about Him. Just as Christ knew that Britt, Dru, Kolby and Tate would be our children He also knew that these girls would also be ours. What a cool thought! We missed Britt today. I wish he were not so very far from home. My young men all looked handsome in their "Sunday best". Jay just left to fly to Calif. for the week so I'm on my own. Well not really with the boys here!! I am going to get some "stuff" packed. I am also going to pray, pray and pray some more that we get our embassy date and are on our way to those sweet girls!! God bless you

our beautiful daughters

Ok so here they are. Now that I think I know how to do this I will put a family picture of our sons up too!! Soon I will be showing a picture of a family of 4 sons and 2 daughters. On another note we just received a call saying we have been chosen to receive a grant from Caroline's Promise. My joy and Jay's is over the top right now. Although we do not have our embassy date we were still trying to figure out how to put our cash together and also pay for our plane tickets!! Praise God for this answer. We should never doubt God's grace but as humans we do. I have said so many times that this journey started August 05 and it has been a long pregnancy. I am now having all the symptoms of child birth. the anxious feelings, the nesting and the joy that comes with the fear of the unknown. thank the Lord He knows all our needs. Thank you to Caroline's Promise and all of you that have helped in so many ways!! thanks Lisa and Dave and CP's board!!

picture

Hi all here it is Thursday March 20 and we thought we would have our embassy date. We found out that it is a holiday in Ethiopia today and tomorrow is Good Friday here and our agency is closed so we will not know anything til Monday at the earliest!! YUCK!! I want to go now but as usual for our adoption journey we wait again. I am going to try and post a picture of our new daughters on line!! Hold on this mom is not good at computer "stuff"

court date

On thursday March 6th we passed our court date. We are now the parents of 2 daughters and have 6 children!! We wait now for our embassy date which we should get very soon. The girls are doing fine or as best as can be expected. A new friend Ginger jsut gave me 3 bags of hand me downs so I will only need to get Evie a couple of things. I need to get Mazie some clothes and think I'll get out of the house this morning and do that. Keep reading. I will post when we get our date. Please pray for our oldest son. He will be having surgery to repair acl and another muscle? Britt is alone in Fl. and will need help after the surgery. We are trying to figure out how to do that plus take care of 2 girls.

no news!!

No news today about our court date. Join with us to pray that anyone ahead of us will pass through with flying colors and that we will go to court, pass, and travel very quickly! I started back to my Bible study this morning and am excited to learn from Beth Moore's great teaching. She is an awesome women of the Lord. I'll keep in touch about the court dates. God bless you

Back

Hi I'm back and what a wonderful trip I had. My mom, grandma and famliy are well. Mom and I had a good time "crafting" and had some good talks. I am so thankful for that time.
We got some new pictures of the girls. They look so sweet. We also found out that mom is giving them up. My heart breaks for her as she has to say good bye to them. We do not know why she is giving them to us but we trust God will give her the peace she will need to sustain her. We hope to get a court date this week. Our hearts are anxious to bring those girls here as soon as possible. We were told that our youngest right leg is shorter. She was to see a bone specialist and we should hear soon what the problem is. Pray for her please. Blseeings to all of you, Sharry

nothing yet!

Some of the families had sad news yesterday. The courts in ET would not accept their POA. For some reason the gov. changed what they had been allowing to happen and moved all of those cases to early Feb. Our POA should be fine but this may slow down our getting a court date? Who knows?? When working with a foreign gov. you never know and we sure have had our discouraging times through all of this. Hang in there fellow families God is still in control!! Any how I am off to PA. to see my mom tomorrow if anything happens while I am away I will have Jay, or one of the boys blog for me. Till later..... In His Hands!!

Another birthday!!

Happy birthday Dru, 22 today!! What a blessing you have been to your family and all those that know you!! Kolby's 17th birthday was on the 13th and Jay and I celebrated 25 years of marriage on Jan. 7. God has been so good to us and we feel very blessed. We are anxious to add our 2 daughters to the mix very soon. Have a good Monday, Sharry

SNOW!!

It snowed here in Raleigh. Nothing like what we used to see in PA. but pretty anyway! I personally do not like the cold and wish that I could have been visiting our oldest son in Lakeland Fl. he said it was in the 70's. Missionary week starts tomorrow at church so it will be a busy week. Also I am flying to see my mom and grandma (and siblings) on Thursday. Thanks to Ron who gave us the free trip miles. I haven't seen mom since Oct. and it will be a nice break before our household changes with the girls coming soon. It is melting outside but the temps. are going to be pretty cold tonight. Time for some hot chocolate, good night and God bless

going to Ethiopia

We found out yesterday that our paperwork is on its way to Ethiopia. From what we understand it will be a couple weeks before we hear about a court date. We are anxious to have updates about the girls and when it is ok to do so we will update all of you. Please keep praying as we have not heard from any grants yet. Caroline's Promise did let us know that they have a meeting and choose families sometime late in March. We ask for prayers for all those involved with making decisions about awarding the families grants. I am sure there are many deserving families waiting to bring home their children.

our journey

Hello all, I know that I was trying to update another site but I found it confusing for my mind. I wanted to let everyone know that our paperwork is on its way to Ethiopia this week. After recieving the rest of our money the paperwork is going!!! We do want to pay this "loan" back but we will deal with that later. The most important thing was to get the girls here. I will keep you paosted. God Bless and thank you for all your support it has been a looooong journey!!