This week marks two years since we traveled to Ethiopia and began the day-to-day phase of raising our boys.  God had already placed them in our hearts and family, but we finally were able to begin experiencing life together.  A brief recap of our trip:

• Sept. 12 – leave Seattle for Washington DC and then on the Addis Ababa
• Sept. 13 – arrive in Addis Ababa, make way to guest house just before midnight
• Sept. 14 – up early to meet the boys and then travel to Adama (Nazret) to visit the orphanage (Gotcha! date)
• Sept. 15 – appointment at U.S. embassy – hot & sticky (Sary-Jo was sick!)
• Sept. 16 – shopping & visiting other families and facilities; dinner with group
• Sept. 17 – receive documents, more “rush” shopping; catch late-night flight
• Sept. 18 – arrive in Seattle exhausted and excited

Now, two years later, we just submitted our annual progress report (a requirement until they turn 18) to our agency and to Ethiopia.  Our previous reports had been written by our case worker (and friend, Liane), so this was the first time we had to compose it ourselves.  Reflecting on the past year and looking through our pictures and blog posts helps to encourage us.  The boys really have made remarkable progress, but it’s sometimes difficult to see on a daily basis because life comes at us pretty fast.  Reflecting for a couple hours, and organizing our thoughts for the report, was a bit therapeutic.

Along with the progress report, we submitted some photos.  They ask us for about 12 photos, but it’s tough to stop there.  We sent a package of almost 40 because Daniel and David are so active, successful in what they do, and photogenic!  How can we not share???

As we’ve documented in our posts on this site, we cannot begin to describe the life-change that’s taken place in all of us over these last two years.  Opportunities to share our story – and therefore provide testimony to the greatness of God – abound.  Sary-Jo and I have much richer lives because of these two energetic and intelligent kids.  We feel constantly blessed and exhausted.  We’re so glad that we said “yes” to this call, even when it seems we’re not up to the task.  We receive just enough strength to get through each day as it comes.  And we’re looking forward to the next several years!