DeAndrea Adoption

Well, we've been home a little over 7 weeks from Africa, and things with Fasika couldn't be better. She is such a bright, happy, fun girl. We all don't know what we did for entertainment before she came home to us! When we were in Ethiopia, we were a little concerned because she wanted very little to do with us. She would wake up from naps, look at us, and cry. She also seemed very shy. Well...not any more!! She has bonded with our family so well. She just seems so happy and content. She's very bright and is already picking up some English words and words in Sign Language. She loves playing with her 6 year old brother, who no longer cares that he's the only boy...he loves Fasika so much. Our older girls are like little mommies and help mom with all the chores around the house. They are already asking when we can adopt again. :) Thank you for continuing to pray for our transition home. It's been better than we ever imagined. We finally finished a video on our adoption adventure and will be burning copies to send to friends and family soon.

Please continue to pray about how God can use you to help orphans. You'll be blessed beyond your imagination!

Everyone I run into at the store or church wants to know how Fasika is adjusting. She's really doing great! She's "warming up" more and more to our extended family (grandparents, etc.) and Haley, Talia and Elias can't get enough of her... she REALLY makes Elias crack up with her playful gibberish.

We are, however, dealing with some unwelcome visitors... parasites! Fasika has something called Giardia.. which I hear is pretty common in some of these adoption situations from third world countries. She's not in any obvious pain from it and doesn't really seem to notice it. She's on medication to get her "cleaned out".

To be honest... it's kinda gross! When she was diagnosed and we were told that she has parasites in her system... we were all thinking, "microscopic little bugs". That theory pretty much ended when Kristen changed Fasika's diaper and found an 8 inch roundworm! Aauugh! We didn't sign up for free pets when we decided to adopt! :)

Anyway.. as you pray for Fasika and us... here's a little more info courtesy of the CDC:

What is giardiasis?

Giardiasis (GEE-are-DYE-uh-sis) is a diarrheal illness caused by a microscopic parasite, Giardia intestinalis (also known as Giardia lamblia or Giardia duodenalis). Once a person or animal has been infected with Giardia, the parasite lives in the intestine and is passed in feces. Because the parasite is protected by an outer shell, it can survive outside the body and in the environment for long periods of time (i.e., months).
During the past 2 decades, Giardia infection has become recognized as a common cause of waterborne disease in humans in the United States. Giardia can be found worldwide and within every region of the United States.

How do you get giardiasis and how is it spread?

The Giardia parasite lives in the intestine of infected humans or animals (e.g., cats, dogs, cattle, deer, and beavers). Millions of germs can be released in a bowel movement of an infected human or animal. Giardia is found on surfaces or in soil, food, or water that has been contaminated with the feces from infected humans or animals. You can become infected after accidentally swallowing the parasite; you cannot become infected through contact with blood. Giardia can be spread by:

• Accidentally swallowing Giardia picked up from surfaces (such as bathroom fixtures, changing tables, diaper pails, or toys) contaminated with feces from an infected person or animal.
• Drinking water or using ice made from contaminated sources (e.g., lakes, streams, shallow [less than 50 feet] or poorly monitored or maintained wells).
  
• Swallowing recreational water contaminated with Giardia. Recreational water includes water in swimming pools, water parks, hot tubs or spas, fountains, lakes, rivers, springs, ponds, or streams that can be contaminated with feces or sewage from humans or animals.
  
• Eating uncooked food contaminated with Giardia.
  
• Having contact with someone who is ill with giardiasis.
  
• Traveling to countries where giardiasis is common and being exposed to the parasite as described in the bullets above.

What are the symptoms of giardiasis?

Giardia infection can cause a variety of intestinal signs or symptoms, which include
Diarrhea
Gas or flatulence
Greasy stools that tend to float
Stomach or abdominal cramps
Upset stomach or nausea
These symptoms may lead to weight loss and dehydration. Some people with Giardia infection have no symptoms at all.

For more info visit: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dpd/parasites/Giardiasis/factsht_giardia.htm#what

posted by Dave

Well, we've been home for one whole week and things are going great. As some of you know, the first few days were a bit rocky and discouraging. Fasika was not keen on strangers...especially 2 Americans who wanted to hold and kiss her all the time. Every time she woke up, she'd look at us and cry. Obviously this is not the ideal encounter for adoptive parents...or small orphan children. :) On the trip home from Africa she started really wanting mommy and has been a mommy girl since. But, the last couple days she has opened up to the whole family and is doing so great. She sleeps AWESOME, eats great, and loves to play...what more could we ask for?! She's even waving at strangers! There's hope for this shy girl yet!! (If you know our family, you know shyness is not one of our strengths.)

David is trying to go through all our pictures and get organized, so we'll be posting pictures again soon. He's also trying to put together a video to give out that hopefully will encourage others to consider adoption or help others financially adopt. We want this experience to be used for more than just blessing our family. We hope it becomes a blessing to many others...especially the millions of orphans who have no one to speak up for them. May God continue to nudge you to help orphans in some way!

Hi everyone! Dave here in the Ethiopian airport. It's almost midnight here and our flight leaves at around 1:35 AM. What an amazing time it's been here in Addis Ababa! Fasika has warmed up to us us over the past couple of days and is doing GREAT! Happy and healthy... she's quite a cuddler too! And she really likes sticking out her tongue (which is actually pretty long). She's so adorable!

We were without power at out hotel for at least 80% of the time and the email almost never worked. I'm not complaining.. it's just a different world here. It did become pretty frustrating when I learned that my father (who live in the same city that we do in Oregon) had some serious health problems (a stroke and minor heart attack). It was hard to get updated info... last report he's stable and improving.

We'll share pics and thoughts upon our return... we have a lot to process. But I want to thank you all again for your prayers and support. There are so many wonderful kids looking for parents here in Ethiopia. Please pray for them!

God bless!!!

I just talked to my parents on the phone today, and the power had gone out at the hotel, so they couldn't check all the e-mails I sent them. Apparently, Fasika is very shy. When Mom and Dad took her to the hotel, she cried when she looked at them, when they picked her up, when they put her down, etc. They went to the orphanage and asked if they were doing something wrong, and the people there said that Fasika was just a shy baby. But, surprisingly, she slept through the night (10 1/2 hours! I don't even sleep that long - and she's a baby!). I'm sure the baby will warm up to our family, though. Please continue praying for them and for the baby. Also, please pray for someone I know (I'd tell you who but I'm not sure if the person wants this to be something shared) because this person is ill and in the hospital. Things aren't looking the greatest right now for that person. Thank you so much!
God bless you!

Hey, everybody! This is Talia. Sorry I have not posted on here. I tried one time, but this computer was acting weird. Fasika, our Ethiopian Princess, is staying with my parents tonight and for the next couple of nights. You know what? Fasika will fit right in with our family! She walks around (she's the only one walking in the section she's in), takes toys from other kids, and hides them! Ha! :) We are going to have so much fun with her (and it's going to be quite an adventure sharing a room with a walking baby who likes to get into things!)! I have not met Fasika, but I already love her. She is so adorable and I'm so thankful God placed her with our family. He has a purpose for her to be with us. Thank you all so much for your prayers and support. I will try to post later!

Jeremiah 29:11

We're in the Venice airport business center and we have a few moments before our flight to Ethiopia... so we thought we'd give you a quick update. We were blessed to be able to stop in Venice, Italy on our way. It was a real treat since I (Dave) am Italian but have never been to "the mother land". Venice is beautiful... we'll try and post some pics when we get home. If you ever plan to travel there.. CALL US FIRST! We've learned a lot from our mistakes.... like dragging 4 huge suitcases (50 lbs each) across half the island, up and down stairs and bridges... through small passages in 80 degree weather with everyone laughing at us and Kristen almost crying. Whee! BTW... 3 of the bags are donations to the orphanage in Ethiopia.. only 1 had our clothes and stuff. We took an easier way when we left this morning.

We didn't know our room had an air conditioner until this morning! It was hiding behind a couch! :)

The food was great and the city was beautiful! But we're REALLY excited to get to Ethiopia and see our little princess! We should arrive there about midnight tonight (our time) and we'll see Fasika tomorrow morning!!!!!

Please continue to pray for us on this trip... and pray that we'll be able to bond with her quickly.

And pray that those 4 huge suitcases make it to Ethiopia! :)

God bless!!!!

posted by Dave... who's feeling a bit humid.

We will be leaving in a few days to pick up our precious Ethiopian princess. It's been a very stressful week with only 7 days notice to get everything ready, but we are very excited for this trip and to meet our girly in person. While we are gone, Talia is going to try to keep the blog updated. It's hard to communicate from Ethiopia sometimes...rolling blackouts, slow dial-up internet, etc. We will do our best to keep in touch with our children and hopefully you'll get to follow along as well. Please pray that everything goes well with the visas we need for Fasika. Some paperwork has not made it to Addis that needs to be there before our Embassy appointment. We also have to stay a day later than the other families to get a transit visa to go through the airport in Germany. Please pray that we find favor with both governments! Also pray as we meet our Compassion International boy and Haley's boy that she sponsors. Compassion is bringing the boys to Addis to meet us. We are very excited! I'm also going to need prayer about being away from the kids for so long. I'm sure it's going to go quickly, but it's still hard. They're going to be having a fantastic time with grandma and grandpa, and lots of friends. Thank you everyone who's helping with them during this time! Thank you to so many of you who have helped us out with resources, time, and money. We only had $200 to start this process last year, and now we are traveling with everything paid for. God is soooo good!

...starts when you take your first step. When Kristen and I first committed this whole adoption idea to the Lord in February of '08 we knew it would be a long road. While we were in the midst of it, it seemed as though we were waiting forever for some of the pieces to fall into place... waiting for a placement... waiting for more pictures... waiting for a court date... waiting for travel dates. But now that we have our travel dates and will be leaving soon to pick up Fasika, it all feels like it's gone by so fast... and now we're scrambling to get everything ready to go. I thank God that I'm married to a VERY organized woman who has all the legal stuff in order and checklists of what we need. If keeping track of all the details were up to me, this wouldn't be happening.

We just arrived home from a wonderful baby shower that some dear friends put together for us... lots of cute stuff for our new baby girl! :) These are people who have gone along on this journey with us in their prayers and support. It was neat to reflect back on how God has worked all of this out and has been so faithful to provide us with the means and the mind to do this.

We (and the kids) are so glad that we took that first step of faith. We would have missed out on so much! And there's so much more to go!


posted by Dave

Good news! We passed court! The Lord is so good, isn't he?! He keeps surprising us - first, we thought the chances of getting a boy would be higher than the chances of us getting a girl, but we are! We thought it would be a miracle if we passed court, but we did! Holt is going to contact us soon with travel dates - how exciting! Thank you so much for your prayers and may the Lord greatly bless you!

We have one week until our Ethiopian court date (April 24th, which will be the night of April 23rd here), and are asking for you to consider praying for Fasika for the next 7 days. We REALLY would like to pass court the first time. We're told that only about 50% of the cases pass the first time. Would you pray with us that ours would be one of those! Here are 7 things to pray for the next 7 days. Thank you!

1. That we'll pass court on the 24th and she will officially be our girly!
2. For health and safety for Fasika.
3. For a travel miracle! (That we'd be able to use air miles gifted to us...with very short notice.)
4. For travel safety for us.
5. Comfort for our other three children while we are gone.
6. That Fasika would bond well with the whole family.
7. That she would give her heart to Jesus at a very young age.

Yay!!! We finally have a court date in Ethiopia...April 24th! After 13 months on this adventure, we're finally towards the end. If we pass court this first time then we will travel a few weeks later! Thanks for all your prayers and patience with us as we've been consumed with talking about "adopting" this past year. Our prayer is also that some of you reading and hearing about our adventure will consider how you may help orphans. For some of you it may mean sponsoring a child, giving money to help others adopt, traveling on mission trips to help orphans, or maybe even adopting a child yourself. God's heart is for the orphan. We want to have God's heart. We want to be challenged to stretch beyond our comfortable American living/ideology and see how we can make a difference in the lives of those who cannot stand up for themselves. May God put an idea in your heart to help these children that will not go away. That you will know without a doubt that He's calling you to do SOMETHING. That's our prayer.

It's official...our baby girl is a thumb sucker! We just received another picture of our Ethiopian Princess and she was laying in her crib sucking her left thumb! What a cutie! She will be welcomed into a family of girl thumbsuckers. Both of our girls sucked their thumbs when they were little. We were determined that our son would not suck his thumb...and he doesn't...he sucks two fingers! :) Still waiting for that court date. I was a little grouchy today because it's been over 8 weeks and no court date...but the picture will help me make it through the weekend!

Yesterday we received a CD from our adoption agency with hundreds of pictures of Ethiopia. The end of January/beginning of February, a group of Board Members and Staff travelled to Ethiopia and took tons of pictures. They visited the orphanage in Durame, the transition center in Addis, and a Medical Clinic that our agency is renovating to help women who are giving birth and need care for their babies. It was great to see so many pictures of the children and people of Ethiopia. Somewhere in the middle of the hundreds of pictures we found two pictures of our Ethiopian princess! She looks adorable and healthy, and we can hardly wait to go pick her up! Please pray that we get a court date soon. It's been 7 weeks and we still have not been notified of a court date. Please pray that once we get the date, that we will pass the first time and not have to wait 4-6 weeks for another court date. Thank you to everyone for so much support and encouragement. It has been an adventure, but has drawn us closer to the Lord and to so many others. Praise the Lord.

Today we received an update about our baby girl and got 4 new pictures! I can't post them here, but let me tell you she's the cutest, smartest, and sweetest baby you've ever seen! She's smiling in 3 of the pictures...it's going to be hard for all of us to not spoil her! Those big brown eyes are going to get whatever they want! :) She'll be 9 months old next week and weighs 15 pounds, has 4 teeth, stands by herself, and is about to start walking! I have a feeling she's going to keep us busy! Please pray for a quick court date and that we'll pass the first time. We are so ready to go get her!

I haven't posted in a while because I keep hoping I'll have new news. Well, no new news yet. We are still waiting for a court date. Please pray that we pass court the first time. When we pass court then baby girl is officially ours. We will travel anywhere from 2-6 weeks after the court date. It's getting closer but still seems so far away. I don't want her to grow up any more until we can have her home! Another HUGE prayer request is that we will be able to use air miles gifted to us by our great friends, the Thompsons. This will save us around $4,000! The catch it going to be the airline allowing us to use the miles with only a few week's notice. Please pray for a miracle!!

No new news on our adoption. We're still waiting for our court date...trying once again to be patient! In the meantime I wanted to bring attention to this year's Summit for Orphans in Texas. It's a big conference on how to become involved with orphans personally and corporately as a church body. We would love to attend, but are hoping we'll be in Ethiopia then. But, I wanted to post the information in case someone in blog land is interested in finding out more about it. It's put on by Christian Alliance for Orphans. Here's their website: www.christianalliancefororphans.org. John 14:18 "I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you."

Yes, we finally got the exciting call today! Our baby is an adorable 7 month old girlie!! She has the biggest, most beautiful eyes, and we could not be happier! We are not able to post a picture of her online, but feel free to stop by if you're in the area so we can show her off! We now wait for a court date in the next 2-3 months, and if we pass, we'll travel to Ethiopia about 3 weeks later. Thank you to everyone for your encouragement and prayers over the past 7 months of waiting!

I've been getting anxious more and more about getting our referral, and feel like I just need to meditate on God's word and rest in Him this week. The verse for today is:

The other day I was flipping through my Study Bible and I read the verse Isaiah 40:31. It says: "But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint." I told my mom I liked that verse and she said that was the verse she had just posted on this blog! I think God is telling me to trust in Him to have just the right little baby for our family, even if it takes longer than we'd hoped.
Also, sometimes I imagine being inside an airport and walking up to my parents, holding our little baby. The picture in my mind is beautiful - us kids taking turns holding the baby, hugging and kissing it, and loving it. All of us together with addition #6. I know God has a plan for that child, and I'm overjoyed He's using our family to make that plan work.

Happy New Year. We were hoping to have received a referral before Christmas, but God's timing is perfect...and not always what I plan. But, I can now with confidence say that we will have a baby this year. :) I find myself getting so anxious as we wait. I blog surf and find so many other families adopting from Ethiopia and know I am not alone. It is hard to describe the feeling of love and anticipation for a child you have not even met. It's definitely a God thing. I am so thankful for other families who have gone through this and have been an encouragement to us. I hope that I can in some small way encourage others along this adoption adventure as well. Isaiah 40:31 says, "But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." ....teach me Lord, teach me Lord, to wait!