Welcome Home Silas!!

Well, we have been back home now almost for a week (doesn't seem like it can already be one week). We were gone almost 3 weeks and stayed healthy up until the end of the trip. Luckily, all 3 of us were "OK" for the plane, and Silas did a wonderful job foir those 24 plus hours. Once we got home, Sarah and I both brought back our sickness with us, and have spent the better part of this week fighting it off. But all in all, a great trip and we wouldn't change it for a minute.

Silas has transitioned so well, and seems to now be getting on a schedule. We will go for our first doctor appointment tomorrow AM. He has bonded very well with us and he could pick his mommy and daddy out in a crowd for sure.

I'm sure Sarah will have more to say later, but wanted to get something up, as I know many have asked if we have made it back.

But for now, I will let the pictures do the talking.....







J

24 hour Countdown

Well, our week of fun and relaxation with friends in Cairo, Egypt is quickly coming to an end. It is somewhat bittersweet, as we will miss them but am so excited about the next few days as we finally get to hold Silas in our arms. We spent the first 2/3 of our week here in Cairo visiting tourist spots, resting, hanging out with friends, and just seeing their day to day activities. The last 1/3 of the trip we spent together with our friends on a mini-vacation in Hurghada, Egypt on the Red Sea.
One last day to get in a few more activites, and then we are off to the airport tonight for a 2 am flight to Ethiopia.

**** Also, if you haven't watched the video again in a few days found below, check it out again. We have added some pictures that we recently received from another Ethiopia adoptive family.

J

This week!!

Our travel dates to Ethiopia are December 7th-14th, but we decided going to pick up our son wasn't crazy enough for this trip. We will actually be leaving November 27th (1 week from today, YIKES!!) and going to Cairo, Egypt to visit some friends who live there for a little over a week. So the list of things is quickly growing of the have to get dones before we leave. I never dreamed with the court date being pushed back a week we would get this travel date. So in a week we are attempting to paint his room, get it all set up, pack, figure what in the world we still need for him, decorate for Christmas (we'll be getting back on the 14th and might have our hands a little full so want it done before we get back), pack, wrap things up at our jobs, pack, say goodbye to family that will be moving while we are gone, purchase the humanitarian aid items, oh and did I mention pack (no idea what to pack, I just know that has to be on the list somewhere). Please pray that we don’t forget anything, and that we don’t stress over little things. We have family and friends that have been great and offered to help where they can. Though it is hard for me to accept help we really appreciate it.

S

Silas James Woods

We Passed!!!

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It took a while to find out if we passed because the phones in Ethiopia weren't working. We were told that if they couldn't get through today we would have to wait until tomorrow...not cool...it worked out though, Ethiopia's phones are working again and we passed...all is good, God is in control.

New Court Date...

It is all in God's hands, we trust and believe in that and know that it is all in God's timing, but unfortunately today was not His timing...we are not going to pass court today. The birthfather was in a car accident and was injured. He was among the less injured, but is still in the hospital. Since our agency knew that he wasn't going to be able to make it they were able to meet with the judge before courts began today to get a new court date next week. Our new court date is next Thursday, November 19th. It is a huge praise that we know the birth father was attempting to go to court. Our prayer now is the he is well enough to travel next week and that everything goes smoothly on the 19th. Thank you all for the support that you have given us and please continue to pray for Silas and his birth father's healing. We want more than anything to be with him, but this just wasn't the time.

S

WE HAVE A COURT DATE!

Mary called at 10:52 today to let us know we have a court date!! It will be on November 10th. Our current specific prayer is that the birth father shows up and shows up with the proper identification, and also that all paperwork needed for the courts to render a favorab le decision will be provided in a timely manner. 100% excited! Each step brings us new joy in our journey! Praying we pass! Praising the good news!

I'm in love with a stranger...

After a month and a half and I still can’t stop staring. We have such a massive love for someone that we have never met or seen video of, just pictures. I have seen pictures of several precious kids, but the feelings that we have for Silas are indescribable! It has made me start to think of God’s love for us. God knows everything about me, every thought, EVERYTHING, but to understand His love for me is unreal. I feel like through the adoption process He has been so gracious to give us a glimpse into how much He loves us.

Throughout the adoption process He has been so faithful to listen and answer prayers in His perfect timing. We feel that he has challenged us though to start praying more specific than general. There have been so many times that he has answered our prayers with what seemed the bare minimum, or at the last minute, but it was exactly what we prayed for in our general prayer. Please specifically pray with us that we receive a quick court date, not only that but that it is our only court date. For that to happen all of our paperwork in Ethiopia must be in order and Silas’ birthfather must show up for court. He lives 9 or 10 hours away and is a farmer. Please pray for him to show up/for transportation. We are not legally able to assist him in getting to Addis. We had really wanted Silas home for his 1st birthday at the end of November, but realize that it is unrealistic. We are praying that he is home by Christmas!

S