Referral! Originally written in 12/11

Well, a great deal has happened with the Johnson family during the last six weeks. On Thanksgiving weekend, we received a call from our adoption agency, stating that they had two sweet children available: a 9 month old litlte girl and a 2 month old little boy.  She wanted us to think and pray over it and let her know if we were interested. As I hung up the phone, many questions filled my head..."Could we really manage TWO babies?"  "Didn't we want them to be closer in age to the 3 we already had?"  All along, we had anticipated bringing home toddlers or preschoolers. Keith and I talked for several hours, and even consulted a friend who had recently adopted two small children from Ethiopia. At the end of our conversation, she said, "Just pray and seek God's face. Look to Him for that peace of mind in your decision." After further discussion, Keith and I knew two babies would be challenging. Going through the baby phase again would mean sleepless nights, changing of diapers, making bottles, etc. Yet, we felt a peace about these two little ones. The same peace that urged us to start the adoption process to begin with.  Very quickly, we got used to the idea of having them join our family. After contacting our agency, they sent pictures for the first time of our sweet babies. First, was Elsabet, our Lydia. She was absolutely beautiful with her curly hair and gorgeous eyes. I yelled to Keith to get our 3 kids out of bed to come see. Instantly, they came charging down the steps. Following, were screams of joy, jumping up and down, joyful laughter...Next came precious Endashaw, our Isaiah. He looked so little, frail and helpless. Repeated screams, jumping, and laughter behind me.
     I can not describe to you how surreal it is to see two children for the first time on a computer screen, and know they are meant to be yours. To know they were meant to be Johnsons before creation. That moment was just as exciting and joyous as the instant our other three were born and introduced to us in the delivery room. At that moment, I knew God had planned for them to part of our family. Instantly, I loved them, and that love has grown with each day we wait to bring them home.
     On December 28th, we learned our court date would be on January 16, pending a judge's examination of our paperwork. On January 4th, we learned we would definitely be heading to Ethiopia on the 12th. As this was earlier than expected, we ran around frantically trying to get everything done. However, we were so thrilled that the process was continuing to move forward. The sooner Lydia and Isaiah get to their forever family, the better! Please continue to pray for us on our journey.