This adoption pregnancy is totally different than with Isaac in one hundred different ways. The biggest being, it appears that I'll be getting monthly updates on my girly, with photos AND VIDEO! 9.5 minutes of watching my sweet girl navigating life is good for the waiting-momma heart.

Sadly, I can't share them publicly, but let me say...she is BEAUTIFUL. It looks like she was getting over a cold, but was smiling and happy and very interested in a couple of new puzzles the missionaries brought with them. I'm going to have to up my French braiding game, as the Sisters at her home have set a pretty high standard! Apparently, she has also won a place at her school to do an oral presentation (perhaps involved in a drama?) and will be traveling to Macedonia in a few weeks! They sent a video of her monologue and her speech is clear and articular and lovely (and in Albanian, so she could be reciting a recipe for all I know). So, while Isaac and I kicking at home, my 12 year will be traveling around Eastern Europe! How bonkers is that. Girlfriend is about to have the coolest passport in the family!

I am excited for her! She is experiencing life and understands change & transitions well. That will made her adoption OF US much easier.

Thank you for your continued prayer coverage! Our initial Homeland Security paperwork was approved this week and I should receive that form in the next week. We continue to pray over my birth certificate as it seems to be stuck somewhere between the Office of Vital Records and the Secretary of State in Oregon. The monotone man I spoke to today at the Secretary of State office promised to expedite the authentication needed...as soon as the birth certificate arrives. Uggg. Thankfully, this has been our only hiccup in an otherwise remarkably favorable process, so I continue to believe for God's favor to be granted over this little detail as well.  He promised to move mountains and split the seas!!!