I've posted a link to the blog of Arnold's family. Arnold is the little boy in the "I Love You" pictures with Bobby posted in a previous blog. He just arrived in the U.S. with a volunteer and his mom has chronicled his first days here. Very interesting and detailed and I'm so thankful she is recording his food likes and dislikes among other things.

Changing the subject somewhat, along this journey we have encountered various reactions to our adoption decision. Most people are supportive but there have been some who don't understand. That's ok. We are secure in knowing we are doing what we feel God has called us to do, and with older teenagers, our "rose-colored" glasses came off a long time ago. We also know that God isn't going to call us to something and not equip us. I picked this scripture up from the Y this week and know it to be true:

Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. "Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened." 1 Peter 3:13-14

Dana Keck, who just arrived back in the States with Asher (their Ugandan addition), gave me this picture that Bobby drew just before she left Uganda. It is a picture of a girl, (I think it's me)! So cute. She said he cried and cried when she left because he wants his mommy to come. So sad. I'll be there, hold on! Lord, please comfort Bobby and let him somehow be able to rest secure in the knowledge that he will be in a family soon. I know You can give that peace even to a four year old.

Today we received our I600a approval from the US Office of Immigration! I'm not sure what this means except that the US has now okayed and sent our request for a visa for Bobby to the US Embassy in Kampala. (I think) So, another step in the process has been reached and for that, we celebrate!!

Bobby knows!

Listen to this from Lindsey Doyle who is in Uganda with her husband to work toward bringing home their son Judah. She says...

"Hello my friend, I have loved on Bobby like you would not believe!!!! He came up to me immediately the first time I went to the orphanage and said, "Do you know my mommy? You call her and and you tell her to come. I want her." Literally, got to tell him...:"I do know your mommy and she is coming as soon as she can. Bobby, she loves you very, very much!!!!" Each time I go back (which is a lot) he tells me..."My mommy is coming!" PRECIOUS PRECIOUS PRECIOUS!!!!"

Oh my word!! How amazing is that. And how sweet is Lindsey to take time to love on Bobby and make sure he knows a family wants him, and then to take time to tell me. She's my hero! I know it is still a long wait for a little boy but I'm so glad he knows that he is worthy enough to have the love of a family. -

Sorry for the delay in updating my blog. We have been very busy lately rearranging the kids bedrooms then painting Spencer's ceiling and walls. Grayson and Austin now share a bedroom, Bobby will have the back bedroom and Spencer now has Austin's old bedroom. We just finished painting tonight.
The weekend before last my sister's daughter, Kate, came from Alabama to visit and help us get ready for Bobby. She and I shopped at a garage sale, thrift stores and of course, TJ Maxx. Among our finds was an old Red Ryder youth wheelbarrow, a Little Tykes tool set and box, some books, and a few items of clothing. She tirelessly helped move beds, mattresses and other furniture. It happened to be homecoming weekend here, so my boys were consumed with that and only helped a little. Spencer was at UT visiting her friend all weekend. Therefore, Kate's help was essential! She and I ate out at a local Thai and sushi place where I mistakenly ate the blob of wasabi thinking it was avocado. I'll only make that mistake once! (I hope)
We all went Friday to the Dept. of Homeland Security office to be fingerprinted. We were the first ones there and everyone got to miss a morning of school/work so that always makes for an enjoyable time. It has been a little weird having to go through that department, makes me feel like someone thinks I'm a little more important than I do. Now that we've done the fingerprinting, we are finished with all the paperwork for now. We just have to wait on word from Uganda granting custody. Then...I'll find out and let you know.
I'll post some pics tomorrow night. In the meantime, keep praying for us and the other families, the Doyles left yesterday for Uganda. Their blog link is on the right side of this blog.