Happy Easter

I had a wonderful first Easter with Violet. When we were in the adoption process I would often imagine the holidays I would spend with her. And it was everything I had hoped for! It is so much fun watching her experience new things and watching our family dote on her. She is the first grandchild on the Cantrell side, so she is always the center of attention. She liked her Easter basket and enjoyed hunting for eggs with her cousins on my side of the family. And of course she looked ridiculously adorable in her Easter dress. Every day with Violet is a dream come true.
I felt so over joyed today. As I sat through church and was reminded of the hope and life we have because of Jesus resurrection, my heart was filled with gratitude. How amazing the God would love us so much. That he finds pleasure in us. I love my daughter SO much. And God loves me more. He sacrificed his son for me. What an amazing love! Praise the LORD that he was willing to pay such a high price to adopt ME as his child.
This Friday is Tytus's second court date. I know that God will bring Him home, at just the right time. And just as in Violet's case, he will be worth the wait!

Home at last!

I can't believe we have had Violet for a month! It doesn't feel like that at all! Where has the time gone! We are doing great. Violet is absolutely delightful. She has so much personality. And I am absolutely loving being a stay at home mom!
She loves to go for walks and loves to play with her cousins. She loves food and loves shoes! She gives the best kisses and the sweetest smiles. She says mommy and daddy, and almost every time I hear it, it fills my heart with joy. She is more beautiful than I ever imagined. I love her SO much.
I continue to be absolutely amazed at God's goodness. What a trial this year was, but WHAT A REWARD IN THE END! I am so grateful for all that God showed me and continues to teach me. When I started this process I thought I understood what God was doing, and how this was all going to work. I was so wrong. God had SO MUCH MORE for me, than I ever anticipated.
He showed me my heart and how ugly it can be, he showed me my faith and how strong it is. This might not make sense, but I actually learned during this process that I believe in God, His word and His promises, even more than I even knew. Last April, I thought I couldn't handle anymore. But God knew better. I don't mean this to boast of my own strength. I learned the very opposite. I know how weak I am! I know how ugly my heart is, but what I learned is that God is more good than I ever knew. He is more faithful than I ever imagined. He is more sovereign than I ever believed. And more compassionate than I had ever hoped.
He has turned my mourning into dancing. And in these few weeks, I have felt like I'm soaring on wings like Eagles.

When we come home

Dear Friends and Family,
I want to share some points of prayer for this coming week as well as share what it will be like when we return. We have greatly anticipated this week and cannot wait to hold baby Violet in our arms. We also cannot wait to introduce you to her! But I want to help you understand what this experience will be like for her.

Internationally adopted children come from institutionalized care and may also have experienced several moves. When children are institutionalized they often do not learn correct attachment (bond from child to parent) with their caregivers. This is emphasized by multiple placements and caregivers blurring the role of parent into something unspecific. Often times they view the world simply as the big people take care of the little people with no preference to any particular adult. Violet doesn’t know that we are her mommy and daddy. She needs to learn that we are not another temporary caregiver, we are forever. Therefore it is imminent in building an attachment with Violet that Mom and Dad be her sole caregivers for the first several months. Especially during the first few weeks it is important that others do not try to hold her. We also need to be the only ones to feed her, change her diaper, or console her when she’s crying. Violet may have never seen outside her orphanage. Ethiopia is like another world and places like Target or church will be very over stimulating for her. Children adjust incredibly and quickly, but initially she will need some space and time. Before you know it she will be calling you all by name!
Violet and Tytus will grow up knowing that they were adopted from Ethiopia. However, as they grow older and begin to understand more and ask questions, we would like to ask that you not engage in conversation with them about their life in Ethiopia. Some of you may know more about their specific stories, or even very simple information needs to be handled delicately. If for some reason Violet or Tytus begin to talk to you about where they are from, PLEASE encourage them to talk to us. We have taken classes and read a lot of information on how to talk to them in age appropriate ways.

I also want to share some prayer points for the coming weeks and months:
*Travel: Please pray for our safety as we travel. And especially for my fear of flying.
*Financial: We still need a little money for this trip. And will need to pay for another trip to go pick up Tytus. I believe strongly that God is going to work all of this out. Please pray for God’s provision.
*Emotional: Pray for Violet to attach to us quickly. Pray for us to fully attach to her. And pray that I will have God’s strength as we meet Tytus, but do not get to bring him home yet.
*Spiritual: The enemy does not want us to adopt Violet. He will continue to attack and pray that we will continue to place all of our trust in God.
*Physical: Pray that we don’t get sick while we are in Ethiopia. Many people get sick as our bodies are not used to the type of germs and parasites that they have there.

Thank you SO much for your overwhelming support and love. We are truly blessed with the most amazing family and friends. We love you all. And can’t wait to introduce you to our daughter!

Love,
Sam and Katy

We're going to Ethiopia

In less than a week I will be on a plane headed for Ethiopia to bring home our beautiful daughter. We also found out that while we are there, we will get to meet our son! How great is our God!
We leave on Thursday the 18th and get back on Saturday the 27th! I can't believe it's finally here!

Birth Certificate Arrived!

We now have Violet's birth certificate! I'm so happy! So we will know no later than Tuesday what our travel date is. AND there is a very good possibility that our Embassy Appointment will be February 23rd!!!! Less than three weeks away! If it's not that day then it will be March 9th. It finally feels real! Like this really is going to happen! Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord!

I'm a Mommy!

I'd like to introduce you to Violet Grace Mahlet Cantrell. We passed court! Praise the LORD! Today has been one of the happiest days of my life!
Our case worker called us at 4:45 this morning and told us that our case was approved. Today Violet is no longer an orphan. She has a family.
We are overwhelmed with joy. What a long road it has been! I'm so thankful that we are coming to the end. We never would have made it without SO many people supporting us. People have given generously, prayed hard, and sacrificed much for us! And my heart is overwhelmed with gratitude. I feel like one of the most blessed people in the world!
God is SO good!

Didn't Pass

Most of you probably already heard that we didn't pass court on Wednesday because her biological family member didn't show up to court. They left the case open and as soon as they can appear with the bio family member, then the judge will hear the case. So it could be anytime. Thank you for your prayers.