As I have mentioned, we have some really great friends who have decided to support our family in this process. The adoption benefit was amazing! The total amount raised was close to 3000. We were humbled by the magnitude of the event. It was very evident that it took many hours of labor to coordinate and create such an evening. Many friends donated artwork, some donated food, and one friend donated a quilt. Some cool t-shirts were sold, and the music was outstanding. Kyle posted some video here and here.
Here are more pictures from the evening...







more photo's here

We have some pretty great friends.
I can't figure out how to post this so that you can enlarge, but you can on Kristina's blog.
April 26th, 6pm

Finished up a second batch of paperwork for Shaohannah's Hope grant.

Got an email today from Diana, our dossier is officially complete (finally!) and was mailed out today. That doesn't really mean much given the current situation in Liberia.

They that wait upon the Lord
Shall renew their strength
They shall mount up with wings as eagles
They shall run and not be weary
They shall walk and not faint
Teach me Lord, teach me Lord
to wait.

In the midst of the waiting, God has given us an overwhelming sense of peace. We still don't know exactly where this road will lead us, but we know right now He is telling us to simply wait.

Last night I emailed a good friend and ask her to pray for me. This was her response. I'm posting it here because maybe someone else needs to hear these words as well. I sure needed to today. Thank you friend for your love and prayers...

kerri-
i have been praying for you guys and will continue throughout today.

it's so hard to remember God and his power sometimes.

in the midst of our daily demands that call our attention all
over the place...our interactions with all of creation and
trying to make sense of it all.

i want to encourage you to take a minute alone.
take as many deep breaths as needed and meditate
that this too--isn't too big for God.

He knows what's going on. He calls us unto Himself and
says not to worry--but to bring everything unto him. this
is where our soul finds rest. this is where he promises his
peace. He doesn't want your soul to be uneasy and anxious.

i honestly don't mean to be preaching at you--it comes from
a sincere hope that peace will be over your soul today.

i love you, kerri.
all will be well,
all will be well,
all will be well.

Somewhere out there two little girls are waiting for a mommy and a daddy. I don't know where they are, or how I'm going to find them. Honestly, I'm not even sure what country they are in right now.

All I can do tonight is pray and try to sleep. I'm praying that God gives us clarity and wisdom. I'm praying that He tucks my girls in every night until I find them and bring them home.

Lord help us.

Just to clarify...

I know I just posted...but to clarify a bit about the current situation our family is dealing with, I'm posting again. Also, this is important for recording our story that we'll look back on later. I just got off the phone with Lighthouse. Yes, our dossier will soon be sent to Acres (after I get this a few missing documents, so frustrating). However, we are officially "on hold" as a Lighthouse family with Acres. My understanding of this is that we will not be receiving a referral until the new legislation is passed in Liberia. This safeguards us in many ways, especially financially. It was a good conversation and I felt like I was given clear, honest communication. Yes, we are optimistic, but we are cautious as well. We're moving forward in a way, but at the same time standing still and waiting. I was able to talk with them about our Plan B if the worst were to happen. After a really long week, I feel like I was just given some of the help I needed to establish boundaries that are wise for our family. Unfortunately, my mouth is full of canker sores and my jaw is killing me because I've been clenching my teeth all week.

That's the adoption update of the hour. My poor mother has literally gotten a phone call every hour this week!

Our neighbors have two girls and they know that we are trying to adopt two girls. They just brought me over a huge bag of clothes that their girls have out grown. Of course I had to go through the entire bag immediately. So cute! Girls clothes are so much more fun than boys clothes. I could picture our little girls running around our house in every piece I pulled out...trying so hard to be patient and wait.

We gave Diana the go ahead. Our dossier should be on it's way to Acres of Hope. Now we'll just see how the drama in Liberia plays out and hope for the best.

This fall Eric and I went to Cedar Point by ourselves. While in line for Top Thrill Dragster the roller coaster shut down. We were told we could stay in line, but they didn't know when the ride would start again. It started again a few minutes later, only to shut down three more times. The last time is shut down we were IN THE CAR, ready to ride. We waited three hours and wasted a lot of time. In the end, the ride was worth it. There really isn't anything to compare that ride to.

They've shut down our ride. We have to decide if we're willing to risk the wait. I know if we get to ride, it's going to be worth it. There's nothing in this world better than being a parent, nothing even compares to this kind of joy.

Your prayers would be greatly appreciated.