Thursday, June 24, 2010

Introducing...

Our newest addition
Eyasu
This is one of the first pictures (above) we received when we began intently praying and preparing for another little boy. We contacted Celebrate Children International about waiting children in Ethiopia. The program director, Sue, sent us Eyasu's information with a few pictures. He captured our hearts... From what we know, Eyasu was orphaned when his birthparents died of illness when he was one year old. He has no siblings and was temporarily raised by an uncle until he was no longer able to care for him... Then he was taken to an orphanage...
Today, the judge in Ethiopian court granted our petition to adopt Eyasu making him officially our son!!! Tears of joy! Now we eagerly await a travel date to bring him home (which could be as early as July 29th!)! Meanwhile, Eyasu translates to Joshua which means "God saves". So, we will change his name through translation to be Joshua Livingstone Merida (adding on a middle name with a new last name:-).

David Livingstone was a medical missionary and explorer devoted to taking the Gospel to the peoples of Africa. While living, he inspired abolitionists of the slave trade, explorers and missionaries. Livingstone passed away while on his knees praying. His African attendants carried his body back to England, with a note that basically read, "You can have his body, but his heart belongs in Africa!" So they cut out his heart and buried it under a Mvula tree near the spot he died...
Joshua is between the ages of 5 - 7 years old (likely closer to 7)...
Our kids have been praying for him everyday...
We hope to be able to take James with us when we travel... what a special time that will be...
Thank you for your love, encouragement and prayers... we continue to covet your prayers as we wait and make necessary preparations to bring our son, Joshua, home... He has been at the transition home now for a few months (longer than most)... He has seen several children come and go... I asked Sue if he understands we're coming to get him... she said, "He will probably run to you and say 'Take me home!'"... Can't wait to hug you my son, taking you out of the orphan bed and into our family forever!

8 comments:

mshel333 said...

So happy to hear the news! I have a friend who is also traveling soon to Ethiopia - I wonder if it's the same orphanage. They also were just approved by the court. Can't wait to see pictures of all your family!

Dizzyhappymama said...

you and tony are such wonderful people and this little boy is so blessed. I am so happy for James to get a brother. I have followed your blog since your last adoption journy began and cannot wait to read about this one!

Alison said...

YAY!! I am so excited to hear your wonderful news!! I have been following your blog for awhile, since my friend, Tara Dowden, told me ya'll were adopting from Ethiopia! We are in the process to adopt from Ethiopia too! Joshua is so precious...and I know you can't wait to have him HOME!!

The McEacherns said...

Awesome news! Congratulations! And I think his name is absolutely perfect. Praying you can go get him soon!

Anonymous said...

Wonderful news! I wish you would bring me that little one in the background of the last picture. :(

Praying for yall during this new transition!

~Jessica

Conethia and Jim Bob said...

What a precious face!!! I love the name Livingston! Way cool!! Congrats to your family. It will be interesting to follow your travels to bring him home.

Jolene Shrock said...

Congratulations!! What a blessing to all :)

Amy said...

congratulations- we used CCI too! He is gorgeous!!!