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!