New Strength for 2009

What an awesome time we have had this Christmas Holiday!  We have met with family and friends, welcomed a new niece into the family, played board games until midnight many days, watched countless episodes of Little House on the Prairie, slept past 9 am EVERY day.  We have enjoyed just "being."  But mostly, we have longed for our little one in Ethiopia.

It is close to midnight and fireworks are resounding in the background of Dick Clark's countdown.  My cat is pacing and my dog is hiding in the bathtub!   

As we enter the New Year, I am excited about the plans God has in store for my family.  I pray for continued guidance and patience (a heavy dose!).  I pray that I will be content in the wait...content in the here and now.  I want to savor being just a family of four.  I pray for strength and peace.  

Thank you Lord for a wonderful year.  I praise you for keeping my family safe and secure.  I trust that what you began in our lives will come to fruition in the coming months.  Guide us, use our lives as a testimony to your grace and miracle working power.  God,  I surrender all to you.  

He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless.  Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion.  But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.  They will soar high on wings like eagles.  They will run and not grow weary.  They will walk and not faint.  

Isaiah 40: 29-31

Wait Time Increased!

Greetings and Merry Christmas!

It is with a heavy heart that I am reporting this update.  The time of waiting for a referral for a baby girl has increased from 7-9 months to 9-11 months.  What does this look like for us?  We should expect a referral anywhere from  March-May.  This could change at any time reflecting a shorter or longer wait.  

While I am sad that we will have to wait a bit longer to meet our daughter...I totally feel that God is in complete control.  I am just having a hard time surrendering.  We are confident in knowing our precious baby girl will be revealed in God's perfect time.  

Please pray for:

Our agency, AWAA.  There are many changes occurring within the states as well as in Ethiopia.  Pray for favor among the officials and the court system.  Please pray for Duni (ET coordinator) to partner with the "right" orphanages and in finding true orphans.  

Patience and Peace while we continue this tiring journey.  

Finances.  We still have around $ 4000 plus travel expenses to pay.  

Blessings and peace!

The Portilla Family

6 months of waiting & A Black Eye!!!

Wow, what a week!  

We celebrated 6 months of waiting for our referral!  Only 1-3 months left to go until we are suppose to learn about our baby girl!  I can't wait!  Time is flying by. We (estimate) that we are #16 on the girl list.  There could be mystery families lurking in the shadows.  Referrals have been slow in the last couple of months.  We are hopeful that the line will start to move a little quicker in the coming months.   Thank you for your love and support as we continue our journey to bringing Ava Joy home from Ethiopia!

On Friday, I received a phone call from the school nurse telling me that Ben had been injured at school.  I rushed to pick him up and bless his little heart!  He was hit with an elbow at recess.  I took him straight to the doctor and they sent us to get a CT scan for fear of a fracture and a possible  concussion.  Whew!   He is feeling better but looks terrible!     

Day 1!

Day 3!

Can I be honest?

Would you please take a moment and pray for me today?

I do not even know who reads this...maybe just my mom?

I am down and discouraged.  No particular reason.  It seems as if Satan attacks me most when my husband is away.  I can't stop crying this morning.  I feel very alone, worried, afraid and so scared. This adoption process is so hard!  It really feels like a roller coaster.  I know what we have been called to do, but it is not easy.  There are so many "unknowns" and "what-ifs."    I have been up since 5 am, reading my Bible, praying and still feel empty.  I need my tank filled.    

Thanks!

K