2 YEARS

Today marks two years that I stood in the Louisville airport waiting for my world to change.  I watched Tedi and JT emerge from the jet way.... I did not know what say.  I did not cry but I was in shock.  I can not even believe how far we have come in these two years.  We ate dinner at Queen of Sheba, the local Ethiopian restaurant here in town.  There was some family and close friends there for the small dinner and Tedi got a gift he had been wanting.... Beylades.... which I think is a rip off since it really is a plastic dog bowl with stickers and a set of tops...  Nevertheless, he loved it! 

Now we just pray for an embassy appointment very soon.  Our friends that passed court after us are traveling this week to bring home their girl and the lady who passed court with us is also leaving Friday. I won't lie when I say it is hard to watch.  But His timing is perfect for us and for Chernet.  Thank you guys for the support!  (Enjoy the pics and notice the lack of hair color maintenance in the pics from this year.... No worries that will be taken care of STAT on July 10)

First family picture

July 3, 2010

July 3, 2011

(clearly I have not been to have my hair colored in awhile... oops)

July 3, 2012

July 3, 2010

July 3, 2010..... first day as a family

2 years later.... so so grown up

Filed

We found Thursday mid morning that we filed for Embassy!  We are cautiously excited.  We have no idea when we will get to bring Chernet home.  Some people say by the end of July, yet others have waited 6-8 weeks (or more) to be cleared by the US Embassy.  If I have learned anything through our adoptions, it is this: timing is not mine to figure out...only God knows when Chernet will come home. And despite my work schedule or life or plans, if we are truly waiting on him, He shows up just in time....

Why Consider HIV adoption?

When we chose to adopt a child with HIV, it was like a "burning bush" moment for us. However, for many families it is not like this. It is a long, contemplative process with hours of research devoted to the decision. For us, it came down to this: Who are we to wait 10-12 months to be matched with a "healthy" child when the reason we are adopting is to give a home to a child who needs it? God did not wait for us to be the most perfect, healthy versions of ourselves when He welcomed us to His family....who are we to do the opposite.

I was sitting in my annual doctor's appointment this year and my doctor told me how noble it was to adopt a child with a terminal illness. I was dumbfounded. She was a medical doctor and still felt HIV to be an early death sentence. I explained to her that it is not.....that new research is coming out about HIV+ men and women living into their 60s. As you can see, the knowledge of HIV, its transmission, treatment and living with it, has changed very little since the late 80s if even a medical doctor has the wrong perception of the disease. HIV can not be transmitted through playing with each other, sharing straws, kissing, hugging, birthday parties.... a case has never been reported of transmission through casual household contact. You contract HIV through sexual contact, sharing needles, and maternal-fetal transmission (though uncommon in America with medication advances). That's it. That simple.

Managing a child with HIV usually consist of medication twice daily, followup with infectious disease doctors every three months and being a voice for the child when others dare to persecute him or her. Discussing sexuality and reproduction is something that will be addressed earlier than you would like. More than anything, guess what these kids need? Yep, a family who will love them despite the disease hiding within their little bodies. That family could indeed be you!

I would like, however, to say WHY NOT to adopt an HIV+ child? Please do not choose HIV+ adoption because you will wait less time on a child. While HIV is definitely a manageable disease, it is something both you and your child will deal with for a lifetime. So when you start contemplating this, remember do not do this for speed of the process, but for a genuine calling to these children.

So when thinking about adoption, think about these children, the ones stigmatized by a disease given to them not by their doings but by the sins, mistakes and choices of adults. The children who may age out of the orphanage, have limited medication access, continue to reproduce with possibly positive children of their own, and thus perpetuate the cycle. It will not be an easy journey but if an easy journey is what you are seeking, you may want to reconsider adoption. Adoption is a beautifully blessed but difficult journey and more so on both accounts when dealing with HIV.

Update.... of sorts.

We found out yesterday that our paperwork is ready to be filed for embassy...Great news! Our agency files their cases each Wednesday.... we missed the filing yesterday.  People who even traveled after us were filed.  However, the fact that Chernet is HIV+ makes him have a much more detailed medical clearance than a "healthy" kid... thus the hold up.  So now, we wait for that.  We pray that his stuff is ready next Wednesday... once he is submitted it could take 1-2 weeks to be cleared or up to 12+ weeks......

What does that mean?  We need his medical clearance to happen ASAP so he can be filed for embassy....and then come home.  And also....I need it to not be a further imposition for HIV+ to get home... Let's be honest....they need to get home just as soon as the "healthy" kids. 

So think about our little boy today.... cause we sure want him here

Father's Day

Last year on Father's Day I wrote about the many, many dads that are not there every day...DNA donors rather.  You can read it Here.  I also talked about the four men in my life, four fathers, who really made a difference.  This year I am so thankful for these men.... for my father and step father for making me a better person.... my father-in-law for making JT who he is.... and JT for, first, being the best friend I could have....a loving father and devoted husband.  Also, though, I am thankful for Chinesho, Tedi's birth father, whom neither Tedi nor us ever met.  I hope to honor him the raising of his child by birth. 

What I have learned this year, even more than in years past, is truly being thankful for the dads in my life.  Two of my closest friends have lost their father prematurely.  Each day is more difficult for them....especially today when we all honor and celebrate our fathers, that absence of theirs is more palpable. Because of their loss, I have a greater appreciation for my dad and moments with him.  The same goes for my step father....  It goes without saying that I appreciate JT but I also want to show Tedi, and soon Chernet, to really appreciate their daddy and every moment they get with him here on earth.  To teach them what a blessing it is to have such a dedicated daddy in their lives.

Thank you guys... and Happy Father's Day

Tedi and my dad

Tedi and Bob, my step-dad

JT and Tedi

Tedi and Pop, JT's dad

Chinesho, Tedi's birthfater

Hummingbirds

I have had a rough few days.  It was a stretch of time when I thought I could do everything for everyone and not get tired and have everyone like me the whole time and save children through medicine, through advocating for them and through adopting.  In Ethiopia, I fell in love with the children.  I would find them all homes or at least provide resources for them to stay in Ethiopia and thrive....if I could in a perfect world.  When we returned home, I ached for the older children, specifically the HIV+ ones older than five.   I learned of this girl who was almost seven.  We even prayed about adding her to our family.  It was not the time for us.  That is a hard decision to reach.  Over the weekend, I felt re-convicted about her...her sweet face and her absence of family, because of age....because of the HIV...  I brought it up to JT.  He reminded me that while it is unfortunate, we live in a fallen world with many orphans and that I alone can not be a mommy to all them despite my heart's deepest desire to do so. 

I prayed that God would take away the constant nagging in my heart for her.  I knew this wouldn't happen.  How could I ever advocate for her and others if that nagging was not there?  So I simply asked for a peace.

It is interesting though how He gives peace.  There is never a big burning bush on 5th Street in Louisville.  There is never a glowing person descending into my living room  (though someday I think He actually will go there to squash my incessant sarcasm).... Just before I showered after my 28 hour shift, I called my mom...just to chat.  She had no idea what I was conflicted about.  She began telling of her dentist who is adopting and how he is struggling with trying to "save everyone"....  she said "I tried to tell him only God can save" .... there was the match to light my burning bush....

I then scrolled through my Facebook feed (as we all do) to see that www.fromhivtohome.org is back up and running with great stories, information and such.  I was reading one family's story and read this...my embedded comments are bolded and italicized:

I love many of Mother Teresa’s quotes (UM, me too). One that stands out to me, and I think about almost daily is “There are no great acts, only small acts done with great love.” I love this, because I feel like it empowers us to do something. We aren’t going to solve the world’s orphan crisis, until we solve global poverty…and even then, there would still be orphans (Please stop writing this to me). The problem is huge. It is estimated that there are more than 143 million orphans world wide. That can be paralyzing. So… What can we really do about it?

Something.

We all can do something. That will look different for different people. For us, it meant adopting 2 kids that happened to have HIV. For others, it will mean adopting one child, or for some, 10 kids or more! For some people it will mean giving sacrificially so that others can adopt (they can give directly to someones adoption agency, or have a fund-raising event to help bring a child home) It could mean that you decide to bring a foster child into your home, or that you provide respite care for an adoptive or foster parent. You could pray for and encourage your local foster care workers (never though of this). Go to their office and ask them what their greatest needs are. You could sponsor an orphan overseas…pray for them…visit them. You could gather a small group of friends and sponsor an entire orphanage. It doesn’t end there, there is so much you could do… A friend of mine is in process of converting her basement into a rent free apartment for a homeless teenage mom and her child. Is she serving orphans? I think she is. She is reaching out to someone who is without a family… and becoming a family to them. My challenge would be that you would pray and ask God where He wants you to move. And how. And then, do it. Do whatever small act He calls you to. I’m confident, that He will have something to say to you, if you ask.  (Yep, I get it...)

These words were the spark to join the match....I wish I could take credit for these words...even to paraphrase felt inadequate. Check out the whole story HERE.  These words are right... I can do something.  Everyday I can do SOMETHING and it does not have to mean being a literal mommy to all the children orphaned around the world.  I can swallow my ugly pride and love my patients' families even when they are needy and demanding and unloving to me.  I can advocate for children, regardless of health.  I can educate families on the medicine of adoption, the good and the bad sides.... I can be a good mom, or at least try, to the little blessing I have in my home.  So I can do a lot... a lot of little things can make a BIG difference despite the deceit that can try to convince otherwise. 

Then something came in the mail today which was the fire...the final "okay, I get it.  I see it. Leave me alone now God." A few weeks ago a friend posted that Funky Fish Designs was selling one of their pendants BUY ONE, GET ONE FREE.... I mean, duh, I had to look.  They were copper and silver pendants with a hummingbird on them, as well as a plus sign, to support HIV+ adoption.  The designer at Funky Fish designed these to raise support for Project Hopeful.  When Project Hopeful started, the mom's that started it called themselves "The Hummingbird task force." .... Hence the hummingbird.  I liked the pendants for what they meant.  I purchased and forgot.  They got lost in the mail and then after a resend (great customer support), they arrived last night while I was on call.

I arrived home today and ripped open the envelope.  I loved it even more in person.  I flipped open the website to re-read their story so that when I gave the second one as a gift today I could explain it better to my friend.  On the website, I found a more detailed story about the hummingbird.

One day a terrible fire broke out in a forest - a huge woodlands was suddenly engulfed by a raging

wild fire. Frightened, all the animals fled their homes and ran out of the forest. As they came to the
edge of a stream they stopped to watch the fire and they were feeling very discouraged and
powerless. They were all bemoaning the destruction of their homes. Every one of them thought
there was nothing they could do about the fire, except for one little hummingbird.

This particular hummingbird decided it would do something. It swooped into the stream and picked

up a few drops of water and went into the forest and put them on the fire. Then it went back to the
stream and did it again, and it kept going back, again and again and again. All the other animals
watched in disbelief; some tried to discourage the hummingbird with comments like, "Don't bother,
it is too much, you are too little, your wings will burn, your beak is too tiny, it’s only a drop, you
can't put out this fire."

And as the animals stood around disparaging the little bird’s efforts, the bird noticed how hopeless

and forlorn they looked. Then one of the animals shouted out and challenged the hummingbird in a
mocking voice, "What do you think you are doing?" And the hummingbird, without wasting time or
losing a beat, looked back and said, "I am doing what I can."

I, we, can only do what we can, but as the family story from above discussed, we all MUST do something.  So, now, at least for today, I get it.  I can only do what I can do.  As much as my heart would like to single handed-ly solve the orphan crisis and then move on to sex trafficking and then and then and then.... but you see, there is always an "and then" 

What do I about that girl?  I pray that there is a family for her.  I advocate for her and the next child just like her.  I pray for my boy that will be coming home soon.  I fight for the children who are in my care at work and what is best for them.  And then, I repeat tomorrow.  That is what I do for now.  What will you be "doing"?  What is your "something"?

T-SHIRTS are on DISCOUNT

So we are trying to sell the remaining few shirts.  They are on sale for $10 (plus $2 for shipping).  We love the material and design but need them out of our closet! 

What's Left:

Blue XL: 8
Gray, Blue, White 2XL: 1 of each color
Gray Small: 1

If interested, please email me at nataliehenderson21@yahoo.com

Weed

.....yep...Chernet is growing like a weed.  Thanks to another adoptive family who visited last week, I got these cute pictures.... I mean, he is so mischievous... we are going to have our hands full, no doubt.....the crazy thing, I would take more in a minute!  Now we just pray for a date to bring this little snot home to our crazy family.  (look at those great curls)

Really? Seriously? Nuva Rings?

I read an article last week written by a prominent Christian figure that condemned the use of birth control by Christian woman.  There is so much I could say to the article, as a woman, a doctor, and a wife... Initially, I walked away from the article feeling angry....and the more I sat on it, the more I realized that I, like the author and all of the supporters, were really missing the point. (and turning away any non-Christian who ventured to read it)

I was really punched in the gut about it... I mean, come on, is that what we are concerned about? I am not here to argue the points, merits, or issues in this article... Not the purpose of my blog.  I am here to say DOES IT REALLY MATTER? 

Seriously.  We are called to Love Jesus. Serve People like Jesus did.  Love People like Jesus did.  Yep.  That is it.  I get that there is more theology contained in the Bible than that.  Nevertheless, if we boil it all down and all lived like Jesus (or at least tried to), we would spend so much time loving others that we would not have time to worry about such topics. 

As I write this, I am heavy hearted thinking of several orphans I met in Ethiopia.....an almost seven year old and 11 year old girls who are HIV+..... who I am sure sit each day wondering when will their "today" be the day that they get moved to the transition house because they have family.  Yet so many Christians are worlds away arguing minuscule details of theological (like if my Nuva ring is an abortifactant) while these girls would like merely for someone to consider them....

Just so you know.... I say all of this knowing my personal imperfections, hang ups, screw ups, and realize that by even writing this I am myself passing a certain degree of judgement.  I totally get the hypocrisy. Don't think that I don't.  I was just wholly convicted by own anger and dwelling over the article and the time it took away from me advocating for orphans and families.....

So when you get hung up arguing theology, think about the faces of children wanting love and realize life really is about something more....

On waiting....

Waiting..... I have done this before. I would say last time may have been tougher in that we did not have a little one filling the days with noise. So while the empty spaces now are filled with chatter and laughter and activities and kisses, there are moments when looking at a picture of your child is not quite enough. I think back to our time with Chernet in Ethiopia. I imagine his schedule and find comfort in knowing what he may doing.

I am not complaining about the process. I personally believe the new process is better for the integrity of Ethiopian adoptions having been through this both ways. So while waits are longer, I feel the process is more ethical. Thus, I am not complaining. Just missing that huge smile. Just wanting another boy on the other side of seesaw.

For all of you at varying stages in the process. Take heart. It will be over soon enough but remember why you are in this.....not to wait for years for the Perfect age, perfect gender, perfect health....but rsther to make a difference in the life of a child. Reevaluate and consider this. Orphans can't help being orphans, being a boy and not a girl, being healthy or not, being 4 or 6 or 8 and not 12 months or younger. So while you wait, think. We sure did. And when we did everything changed.

The Mommy Book

When Tedi first came home, my sister bought him a book called The Daddy Book.  He wanted to dress like his daddy and do everything that his daddy did... I assumed there was a similar version for mommy's.  However, I never went looking for it. 

Today I was browsing Garden Ridge in effort to stay awake after a 26 hour shift.  As I was heading out, the book below was laying on the clearance table.  I bought it without reading it...just because there needed to be a mommy book to go with the daddy book.... RIGHT? 

As we have been preparing Tedi for Kindergarten for next year, he continually tells us "well, you are going to have pick up my brother and come to my school to pick him.  Like everyone else does with the little brothers and sisters."  At his pre-K, he saw this often with many of classmates so he assumed that is how it is supposed to be.  I have explained to him that every mommy AND daddy have different lives and different jobs and that we can not always pick him up from up school.  We also have been trying to explain that his brother may very well be at his school.  These concepts are not easy to explain, especially to an adamant almost 6 year old...The book did a great job of saying things that I relate to such as:

"Some mommies work at home. 

Some mommies work in big buildings.Some mommies like to cook. 

Some mommies like to order pizza. 

Some mommies go fishing. 

Some mommies go shopping. 

ALL mommies like to kiss and hug you."

Thus, I was glad I got it...  I found in this simple child's book so much truth for us as adults.  There are so many blogs, articles, facebook posts, commenting on others' thoughts while hiding behind social media, Yahoo groups .... you name it.... that criticize others' decision.  I mean really, people, we all do it differently but we all love our kids.  Some people in this world have bad intentions but  before we begin tossing words like stones, remember, we are all doing the best we can most days. 

It is a cute book and though a bit young for our son, it made the point I wanted to!  Enjoy!



Ethiopia Day 2

Again, this is directly from my journal...

Day 2: May 4, 2012

I am sitting on the airplance and we are about 2.5 hours from landing in Addis!  Thankfully we had the seat open between us.  We were quite confused when they gave us tickets that said 26H and 26D....What happened to E and G?  They must not exist on Ethiopian Airlines.

I have watches two movies, The Descendants and Seven Days in Utopia.  I would recommend both.  As I right, I am starting to watch Joyful Noise....with Queen Latifah and Dolly Parton.  Let's see how this goes... JT is watching The Godfather... yes, we have different movie styles.

Sleep has not come easily....even the Tylenol PM did not help all that much.  I am sure it is a combination of nerves, excitement, and overall discomfort from sitting upright for 14 hours.  The crew on Ethiopian Airlines has been great....complete with hot towels, hot tea and coffee, and they are beautiful. 

There is a large group of college kids (about 60-70 of them) traveling with us.  They are headed to Uganda for medical missions.  The group is a combo of EMT students, physician assistants, nurses, doctors and such.  Actually, one guy, Chris who was sitting next to me.... his high school teacher is the husband of the couple who started Project 61 in Korah, the dump in Ethiopia.

Our trip has been smooth.  I am a bit nervous about trip to Tedi's birth mom.  They emailed us just before we left to board our flight.  They said it was going to require an overnight stay near the village.  We are going to try to figure it all out when we get there.
..........
We are now about an hour and twenty minutes outside of Addis or at least that far away from landing.  That means if we are an hour and twenty minutes from landing...we are about 2 hours or so from meeting Chernet!  I cam not wait to kiss his cheeks.  So excited!

Give and Take

"...the Lord gives and the Lord takes away.  Blessed be the name of the Lord." Job 1:21

The Lord gives us multiple blessings each day, each year.  Having moved so much in my life....from Kentucky to Tennessee to Georgia to the Caribbean for medical school then to NYC and to Somerset, KY and now to Louisville....  I have learned that people come and go from your life and if you are truly seeking His direction for your life, He plants the right people for the right times.  Despite this, it still really stinks when you move or those close to you move.... It stinks regardless of the call, the job, the life change.  Really it sucks.... pardon my language.... Despite knowing the benefits, I am a selfish creature and want those that I love to stay close.  Yes.  I said it.  I am selfish.  I. Love. My. Friends. 

Well, in the last bit, God is paving the way for new entrances and tough exits.  I needed to write about them....I needed to acknowledge them...

Meet Whitney.  Isn't she beautiful? Our regular sitter, who we have for the summer and loves Tedi more than anyone else in the world, has busy fall as she finishes college, so we had been praying for a nanny/babysitter for Tedi and Chernet this coming school year after school for many complicated reasons.  That sounds fancy "nanny"..... what it means us: someone to love our boys, play with them, and accept the fact we are not rich but will treat them like family and not be scared by HIV.... So if that is "fancy", so be it.  After a recommendation from a work friend, we posted a wanted ad in the local seminary bulletin.  Whitney responded... we spoke at length, called all of her references, spoke again, and well, we picked her.... okay, not really.  We believe no meetings are coincidental. 

Whitney is marrying that handsome boy, Layne, on June 9 (that is next week, by the way) and shortly thereafter will be moving to Louisville where they will be getting masters degrees at Southern Seminary.  She just finished up at Baylor and loved flag football (plus).  We have not met face to face (this will happen in July), but she did not balk at Chernet's HIV or the thought of two 5year old boys.  We can not wait to have her here and get to know her more! 

Erica and I have been friends since we started residency.  She had a huge life accomplishment today when she matched into a Pediatric Pulmonology fellowship in Cleveland, Ohio.  We celebrated tonight with pizza, Comfy Cow ice cream, flowers, sweat pants on the couch....the best kind of celebration.  What an exciting accomplishment!  Though she won't be moving for one year, it is still starting to cause little pangs of sadness.... Despite my knowledge of persisting friendship, it is tough.  I won't lie.  That is all.

I can not really write about this.... not yet.  But my nearest and dearest, my hero, my lovely friend with a huge heart and diva daughters and devoted husband are moving.... moving FAR....not out of the country but Phoenix is pretty darn close.  And because we have had the luxury of 2 years of living within 2 hours of each other, and now God is deciding to use them elsewhere.... because of that I will employ immature coping skills and not think about it this until it happens too soon.  That is all about that...

I write this to celebrate... to celebrate that in the loss there is gain.... others will meet these fabulous people, to celebrate that my life is better while they are here and remind me to celebrate each minute with them.  I write this to thank God for the additions and coming attractions He is providing.  In addition to Whitney, there are other friendships and relationships that He is growing and strengthening, and for that I am thankful.

Do....

.....what DO you DO?

What am I talking about? Well, we advocate for adoption.  Now, we feel called to advocate for HIV+ children, their needs and finding people to care for them.  Yet, just because these are what we "DO" (for lack of a better term or more eloquent semantics), does not mean we do not support other causes or what many others do.  Just because HIV is our "thing" does not mean we will not answer questions, advocate for and get excited about your adoptions.

This is what we do....But what do you DO?  Maybe adoption is not what you do or at least what you do yet (though I'm not sure why :-)  Anyhow, that is fine....but what are you doing in your every day life to make the difference for other people.  Everyone's "everyday" looks a little different.  For some, it is staying home, loving and raising children.  For some, it is working outside the home teaching, in medicine, as nurses, and many other places.  Where you work, however, is not what you DO.  However, if you make an effort each day at where you work to DO something for others, then, in fact, it is.

Advocate for domestic adoptions.  Feed the homeless.  Serve women in strip clubs.  Babysit for single moms.  Speak out for HIV+ children.  ADOPT.  Work at the local food pantry.  Join organizations who prevent child abuse.  Run races for cancer.  Parent special needs children. Sponsor a child.  Foster a child.  Fight for those being trafficked. Love people you meet each day that may look different, smell different, behave differently from you.  THESE ARE ALL VERBS....they require "DOING SOMETHING".....  So whatever you choose to do, just DO something for others.

Matthew 25:40.....The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.'

Ethiopia Day 1

So I tried to journal every day while in Ethiopia...I did not do a great job but here is a start.  Most of this comes directly from the journal.  All of this was written during the trip in case the tense is confusing.

Day 1: May 5, 2012

Today started at home with us finishing our packing.  I did not sleep well.  Shocking!  I tossed and turned and woke up numerous times.  JT grabbed Wendy's for us as an early lunch.  As we were loading my father in law's truck with our luggage, the letter came from Brown Elementary.  It was our first choice for optional programs.  They only take 48 kids and we are NOT one of them.  Oh well!  We got our first choice for genera public schools.  Several of his pre-school classmates will be at his school anyways.  There is always a reason..... a reason for everything.  We may even start Chernet at Bloom.  We will have to wait and see once we meet him. 

Check in went smoothly other than the $100 extra for our bag of donations.  She could not promise that we would not have to pay $200 more tomorrow.  It is worth it to provide medical supplies in our sons' country.

We sat at our gate people watching.  It was a great day because of all the people arriving for Derby.  All the ladies wearing too high wedges, carrying Louis Vitton hat boxes..... or my favorite, the middle aged ladies talking too loudly while wearing said derby hats.  OR their husbands carrying their wives' hat boxes around. One lady was carrying a three foot by four foot Louis Vitton bag filled with the largest bag you can imagine. I commented on this to JT and he laughed saying "What a first world problem?!?!"

This has me thinking today about my own "first world problems" and first world preoccupations.... what earring do I wear when I meet Chernet OR when I meet Tedi's birthmom OR which outfit is flattering in pictures...what elementary school the boys will be into.... since the country we are traveling to would be fortunate to have education and my clothes are the least of their problems.  How my eyebrows are not plucked does not matter.

Our flight to DC from Louisville was bumpy but quick.  There was of course "that guy" on the flight.  The one who asked for multiple drinks, kept getting up during the times he should not, having his iPhone on too long.  At least he was entertaining. 

Man, what a large airport Dulles is.... I have been through JFK and Laguardia and O'Hare and Atlanta but this place was a maze.  Thankfully, the size will make for passing time during our 8 hour layover when we come back.  We stood in baggage claim with two men from Salem, Indiana.  They helped us gather our medical donations that spilled all over the belt. 

The most comical and yet frustrating part of our trip has been the Embassy Suites transportation.  We waited almost an hour to be board the shuttle then had to circle back for a guest standing at the wrong location. Later we asked for a ride to get dinner.  We went to a beautiful place called the Reston Towne Center.  We ate dinner and walked the streets lined with shoppes....J. Crew, Gap, Pottery Barn mixed with Anthropologie, local shoppes and coffee shoppes.  I even picked up the journal I am writing in at a cute boutique.  After grabbing yogurt, we called for transportation and waited 45 minutes before giving up.  We just took a taxi home. 

This place, Reston Towne Center, was gorgeous.  The weather had cooled off and the time together was great.  We held hands and talked about Tedi.  But the tall, tall condo buildings and $200+ Anthropologie dresses and frapps and overpriced card shops (which I love) are standing juxtaposed in my mind to a place I have not yet been.  I am interested to see the picture of this nice shopping area next to those of Woolayita, Ethiopia. 

I want to return changed and yet be able to function in this world, America, with one foot in the other,.  We shall see.  I pray for Him to continue breaking my heart for what breaks his...and at the same time I fear for what this will mean.

Then and Now

We went to the lake this holiday weekend.  About two years ago (August 2010), we took Tedi to my dad's house boat for the first time.  This is likely out last weekend at the boat as a family of three.  I was shocked at the difference in pictures of Tedi now compared to two years ago....I know he has grown 14 inches and 12 pounds since then.... HOWEVER, it is still impressive to see in photos...

THEN

NOW



Helping Grandpa: THEN

Helping Grandpa: NOW

Driving the boat: THEN

Driving the boat: NOW

Who we are.....

So we have been getting more blog traffic lately so I thought this was an appropriate time for this post....I wanted introduce or re-introduce me, us and really what we are all about....It is only a little snapshot so if you want to know more (which you probably don't at all) let me know.... so, if you know us, feel free to skip this.  If not, welcome! 

Our Family~
We are currently a family of 3, Natalie, JT and Tedi, but we are waiting to bring home our second son, Chernet.  We are using Lifeline Adoptions and love them!  We are huge adoption advocates....HIV adoptions, international adoptions, domestic..... we support and encourage it all... We attend The Avenue Church, which is a church plant on the campus of the University of Louisville geared at reaching college kids.  With that, we are some the oldest members.  JT is an elder at the church and Tedi is quite a hit! 

JT~
As stated above, JT is an elder as our church.  He works for Family and Children's Place as the assistant development directo...it is an organization that offers services and such for children who have been victims of physical and sexual abuse.  JT is fundraiser for their programs and loves his job.  In addition to this, he helps coach an AAU team in the spring.   If you have questions about adoption from a men's perspective or our church, please feel free to email him at jthenderson17@yahoo.com

Natalie~
I am finishing my second year as a pediatric resident at Kosair Children's Hospital, the children's hospital in Louisville, KY.  While my job requires much of time and energy, I can not think of doing anything else.  I work crazy hours but love my boys, my friends, my family like crazy.  I love talking about adoption of all types, educating families about the medical aspects of adoption, and really answer any questions in general.  nataliehenderson21@yahoo.com

Tedi & Chernet~
These are our boys.... Tedros "Tedi" Henderson is our first son and he is five years old.  He will start kindergarten in the fall here in Louisville.  He loves soccer and running but has little love for basketball or baseball, breaking his father's heart.  Chernet, our second son, should be coming home from Ethiopia late July or August of this year.  From our first meeting, he is rambunctious, loving, and a little mischievious.  We can not wait to add him to our family. 

TEDI

CHERNET

Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions about adoption, HIV or otherwise!

Over the weekend....

I thought I would do so more light hearted posting.... This weekend was the annual Henderson men baseball trip.... my father in law, brother in law, JT and Tedi all took off to Milwaukee for a Brewers vs. Twins game.  They choose a different park every year, so despite being Cubs fans, they like to visit different cities.They are having a great time.

As for me, I have been left to my own devices. Last night, I curled up in sweats, Indian food, and one of my good friends from work and we watched a "girlie" movie.  Today started with strolling through the mall with a friend (see below picture.)  I spent my alone afternoon doing laundry, my nemesis, worked on a craft for the boys' room (also pictured below), cleaned out Tedi's winter clothes and set aside clothes for Chernet, and lastly..... I worked on the blog.  I updated the tabs at the top and their contents.  I also added a music playlist at the bottom of the blog.... I wanted this option while I am browsing the web but I also wanted it not automatically start jamming Jason Mraz at work, so it won't play unless you make it!  (Don't judge my music choices).  I added a fundraising 101 section so if you have any ideas that have worked, I would love to share them here.  I have cleaned up the HIV section and am continuing to work on these... Suggestions are definitely welcome to make the blog more usable and helpful to visitors!

Next year, this guy will make the baseball trip.... God help them!  He will wear them out!  Thank you Fran for this amazing picture of Chernet at the transition home.  Yep, those are pink crocs he is rocking....  oh he has no idea what is waiting him, my sweet boy.

I met my friend Lesley at the mall today.  We browsed all the stores while talking..... we circled a second time through Old Navy and look what she found!  Of course the doctor in me had to have these for my son... they did not have them in Tedi's size so Chernet is going to be punished...

Lastly, I thought I would try to be crafty.... if you know me, having a self-referencing pronoun and craft in the same sentence is an oxymoron.... These are wood, painted brown, with different scrapbook papers modge podged onto the wood... I will post a picture one they are hung in the boys room... 

So What's Next????

~ We passed court and officially became Chernet's parents on May 9, 2012 (I don't think I mentioned that we passed court for Tedi on May 10, 2010...pretty cool). 

~ So happens now.... well our court documents and decree have to be translated from Amharic,     
  Chernet has a formal medical evaluation, and all of our and his documents are compiled and  
  submitted to the United States Embassy for review and visa.

~ When will he be home....  the short answer is we do not know.  He has a living birth grandparent
   that the embassy may want to speak with (completely okay by me).... it is taking anywhere   
   from four weeks to four months with the average of 3 months-ish.... So, we don't know when he
   will be here but we hope it is sooner rather than later

~ In the meantime.... we are trying to arrange for someone to pick up the boys in the fall after school
  from two separate elementary schools (interested?) We will work like crazy...organize Tedi's  
  room to make room in all the toys for a brother.  I will be applying for my pediatric intensive care  
  fellowship in July.... that is what we will do while we wait.  Oh yes, and continue to encourage
  everyone else to adopt, advocate, fight, DO...

Can you find my boy? A lovely gift from a friend who was in Ethiopia a few days after us.