A little Birthday Fun!

Madison wanted to try out the flip video before our trip to Ethiopia (we will be trying to upload videos from our trip on our blog while we are there), so we decided to have a little fun with her at Matthew's birthday party today....complete with a surprise dip in the pool and a water balloon attack from Matthew's friends. Enjoy!

WE PASSED COURT!!!! WOO HOO!!!!

Check out the video above introducting the newest Hamiltons! We are overwhelmed with God's goodness and are so thankful for your prayers and encouragement! We will be travelling to Ethiopia VERY soon...so stay posted for more information!!!

To Karen...and others...

Romans 7:18 “I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out.”

Okay, I just have a very quick moment but I just HAVE to get this out there. Karen, a long-time friend from my hometown, posted a comment a few weeks back saying something like, "Beth, you are an amazing person." Now I don't want to embarrass her or others who have said similar things...but I cannot wait another moment to answer...

WE ARE NOT AMAZING PEOPLE...WE SIMPLY SERVE AN AMAZING GOD!!!!!"

Okay...got it out. I feel better! I just can't live with the 'untruth' that we are doing this out of our own goodness or strength. "Apart from me, you can do NOTHING." John 15:5 Yes, Lord Jesus...that is so very true!

We love you all and appreciate your prayers...in fact, we depend upon them! Please remember our three kiddos Thursday night as the judge gets another chance to say 100% YES!

And Karen...thanks for your sweet note...I don't have an address to respond to except 'snail mail' and I'm too lazy and ADD to get that accomplished...so if you get a chance, send me your email address to hamshome@yahoo.com.

We get to wait a little while longer...

Hi to all!
Sorry it has taken all day to get to you...I was at a ladies' event for UT Football that lasted 8am to 2:30pm...which was good to keep me distracted! It was quite entertaining to see women of all ages enjoying the new football coaching staff...they were especially taken with Lane and Monty! So fun!

We did not pass court today. Our agency's words: "Things went well at court but there are a few more documents needed from the orphanage, so we have rescheduled again for next Friday, the 19th". (So get those prayers going again next Thursday night, June 18!!)

While we are disappointed, we are thankful for only a one-week delay at this point! Many families have to wait several weeks to get a new court date. Also, some procedures may be changing that would allow us to still travel in early August...so we may regain that week in the end. Regardless, we trust WHOLLY in God's sovereignty and in His goodness!!! He has purpose in ALL things...so we will trust, and wait a little longer...with purpose! :)

We so appreciate and covet your prayers as we continue this journey. We have continued to feel 'covered' and 'carried along' by the prayers of the saints!!

Peace,
Beth

Sweet words for our souls...

We just got this message from the family that delivered our care packages to our babies...you cannot imagine what JOY (and tears!) these words brought!!! Thank you so much Sweeney Family...We cannot wait to see the pictures you took!!! (and Gavin is so precious...love how he clearly moved seamlessly into your family! God is so very good!)

Hamiltons: Your 3 are so sweet. The big boys are
kind and gentle and have beautiful smiles. They were delighted with your
care packages and were so cute with their reactions- we got one very cute
excited smile on camera. Your baby is also beautiful. You can tell
the three are very close to each other.

Jesus, your timing is perfect...but this momma (and daddy, and sister, and brother)wants to get these precious ones home soon!!!!!!!!!!!!

I wish I could tell you...

Sometimes, it is best to let someone else's words speak for you. So, check out the link below if you want to be challenged... I do not know Heidi personally but am familiar with her story...and though it isn't 'easy' to read her words...I understand them to be true...especially on this journey we are on to adopt from Ethiopia. And I can only imagine how her words will ring even more true as we continue on this journey of trusting and obeying our Savior. The only thing I would add is that we must remember that everyone's path to 'follow Jesus' looks different and we cannot put our calling on anyone else no more than we can 'take up' someone else's cross. But I do know...if you truly know and are pursuing Jesus...at some point He will ask you to take a leap of faith that may look small to others but will be HUGE for you. And I also know...noone can take that leap except by God's grace and equipping. "for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose." Phil. 2:13

http://blessingsfromethiopia.blogspot.com/2009/06/i-wish-i-could-tell-you.html

Our Court Date Moved

"As for God, His way is perfect." Psalm 18:30

We received word from our agency today that due to a miscommunication, our actual assigned court date in Ethiopia is June 12, not June 10. For all of you praying, that means the actual court proceedings will take place sometime between midnight on June 11 and 8am on June 12.

Two more days to wait...and pray... While we don't want any more delays, we trust that truly God's ways are perfect...and He is in control!! As a reminder, please pray that all the birthfamily members and necessary witnesses will appear in court, that the judge would be there, that all the paperwork will be there and in proper order, and that the judge would look favorably on our case.

Thank you for your continued prayers!!!! We hope to have good news to post next Friday!!!

Peace,
Beth