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amazing photographer
.......she captured our trip on film

Final slideshows

Last 2 slideshows from Ethiopia Email me for link to others-alexander@integrity.com

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Monday, November 30, 2009

love him

Little man cracks us up! We are all doing remarkably well. Still not 100% physically as we all fight colds, etc. Overall, simply amazed at the work the Lord has done. Abe thinks he might be the funniest person he has ever seen! How great is that?

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Avery's productive Thanksgiving break!

Shockingly, we didn't take home the gold. Moody does however look fabulous in his pink unitard. You could spend hours on jib jab- Avery made this last night and I thought it was hilarious. It may be the sleep deprivation though. :)
Happy Thanksgiving!!!!!!
Try JibJab Sendables® eCards today!
Monday, November 23, 2009

"do you treat them differently?

We had two different people ask us this question while in Ethiopia. They are both precious, Christ-following, well educated, Ethiopians, simply trying to understand our world back home. I was surprised the first time, paused and one followed with, "well it is so obvious just by looking at them that they aren't blood."

Moody and I both immediately explained they are actually more loved and cared for by our older 4 kiddos than they care for each other! :) I wish they could each see our coming home video, see the love my kids have for one another and know my heart for these two amazing gifts the Lord has entrusted us to raise. It was really a precious moment as we talked to these 2 friends and shared our love for these boys and their country. We all had tears in our eyes, especially as we talked about Abe's special needs. Oh, that reminds me about our visit to the Missionaries of Charity orphange--wow. My heart couldn't take it, I thought I was ready, prepared, but it was so much to take in.

More on that later as I will begin recapping our trip soon, but wanted to give a quick Seth update. He is such joy and all almost 3 year old boy. His language is coming, but I know he gets frustrated by the gap.

He loves the beep beep! Any and every opportunity to get in the car and go anywhere is pure bliss for this child! (Sorry it is so dark, took it on my phone.)
Sleep--the most challenging issue right now. He has a difficult time going to sleep for both his nap and bedtime. We read books, sing, rock, snuggle and still he fights it everytime. I know this will get easier and I'm amazed that with all he is processing- sleep is my chief complaint.
He is simply adored by everyone, especially his big bros!
First Target run. It was quick, but he did great and enjoyed his pasta. This kid loves his pasta. He is actually a great eater. :)
I must say that this is a fun age- really miraculous to watch all the firsts in his little life. His eyes light up, he flashes that huge smile and it melts your heart.
We are so thankful that he is home and we loving being a family of 8. We have much to be Thankful for this year.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009

O Praise Him!!!




We missed Kristin so much on this trip, but she blessed us by driving from Austin to greet us at the airport! Thank you to everyone that supported us and gave us such a wonderful warm welcome. We are indeed blessed and He indeed is Holy.
Monday, November 16, 2009

Home!

We are so happy to be home! The trip was simply amazing. More to come once the jet lag wears off. :) Thanks for all of the prayers and support along this journey! We greatly appreciate it.
Thursday, November 12, 2009

We heart Ethiopia!!!

We have had an incredible time back in Addis. I love how it feels so natural to be here. We have loved the opportunity to spend time with old and new friends. The Funderburks came to visit us at our guest house and we loved seeing them again. It was so fascinating to learn all about their new adventure living here in Addis. Eyasu was very clingy at first and we realized that he only knows them from the transition home. :( We loved that he wanted us but it broke our hearts that he thought they might have been there to take him back. After much reassuring, he played with their precious little Ruthie. :)

We have also gotten to see our Ethiopian angel, Dereje, on several occasions. We were able to go to his sister, Fifi's, house yesterday for lunch. What a treat. Eyasu loved playing with her two kiddos and it was a gift being able to catch up on her life since we have last seen each other.

Now to the main attraction: EYASU. Oh man. Moody and I just belly ache laugh at this guy all day long. He is hilarious, unless someone tries to take his toys, then hilarious he is not. :) He really has the sweetest spirit. He is happy and VERY busy. Hill, Wick, Avery and Issy, get ready, he can run!!! He is also a parrot and repeats everything you say, full sentences sometimes. It is really funny. An interesting and incredible to witness reality of adopting an older child is seeing them experience firsts. He was terrified of the big potty (thought he would fall in poor guy), learned how to sip from a straw, took his first bath in the big tub, first sip of a Miranda, etc........his eyes and smile say it all! WOW. Thanking the Lord for the incredible gift of entrusting us to this amazing child and allowing us to experience so many of his firsts in life.

We received the very first picture of him when he came into care over 13 months ago. It is heartbreaking and yet, we are so thankful to have that piece of his story. It is clear that he is a fighter with an truly resilient spirit. It made John 14:18, "I will not leave you as orphans, I will come to you." come alive. Thank you for your faithful promises to your children. We are forever grateful to the staff at Gladney for loving him, for nurturing him and restoring him to good health. His love for his special mother was priceless and we will always have a special place in our hearts for everyone that played a role in his life until he could come home to his forever family!















Wednesday, November 11, 2009

A great day:)

My parents had a great day!!! Last night we talked to them on the phone, and they were about to give Eyasu a bath. He refused. They finally got him in the bath, then he wouldn't get out! They had a good night and when Eyasu woke up he went and snuggled with my dad. He is already so attached to my dad. My mom said that he has SO much energy its not even funny!
Mom and Dad's visa appointment is tomorrow. PLEASE PRAY THAT THEIR VISA COMES ON FRIDAY!!!!!

Love, AVERY
Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Eyasu- We have him!!!!

Wow. Wow. Wow. What an unbelievable day so far. It is 5:00pm here in Ethiopia. We woke up this morning very early and had to wait until 9 to go get Eyasu. We have a dear driver, Yostaye, who drove us to the care center. Once the gate opened, a precious little boy came running...really he came running up to Moody!! It was priceless!! We spent some sweet time at the care center, saying goodbye to his friends and the care givers. The rest of the day we have spent just being together at the Bejoe guest house. It is beautiful here, so we spent most of the day out on the lawn, playing ball, reading books. Our dear friend Dereje came to visit as did the Funderburk. He is a dream. A smile that lights up a room. Smart as a whip!! Busy busy busy..a perfect fit for Team Alexander. Praise God for a wonderful first day!
btw, thanks for the prayers. I am feeling a lot better :-)

They got Eyasu!!!!!

They Have Him!!!!!! Mom and Dad say he is AMAZING!!!!!
Pictures coming soon!!!!

Love, Avery
Monday, November 9, 2009

They made it!!!!!

They made it!!!!!
Mom and Dad are in Ethiopia. They landed about 10 am our time this morning. Mom was a little sick on the way there, but is feeling better. They are excited to get to see Seth TOMORROW! wohoo! More posts to come :)

Love, Avery
Thursday, November 5, 2009

not being anxious- small update

I told the kids this morning that I really thought the "packing fairies" were going to come in the middle of the night and get us all ready to roll! I have said before that organization is NOT my thing, but as always this will all come together and we will get on that plane Sunday!
It is such a blessing to be able to take so many care packages (that I promise to keep organized!!) and goodies for the kids in the orphanages.
Just can't even wait to get my hands on this cute boy! Seriously, look at that smile. I heard in a recent update that the talk of the toddler room is that Eyasu's "ferengi"(foreign in Amharic) parents are coming. After being there for over 13 months, it IS your turn my son. :)
Our sermon on Sunday was from Matthew 6:25- 34 and not being anxious. It has been so good for me this week to continually speak truth when I begin to get overwhelmed, etc with all that needs to get done as well as keep up with normal, everyday life.

I would greatly appreciate your prayers on that cute bear above. I am most anxious about leaving him. He has my heart and I can't imagine being away from him for a week. I know he will be in great hands and receiving so much love and attention. I just need to lay it all down, trust in the Lord and truly enjoy each moment that Moody and I have getting to know Eyasu. Thank you. Oh, if you could pray that he would sleep-- I'm sure my mom would really appreciate that too. :)

"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is it's own trouble. " Matthew 6: 34

**update- after re-reading, I realize it may appear that I'm not going to miss the older 4- hardly the case! :) They can communicate their needs and are much more self sufficient- that's all. They will all be greatly missed.**
Monday, November 2, 2009

we're all in this together



Click here to find a theater near you that will be showing this documentary. It is ONE night only. November 4th- this Wednesday night. Support it.

**my kids saw the title and assumed they would see Troy and Gabriella dancing! :) awesome**

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"Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from becoming polluted by the world." James 1:27
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