Every adoption and prior to each EthiopiaSmile trip we are met with intense opposition.  While it is certainly not pleasant at the time, it reminds me that we are doing exactly what He has called us to do. It also allows me to SEE Him work in powerful ways. It gets me excited about the HUGE ways I know the Lord will show up, reveal Himself and humbly allow us to participate in while serving in Ethiopia.

So when the enemy is placing us on what feels like the front lines today, firing away......I am choosing to surrender to Him.  I think I have a plan, have it all figured out and all of this reminds me just how wrong I am.  The enemy attempts to rob, kill and destroy.  He would love families to say that adoptions are not worth it....he would love us to close EthiopiaSmile down, but it isn't going to happen.  God is bigger, and uses all things for our good and His glory.  I will lay all of this at His feet today, surrender and rest.......well rest in spirit as I have 5 Alexander's hopping on a plane to Ethiopia in a few hours.!!

SOLI DEO GLORIA

This time next week, I will be sitting in my house with 3 little Ethiopians to myself.  Moody and the 4 big kids will be getting very close to landing in Ethiopia!  They will head to Dube Bute early the next morning with an awesome team to visit there for several days.  They will check on the project, show the Jesus film, do some teaching, some dental/medical care, love on kids, reunite with family and see how we can best partner with them in the long run.

My heart aches to not be going to Dube Bute, to be away from so many of my crew but it is best.  Gigi and I will hop on a plane to join them the next week in Addis for EthiopiaSmile.  Yes, I am flying solo around the world with one VERY busy almost 2 year old. PRAYERS APPRECIATED :)  It was too soon to leave her and I couldn't imagine missing this trip with my 4 big kiddos.  Only have 3 years left with Hill (how is that possible??)  So she goes along for the ride.

Abe and Eyasu will stay here with an incredible group of people willing to serve in this way to allow me to go! Thank you. :)  It will be difficult to leave them but simply not practical to take them either.  Abe much prefers his own surrounding and we found out last time he went that Ethiopia is simply not set up for a kiddo in a wheelchair.  Eyasu would love to go but keeps saying that he and Abe went on the first ETSmile trip, so it is Gigi's turn.  Precious boy.

I would really appreciate your prayers this week as we frantically finalize details, pack up and fight off the enemy that is attacking on all fronts.  We rest in the ONE that has called us to go, just ticks me off that he fights so unfair.  Prayers for safe travels for the team, CUSTOMS and patience here for me as I will be missing some really amazing helpers!!!

More on the trip in future posts.  Have some big obstacles that I know the Lord will show up in mighty ways to overcome.

Look at these cool t-shirts my friends Jill and Jared are selling for their adoption.  Love supporting people that are called to adopt.  I love this design too. :)

Abe did amazing.  Such a champ.  The surgery went really well and he is tolerating his feeds through his g tube well.  We are grateful for the wonderful care we received while at Cooks, the incredible support of friends and family who helped cover the 6 kids at home (thanks Nanny and Bunty) and the many prayers for our sweet boy.  He is uncomfortable at the moment, but prayerfully that won't last long.


 In our room, after surgery.  Nurses thought this was a sweet smile.  I told them to just wait awhile! :)

Because so many of you gave so sacrificially of your time, talents and resources.......the beautiful people of Dube Bute have hope, and new schools, health and water.....

Thank you seems too small of an expression for how grateful we are to all of you that gave and prayed this project through.  So much has been accomplished already.

Moody will go in June with a team to see the projects first hand, inaugurate the various projects (MANY OF THE DONORS ARE GOING!!!) and see how our church can partner there long term.

Please view the update video below:

Sweet boy will have his feeding tube surgery on Friday.  Prayerfully we will only be in the hospital for one night.  Would greatly appreciate your prayers!

Please read.  Love this family dearly.  Actually met the lovely Miss B first and told L about her!  So I kinda like to take credit for her being a Boulton.  People can be really dumb.  I see it with Abe. Education is key. You need to read this...........

The Boulton Family: UNvitation: So this post has been written and rewritten about 100 times in my head. On Sunday we received an UNvitation in our email. What is an UNv...