Fast Forward...Like SUPER Fast!

A Little Refresher/Background Information:
With the recently changed adoption procedures in Ethiopia, families are assigned two court dates and an embassy date.  Adopting families do not typically travel for the first court date; it is for any biological family members and Ethiopian officials.  Our first date is scheduled for November 1st.  Families do travel for the second court date, which is when the adoption becomes legal in Ethiopia.  Our second date is scheduled for December 2nd.  The embassy date usually takes place 6-8 weeks after the successful completion of the second court date.  Families travel for the embassy date, and this is when the newest member of the family gets to go home with his/her new family.

The Exciting News:
We got word on Thursday that the Ethiopian judge who hears cases for the first court date has decided to allow families to travel for their first court date!  Since our first court date is so soon, we weren't sure that this would be allowed for our family, but we got the green light on Friday afternoon. This essentially combines the first two court dates, which means Brian and I are LEAVING ON WEDNESDAY for Ethiopia.  We will get to meet our daughter in less than a week.  Also, if our court case is resolved quickly, we will be able to bring her home sooner!  As you can imagine, Brian and I are thrilled beyond belief and running around like crazy all at the same time. 

To be honest, there have been no part of our adoption that has fit the estimated timelines that we have heard along the way, and we are OK with that.  We're so thankful that God's timing is perfect...through the times that seem slow and the times that seem out-of-control fast!  I've decided that adoption is predictably UNPREDICTABLE!!!

Now, we have a baby to get ready to meet, so I'm off to continue making arrangements, pack, etc!  Please pray for our FAST preparations, safe travel, and that our hearts would be prepared to meet our cutie pie!