Holding Tight

Puzzle Update: Approaching the Half Way Point....

2012-01-15T11:42:00.004-06:00

This week's grand total = 440 Pieces Sponsored! It won't be long until we hit that half way point...wow.

1,000 total pieces - 440 Sponsored = 560 Awaiting Sponsorship.

Thank you for your continued support and prayers as the "Pieces to the Puzzle" come together. If you have interested in sponsoring a piece(s) to the puzzle, check out how - by clicking HERE.

Whispers From God

2012-01-11T07:41:00.000-06:00

You know those moments when a "random" thought comes into your mind - and you just don't know where it came from? Those moments that spur you into deep thought, contemplation, or action over something? Those thoughts that you may think - "is that me, or could that be God"?

Our 5 year old, has often amazed us with her insight into hearing and discerning those moments. In her innocence and youth, she has not yet been negatively influenced to doubt or question those moments. She is dialed in, and listening.

Just the other day, she had one of those "random moments". Out of nowhere one morning (we had not discussed or mentioned adoption or the baby at all) she proclaims, "Mom - God told me in my mind, to tell you - baby is happy today." Just like that, I stopped in my tracks. "Did you say, God told you to tell me?" She follows, "yep, in my mind, He told me". I can't tell you how I needed to hear that, at that moment!

Her heart was tuned in to hear God's "whisper" to her. And of course, the timing was perfect. Those words served as the gentle reminder that I needed - that God is in control as I struggle through the realities of extended wait times (more on that in another entry).

I wonder, how often does God give us those gentle "whispers", but we shrug them off as a random thought or feeling? How often do we miss the opportunity to hear from God, to be led by God, to follow the direction He is trying to set out before us?

I know that this week, God used my 5 year old daughter to nudge and encourage me to be "tuned in" - every day, all the time. I don't want to miss those moments, those "whispers" to be fully engaged in the journey that God has placed before me! Thank you baby girl for listening....

At the mountain of God, Horeb,Elijah came to a cave, where he took shelter.But the word of the LORD came to him,“Go outside and stand on the mountain before the LORD;the LORD will be passing by.”A strong and heavy wind was rending the mountainsand crushing rocks before the LORD—but the LORD was not in the wind.After the wind there was an earthquake—but the LORD was not in the earthquake.After the earthquake

there was fire—but the LORD was not in the fire.After the fire there was a tiny whispering sound.When he heard this,Elijah hid his

face in his cloakand went and stood at the entrance of the cave.

1 Kings 19:9, 11-16

A Puzzle Update - One Month Later

2012-01-03T07:25:00.006-06:00

One month ago, we presented the opportunity to be a "Piece to the Puzzle", by sponsoring puzzle pieces for baby's puzzle.

One month later, we are overjoyed to proclaim that we already have a grand total of 409 pieces sponsored!!!

409 pieces in one month = about 102.25/week = about 14.6 pieces/day

409 Sponsored Pieces!

If puzzle sponsorship continues at this pace, the puzzle will be fully sponsored by mid-end of February!!! The puzzle assembly team better pick - up - the -pace!

It brings a huge smile to our faces, when we hear about families and friends coming together with creative ideas for piece sponsorship. Several that have been brought to our attention, include:

A middle school girl who chose to sponsor her own piece with her own money
A family who gave their kids opportunities to earn money for puzzle pieces by completing optional jobs around the house
A group of friends who chose to gift each other with puzzle pieces, instead of material gifts for Christmas this year

We see God's hand at work through sponsorships unexpected, creative puzzle sponsorship, and the sponsorship support of friends close. It is absolutely humbling.

With 409 pieces sponsored, 591 pieces await sponsorship. If you have interest in being a "Piece to the Puzzle", go click HERE, and learn more about how. Each piece sponsored is $10, and your name will go on the piece you sponsored. Baby will have a forever visual of all the people who came together to help bring him/her home!

THANK YOU....

Sweet Anticipation

2011-12-29T10:24:00.004-06:00

² “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,

though you are small among the clans^[b] of Judah,

out of you will come for me

one who will be ruler over Israel,

whose origins are from of old,

from ancient times.”

Micah 5:2

This year, more than most, I have spent significant time processing through what God's people must have been feeling and thinking in anticipation of the Savior's birth. A long awaited treasure, placed into the loving care of the parents - Mary and Joseph. In God's ultimate knowledge, He entrusted this couple with what seems to be the ultimate task - parenting God's son. Can you imagine? I put myself through enough mental turmoil as I parent my children - but to parent God's son.....wow. I wonder how they prepared and anticipated for this sweet baby's arrival?

Christmas 2011 has found me in a place of deep worship and reflection of the celebration of the arrival of the baby Christ. 2011 has been one of the most emotionally challenging years that I have faced. But in those emotional challenges, God has drawn me closer, holding me tighter than I have known Him before. It is because of God's gift of the baby Jesus, that I can KNOW and experience God's love and peace in such a deep way.

As I prepared to worship in celebration of the precious Jesus' birth this Christmas - I continued to come back to the preparations of Mary, Joseph and God's people. In a much much smaller kind of way, God is asking us to prepare for a gift that He will be entrusting to our family. He is leading us toward a precious gift, to be loved by Him through our family. What a treasure, what a blessing. Though, our baby is not a Savior, not God's son - our baby is a gift to us, entrusted specifically to us by God himself.

And it is with anticipation that we await our gift, that only God can prepare us for. It is because of baby Jesus that we are filled with overflowing love to share. We lean on God's grace and love to lead and prepare us each day of the journey.

As for this Christmas - baby already received some gifts - in preparation and anticipation! :)

We invite you to join us in praying for baby. These awesome ornaments were created custom for us by a fellow Ethiopian adoptive family. You can check out more of her creations on Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/shop/EthiopiaAdoption/sold

Be the Difference

2011-12-21T16:33:00.007-06:00

See this story of lives forever changed...

Be The Difference from Videos for AGCI on Vimeo

Children loved. Families blessed. Because everyone deserves to belong.

BEAUTIFUL

Video Created by our agency: All God's Children International

Pieces Coming Together: A Puzzle Update

2011-12-20T07:58:00.008-06:00

As of the most recent report we received from Lifesong for Orphans, we can add an additional 150 puzzle pieces to baby's puzzle. In the past week and a half, 150 additional pieces have been sponsored in loving support. AMAZING!

Total sponsored as of December 20, 2011: 270 PIECES!!!

We see God at work in such a tangible way - working through His people. We are blessed, truly blessed. This is all the pieces that have been sponsored thus far! AWESOME!!! As you can see - it is taking longer than anticipated to actually piece the puzzle together. Unfortunately, I wasn't thinking ahead at the fact that this 1,000 piece puzzle is ALL BROWN! You are likely saying to yourself, "duh Amy, look at it!!!", however as someone who often takes things as they come, I didn't think ahead to the assembly I just got lost in beauty of the final product. To say that the assembly is a challenge, is an understatement. It will most certainly get accomplished - just at more of a turtle pace. I will continue to picture all the pieces sponsored, they just may not be adjoined to their puzzlemates right away. :)

1,000 Total Pieces - 270 Sponsored Pieces = 730 Pieces Await Sponsorship

If you are interested in sponsoring a piece(s), find out how, here - A Piece To The Puzzle

"Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think,according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen."
Ephesians 3:20-21

The Gentle Power of His Love

2011-12-17T22:29:00.004-06:00

A baby. A baby born in a manger. A King. A Savior. Emmanuel - God with us.

Read those words again. Let them sink in. They are profound. The gentleness of a baby and the power of the Mighty God - all wrapped into ONE!!! A God so powerful, he sent His son through a virgin. An unimaginable gift!

As we walk toward the celebration of Christmas this week, I cannot help but think about how drawn away I can become from the beauty of this profound gift. As every ad jumps out with more STUFF we want, and every store displays their goods in ways which appeal and entice us for more. During every errand we begin thinking, "I should add that to my list".

And my heart becomes torn as I think of all of the people around the world who do not have the luxury of piling gifts with shiny bows under a tree. Many do not even have the luxury of a meal, and certainly not a special meal. Many are alone, without family, maybe orphaned. Many are living outside without homes. Are they drawn away from the profound gift of Christmas because of their circumstances, as I am in mine???

Think of all the people and life scenarios around this world. Christmas is the celebration of the birth of a baby King who came in love for ALL of these people. A gift of love available to all people, regardless of our social status, our financial situation, or our life circumstances - around the world. A love, unlike any other love we know. A love that is unconditional and saving. THIS IS LOVE!

I feel humbled by His powerful yet gentle sweetness. I walk into this Christmas week praising my King, my Gift!

A baby. A baby born in a manger. A King. A Savior. Emmanuel - God with us. Our Gift.

The Gentle Power of His Love

More On Ethiopia - Amhara Region

2011-12-06T12:42:00.003-06:00

Our agency, All God's Children, provided us with another Ethiopian regional glimpse, that we found intriguing, maybe you will too....

Amhara Region

Much like the Tigray people we learned about a few weeks ago the Amhara people goup can also trace their orgins back to Shem, son of Noah. The Amhara region has been left relatively untouched by the influence of modern society. Farming is still a common profession for those residing within the Amhara region, while fewer choose to honer their roots by contiuing to live a nomadic lifestyle. The father is generally the head of the household in this region while children join in to support their parents in farming or caring for sheep.

There is a rich religious diversity throughout the Amhara region’s history. Emigrating from Eygpt, numerous high officials chose to contiue pursuing their pagans beliefs adopted from Eygptian society. Queen While Sheba converted to Judaism during her reign, which influenced large numbers of the population. Christianity played a role through copic missionaries, while others chose to convert to Islam while sheltering followers of Muhammed. To date however, the primary religion of the Amhara region is Christianity.

Source: People-In-Country Profile for Amhara of Ethiopia, Joshua Project

Debre Berhan Selassie Church

Inside Debre Berhan Selassie

Location: Northern, Northwest part of Ethiopia
Captial: Bahir Dar
President: Ato Ayalew Gobezie
Area: 161,828 square k.m
Topography: 700-4620 meters above sea level
Climate: warm cold and mild
Population: 17,205,000
Working language: Amharic
Distance from Addis Ababa to Bahir Dar: 565 km
Notable Features: Blue Nile source, Debre Berhan Selassie Church (ceiling of angles), The Castles of Emperor Fassil, Rock-hewn Churches of Lalibela (unique in the world), Lake Tana and its island monasteries, Smoke and fire (The Blue Nile Falls), Teff, Nug (Niger seed, Highest Mountain in Ethiopia (Ras Dashen), Semien National Park (domain of the Nyala).

Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, Amhara National Regional State

Lush foothills of Eastern Amhara region

Sunset over Lake Tana

It looks beautiful to me. Soon enough, the day will come - and we will find ourselves there. Until then, we absorb, learn and anticipate through these "glimpses" into Ethiopia.....

PUZZLE UPDATE: 120 PIECES SPONSORED

2011-12-03T08:23:00.003-06:00

THANK YOU to those who kicked off puzzle assembly! Assembly is underway - piece by piece! As of today, we have 120 pieces sponsored!!! We are already close to having a border!

880 Pieces Remain for sponsorship @ $10/piece. To learn more about how to sponsor a piece, you can check it out here.

THANK YOU!!!

A Piece To The Puzzle

2011-11-29T07:08:00.013-06:00

It's a Puzzle!

The significant expense of adoption, is something you have heard us discuss before. Over the course of this process, we will pay $28,000-$31,000 in various expenses. It can be overwhelming to think about. This is a lot of money, however, we know that God has called us to our baby, and so we move ahead fully trusting God's provision. God has been faithful in the first $10,000+, already submitted for phase I, and without doubt, we know He will be faithful for the remainder!!!

The remaining $18,000 - $21,000 certainly seems like a puzzle to us, but we know that it does not leave God puzzled! As we pray about God's direction on funds, we are continually led back to the idea of "The Puzzle".

Thus, we have purchased this 1,000 piece puzzle, and we are "inviting" you to be a piece in the puzzle.

When complete, this puzzle of a sweet African Giraffe Mama kissing her Baby will hang in Baby's room, as a visual reminder of "the village" of people playing a role in baby's adoption story!

Here is how this fundraiser works:

Why a Puzzle? We have been blessed by the love, support, and prayers for baby, before we even know who baby is! We want baby to have a permanent visual reminder of the many that played a role in baby's adoption story. Your names will come together as a visual on the back of the puzzle.

EACH PIECE can be sponsored by YOU! For $10/piece, you can sponsor pieces to build the puzzle. Your name will be written on the back of as many pieces as you/your family sponsors. After you have sponsored a piece/pieces, we will take a picture of your pieces and your name, and send it to you! If you so choose, you can use the picture as a reminder to pray for baby in the months ahead.

TO SPONSOR a piece(s) is easy! Lifesong for Orphans has agreed to receive donations toward our adoption, in order to make them tax deductible for you! At Year End, Lifesong will provide you with a statement for tax purposes. You can submit donations to sponsor pieces in 1 of 2 ways:

1. Send a check to Lifesong for Orphans.

Mail Checks to:

Lifesong for Orphans

Attn: Kahl #2366 Adoption

PO Box 40/202 N Ford St

Gridley, IL 61744

2. Sponsor online via Lifesong's Online "One Time Gift"

Lifesong's One Time Gift

Reference: Kahl #2366 Adoption

**NOTE** In both instances, please state a reference to: Kahl#2366 Adoption**

THE PROGRESS will be tracked weekly, along the way. I will continually update the blog with how the puzzle is coming together. When the puzzle is complete, it will be framed in two-sided glass and hung in baby's room as a permanent visual reminder! Can we ask you to prayerfully consider being a piece to the puzzle through a $10 piece sponsorship?

TODAY'S PROGRESS:

1,000 Pieces Ready

YOUR PRAYERS are most important. We know and understand that not everyone can/or desires to be a piece of the puzzle in a financial way. Your prayer support is most important!!! We will continue to face multitudes of challenges and reasons to praise as we travel this journey. We cannot travel this road alone. Can we ask for your support in prayer? Your prayer support is priceless.

We are unimaginably blessed by so many people have been lifting us up in prayer and encouraging us daily as we go through this journey. It's incredible. We could never do this alone, so THANK YOU!

So Much To Be Thankful For

2011-11-23T06:26:00.005-06:00

Give thanks to the Lord, call on His name; make known amongthe nations what he has done. ~I Chronicles 16:8

As we step into this Thanksgiving, I feel as though I want to put up a billboard, attempting to accurately reflect the intensity of gratitude pouring from my soul. In the midst of life's trials and challenges that we face everyday - we have more than a billboard's-worth to be thankful for.

It is a true honor and blessing to live each day under the grace and provision of the Giver of Everything! It is because of God's love for us, that we have an opportunity to be filled with His great joy.

I am thankful that we are called His children, and that He is our great Father and protector.
I am thankful that He is the giver of all things, and that He has chosen to give us so much.
I am thankful that He is our Guide, and that He is leading us toward a little Ethiopian blessing.
I am thankful that He is All-Knowing, and He knows the perfect direction in the bigger picture, we only need to seek Him for the way.
I am thankful for His Compassion, and that He loves us when we are defiant and hard to love.
I am thankful He is our Friend, He will never lead us or forsake, and desires an intimate relationship in which we share our hearts and He shares His.
I am thankful for His Sacrifice, an unthinkable gift to offer us LIFE ABUNDANT!

It is because of His great sacrifice that we can know Him personally. And though we experience pain and struggles, like everyone, God's rich blessings surpass all that we could imagine.

As you travel this Thanksgiving, picture the Kahl family billboard on the side of the road!

Maybe your family has a billboard as well - what would your billboard say????

Tyler said it best, when he wrote his story of Thanksgiving in his first grade class, at school .

The Kahl Family Billboard Would Read:

"I am thankful for God. Because God gives me everything. Without God I would have nothing."

Imprinted

2011-11-17T06:50:00.000-06:00

One of our prayers during this time of waiting, is that God would prepare the hearts and minds of our family, of baby, and of the birth mother/family. I can see God's hand at work as He begins to answer this prayer for our family. Our hearts have been stamped, marked, impressed with love for baby - baby has an imprint on our hearts.

The dictionary defines the word imprint, as:

imprint n [ˈɪmprɪnt]

1. a characteristic mark or indication; stamp the imprint on his face [heart]

vb [ɪmˈprɪnt]

2. to establish firmly; impress; stamp to imprint the details on one's mind [heart]

It was a few weeks ago, that the kids and I started a conversation about my "babies" (as big as they get, they'll always be my babies). During our discussion, I referenced my "2 kids". This did not sit right with T. He quickly responded back to me, "Mom, you have 3 kids." Not completely sure of his 3rd referenced, I asked for clarification. "Mom, you have me, K and THE BABY. The Baby is your kid too". That was a huge moment for me. He already considers the baby as one of us - a Kahl - my 3rd "baby". My heart was swelled with joy and my eyes filled with tears.

Oh, and family pictures - goofy emotions were stirred up with the taking of family pictures, and it surprised me. There was a sense of longing that came with taking pictures as a family of 4. How many family pictures will we take before we are a family of 5?! Baby is imprinted on our hearts, but we have nothing physical to hold, love, snuggle or chase. As I look through our pictures, I can imagine baby snuggled right in there - there's a perfect spot waiting. Can you see it?!

Here's a glimpse of our family of 4. Praying that next photo session, we'll be sharing with you a family of 5!!!!

More On Ethiopia

2011-11-15T08:10:00.005-06:00

Among the many things we are focused on learning and absorbing during the adoption process, one of the largest is about the country and culture of our child's heritage. We believe that it will be extremely important for our Ethiopian child to have an understanding of where he/she came from, who his/her people of heritage are, and what they are like. It will be an important piece of our child's identity.

In order for our child to learn more about Ethiopia and it's culture - WE are certainly going to learn about it! It is absolutely intriguing to begin the process of learning pieces of this African culture. For example, did you know that in a country of 82 million people, there are about 80 different languages, and only 13 of 82 million people speak the national language of Amharic???

There are many avenues in which we can learn more about our child's country of heritage. And one of those avenues is via our agency. Every few weeks, they provide us with updates, and within those updates, we small glimpses into Ethiopia. Below is some interesting information they shared with us this past week.

Did you know:

Ethiopia is made up of nine administrative regions that operate much like a US state and two chartered cities--Addis Ababa and Dire Dawa. Below is a glimpse into one of the regions - Benishangul/Gumuz Region.

Benishangul/Gumuz Region
The Gumuz people who were once enslaved by Egypt, Sudan and greater parts of Ethiopia live in the fertile northwestern region of Ethiopia. While the irrigation potential is large due to the Blue Nile, very few of the Gumuz make their work in farming or breeding independently. The Gumuz live simple lives with a focus on a cohesive community. They farm their lands together as a clan and live with the numerous free roaming animals from the region including, lions, cheetahs, elephants, antelope, buffalo, and warthogs.

The Nao, also known as the Berta, of Ethiopia reside in the high, dense Kaffa forests of the corner formed by the Blue Nile River and the Sudan border. They are primarily farmers but also supplement their diet through fishing as well as by gathering fruits and vegetables. The Nao had their own kingdom that was strong but due to the colonization of the Kaffa kingdom which subjected them to war and slavery in the 19th century, their population has decreased to near extinction.

November is National Adoption Month

2011-11-13T06:19:00.007-06:00

November is National Adoption month. Did you know that there are over 100,000 children in America that are awaiting adoption? Many of these children can be found in the U.S. foster system, waiting to find their forever family and a place to call home.

National Adoption awareness started in 1976 by Massachusetts Governor Mike Dukakis, and grew and spread throughout the nation. This year's theme is "Making Lasting Change", and is focused on raising awareness of older children needing placement with forvever families.

Though, our family has chosen the interational adoption path, there are many children in the U.S. that also need families to call their own. Our family feels passionately for these children as well! Every child deserves to belong.....

Take a couple minutes to watch this awesome Faces of Adoption video, to the Music of Matthew West...

Bringing an adoptive child into your home is not for everyone. Though we are not all called to bring an adoptive child into our homes, I do believe that God does call us all to care of orphans in some capacity.

Isaiah 1:17, “Learn to do good; seek justice, reprove the ruthless, Defend the orphan, plead for the widow.”
James 1:27, “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress.”

There are many ways to do that:

Pray for orphans - for love, families, and nurturing

Educate yourself about orphans - the needs, the challenges, the ways you can help

Sponsor a child

Find ways to advocate for and educate others on adoption

Find a creative way to care for orphans (i.e. collect shoes and send them to orphans in need)

And if you feel you are called - push past the fear, take the leap, and adopt!

Because every child deserves a loving and nurturing family.

Hurry Up and Wait - Hurry Up and Wait.....and on and on and on

2011-11-09T12:06:00.004-06:00

Most people who know me, know that I am not much of a patient person. I like things to happen fast, and reach completion quickly.

God has big plans to grow my patience in this adoption journey! Already at this point in the process, I faced with working through my personal challenges of patience. There is a vicious cycle of hurry hurry hurry, followed by a significant amount of wait wait wait. Then, repeat the cycle again!

We are on repeat #1 having once again reached a phase of hurry hurry hurry. Deadlines deadlines deadlines. Enough notarizations to give a notary their life quota of stamping and signing. Enough background and government requests to feel as though we have access to every department within the government. And enough detail tracking to make me start to twitch!

We are now proud owners of a large 2 inch 3-ring binder just to define the requirements and rules for each piece of paperwork in this phase of the process. After an hour conference call to walk us through the "how-to's" of the Master Planner, I have actually moved beyond fear of the binder, and have grown to appreciate its presence in the process.

All the while, I feel an increasing yearning to get to our baby!!!

As God grows my patience, I will embrace this growth lesson as we:

Hurry hurry hurry - get it all submitted to the appropriate departments and government officials.

Wait wait wait - for them to review, process and respond.

Hurry hurry hurry - submit to the agency by the deadline.

Wait wait wait - for them to process and review.

Hurry hurry hurry - make the changes need to meet the requirements.

Wait wait wait - while they AGAIN process and review.

"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience" - Colossians 3:12

Today, I choose to honor God's desire for me, as I clothe myself, not only with compassion, kindness, humilty and gentleness - but also with patience. I choose to be clothed in patience...with the help of God!

This is Not Coincidence

2011-10-17T07:35:00.005-05:00

"But Jesus looked at them and said, 'with man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.'" Matthew 19:26

When things happen in our lives that seem random or out of the blue, we so often label these occurrences as "coincidence". Whether or not you are a person that believes in coincidence, the story you will read below, is NO coincidence. This story you will read below, is God revealing Himself through a path unimaginable, and a person we don't even know! Because THAT IS JUST HOW GOD WORKS! I am so in awe of His perfect and intricate ways!

Precursor: this will be long! To really share this story, you have to have some background. I hope you can bare with me, because the end is worth getting to!

From the get-go we have been fully expectant to face a variety of mountainous challenges along the way. But, God has promised us that not only in this situation, but for our lifetime, that He holds the perfect directional plan for each of us. Thus, we trust Him with this piece of this journey and know that as the mountains are before us, He will lead us over, under around or through!

Mountain #1 presented itself almost immediately! Financially, over the course of this process we will pay $30,000+. This is not money that we have just laying around. But, our plans to creatively raise some money seemed doable: garage sale, applying for grants, etc.

Mountain #1: To our surprise, $10,000+ was due for payment - right away! $7,300 to the agency and the remainder towards our Home Study. We anticipated more time! If we did not hit the deadline, we start the process over - and redo the paperwork!!! We were not expecting to owe a full $10,000 immediately! Initially - OVERWHELMED.

How could WE come up with this money?! Initially, I looked to myself to solve this challenge, praying for God's wisdom, as I developed a solution. Apparently, I had already forgotten God's promise to us, just a few short weeks prior. I followed myself for a good solid 2-3 weeks, getting us nowhere beneficial. I did accomplish: increased anxiety, increased stress, and a decrease in sleep! Those all sound great, don't they?!

I think God must have been shaking His head at me in frustration! After 2-3 weeks of self, I finally realized I was putting myself in control. At the point of realization, I finally surrendered the situation fully over to God's perfect direction. That was on a Friday. That is when God revealed Himself, unimaginably.

A Little Background:
To preface the story, I have to tell you about our good friends with whom God utilizes as "middlemen" in this scenario. Our friendship is centered in Christ, and began several years ago. Because we currently live in different states, we now only talk to these friends every few months - not enough! :)

The Story Begins:
After several months since I last spoke with her, my friend (mentioned above) calls and we connect on a Monday. They had heard the news that we were planning to adopt, and were enthused and ready to know more! We talked for over an hour about how God led us to this point, the process, and some of the nitty gritties. This was a Monday.

The Phone Call:
On Friday of that same week - and also the same Friday that I finally surrendered control of the financial situation over to God - my friend called me again! However, she had not called to chit chat. This time, she had called as a messenger - the deliverer of some unbelievable news! As I tried to listen to her on the other end of the phone, I could only pick up bits and pieces of what she was communicating. Her words came out at 90 mph! I listened intently, trying to grab pieces of what she was saying, and she explained, "on tuesday my brother called me".... The rest I did not catch....

Until...
She said, "and he is sending you money toward your adoption." At first I was extremely confused. See, I had not caught much of what she said. I responded with, "what? He is giving you money?" She tells me again - "NO! For YOUR adoption, he is sending money." I was floored. I have never met her brother, never even communicated with him. He had never met us.

How is this God?
You may be saying to yourself at this moment - that is not God - that was a good friend talking to her friends and family about the adoption, and someone was touched and offered some money. Let me continue the story, because that is NOT how this story unfolded.

This IS GOD
As you recall, my friend contacted me and we spoke on Monday. She contacted me because she saw our news via FB and our blog. The very next day, Tuesday, her brother contacted her. He was looking for her help and insight on places that he could make a financial contribution. He had never asked her that question before. He was looking for her suggestions. They did not communicate dollar amounts, only potential options (I think she mentioned 5 or 6 options) to direct donations.

When he called her back, he had made his decision. That choice was our adoption - and the amount was $7,000!

What you might also remember from above, is that we needed exactly $7,300 for our immediate payment to the agency. This is the money that I was attempting to solve for in my own doing. The Home Study was already coverable through personal funds. It was the $7,300, that well - God had under control in ways we never would have imagined!

We are without words, to express our gratitude to the giver. God worked through Him in powerful ways.

God promises us that when we fully trust Him, He will unfold the story in the best way, and it is usually outside of what we could scheme up on our own! He is good, provisional, and true to His word. He is soverign, merciful, and so very loving. We feel humbled that we get to be a part of His plan - we all can - when we trust Him!

Please pray with us, that we will keep the control surrendered to God! In the depths of the details of the adoption process, it can be easy to fall back into grabbing control. But, we have seen and experienced to sweet goodness that comes as God's perfect gift, when we surrender over to Him what is His to lead in the first place! We know His view of the picture is much bigger and better than ours.

Ethiopians for Ethiopians

2011-10-08T07:15:00.004-05:00

We have spent the past 3 Friday nights, connecting with a community of people we never would have imagined. Each Friday night, we head to St. Paul and participate in a wonderful community of people - Ethiopians for Ethiopians.

Ethiopians for Ethiopians exists to unite adoptive families and children with a piece of Ethiopian culture in order to esteem and enrich the heritage of the adoptive child. The community is held in an Ethiopian church in St. Paul, and is organized by a warm-hearted group of Ethiopian people.

Along with other adoptive families, we come together to learn about Ethiopian culture, food, discuss issues, learn language, and build relationships with other adoptive families and Ethiopian people. Being connected with this community is a true blessing.

It has been the joy of my heart to watch Tyler and Kenna already building great friendships with Ethiopian children, as well as, other biological kids. They LOVE going - learning - and then coming home to teach me all they have learned! Pretty sure they are going to pass me by in learning Amharic. Tyler is already writing and singing songs in Amharic. Kenna is learning her colors and animals. And me, I still look like a deer in headlights when I look at the Amharic alphabet.

Last nights class: Ethiopian cooking!!! Followed by Ethiopian EATING. Scrumptiousness! I can't wait to try it on my own. Anyone want to be my guinea pig????

Language Lessons

2011-09-24T06:24:00.005-05:00

When you look at this, what do you see?

I see a whole bunch of pictures - pictures with tiny little variations. But no, they are not pictures. They are LETTERS, alphabetical letters in the Ethiopian national language of Amharic.

Last night, we jaunted to downtown St. Paul, for our first Ethiopians for Ethiopians class. I will write more about the class in general, later, but for now want to focus on the lesson at hand - Amharic. All four of us went, and all four of us hand language lessons last night. The kids were broken apart, age appropriately, and we joined the adult group. We all have homework for the week!!! Tyler's group began to learn names of farm animals and how to count in Amharic. Kenna's group began learning colors. And, the adults....we began learning the entire alphabet you see above.

Though Amharic is Ethiopia's national language, only 13 of 82 million people speak the language in Ethiopia! Within the country there are around 80 various cultures or tribes of people. Many of those speaking their own language - some with a written alphabet associated and some without. However, Amharic stands as the "national language", and thus makes sense to learn in association with Ethiopia. The alphabet has 34 main characters, with 7 variations = a total of 238 characters in their alphabet. Can I say - YIKES?!?!

I'm not going to lie - it intimidates me! But, we are excited to be there with other adoptive families to learn from a group of Ethiopians who are eager and excited to teach us pieces of their culture! Tyler, on the other hand, may walk away actually speaking the language. He is highly excited, ready to learn, and has already completed his homework.

Here we go. We think we're capable of learning at least a few general phrases. Stay tuned for the final verdict....

So Much More Than a Garage Sale

2011-09-11T20:16:00.005-05:00

Reflecting back on the garage sale, though we raised $1,500 towards bringing baby home, it is not the money that stands out in my mind. This weekend was so much more than a garage sale. What stands out in my mind as the most significant, are the conversations and connections that occurred, purposed by God.

Some of the most significant being:

1. The young girl who came with her mother and brother. She saw our adoption signage, and opened her own wallet and donated some of her very own money. That was followed up with a conversation with her mother, that touched my heart. HEART-WARMING.

2. The 2 women that were out on a garage sale hunt together. As we began talking, one woman is an adoptive mother herself. We had a lengthy and wonderful conversation. Shortly following, the other woman's husband arrived. When my in-laws saw these people, a light bulb went on - lo and behold - they are related to the family!!! Randomly arriving at the garage sale, and the family connection was made. SMALL WORLD.

3. The prayer warrior woman from a church nearby. She informed me that she is a prayer warrior from a nearby church (that we have attended and really like). A group of people come before the throne together every Tuesday evening in prayer. She asked me if she could add our family and our baby to their list of prayer topics. YES!!!! YES!!! YES!!! God is so so good in how He covers His people. HUMBLED.

4. The overall support exhibited by garage sale goers. The encouragement and support offered through the words of people we did not even know, was touching. AMAZING.

5. The heart of the kids in our lives. Our kids, my niece, and our neighbor kids have been unbelievably excited to be a part of this process. They are coming up with ways to help, participate, and be involved. They bring pure joy to the process! SMILES.

FINALLY - the story that floors me the most: It was Friday morning when an African appearing family came to browse our garage sale - it was the African-style headdress that gave it away. Through some conversation, it became known that they are from Ethiopia...and they live only several blocks away from us. In addition, they attend an Ethiopian church. And - that Ethiopian church has a ministry for adoptive families, called Ethiopians for Ethiopians. They provide classes on Ethiopian culture, food, teach us some Aramaic, and engage us in the Ethiopian community. We would meet families from the Ethiopian community here in MN - providing a connection to Ethiopian people and culture for us and baby as he/she grows. As he explained all of this to us, he made comments such as, "We will become like family", "we will eat together, and Ethiopian food is the best food in all the world", "you will become friends with other Ethiopian families so your child will know people from their culture". The warm invitation to engage into their community with joy and acceptance brought tears to my eyes and pure joy to my soul. And to add a little icing on the cake - the son of the pastor in charge, goes to Northwestern College! We can hardly wait to engage in the MN Ethiopian community! PROFOUND.

I do not believe these things happened by chance. God is at work, preparing, ordaining, and leading the way. There is such peace in seeing God at work, guiding each step of the way - leading us toward our baby that He has chosen perfectly for our family. GRATEFUL.

It Takes A Village - To Bring Home A Baby

2011-09-11T09:38:00.001-05:00

With a ton of support and assistance from family, friends, and even people we don't know - the Adoption Garage Sale Fundraiser was a success! Over $1,500 was raised toward bringing baby home!

THANK YOU to all those who participated in donating items, lending tables, pricing and organizing, setting up, tearing down, making signs, working at the sale, and those who purchased and donated.

We cannot wait to someday share with baby, about all the people who loved, adored and cherished him/her - before we even knew who he/she was - that is something special!

The old saying "It takes a village to raise a child", has new meaning as we push ahead toward bringing baby home. There is a VILLAGE of people here in Midwest America that has come together in support of bringing baby home. I hope baby is prepared, because there is a large Village of people waiting to love him/her up - there will be no lack of love!!!

Here is a very small glimpse of the Village:

Sale Updates

2011-09-09T11:07:00.003-05:00

Sale updates.....

Free Coffee, Donuts and Water

Lemonade Stand Owned and Operated by the kids!

And goods to suit everyone's interests.....

Stop over today - everything must go! We're making deals!!!!

See you soon.... :)

There Will Be Something for Everyone

2011-09-08T07:15:00.003-05:00

I have not posted in a while, because we have been completely focused on preparing for this HUGE garage sale!!!! There is something here for everyone!

Friday, Sept 9 - Sat., Sept. 10

7:30 am - 3pm

We have been overwhelmed by the way people have been jumping in with support as we prepare for this large sale - friends, family, and even those we don't know.

Special Event on Saturday: the kids will be hosting their own stand at the sale. There will be lemonade and crafts. This special stand will be operated by our kids and their close pals!

All proceeds from the sale will go towards adoption fees to bring baby home.

We hope to see you there!

Final Home Study Mtg

2011-08-31T08:31:00.003-05:00

We completed our final Home Study meeting last night. Within the next couple weeks, we will have a finalized Home Study report, ready to send off!

Last night's topics of focus: processing through our adoption training courses we took, discussing what we learned and what we plan to apply to our lives as an adoptive family. We also discussed what a typical day in the Life of a Kahl looks like. That was a little tougher. Let's be honest - there are not many days that are "typical" around here. The only thing that is "typical" is that there's always a lot movin' and shakin'!

Then, it was time to wish our case manager farewell. I was a little bummed to say goodbye! She was a joy and blessing in our journey.

You may be asking, what's next?! We have an initial payment that we need to submit, along with our paperwork. When that is submitted, we will begin our work on the Dossier - which is rumored to be long and tedious as well.

But even before the Dossier....we are having a HUGE GARAGE SALE! Stay tuned for upcoming news about the garage sale, happening early September (yikes - it is the first day of September tomorrow)!

Home Study Mtg #2

2011-08-23T10:08:00.005-05:00

What words would I use to describe Home Study Mtg #2?

Fun. Laughter. Enjoyable. Self-reflecting. Encouraging. Educational.

Mtg #2 was great! We laughed and laughed, as we broke down our marriage, parenting and communication. It's pretty funny to stand back and analyze yourselves in these way!!!

Topics of focus: Our marriage, spousal communication, the kids, and and our parenting styles.

My biggest take away from our time together = in 10+ years together, we have had a significant amount of growth. As we verbally talked through the above topics, it was clear that we have had a lot growth in our marriage, our understanding of one another, and in our parenting. We have grown in our expectations of life and how it flows. We have grown in our understanding that things are not always how you anticipate that they will be - really, they are rarely how you anticipate that they will be. And in this growth, we had found

goodness. Verbally analyzing ourselves helped us gain an understanding how far we have come, and that makes me really excited for the additional growth we will experience as a family in the years ahead!

Finally, we had some great discussions about the challenges we will face as a trans-racial family. Being from a trans-racial family herself, our case manager offered some great feedback and perspective for our life ahead. No, it certainly will not be easy, but that does not change God's desires for our family. Because God's ways are not easy - He does not travel the path of constant comfort and ease. He is a God that reaches beyo

nd, working through challenges, and defying odds. He is a God that teaches us through a faith that surpasses practicality.

Love that surpasses understanding -the perf

ect definition of God's incredible love for us, empowering us forward in each step, as He leads the way.

Next and final meeting: 1 week from today, August 30, 2011!!!

Quick Tidbit

2011-08-22T07:10:00.003-05:00

Home Study Mtg #2 tonight! We're not sure what tonight will bring. But, I can tell you 1 thing, we are void of the nervousness we felt before Mtg #1.

Stay tuned for highlights and recaps of what "went down" in mtg #2. :)

Crisis in Eastern Africa

2011-08-19T07:35:00.006-05:00

My heart is breaking for the people of Eastern Africa, one of these countries now being Ethiopia. Have you read the headlines recently? They read: FAMINE. DROUGHT. CRISIS. DESPERATION. DEATH.

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2011/08/17/501364/main20093423.shtml

In a part of world that already suffered with poverty and hunger, this drought is more than they can handle. It is anticipated that hundreds of thousands of people, many being children, will die from this crisis.

As Americans, Africa can often seem to be a world away - in distance and culture. We often see pictures in the news, and easily think of the people and the crisis as if it is not real. We are removed Their culture is so different from ours, it falls outside our box of understanding. Somehow in all of that, I wonder if we get to a place where we can distance ourselves to the point in which African people and crisis is not even "real" in our minds.

However, I can testify to the just the opposite. While in Uganda, I learned that these people feel the sames joys and pains that we feel. And with each death and heartache they face, they go through the same pain and agony that we do. They share the same desires to be able to feed and nurture their children. And beyond that, when there is joy - they laugh and dance and celebrate - just like us!

Africa is more than the pictures of crisis we watch on TV and read in the paper. Africa is full of real people, just like us. And these people are currently in a food CRISIS.

How can we help with a famine that seems so distant? Here are a few ways we can get involved:

Pray: These people need prayer. Will you join me in praying for them? Their children? For their hearts to be touched and comforted by God?

Pack Food: You can go spend a couple hours to a food pack nutritional food packets that are being sent to the countries. It is fun, and you can do it as a family. There are several organizations that have added additional packing hours to their schedules in order to pack as much food as possible for the African people:

Feed My Starving Children: http://www.fmsc.org/

Kids Against Hunger: http://www.kidsagainsthunger.org/

Make a Donation: Donate to help humanitarian aid organizations that have hands and feed in the areas, and are mobilizing people to help the Horn of Africa in this crisis

World Vision: http://www.worldvision.org/home.nsf/pages/home.htm#/home/main/hunger-drought-horn-africa-1-1374

Compassion International: http://www.compassion.com/donate-to-charity.htm

My sense of urgency to bring our baby home, has only intensified. One less child, will have to struggle and suffer this way.

ADOPTED.

2011-08-16T07:46:00.004-05:00

"For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will." - Ephesians 1:4-5

**Before watching this amazing video by Third Day, scroll to the bottom of the blog,

PAUSE the music on the Media Player.**

We too are adopted. God has adopted us as His precious children. He is Abba Father - providing us with unconditional love beyond our comprehension. He offers us life abundant. Where would I be without His unfailing love, forgiveness and sacrifice.

An amazing gift to be - Adopted. Period.

Home Study Mtg #1

2011-08-15T11:59:00.003-05:00

It was with anxious anticipation that we waited for our Home Study Case Manager to arrive at our home last week, for Home Study Meeting #1. Our minds were swirling with curiosity (and honestly nervousness) on how she would evaluate us, our home, and our lives.

But, upon her arrival, the barriers of anxiety were quickly broken down. She is fun! We had such a good time! Yes, she was evaluating our life, and who we are as a couple and family - but it was in no way intimidating or scary. We shared in many laughs together during our time.

So, what did Mtg #1 look like???

Individual Interviews of Aaron and I. Each interview examined our childhood, including our relationships with our parents and siblings. We discussed our growing up - things we did with our families for fun, childhood interests and activities. Processing through these topics has brought an opportunity for great self reflection and evaluation. And finally, she did a casual walk through of our home - to verify that there was space to add 1 more.

The information she gathered during our meeting, and will gather during meetings 2&3, will be complied to become of formalized Home Study report. That report will be used in matching us with a child that "fits" with our family "DNA". In the meantime, we are responsible for compiling financial information, getting fingerprinted, and developing a floor plan of our home. Meeting #2, is scheduled for next week. And, if we can complete our pieces - Home Study could be complete by early-mid September. WOW.

Turns out, our Home Study case manager isn't scary at all - she is a partner, building into us during this process - I feel as though she could become our friend, part of our support in this adoption. We are being richly blessed, as God surrounds with His people, for this time and this journey.

The Heart of a Mother

2011-08-10T14:49:00.011-05:00

Continuously, I am thinking about our baby and my heart feels heavy for the birth mom and baby as they face extreme hardship in their Ethiopian culture. Are they without food, water, shelter? Are they hanging on by a thread? I think about these scenarios and my mind flashes back to a Ugandan memory that left a significant imprint on my heart:

Over the course of a week in Gulu, Uganda, I spent time building a relationship with a mother and her crawling-aged baby at a vocational center we were working with. During the time there, I formed a bond with the baby and his mother. I adored that mommy. She taught me about kettle cooking, African style. Her precious little baby and I shared a lot of snuggles and play. Though we had a verbal language barrier, we shared the common language of mommyhood. We could speak it with our eyes, our smiles, and through the touch of holding hands. She loved her sweet baby. Every day she walked many miles to come prepare this food, just so they had a chance.

And it was because I knew how much she loved her snuggly baby boy, that I was dumbfounded the day she handed her baby to me and said, "you - take." I looked at her with confused eyes, as again she pleaded in desperation, "please - you take - America. Please!"

My heart ached as I expressed to her that I could not take her baby with me. And my heart ached, that in a part of the world with such incredible need, desperation, disease and death, I could not help that mother, my new friend - who just wanted to save her baby.

The heart of this mother - so loving. She loved that baby so much that she would say goodbye forever, desiring to send him to a part of the world where he had a significantly increased chance for survival. How many days had she been thinking about the moment in which she would hand him to me? What pain and heart ache was she struggling with the decision to hand him over? I often think of them now, and wonder if/how they are making it.

As I translate that experience into our current scenario, in which we DO get to bring the baby home, I can't help but love the birth mother. My heart aches for her and the situation she is in.

And at the same time, I am grateful that God is a BIG God, who brings hope and promise. I am grateful for His power to transform and save lives in powerful ways. I will be praying for our baby and the birth mom - and the transformation that God offers to each of their lives. Will you join me in praying for them too?

Out of the Mouths of Babes

2011-08-08T15:34:00.008-05:00

God speaks to us in many ways - the Bible, prayer, through others, and so many others. In this case, God spoke to us so cleary, through the mouths of babes - Kahl babes.

During the initial phases of the adoption, we are working through piles of forms and paperwork. Some of that paperwork includes choices: age, gender, potential special needs.

It was a few weeks ago that Aaron and I began our discussions around the gender we should request for our sweet baby. We tossed around varying reasons to make a choice for one gender over the other. We circled round and round- which was the "right" decision for our family??? We were stuck, and couldn't seem to reach a conclusion. I decided it was time to bring the kids in on the decision making. When asking the question, "do you guys think we should have a boy baby or girl baby?" I honestly assumed to hear "boy" from Tyler and "girl" from Miss Kenna.

Wow, was I wrong! Instead, their responses spoke so clearly the intent of God for our family: Makenna responded first, "I don't care if it is a boy OR a girl - I would just love both exactly the same!!!", followed up by Tyler, "I know - I just want to see what God gives us!"

Absolutely - of course! God brought us to this place, in His perfect timing. He holds the answers and the plan. Just as He reminded us through the words of our kids, God knows the perfect gender of our child to mold into our family in the way He intends. We don't need to make a decision on the "right" gender for our family. We can rest in the assurance that God will bring us to the perfect baby intended to be a Kahl!

I am grateful for God's continual nudging reminders that He is in control. And, I am thankful that those nudges even come through the mouths of our babes!

Orientation

2011-08-04T08:28:00.011-05:00

Things are starting to really move and shake! This morning we completed our orientation call with our Adoption Agency - All God's Children. We discussed paperwork, contracts, time lines, process, fees and financial obligations, and finally more paperwork and contracts. We are only at the beginning, and if I spend too much time focusing on the logistics and paperwork, the process can seem daunting.

Within the next 2 months we will be focused on completing the following, bringing us closer to meeting our baby:

1. Homestudy with our Minnesota Homestudy Agency - God's Children (not to be confused with our adoption agency, All God's Children). Our first meeting with our Home Study case worker is this upcoming Monday! We will begin our 6-8 week process of completing an extensive review of our family, our life, our household, and our faith. At the end of the time, we will have compiled a gigantic book of paperwork to be submitted to our agency.

2. Raise $10,000 toward Agency and Homestudy fees. This portion of payment is due between now and October.

3. Complete adoption workbook study, and 10 hours of adoption training. There is a lot to learn, and the learning will continue for years and years.

God continues to bring His truth back to the forefront of my mind: "with man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible" - Matthew 19:26.

As God continues to remind me of this truth over and over, I have to believe that we are going to see God do the impossible in bigger and more extreme ways throughout this journey. I can't wait to watch God reveal Himself in ways we cannot fathom.

Stay tuned for HomeStudy updates - coming very very soon!

We Have News!!!

2011-07-28T09:39:00.009-05:00

No, we are not pregnant. And, no, we are not moving again. We have other exciting news we want to share with you.....

We are adding one more member to our family - through adoption! Our newest family member will join us from Ethiopia, and will be somewhere in the age range of 0-1 year old. The journey to our baby will be a long one, with a massive amount of paperwork, meetings, planning and preparation. It is a journey that started many years ago with a seed that was planted in Aaron's heart at a Steven Curtis Chapman concert.

We created this blog so you can join us on this journey, if you so desire. We acknowledge that we do and will continue to need a great deal of support from our families and friends, as well as, other adoptive families - some that we have not even met yet. We know the road ahead will not be without challenges, but we are so blessed to be traveling this road.

If you are interested in learning more about what led us on this path, or why we chose Ethiopia, please click on the tabs above, detailing more of the story. God has been paving the way for many years.

Some questions you may be wondering:

What age child will we be adopting? Age 0-1 year old

What gender will your baby be? We decided not to choose a preference, and let God decide the gender of the baby that is perfect for our family.

How long until the baby comes home? We are at the very beginning stages of the process. It can be anywhere from 1-2 years until baby comes home, dependent upon completion and processing of paperwork, and other various factors.

What agency are you using? We are going through All God's Children International. They are based out of Oregon. After researching agencies over the past 2 years, we feel that All God's Children is the right decision for our family.

How do the kids feel about the news? They have been part of the discussions and decisions since day 1. They have both had a passion in their heart for Africa, since our sponsor child, Abdala, came into our lives. They cannot wait to have a new baby brother or sister from Ethiopia!

How long will you have to be in Ethiopia? When the time approaches to bring baby home, we will make 2 different trips, both about 5-7 days in length. Trip 1 will be to meet baby and appear in court. Trip 2 will be to bring baby home! The trips will be 4-7 weeks apart from one another.

Feel free to ask other questions as they arise. We are learning along the way, as well. Though there is much to think about and process through, we know and stand firm in the leading of God in this direction. "Trust in the Lord with all of your heart. Lean not on your own understanding, but in all ways, acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6

Will you join us in this journey? We would covet your prayers for our baby, the birth mom, and our family. We would be blessed to have you walking with us!

Sending love from our family to yours!

-The Kahls