Yesterday was a very fun day as a family. We decided to turn our fingerprinting appointment in Des Moines into a day trip. The appointment itself was rather uneventful. It took approximately 35 minutes and that was due to the fact that we had to wait our turn. We are now waiting for the approval letter from them and then everything is ready for Ethiopia!!! Praise the Lord that this is all done prior to us leaving for the Philippines. This will allow us to focus more fully on the mission instead of wondering what paperwork we still needed to find. :)

After the appointment we stopped at Altoona's new Bass Pro Shop. Jim had to stop if we were that close. It is a fun, family friendly place with lots to do even if you are not an avid outdoorsman. :) They have several very cool animal exhibits, a mock shooting range for kids, an ocean view bowling alley, and a restaurant that even features buffalo burgers. It was fun to be away just the four of us.

We are praising God for his provision for our adoption. He has provided in amazing ways. When we first started into this process the cost of adoption seemed overwhelming and I am continually reminded that God doesn't need me to bring our child home. He can do this all by Himself!!! We serve a God who owns the cattle on a thousand hills.

We will soon start the process of "patiently" waiting. Pray that this time goes quickly and that God makes it clear to us which child is ours. We are praying that our child will spend next Christmas with us at home!! What a blessing it will be to share the birth of Jesus with our child!!

Wishing you all a very blessed Christmas. Enjoy celebrating the birth of our Savior.