MOWA Approval!!!!!!

Yesterday we received SUCH GREAT NEWS!!! 

While Ben was facetiming with his papa, I dismissed an incoming call from Florida thinking it was just some dumb, automated call. When Ben finished his "conversation," I noticed an e-mail on my phone from our adoption coordinator Angela with a message in all caps: "CALL ME." I keep forgetting Angela lives in Florida. That was not an unimportant call that I so casually declined! My heart skipped a beat and I felt my stomach flutter as I instantly called Angela back. I kept myself composed, pretending to be calm and unexcited just in case she didn't have the news I was hoping for, "Hi Angela, this is Rachel Fritzler..."

"You've received a positive comment from MOWA!" YES!

"Would you be able to travel April 4, 6, or 11?" WHOA! That's next week!!!

Angela explained that there are two other families who received MOWA approval yesterday, so we are waiting for the other families to decide which day they can travel to Ethiopia. We told them we can make any of those days work. Apparently, the court process tends to go smoother when they can complete a few cases at a time. We anticipate this trip to be about 5 days long. We will meet our son!!! And appear in court to legalize the adoption. Sadly, we will not be bringing him home with us, but it should only be a matter of weeks before the U.S. Embassy in Ethiopia will give us an appointment to return to Ethiopia once they have completed the final approval for our adoption. That trip will be quick, only 3-4 days and we will be able to bring baby L home with us at that point!

We are beyond thankful for this answered prayer. There are still a lot of hurdles and hoops to jump through, but the MOWA approval felt like the last major one. Obviously we have a LOT to do now. Book flights to Ethiopia. Visit a travel clinic for meds/vaccines. Make sure everything is in order at home (and work for Dave). Arrange for my parents to come to Colorado to stay with Ben. Pack. More paperwork. It's easy to get caught up in the to-do's. 

I'm trying to not get overwhelmed and just soak in what is happening here. Almost three and a half years since we started this journey. "O give thanks unto the Lord for HE IS GOOD." And I know He will continue to guide each step and help with the details.

Thank you for your continued prayers!!