Abby

Back in January when we were going through the home study process of our adoption, I mentioned to Greg that we should pray about the possibility of asking our 12 year old daughter, Abigail to go with us to Ethiopia, This was back when we were only required to make one trip ( is it still that way or is it two trips now? ...who knows!) We prayed about it and decided to mention it to her and see what she thought. At first she was not sure. She likes her comfort things, that is for sure! The whole eating different, lack of showers, loong flights...she just wasn't sure. Greg wisely encouraged her to pray about it and seek God's leading. So, she said she would...

Back the beginning of March she decided she wanted to go. I was thrilled. I cannot think of anything better for a preteen American girl to do to change her perspective than spend a week in a third world country ministering to "the least of these".

Then we dropped the bomb. She needed to come up with the money for her own plane ticket. Especially with the whole two trip scenario out there still, we simply cannot afford the extra ticket. She has been saving since August half of her allowance for adoption expenses and so we told her to put that towards her ticket (about $100) and she decided to write letters telling family and friends what she wanted to do and asking for donations for her plane ticket. We are expecting it will cost around $1200.

About 3 weeks ago she wrote and mailed off 21 letters. As of today she has over $600! Half way there! Thanks so much to those who have contributed! I love watching her face as she gets checks in the mail and continues to count up how much she has and how much she needs.

We are going to have a big yard sale in June as she is planning to sell a lot of her stuff then. she is continuing to split her allowance in half and save it for the trip. I am praying the Lord will use this trip to impact her young life and give her a heart and burden for orphan care that will continue on through her teens and adult life.

IF we have to make the two trips, she is planning on going on the second trip, when we actually get to bring Isaac home. We are estimating that trip will be September or October. I am so happy that she will be joining us on this life changing experience!