...the saga continues.

I wish I had a catchy name for this update.  Some under considerations were: "a hop, skip, and a jump"; "try-alls"; and/or "the beat goes on".  Before I give an update on what is presently going on, let me give you paragraph or two to get caught up with what has happened in our family and  ministry since our last update.

After getting the necessary organization paperwork on the Ethiopia (ET) side, we bought our tickets, and departed for ET on May 29th.  Our fare differential, a.k.a. out-of-pocket expense was only $210 for our family!  Add to that, we were able to change our flights to different airports, layovers, and arrival times.  The kids did great on the long flight... Definitely a God-thing.  

It's been great getting acclimated back into the swing of things.  Since our departure in late January, we've added a home with six orphans with HIV into the ministry fold.  We've also had two children enter into foster-to-adopt families locally, as well as three children get reintegrated with their mothers.  Right before our arrival, we had six children arrive as well.  Things are perpetually changing at EGCH.  Furthermore, on the horizon is a home for children with special needs, that will be called Lantu's Home.

We've also faced some hard circumstances coming back.  Here are three such challenges and request for prayers in each regard...

1. One such difficulty occurred, the night of our arrival as one of the new children that had just arrived--an infant girl--passed away.  As her mother had died at birth, there were no known relatives, and she had arrived just days prior, the sting of her death might seem small.  However, in spite of these factors, her life and loss is significant.  Hers was a life created by our Creator, who in His sovereignty chose to call her home after a short time.  Similarly, another one of the children received was hospitalised as his condition was critical.  His condition seems to be improving.  Please pray for these new EGCH arrivals.
2. Another difficulty has been the feeling reality of some missing.  Those missing are Rachel and Gracie Ayele.  Rachel had to return to the States to have some medical tests run on Argaw and Rachel's daughter, Gracie.  Some volunteers have really stepped up in this time "bearing the load" in regards to the care of the other children.  Argaw is as busy as he's ever been as well.  Please pray for clarity in regards to Gracie's medical condition, for Argaw and Rachel--as I know both are stretched, for the Ayele kids--who miss their mom, wisdom and strength for Bethany (one of our volunteers), and the kids at EGCH who miss their "mom".
3. Lastly, our paperwork.  #idontlikepaperwork  Our documents, that were used obtain my visa, are now insufficient for the next step of the process.  Tomorrow, I will be sending our paperwork back to the States (yes, the same place we were for four months prior).  Additionally, there will be a cost $95/per document to have each of the seven documents authenticated by the ET Embassy in the States, as well as other fees for state department authentications on some of them, shipping costs, etc.  I will also have costs associated with  applying for an extension to my original 30-day visa, as the paperwork will not be complete by original window.  Thankfully, I have two very faithful friends that can help with the logistics stateside.  If anyone is led to prayerfully contribute to these costs, you can do so HERE (our account number is 1161).  Please pray for this process... resources/provision, timely document arrival(s), favor with the necessary authorities, safe travels, and His peace upon our family.  Honestly, this process has been arduous (what?)... yeah, arduous--for our family.

He is still at work.  I've been reminded of Romans 5:3-5 in this season.  We need Him... there isn't an area of our lives that we don't need Jesus and His touch.  

Thanks for your continued love, prayers, and support.

All the best in Jesus,

Shaun... Megan, Jude & Sonya