Yesterday I was in the library with Beau (age 8).  He asked me, "Mom, how long do we have until Joseph can't be adopted"?  I told him, "Eight months".  He looked at me and between the sobs said, "Mom, I just want my brother to come home".  I think this is a sign that I need to be more careful keeping things even on the home front.  Obviously the kid feels stressed too.  Sweet, sweet Beau. 

It's late and I'm weary.  I can't sleep so I've been sitting on the internet hoping that I will get an e-mail from our lawyer.  The news we heard today isn't great and I sent some specific questions to our lawyer in hopes that we can get some answers.  It's 9:30 AM his time, thus the hope that he could answer my e-mail is keeping me awake.  Hope is not lost, not at all.  God has brought us too far and there is a reason we were assigned this judge.  I'm just waiting to learn why.  I don't know when I'll be leaving.  With most judges I would say I could be in Uganda any day, but with this judge things are very unpredictable.  The airfares are jumping quickly and are up to about $2800.  A week ago they were around $2000.  Joseph starts his second term of boarding school on Monday........................got an e-mail that his money is due and he has to have a bunch of supplies.  I have had no notice of this so tomorrow I will focus on wiring the money and getting him settled.  It will help keep me busy.  I'm doing a bead party for African Promise tomorrow night.  I always enjoy an opportunity to talk about the foundation and raise awareness.  I hope I'm emotionally stable enough to stand up there and talk.  We still haven't told very many people about our adoption and I'm sure my emotions betray me at times and people wander what in the world is going on with me.  Anyway, the fight goes on.  Praying and staying close to the Lord.  He is stretching me and I am learning to rely on Him in ways that I never have.  I am thankful for that.

Our application has been assigned to a judge.  The judge is not the one we were hoping to be assigned to.  I don't know much more than that.  The attorney can't seem to give me any firm answers.  Keep praying.  We need it!

Still waiting for word......................................please pray for our case that we will get a court date and that we will get Judge M. O. We need all the faith and prayers you can muster.  Thanks for the strength you give us.

Dear Joseph,
It was so great to talk to you today.  I'm so glad that you are feeling well and that you are safe.  Today when you told me about your grandmother crying when you left her, my heart broke for.  I cannot wait to meet Esther and reassure her that she will always be able to talk to you, and that you will always visit Uganda and her.  I know that she is so happy for you and that is why she wants you to be adopted so that you can have a better life, still, I know it is hard for her.  Today when we talked I promised you many things.  I promised you that when I come (or dad) that we will take you to Jinja to see the source of the Nile and that we will go to see the elephants and giraffes.  Sometimes when I make these promises I worry.  We have promised to give you so many things, a family, an education, love.  What if things fall apart and we can't get you home.  I wonder if it's right for me to make promises when things are teetering every day.  I tried as hard as I could to explain to you why we aren't there yet.  I know you are waiting everyday and it breaks my heart each time you say, "I am waiting for you Mother". I wish there was a way to explain to you how hard I am trying to get there, how hard we are trying to get you home and how much you are wanted and loved.  Things will work out Joseph.  Your faith is much greater than mine and I know your prayers will be heard.  You will pull us through this.  You have taught us so much about faith and hope.  Can't wait to see you and hug you again.  Dad is so jealous that I am coming first.  He is really sad and wishes it was him coming for court.  We love you Joseph!

This week I got some beautiful letter’s and picture’s from the Utah Benson’s.  They all wrote welcome letters for Joseph.  For Some reason I can’t get the letter’s to scan properly, so I’ll below I’ll post some excerpt’s.  I am going to bring the letter’s to Joseph along with a photo album of all his cousin’s and family members so that he can be prepared for this big crazy family.

MAX, AGE 16: We are all praying so hard for you to be able to live here, and I hope it all comes together soon!  Can’t wait to meet you!

JAKE, AGE 9: I started to make a book called Adventures with Alex.  I haven’t dedicated it to anyone, so I will probably will pick you.  You might be one of the characters.  You will have to see what it is like.

WHITNEY, AGE 14: I just want to welcome you again into our family…. I don’t think I can wait much longer to meet you!  I am so excited!  I know that you are going to add so much to our family… You already have.  Hopefully I will see you soon cousin!

SETH: AGE 12: I wish you the best of luck, we are praying for you.

Have tried to call and e-mail our attorney about 40 times since yesterday and he either has his phone off or doesn't answer.  Still waiting............................