Our Journey to Tizibt

God's plan unfolds...................

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

It's Official!!!!





It took exactly four minutes; from 2:06 to 2:10pm Ethiopian time to legally declare Tizabit a VanDam!  Doesn't that seem crazy short?  I tried to stare at the judge and then the translater as they spoke to us regarding the importance and permanency of our families' decision.  Somehow, I just needed to memorize their faces.  The translater, gave us such a sweet smile before we began. I'm certain he saw in all of us a crazy collection of emotions behind each face.

The kids were really concerned about our Court Date and when we discussed it last night, Marc said that he thought we had a female judge.  Levi felt that was good because women would be nicer and Jake said, "Levi, look at Judge Judy!"  I'm glad God continues to allow us humor!  I was still laughing over that exchange last night in bed and still wonder when Jake has ever watched Judge Judy?

Following Court, we RAN to Jane's House and as you see above, took the newest family photo of ALL of the VanDam children!  Tizi seems to have Josie's laugh, Jake's smile and Levi's eye lashes.
She's the perfect fit!

Thank you for your MANY prayers on our behalf, we felt them!
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15 comments:

  1. KathyApril 24, 2013 at 8:11 AM

    Congratulations! She is beautiful!

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  2. Tam VeldermanApril 24, 2013 at 8:13 AM

    Josie has a sister!
    Jake and Levi now have two sisters!
    You and Marc are the parents of two sons & two daughters!
    Happy, Happy, Happy!
    Blessed! Blessed! Blessed!

    (I could hardly sleep last night~seriously, 3AM and it would just not come. That little girl sure was thought about along with all of you. Sorta like the nights the others came into your family for us to love.)

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  3. BeckApril 24, 2013 at 8:40 AM

    I can't stop smiling! Congratulations!

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  4. CalebApril 24, 2013 at 9:35 AM

    So cute! Congrats!

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  5. AnonymousApril 24, 2013 at 9:35 AM

    7B is very stoked for you all! And trying desperately to focus on this as opposed to math or science :) Congrats!

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  6. guesswho123123April 24, 2013 at 9:37 AM

    Levi's eyelashes......way to pitch in.......
    -Noah A.

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  7. Kait DiepenhorstApril 24, 2013 at 9:37 AM

    So happy for you guys hope you have a great rest of your trip. Congrats!

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  8. UnknownApril 24, 2013 at 9:42 AM

    She is so cute! Congrats!!!

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  9. UnknownApril 24, 2013 at 9:48 AM

    Cant wait to meet her.

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  10. Grandma GApril 24, 2013 at 10:28 AM

    I couldn't read your post without getting all teary-eyed. To realize how blessed your new daughter is to be part of your family, and how blessed all of you are to have her, is almost beyond description. Praise God for bringing all of you together in HIS time.

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  11. ChrisApril 24, 2013 at 10:51 AM

    Great news! Beautiful picture! Hallelujah!!!

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  12. Cathy/JeffApril 24, 2013 at 10:59 AM

    Congratulations Mary (and family)!! Blessings!

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  13. mheyboerApril 24, 2013 at 1:08 PM

    She's adorable!! Congrats!!!

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  14. Em JoldersmaApril 24, 2013 at 8:16 PM

    WAHOO!! How great is God?!?!? What a wonderful addition to the fam - some more cuteness to help Josie balance out Levi and Jake (a big task). Praying for a continued awesome experience out there and a safe trip back.

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  15. tammyApril 27, 2013 at 4:48 PM

    I have tears as I read this. Congratulations to your beautiful family. All of the kids look so happy, and like they have always belonged together. So happy for all of you. Keep breathing!

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