So when are you bringing those kiddos home?

We hear that a lot these days.  We wish we could say "Oh next week - or even - In three weeks" but we just can't.  Since we can't give you a date, we will give you a list of things we can say to you....
1.  We have a stretch of waiting ahead of us.  Most likely 4-6 or even more months.
2. We can say THANK YOU for your amazing support. Keep up with us - even in the waiting period.  We will try to keep it fun or at least educational. :)
3. We can say help us pray for our kiddos.  There are many moments when we feel weak and worried that we will never get the opportunity to love on them, to hug them, and laugh with them.  In those moments, we are also reminded that there is NO better place than in the arms of Jesus.  We just pray that he keeps them safe from harm.  
4. We can say pray for everyone involved in this process - from our social workers, to our foster family, to the Congolese judge who will rule on our case, to the embassy workers, to the airline pilot who will deliver us to our sweet children.
5. Finally, will you join us in praying for grace and patience?  As much as you want them home, we want them home a million times more.  It's funny.  Someone said to me this week that they felt sorry for us (in regards to our infertility).  Although we will always hold some hope that someday God will bless us with a biological child, we CANNOT imagine doing this any other way.  God has stretched us - so much sometimes that we have felt very much like Gumby - but wow - how we have learned and grown.  He is so good.  He is teaching us lessons on parenting that we would NEVER have known.  He is growing our faith by the mile, and teaching us about his infinite love for us.  So this path - well - its the perfect one.  So don't feel sorry for us.  In fact, you should feel quite the opposite.  God's presence is so obvious on our journey, and he is holding our hand every step of the way.

*BONUS* (Hey... cut us some slack - one of us is a teacher)
Please know that while you are praying for us - we are on our knees praying for each of you. We know God is here with us - because he has worked through SO MANY of you.  We are beyond grateful for your love and support.  We can't wait to share this story with Etta and Kab - the story of how you helped us become the Chalos party of four.  :)

Much love,
The Chalos Party of Four
or as many of our friends call us - The Chali