Tuesday, June 14, 2011

494 Days Later

From start to finish, the time it takes for two people to become parents is 280 days.  

From start to finish, the time it takes for two elephants to become parents is 640 days.

From start to finish, the time it has taken for Kevin & me to become parents is 494 days.  

We began this adoption journey on February 14, 2010 and it will come to an end on June 23, 2011.

Where did the date June 23 come from?  Could there really be an end in sight?

Why yes!  There is!  June 23 is the day that we will bring our boys to the US Embassy in Ethiopia and jump the final hurdle to bring them home.  After interviewing Micah's birth mom and reviewing some additional paperwork for Sami, Uncle Sam has deemed our little ones fit to become good ol' Americans. 

Our plan is to fly out of Beijing on Monday, June 20th around 10:30 PM.  We should arrive in Addis on Tuesday morning around 6 AM.  We should be able to process both their American & Chinese visas in time to leave late Friday night (technically Saturday morning) around midnight.

Our main prayer request is concerning the volcano that recently erupted in Eritrea for the first time since 1861.  Pray that the ash will not disrupt air traffic and keep us from getting to our little men.

Hopefully, that won't be a problem and at the end of it all I can say...

494 days later, these curls were mine...


494 days later, these smiles were mine...


It has been a long 494 days, with a little bit of heartache but a lot of joy along the way.  Looking forward to the next 494 days and beyond with these buddies!

14 comments:

The Foster Family said...

YAY!!! I was so hoping this is what this blog post would be about!! So glad our prayers were answered for this month!! Praise Him! Will be praying too as you get everything ready and for your big transition.

Jori and Woody said...

Congratulations Peek Family! I have been following your blog journey for some time now and I'm thrilled to see that your sons will be home with you soon!

Courtney said...

So very excited for you, Kevin & Becky!! Praise the Lord for His provision & sovereign care of your little boys over the long 494 days. Yay!!!!! :)

Jaime Gray said...

Clicking my heels (literally!) :-) This news is so exciting and we're thrilled that you have a date to finalize everything and bring Sami and Micah home! We've been praying and will keep praying as this long journey comes to an end and a new one begins. :-) We love you guys-keep us posted!

Stephanie, Sarah Peek's Sister said...

I have been following quietly but I am happy to say that I am so very glad for you guys to be bringing these little men into our ever growing family. Congratulations and many prayers sent from me and mine.

Aalderinks said...

So excited for the Peek family to fun ally begin their long trip home together! We'll be praying for you in the coming weeks and months.

James Garriss said...

Congratulations. I know you will have fun not only meeting and greeting your boys but also bring them home. Again Congratulations.
Ann

Rachel said...

Yeah!!! I am so happy for you guys! We are praying for you and the day when you are all together.

Chris & Sarah Peek said...

My dear half-elephant mama, we are SO excited for you. Next week you'll be hugging and cherishing those little boys AND you'll get to take them home!

Brandon and April said...

and here I thought you were going to make some comment about being half an elephant!! :)
494 days!! WOW!! You deserve a prize!! Oh wait, how bout 2 precious boys?!?!? Yep, that'll do!!!
PTL for Micah and Sami and getting to come home!

Rachel said...

I had to add my congratulations here too, Becky and Kevin...we love you both and are SO excited to meet Micah and Sami in just a few days...yes, DAYS! So glad for you! (and us too!) The Lord is SO good and SO faithful, 494 days is a very long wait but you have "waited well" and persevered with His strength and grace. We will be praying you back here!

love to all of you,
Rachel, for the Winds

David Pope said...

SO excited for you! SO glad to be involved in some small way!

Phyllis said...

SO EXCITED FOR YOU!!!!! Two sets of baby feet and squishy cheeks will be all yours too! All of that plus the laughing, snuggling, and excited screams will make it worth all the poo and puke that is also about to enter your house! Can't wait to hear that you've got them in your arms again! Have a blast! But not a volcanic sort... just a really great time. :)

Matt and Sarah Pitts said...

Can't wait to hear about the first days as a family of 4 all together at HOME!! Praise the Lord!!