So I met this man the other day...

My apologies for the lack of posts lately. It hasn't been because of a lack in activity on our side. We have experienced quite the opposite. Between the mountains of paperwork, approvals and interviews with our social worker, and then all the rest of "life" on top of that, we've been a little busy.

But I digress. Because we have made progress. In fact, if we can keep moving at this pace, we'll have our actual home visit by the end of this month, which would be wonderful! I took a day off from work this week to focus on adoption paperwork, and it helped so much to cross a few more items off the list (boy, do I love crossing things off a list!).

Part of that list contained getting some documents county and state certified. As I stood in line at the Secretary of State's office to certify the documents, the lady asked the man behind me what he needed done. When he spoke to her, I could tell by his accent that he wasn't from the U.S. And of course, being the nosy person that I tend to be, I turned around, put on my friendliest smile, and said, "Hi, I'm Courtney. I love your accent. Where are you from?"

"Ethiopia," he said, smiling in return.

Well of course he was. Because there were two people in line - the two of us - and of course he would be from the very country I am just dying to know about. Seriously, what were the odds of that happening? I love when God gives us little moments like that.

This poor guy... I tried not to pepper him with questions, but I wanted to know so much! I explained my excitement, asked him about the country, and we both had a nice conversation as we waited for our documents to be completed.

In all odds, our paths probably won't cross again. But I was so grateful to have this chance encounter with him, and that he was willing to talk to this crazy Southern girl who had a million questions.

I won't lie, the paperwork process is grueling, and I'm so anxious to have it all behind us so we can go ahead and get in line. But a fellow America World family recently posted their adoption video and it was such a wonderful breath of fresh air to watch. What a great reminder for our family to remember why we're doing it. That there is a child at the end of this process, waiting for his family.

Enjoy!