Wow! Does God ever know how to throw a surprise party!
You all know about that stinking document that we have been waiting on for 20 weeks now. It is still not here! In fact, just last night Scott booked a ticket to fly to Harar so he could go to court himself and try to obtain this document. He was planning on leaving tomorrow.
So today, to celebrate the 4th of July, we planned a field trip with our kiddos. We picked them up and took them to lunch and then to see their first ever movie in a theater! Poor Hannah woke up sick with the stomach flu so I stayed home with her and Scott took all of the other kids out to have fun. Then he dropped them back off at the orphanage and said goodbye…again.
As he was driving home he got a call from our in-country director. She calmly asked how our outing was and if the kids enjoyed themselves. And then she proceeds to say, “I have some good news for you. I met with the judge today and you passed court.”
Oh. My. Word.
Talk about a shock and a surprise and an unexpected blessing!
Turns out that the court still does not have that document. But, today the judge decided that in light of all of our efforts to obtain this document, and because it would be in the best interests of our children, she was going to wave the requirement for the “stinking document” and sign our adoption paperwork.
Just brings to mind this verse again….
The King’s heart is in the hand of the Lord,
Like the rivers of water;
He turns it wherever He wishes. Proverbs 21:1
God is in control! And He thought it would be perfect timing for us to become a family on the 4th of July!
So tomorrow morning we are going to the orphanage to pick up our children for the very last time. They are no longer orphans. They do not belong there anymore! They are now Putnams!
Abigail Shukria Putnam
Micah Eba Putnam
Levi Eyob Putnam
And what of Putnam number 8? Naomi is still in the orphanage in Harar. The government is working on getting her paperwork together to make her eligible for adoption. There is still a lot of prayer that needs to happen to make her a part of our family. But, as God has so many times demonstrated, He can do whatever the heck He wants!
So for now, we celebrate the most exciting 4th of July our family has ever had! We celebrate our freedom – the freedom we have in America and the freedom we have in Christ. And we are enjoying the best surprise party we have ever been a part of! Thank you Jesus!
Our first family picture
Love being a part of this family!
Blessings!
Natalie
I’m soooo happy for you guts. Your children are all so beautiful. Congrats again to all 7 of you.
Amazing!!! Praise Him!!!! This brought tears to my eyes. Congratulations to your entire beautiful family!!!!!
This is such amazingly wonderful fabulous news!!! Just think… Every year there will be fireworks back home for the day you passed court. Praising Jesus today along side of you!!!
What a great post! Love the family picture and the verse you shared! God is in control!!
The best news ever. This is wonderful. Very cool in the way you found out. Not really expecting it in that manner. Congratulation to all.
Tears! I am so happy for your beautiful family!
So happy for all of you!!
Big, big, BIG, big day!! Oh My! Free at last!! (Making me cry.)
I have so enjoyed reading about your experience. Congratulations!
THANK GOD!!!!!
I’m so happy for all of you! Love the pictures of your beautiful children. What a joy to see you all together. Can’t wait to see the completed 8.
Lots of prayers for paperwork for both Local and US.
So happy for all of you!!!!!!! Big hugs!
Congratulations!! I’m so happy for you!!!
GREAT NEWS!
Oh, WOW!!
God is so good! We are so happy for you and your new children. Can’t wait to meet them!
We are so happy for All the Putnams!!! God is so good! We will continue to pray for Naomi’s adoption! Thank you for blogging, it really helps me keep “life” itself in prospective for me! Miss you and can’t wait till your all home! :). Besos!!
Looking at these pictures makes me happy with you. I can see why you fell in love with these kids so fast. Praying for Naomi. And praying for the countless adjustments you will face, with God’s grace and power, over the coming weeks and months… for ALL your precious children.
Proud to be in fellowship with you.
Bill
I was with my family at a BBQ when a friend who has been following your blog texted me “They passed court– the kids are theirs!” It took me a second to get the reference, but now I see with my own eyes. Your children are beautiful! God be praised!!
Ohhhhh….that men would praise the Lord for His goodness and for His wonderful works to the children of men!!! For He satisfieth the longing soul and filleth the hungry soul with goodness. Ps. 107:8-9
Wonderful pictures! A blessed Putnam family! We continue to pray for Naomi and Ethiopian orphans.
Love you dearly!!
SO happy for you!!! Oh my…words can’t express! I LOVE the smiles…all of your children are beautiful!!! Praying for Naomi!!!! Take care!
God is so GREAT!!!!! Congrats and what a gorgeous, loving family you have!!!! I will keep praying for the courts to get all of you together! God has a plan and his plan is PERFECT! Love you all!
Goosebumps…yep! Tears…yep! Praising God for the greatest blessing here on Earth…FAMILY!!! So happy for you all! And the pictures are priceless.
What a blessing! So happy for you!
Praise the Lord! I have been away from the computer for the past few days. I am so overjoyed to hear how God has answered your prayers. We look so forward to meeting them when you get back. Love, Susan
Crying tears of joy and excitement! You look like you’ve belonged together from forever to forever. I see His hand and anointing on you and your beautiful children. Praying for Naomi- your delight!