and the e-mail says...

"Your baby is waiting for you!!!"

Okay, after waiting on her for three and a half years, this news was really mind blowing! It took me days to get my head and heart around it.

Needless to say, we are over the moon! ...and on our way to Africa!!!

We leave early this week. We have gone from waiting for all these years to moving at the speed of light, almost.

People have asked how they can help. There are a few ways...

Of course we covet your prayers for

*First and foremost, THANKSGIVING for all the the Lord has done, and his faithfulness to us

*safe travels there and back

*may we find favor with God and man, in all things

*grace and peace on our "home team"...our kids and our friend Kristina, who will be caring for them

*transition for baby and her aunts and uncles, who have been sacrificially caring for her since birth

*for a very special attachment to be formed between us and our newest little Hedgepeth (that sounds great, doesn't it?)

*finances...of course we have been putting money aside, and are so grateful for the generousity of family and friends. As this waiting period has swiftly turning to running, we are finding that we are still have a need. If you would like to help out financially, you can send your tax deductible donation to Youth With A Mission, 418 E. Franklin Street, Monroe, NC 28112. Please include, on a separate piece of paper, "Hedgepeth Baby".

*Oh, and in case any of us have forgotten, we are in the middle of a home renovation (how they do it in an hour on television is beyond me!) We have a team coming this next weekend. Bill is "on call"! We are in need of a skilled electrician, and HVAC person and many other volunteers. If you can get away in the next week or two, or if you want to knwo how you can help, please contact Bill Blatz at 804 426-4059. Let's "Get 'er done!"

Alright! This has been an incredible post to write...and it was only written for those who could not hear it from the roof tops!!!

As the word has gotten out, I have been overwhelmed at the response. There have been shouts and tears and dancing and singing and more tears and plans for parties...all in the last three days! I have seen, so very clearly, that we have not been on this long journey alone. There have been so many that have chosen to "slip on your flip flops, tie your shoes, pull up your boots"...and even walked in bedroom slippers...to be with us on this journey.

Thank you...we are forever grateful!

Now, let's keep moving folks... Our baby is waiting for us!!!!!!!!!