Paid in Full

Yesterday morning I got up and was making coffee when I saw a receipt on the kitchen counter. The top of the receipt said "paid in full". It is the final notice that we have provided for all of Gabriella's lawyer and foster care expenses. Looking at it I teared up and two thoughts went through my mind.

1. I was amazed at all that has been given on her behalf. When all is said and done the total to bring her (not including Cristian) will be over $35,000. She has no idea how much she is loved by people who have not met her yet. We are so grateful for all you have done on her behalf.

2. The term "paid in full" was what Jesus said on the cross when he said "it is finished". Our sins and shame were paid in full by Christ's life, death and resurrection. In the same way that Gabriella cannot fathom what was done on her behalf, neither can we fathom what has been done on our behalf in Christ's sacrifice. In many ways walking with Jesus is a lifetime of Him revealing his love for us. I assume that Gabriella's heart will slowly open to our love as ours does to Jesus'

Anyway...We got great news a week ago...We leave in in about 20 days to pick her up! We are assembling travel plans and buying small girls clothing to take with us. Erika is in her heyday picking out summer clothing! We will not be picking up Cristian at this time but hope to in the next few weeks. (We could travel to Central America 2 times in a month). We are scared and excited and really nervous.Thanks for your prayers. We will post more information as we get it!

Thanks again,
Ethan and Erika

This mornin