I must say that we are both in shock and stunned right now. Yesterday morning we received a very unexpected call from American World that they had a referral for us! This is 2-3 months before we expected it and is record time between dossier submission and referral. Everyone is amazed at how quick the process is going for us...

AWAA and the Ethiopian Ministry of Women's Affairs have asked that we keep the referral information confidential for now.  We cannot post any pictures, hopefully in the future we'll be able to.  I can say that the referral is for a healthy baby boy that is four months old.  He is extremly cute.  We received seven pictures.  His skin is fair (not very dark for an African), he has brown hair and beautiful brown eyes. 

We are taking the medical information provided and having a doctor at the Riley Children's Adoption Clinic review it.  Assuming all is OK we will accept the referal early next week and then start making travel arangements.  We could travel as early as April!  God is so good and we are so excited, honored and humbled to be a part of all this.  There's been many times of joy and tears over the last few days for Courtney and I as we realize the magnitude of God placing a child into our family.  More details will follow soon...