Schimke Ethiopian Adoption: 2015

Well, with only one post since February it's probably no surprise to you that I've decided to end my blog soon. I find that I have less time to post, and as the girls are getting older, I have less information that I want out there. However, I will do a final update and some highlights from 2014.

Life in the Schimke household has been going very well. We are loving these Christmas holidays. After the busy-ness of hosting Christmas Eve and Christmas Day at our house, we are loving some more quiet days of puzzles, games and relaxing. Our only decisions have been what to eat and when to do our workout each day. Arvid and I started P90X3 a few days ago and we are so sore - the amount of groaning we do when we have to stand up or sit back down again has been quite entertaining.

G started grade 7 this year and I couldn't be more proud. She is turning into such a responsible, trustworthy, deep, mature girl with absolutely amazing spiritual insight, creativity and a great sense of humor. E is such a joy in our lives - her smile lights up the whole room and her snuggles can make even the worst day better. She is incredibly smart, gets along well with anyone of any age, and is great at just figuring things out - if any of our kids will follow us into Engineering, she's the one. M continues to blossom into a beautiful girl - she's incredibly fun loving, brave, not afraid of failing, has such a flare for fashion and beauty and we love her happy and easy going nature.

Arvid is doing great at work and we are both so thankful for the awesome company that he gets to be a part of. I am helping out with BSF (Bible Study Fellowship) and have learned so much there and am more excited to read the Bible than ever before. I also still work for GE occasionally and between various other involvements and keeping the family fed and organized, life is full.

Before I go, I wanted to thank you for your comments, for reading, checking in and supporting us. We are truly blessed by an amazing family and support network. I also want to thank God, as cliche as that may sound to some of you. Arvid and I are not risk takers, and the idea of adoption (or even respite) is not something that came easily or naturally to us. Although I did my share of worrying, underneath it all, I know that no matter what comes our way, God is in control and will be with us. He is my rock and peace and joy and I am so thankful to Him and for Him.

Finally, before I sign off, a few pictures to highlight the fun times in 2014: