WE'RE HOME!

So sorry for not being able to post while in Ethiopia. During our stay in Addis Ababa (the capital city of 3.6 million), electricity was only available every other day and when it was available, our internet connection was very slow (56K - 220K) causing simple page loads to take between 15 to 20 minutes at times. Even when I was able to get to the blog site, there was no guarantee of how long I would have a connection. I attempted to write and publish very simple posts, but each time was kicked off. By then 45 minutes had passed and other families were waiting in line. Thanks for understanding.

We left the US on Saturday and arrived back in Charlotte on Friday (yesterday). Both Lila and Kaleb slept all night and are already operating on our East Coast time. We took them to the doctor this morning and both were prescribed antibiotics. In a couple of weeks each will complete a very thorough physical.

Lila and Kaleb are two happy children with big smiles and laughs. It's hard to imagine all they have gone through in such a short time. By God's grace they are now home and we are so blessed to have them as our new children.

Here are a few pictures.

Thanks again for your continued love, support and prayers!

The Murdock Family

Countdown to Kids!

Well it's now one week before we travel to Ethiopia to bring Lila and Kaleb to their new home in North Carolina. Our oldest two daughters, Alexandria (18) and Mycah (15) landed in the Dominican Republic yesterday for a week long mission trip. They will return home just one day before mom and dad travel to Africa.

Grandma and Grandpa Madigan (Holly's parents) will travel in from Illinois to stay with our other children while we are away. Thank you so much Carol and Dave!

We also wanted to give praise to God for a tremendous financial gift that we received this week from someone who asked to remain anonymous. Our family was speechless. It has been so humbling to see God's hand of provision all along our faith journey. I would like to use the word "unbelievable", but then again it shouldn't be surprising to us as we serve a great God!

Today Holly, Conor, Quin and I enjoyed a great morning and afternoon celebration with several Elevation Church families on this the 4th of July. Tonight it's fireworks at Pine Lake Country Club (suppose to be a great show and it's FREE!). Our kind of entertainment.

The finale for the day (and for the next few nights) will be the annual Conor Murdock fireworks extravaganza at the Murdock Home. Conor has been our MC for a number of years and this year he is equipped with more fire power than any other year before. Go Conor! (Grandpa, I'm sure that Conor will have plenty of leftover when you and grandma arrive into Matthews) Have fun!

We are so thankful for the freedom we have in this country, the sacrifices of our forefathers, the courageous service of our military men and women and ultimately the freedom we are blessed with through Christ Jesus.

Hope you and your families have a great weekend! Thank you again for your continued prayers for our family.

Love, The Murdocks