U.S. Citizenship

On Thursday, we took a trip to the U.S. Embassy in Frankfurt, Germany.  It took weeks to get all the documentation for Eli's passport and SS#.  They require everything but the kitchen sink.....which I guess is good.  Jon and I had to prove we were U.S. citizens by having W2's for 5 consecutive years, plus an original copy of our marriage license (who has the original...not us, only a copy).  The list goes on and on.  We left at 5:00 a.m. Thursday morning and arrived in Frankfurt at 8:30 a.m.  Once we arrived in Frankfurt, we prayed for a decent parking spot.  We read online that parking was difficult.  Thank you Lord, we got the first (and ONLY) parallel parking spot on the street.....5 steps from the Embassy.  Once we got Eli out, and entered into the line.  A police/security officer waved us up to the front of the line (which was wrapped around the corner).  WOW, thank you again Lord.  The experience was great, now it is just a matter of waiting for his passport and SS# card.  We walked out of the Embassy at 10:30 a.m.  Eli is now officially a U.S. citizen!!  Yeah baby boy!

Our little trooper

Our little trooper, Eli.  Yesterday afternoon, Jonathan and I noticed that one of Eli's testicles was swollen and red.  So we called the after hours pediatrician clinic.  In just 1/2 hour we had a German doctor at our doorstep.  The doctor did an exam on Eli and said that it could be a twisted testicle or a hernia.  So we asked if we could take him to the doctor the next day......he said "no go to the hospital, now".  Holy cow.  Jon and I prayed that Jesus would heal little Eli's body.  We were both at peace with taking him to the hospital.  My first reaction was to panic, but God really gave me a peace.  So about 9:30 p.m. we headed to the Kinderhospital in Basel, Switzerland.  The doctors and nurses were so nice and all spoke very good English.  They also told us that it could be twisted or a hernia, but only an ultrasound would tell.   After the ultrasound it was confirmed there was only fluid build up and nothing was twisted, plus there was no hernia.  Praise the Lord.  Only time will heal the fluid.  We are so proud of our little boy.  He did so good at the hospital.  During the ultrasound, he just starred at me and didn't make a sound.  My heart just melted.  We love our baby boy so much!!  So thankful that he is okay.

Surreal Moment

Monday, Eli went to his very first play group.  It's with a group of German women and children.  As I am sitting there holding and taking care of Eli, I was in amazement that this is really my life.  I have felt at times that I have to give Eli back to "his mom"....no wait, I am his mom.  It was such a surreal moment for me.
The play group is designed as a ministry outreach.  There are only a couple of Christians in the group, but mainly non-Christians.  Even though I can't speak the language, I'm learning more how to  be the body of Christ through actions and not words.  The entire play group is getting together on Sunday with spouses and siblings.  This is a great opportunity for the Griesse family in Germany.  Thank the Lord for Eli, who at his young age is already showing me how to love deeper and stronger!!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY JULY 7TH to Julie Hamlin (Eli's Aunt) and Zach Dineen (Eli's cousin)!!