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While word has spread far and wide already (via Facebook & Twitter, not to mention amply excited family), I thought it would be appropriate to share the news officially here at the blog: After nearly 4 years in process, last week we received our adoption referral from Ethiopia! For those not sure what that means, it means that a specific child has been selected for us and we were given name, age and a photo.
So we are proud to announce that we will be adopting a beautiful 3 year old boy. Micah James Nigatu Arpin-Ricci will hopefully be coming home to us in the next 6-9 months, so please pray that all goes well. We still have to make two trips to Ethiopia and go through a great deal of paper work, but it will all be very much worth it. We are thrilled beyond words!
With such news there are always all sorts of questions, some of which we can answer, some of which we have no answer and others we will choose not to answer (more on that in future posts), but here’s a few details:
- While we hoped to keep his birth name, Nigatu, we’ve decided to use it as one of his middle names. This is because of potential misuse of his name in some (obviously) inappropriate ways. We chose Micah James Nigatu as a result.
- We cannot post pictures online yet (including via email), but if you see us in person, we can show his picture. Once the process has gone a bit further, we’ll be able to share those pictures online. Thanks for your patience!
- Details about his past, such as his birth family, reasons for adoption, etc., are personal and private. Therefore we won’t be giving that information out, but rather we will allow Micah decide who, when and what he shares as he comes of age. I know everyone is curious, but we know you will respect that decision.
While we can’t give you all the details or a picture, there is something we can assure you. He is healthy, happy and extremely handsome! We’ll keep you posted!
P.S. We are still working to raise the funds to make this adoption possible. If you are interested in helping out, visit our Adopt-A-Pixel website and join our Facebook group here.
P.P.S. The title of this post was inspired by the very wonderful folks at my publisher, IVPress, in their blog announcement & congratulations. Thanks all!
Tags: family

Congratulations, Jamie! What a gift.
Thanks Ryan! It really is a gift!
Very exciting news Jamie. Amy and I have some good friends who live near us that just returned from Etheopia with their adopted son after an equally long process. I’d be more than happy to put you in touch with them if you have any questions or anything. Just drop me an email. Congratulations man.
Thanks JR! I appreciate that. Thankfully we are part of a great local network here.
Peace,
Jamie
Excellent news! thanks for sharing your joy!
prayers are with you…
Thanks so much, Sharon!
Congratulations to you! Will continue to pray for favor. May our God and Father grant you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed. Peace and all good.
Thanks, Mark! Peace & all good to you as well!
Children are a gift from the Lord. I am glad you have received your gift. Praying that God will protect and bless you as the final part of the process takes place, as you travel and bring your son home. Such wonderful news. May the time pass very quickly!
Thanks Linea! He truly is a gift from God! Thank you for your prayers.
How wonderful! Can’t wait to see pictures and hear about your adventure both in going to get him and in being a new parent. Congratulations!!!
Thanks Wendy! We will be posting pics as soon as we are allowed. Happy New Year!
[...] Previous Post – Unto Us A Son Is Given [...]
I am very glad to hear of Micah James Nigatu Arpin-Ricci. God bless your family.
Thanks Larry! I saw you the other day driving by. Let’s connect soon.
[...] before this last Christmas we received the call from the agency. We were going to be adopting a beautiful 3 year old boy- Micah James Nigatu Arpin-Ricci. After so long, the relatively brief wait until we bring him home [...]