Last update from ET

Well, I don't even know where to start...here is a little nutshell...

I know it will take me some time to process all that I have experienced so far in Ethiopia, and we don't leave for home until Thursday late night.  It is a land of contrasts.  In the country, it was flat and lush and very green with mountains all around.  It was simply beautiful.  In the city, there are people EVERWHERE walking and the traffic and exhaust is like nothing I have ever experienced.  And, with all the traffic, there are NO traffic lights . (well, we saw one.)  It is CHAOS.  But the really crazy thing is that I haven't seen anyone get angry at the traffic. 

The poverty is staggering.  I am finding it very HARD to process!!!  I find that I am on the verge of tears when I start to take it in.  Life here is very HARD.  And, that is even for the educated.  I can't even put it into words at this point.

The people are beyond gracious.  Everyone we have come into contact with has been so gracious. (Of course, we obviously cannot understand most of what is being said.)

G is doing great about 80% of the time.  He is all smiles and laughs and wants to be held , which is a blessing.  The other 20% of the time is HARD.  His world has totally been turned upside down, and he is scared and confused.  It's going to take some TIME to build up a level of trust.  This is all normal, but it doesn't make it any easier.  The LORD is my strength.

We had our Embassy appt on Monday, and we passed.  So, everything on the legal paperwork front is good.

Tonight we go to the cultural dinner, which should be fun.  It will just be nice to get out.  We've pretty much been at our hotel since we got G.  I can't wait to get home and have a little room to move.  Of course, it will be easier for me, but probably harder for G.  I pray for his peace and healing.

I MISS my girls! 

Even though this is harder than I ever imagined, I count it a blessing that God choose us to be G's parents and to walk this path.  He is our blessing.

Hugs from ET
V

ET - Day 1

 
We made it to Ethiopia!!  We have alot to share, but we will wait till we get back.  Until then, we will give you the highlights of the day.
 

Our first - BEST - hightlight is that we got to meet "G".  This was a surprise as we weren't scheduled to meet him until Sunday.  He did better than our wildest imagination.  He ran right to us and jumped into my arms and said Mamma.  WOW!  It was truly amazing.  Here is a photo of our first meeting.

We spent a few hours there, and then came back to the hotel for lunch,  After lunch, we rented a cab with the LeFebers, another AGCI family, and went to Entoto Mountain.  

We've had a great first day!  God is good!
 

Off to 2nd Grade...

 
Today was the 1st day of school, and A was excited.

Finally after many unsuccessful pictures outside, she let me take at least one inside.  It was so humid, my lens kept fogging up outside.  Wow!  She looks so big!  It's hard for me to believe I have a second grader.

    

Here she is sporting her new backpack.  She had to have one that rolled. 

On Tuesday, we found out who A's teacher was going to be.  Actually, this year she will have two.  I have never heard of teachers job sharing, but I love the idea.  I'm all for moms getting the best of both worlds.  And, if the teachers are happy, then hopefully that translates into the classroom.  More importantly, A thought it was too cool that she had two teachers.  She was loving it.

 

A with Mrs. Hatmaker and Mrs. Millar

We're off to a good start!!!  I'm so proud of my 2nd grader!!

  

We're Headed to Ethiopia - Take 2

 
We got the call on Friday that the US Embassy has finished their investigation, and we are all clear to go.  Thank You Sweet Jesus!!!  What a wonderful gift!!! 
  
As you can imagine, it is all systems go.  We cannot wait to get our bundle of energy home.  I've been imagining him running around here for months.  It's a bit surreal to know that it is REALLY happening.
 
Thanks to all of you who have been praying for us.  We have felt your prayers and mountains have been moved.   I'm so grateful to have such a wonderful support group.