July 7, 2009

Zipporah is still doing great. All the new things in her life are amazing her...ice makes her giggle, a drinking fountain takes her breath away, and what can I say about the refrigerator? She just keeps opening it and staring, like she cannot believe what she is seeing. Her first lake experience proved that she has no fear - within an hour she was putting her face under. I am going to have to get her a good life jacket! And she is still unfazed by the car seat. Such a contrast to Reese.

I miss Ethiopia and the joy of all the children. As much as the plane ride was awful, I would travel it again. If not simply to experience the contrast to my own life. The extreme poverty is such an eye opener. But the people are absolutely beautiful!

June 29, 2009

Gotcha Day!!
After waiting in line forever in the airport for security, our visas and the rest of our group last night, we crashed at the Union Hotel. This morning we met Almaz in the hotel lobby to go over the day and then headed over to Hannah's Hope on foot. Our hearts were pounding as we trekked up the muddy stone path to our daughter. We were the first to get our child...she toddled up the path and tried to hand Almaz a toy. Almaz told her to give it to her mama. She is absolutely beautiful - snot and all. We spent about 30 minute with her and had to run back to the hotel to drop off our camaras and eat lunch. Then back to HH to retreive our kids and head to the US Embassy. The kids got quite bored and antsy but this was the only appointment we had - unlike China. Afterwards, we just hung out at the Union and got to know our kids. All 15 that found their forever families today are beautiful!

June 27, 2009

We began our grueling trip at 3:30 a.m. We drove to Aunt 'Nita's house and she accompanied us to Detroit and then drove our truck back home. We had a 9 hour layover in D.C. and then a 15 hour plane ride to Addis Ababa, with a 45 minute stop in Rome to change staff. By the time we arrived at our hotel we had been traveling over 30 hours! Very painful. There were 11 other families in our group and we all got along quite well. The fun is just beginning!!!

July 5, 2009

I had to post a picture of Zipporah. For those that traveled with us, you will be shocked - she has curls!! Amazing what a little of the right hair product will do. She is happy most all the time, didn't freak out with the first ride in a car seat, she has been singing since gotcha day, has slept through the night since day one and is simply a joy to be with. I will slowly post some pictures, day by day, of our trip...as much a 2 year old will allow me to.

July 5, 2009

We are home and recovering from serious jetlag! I will post pictures later! Zipporah is a true joy.

June 23, 2009

4 days until we leave!! There are suitcases all over the house as I attempt to get organized. I have to admit that I feel a little more prepared, since I did this 2 years ago, but I still am feeling scatterbrained. So much to do in so little time! How overwhelmed will I be? I know how bad I was in China. Hopefully, with Jeff along, I won't be as bad? I pray that Zipporah will be prepared for us as much as possible. It has got to be scary for her. My thoughts are very jumbled as I write this....maybe because it is 4:40 am?

June 16, 2009

Zipporah has passed her TB test! Our travel dates are confirmed and we have booked our tickets to leave June 27 and return on July 3. Less than 2 weeks!