Memories of our embassy trip

December 28, 2010. After getting word for travel clearance on Monday morning, Kathy and I headed out of Nashville to Chicago. From there we boarded Turkish airlines, had a layover in Istanbul and then literally (well slightly) crash landed into Ethiopia. A big thanks to our dear friend Tina who agreed to get us to the airport last minute!

We arrived early morning in Ethiopia where we were greeted by the wonderful owners of Grace Guest House. A few hours to unpack and we headed to Miskaye. Joseph just happened to be standing on the steps as we entered and with a smile of recognition grasped onto my neck.

                    Jacob reacted with tears which quickly passed as we rushed off to the embassy.

                        Soon enough I had the boy's visas in hand and the prized paperwork for travel!

The next morning we returned to Miskaye where we had an unexpected visit from the boy's birth mother. I was able to get some prized pictures and information on their lives (some of which will be difficult to share at some distant time). We then went to the Lion zoo and the Ethiopian museum.

New Year's Day we returned to Miskaye for a final farewell. We had hoped the birth mother and grandmother would show up for a visit but unfortunately they were unable to make it before we left.

A trip to the park (where we found out just how fast Joseph could run!) was followed by lunch at a wonderful Italian restaurant.

Finally it was time to head to the airport and travel home courtesy of Ethiopian airlines. There are so many pictures I would like to share, but here are a few of my favorites.

Joseph was so excited to pull his suitcase along and seemed to know exactly what was happening.

Jacob played happily while we waited to board.

                                                              The airplane sighting!

                                                        All three children fast asleep:)

                                                                        TV time!

                                                               Cat nap in the bassinet!

                                                The final leg home. Dulles to Nashville.

We arrived home on January 2nd and were greeted by a host of family and friends. The entire experience is so surreal and it seems somehow unfair that these two are home and so many are not. I see those precious faces left behind oh so often and pray for their forever families to take the step needed to get them home. What an adventure! What a journey! and it has only just begun....