Trying to post something brings me back to early-college dial-up where we knew nothing other than waiting 5 minutes for a page to load. After composing a long email that got lost when we lost our connection I’ve decided I will probably wait on email until we return.
In summary today has been better than we could have expected. God has gone before us in every detail from the airline stewardess checking carry-on bags that should have been checked bags without a fee to catching every plane, train and automobile we needed in order to make it to Addis this morning.
I am overcome by the poverty here. It’s like nothing I have ever seen. I’ve never been to a developing country and this has shaken me.
And the children are amazing. At one point at the orphanage we were sitting on a mattress on the floor with 5 or 6 of the children – two of whom were ours 
— and I just thought … I am so close to the heart of God right now. They are His heartbeat.
And our kids …ohhhh.
They’ve both clung to us in ways we thought would come about in months and years. We weren’t hoping for “clinginess” but we’ve been praying for deep attachment and by all signs (you know, with this whole day of experience we have) they are quickly learning we are mom and dad.
Eden loved her bath, so much so that she started furiously scrubbing her whole body with bubbles after she saw how I scrubbed her (maybe a germophobe like her mamma?). Caleb is just happy and peaceful – but, oh, when he does cry his lower lip is unbelievable.
They have taken to repeating everything I say (but only when I’m alone with them…odd). So we’ve been practicing “I love daddy”, “hello Nana & Grandpa! Hello Nana & Papa!” and “Jesus loves me.”
And for all the packing preparation I did – you know that five page checklist – I have totally missed it with the clothes. Their pants hang off their bums and I think we could wrap their sweaters around them into a swaddle with no problem.
And they …could care less.
So, they’re in bed and Nate and I are ecstatic. Is it weird that I can’t wait to wake up tomorrow morning so I can see them again?
this is music to my ears. come home soon so we can visit you
Oh, Sara; I am crying again. I’m thinking of all of the things our family prayed yesterday for your family. Why should we be suprised, but God has answered all of our prayers with “YES!” I cannot wait to read this to the kids later. We are all right there with you in our hearts.
My heart is filled with joy and praise picturing those precious little ones in your arms! (and getting all soapy in the tub!) God is so good!
We are all sharing your Joy with tears and laughter ! ( baths and clothes falling off their bums ! )
I can’t even imagine how ecstatic you all are and I’ve been thinking about you guys for days and days straight. Praying for joyous connections to continue. =)
oops…that last one was from the Moseleys…forgot to sign in!
I know that Eden and Caleb feel the love and excitement that you have for them! I am crying just thinking of how God loves each of this way- as little children that He can’t wait to be with each and every moment. I continue to pray for JOY to fill all of your hearts to overflowing.
We are just beside ourselves for you – laughing, crying, praying, praising God for the beauty of all that He is doing. We’ll see you Saturday!
I am a teary mess just thinking about you and Nate bathing the kids and tucking them into bed! I also cannot get the image out of my head of Eden running to her mommy. Ohhh, we are thrilled for you!
I’m beaming at my computer right now and hugging it! Ah praise the Lord!! Just picturing your family and the smiles and giggles is such a sweet image! Love you!
thanks for sharing the happy news– we”ll continue to pray for more wonderful days with your children–
Thank you for posting this. My wife and I are adopting a sibling pair from Ethiopia. Knowing that our children are there without us is so painful, yet we look forward to that blessed day that you have just described. This whole process has opened our eyes (and hearts) to so much we never knew. Bless you!