Day 1 in Addis - Gotcha
After settling in last night we decided to make sure we slept in order to get on the schedule here locally. After laying down a dog kept barking and I seriously had thoughts of findin some antifreeze but I eventually was able to go to sleep. Woke up around 9 local time and got a shower then called to meet our driver. He showed up on time and then it was onto the orphanage. Driving in Ethiopia is indescribable but I will try …..diesel fumes….people in the streets….mules….honking horns….only rule there is-no rules….large gravel… After all of that we find ourselves in front of the orphanage. Anxiously we walk through the metal door and are greeted with laundry on the cloth lines. Make our way to the office and we are asked if we want to see Mikias and our hearts jump with excitement. After we follow the young lady we are told that he is out for his medical exam. Disappointed we finish up paperwork and make plans to come back later in the afternoon. In the mean while we went to the supermarket, the bakery and souvenir shopping. We have been told that our paperwork will be ready Friday morning so we went to the Hilton and tried to change our flight to a Friday or Sunday flight. Pray that we get off the waitlist.
Went back to the hotel and after an hour we returned to the orphanage to get little man. The trip back was a little more exciting because we knew how close we were to the orphanage and that we were getting our SON!!!! Again greeted with laundry and smiling faces then we were led to Mikias who was sleeping very soundly and we didn’t want to wake him but that only lasted about 2 minutes and then we had to get our hands on him. A very precious moment. After loving on him, we changed his clothes and then we returned to the hotel where we have played, eaten, given him a bath and now he is sound sleep in the bed. We are not far behind him but I hear that dog again. So, who knows.
Will attempt to post pictures once we get my luggage with the cords and such. Please pray that seats become available so we can leave Friday and return home! Stay tuned…..
...no words to express how happy I am, how happy I know you two must be! Love to you two and sweet Mikias!
To all,
Sounds like you guys are doing great. I am so excited for you. Can't wait to see Mikias. Get some sleep and have a great time. We will continue to pray for you, love you, miss you and wait for you. P S Snowing outside "Flurries". I bet you miss that!
God bless,
Grish
I am so excited for you! I can not imagine the anticipation. You both will truely bless this little boys life. I can't wait to meet him. Be safe.
I just sent the news out on the phone prayer chain and we are praying for seats to open and flights to clear on Friday. Call every hour on the hour, come Friday. They told me to do that, so I did. So, keep calling and lovingly checking on the status.
What about the coffee ceremony? Did you have one? Are you going to have one? Are you going back to the orphanage?
Can't wait to see real pictures of him....post them when you can. Hope the luggage gets there soon. Love the updates, keep them coming!
Matt
Since we have walked almost those same steps, as you were describing your experience, I pictured everything as I remembered our journey too. It is certainly a different world. In many ways, hardship surrounds you, but in other ways, a precious simplicity to life. I wonder if the dog is the same dog others have heard on their trips. If so, maybe the antifreeze wouldn't be such a bad idea (just kidding). I don't know what is worse, being awakened by a dog or by the orthodox chanting prayers. Treasure this time. We can't wait to see pictures. Prayerfully, we will see you Saturday-the very best part of the adoption experience-reuniting the entire family together. Good stuff. God is good. We praise Him!
Teresa
Matthew, Sarah and Family,
I am so happy for your family on this wonderful day! How exciting. I wish you all the best and pray for bonding during these next days and weeks. Travel safe.
Sincerely, Kitty Cammack
I guess Micah will be right at home, Dogs there, dogs here, everywhere you go bark, Bark, BARK. So glad to hear that things are going well. Praying for your flight schedule and traveling mercies, can't wait to see the 3 of you soon.
Jim
Praying for a Great Day! Also that the cables will arrive, we Gotta See Him soon!
Sarah,
I know you will be happy and sad. No school today but your not here to enjoy it. Gray and Triston will enjoy it for you. Hope everything went well while I was sleeping. We are still praying for flights, safety and great joy in your life. How is Mikias, are you taking care of MD and how are you? We miss you guys so much. Hurry home.
God bless,
Glenn