Day 1 in Ethiopia

Today was our first full day in Ethiopia. We made it after a LOOOOOOONNNNNNNNGGGGGGGG 16 hour flight with 246 of our new closest friends-haha. God's favor was on us though b/c we got to take our travel bag on when they were making everyone check theirs. I was getting nervous just praying our carry on would travel. (Sometimes luggage doesn't make it to Ethiopia on the day you travel.) Thankfully, all of our luggage made it and we got to take our carry on. On the flight, it was about 1:30 AM (our time) when I looked out the window to the most beautiful sunrise. I don't know where we were. We were on our way to Rome for a refueling.



Anyway, we got back to the hotel late last night (after a little drama at the airport). The staff here at the hotel is very nice and accommodating. Today, we got to see JUSTUS!!! Oh my goodness!! I was excited and nervous all at the same time...I tried to keep my expectations low. That way, I wouldn't feel any pressure nor put pressure on him that didn't feel natural meeting a total and complete stranger. He was napping when we arrived. Almaz met with us and went over a few things. Then, up to his room we went. He sleeps on the bottom bunk....I am so happy he naps!! Hip! Hip! Hooray for naps! I've always hoped one of my kids would like sleep as much as I do. ;) He woke up while we were standing there and Almaz said something to him in Amharic and up he came....He grabbed a couple of toys and came to play with us on the blanket. He was very shy and hesitant at first, but quickly warmed up. He seemed over time to get that we are going to be his parents. I heard the special mothers actually say a whole string of sentences--The only thing I could make out is Mama Daddy. After playing on the balcony for a little while, we went outside and played. I busted out the bubbles and I've never seen a group of children get so excited about bubbles. They all wanted some faster than I could get them out and open. The squeals and excitement was so refreshing....ahhh.....thankfulness.



We played "makinas" or otherwise in English "cars". We showed Justus how to make car sounds, "brmmmmmm". He kept getting closer and closer to us. We took pictures and he wanted to see himself on the screen. He LOVES anything electronic. I guess I know what I'll be picking up before our 2nd trip for the long flight home. We kicked the soccer ball for a long time. He is very athletic and coordinated with his gross motor skills. He repeated, "birds" when I was pointing to them on the buildings and in the sky....An eagle landed on the transition home....I couldn't get my camera fast enough to get a good picture. I saw lots of happy children today. Justus wanted us to pick him up and to sit in our laps by the end and we could clearly see he didn't want us to go....We didn't want to have to either but it was time. I love him already....can't wait to see him tomorrow. All the children there are so precious.....



p.s. I miss Fruit Loops and Dr. Pepper....but oh to my wondering eyes, "Alas, they have Coke".



With much Love,