We're in Addis with Justus!!

Good morning everyone...It is actually nighttime here b/c Ethiopia is nine hours ahead of us....We arrived this morning at about 9 and got to the hotel at about 11. We have a big group here from our agency this week so as we were arriving a big group was leaving to spend time with their kiddos at our agency's transition home. They are here for their first visit....

We stuffed on the van Ethiopian style and drove in reverse back into the airport parking to pick up some other travelers staying at our hotel. We were feelin' the love! :)

So, we check into the hotel and get our itinerary. It says we are going to Hannah's Hope at 1:00. Holy Cow....I slept 10 minutes total on the flight so sleep deprived didn't even come close to describing how we felt. I took a quick power nap and a quick shower (without the shower curtain....gotta love it.) and we were off to Hannah's Hope. When we arrived, we looked all around for Justus "D". His special mother told us he had just gone down for a nap...So, we let him have a little siesta while we met with Almaz the director. He was downstairs watching a movie with the group and the special mothers told him mama and daddy were here. He smiled a big smile that took up his whole face and came right toward me for a big hug....We played and played. We brought back his 3 favorite cars (makinas), his stuffed animal that was on his bed in the pictures, and bubbles...which we took the first time when we first met him.

After about an hour and a half, Almaz said we could take our kiddos to the hotel. Derero jumped into the van all excited. He sat on my lap and watched intently...That is probably the 2nd time he has ever been in a vehicle if I had to guess. He was taking in all the scenery...the people walking, the goats and donkeys carrying things, the other cars.

We got to the hotel and hopped in the elevator. It was his first time in an elevator I knew for sure by the look on his face. We assured him it was ok and he was smiling again. He explored EVERYTHING in the hotel room. He turned the lights on and off about 20 times, tried to call someone...(He picks up the phone and says, "Allo"? in the cutest Ethiopian accent, pushed every speed on the fan and turned it off, was delighted to brush his teeth. I was unpacking things as he was exploring and I quickly realized everything that needed to be put at a higher level...

I'm amazed at how much he's talking. Now, most of it we can't understand a lick, but he has repeated, "Natalie", "shoes", and I know he's said "mama" and "daddy" at least 50 times. We always answer so he knows we will come when he calls. We're building trust right now.

It's so fun to watch every little thing he is experiencing for the first time. I gave him his first bath tonight as his mom. He was trying to wash himself and help out. Now, he's talking to Trevis. Trevis is deliriously tired b/c he didn't get a nap and only slept 10 minutes in the last 24 hours. He is putting on his sunglasses and taking them off. He ate a ton of pasta for dinner. We are just loving up on our little boy! So happy that he is finally in our arms and with us. I can't wait to get him home. (16 1/2 hours is the longest flight...I'm telling you...We're talking total butt numbness people.) I know TMI.....

Well, I'm gonna run. Think I might watch some Veggietales with Justus "D" tonight if he's up for it. Thank you for all your prayers. Please continue to send them up for us....

With Much Love,