Saturday, April 24, 2010

Back Home


Wow...it's been quite an amazing three weeks since my last blog post! We were stuck in Ethiopia for an extra week due to the volcano (nice to be in Ethiopia longer, but hard on us since we just wanted to get home with our son)! Unfortunately, I couldn't access my blog while in Ethiopia so I'm going to be doing quite a bit of catching up over the coming weeks with my writing.  I don't really have words for Ethiopia which is kind of unfortunate since this is a blog and I need words. :)  You can expect to see a lot of pictures and hopefully catch a glimpse into the beauty of my experience in Ethiopia. 

The past three weeks included meeting my four year old son for the first time, meeting my son's birth father, throwing a pizza party for 130 teenage orphans, spending time at a leper colony where some people hadn't left their beds in 17 years, meeting my dear friend's sponsored children, stepping over streams of sheep and goat's blood which had been shed in the Easter celebration, meeting people who had nothing  but were giving everything they had to help their community...a mixture of utter sadness and undeniable joy.  Ethiopia has captured my heart.  Adoption has captured my heart.  God's heart for the fatherless is capturing my heart.  I think my time in Ethiopia has inched me closer to realizing how much love the Father has for us, His children...especially for those who suffer.  This world is so big.  So needy.  So beautiful.  I can't wait to share some of that beauty and need with you in the coming weeks.

Thanks for your prayers and support and thanks for your patience as our new family gets settled in.  For now, here are a few pictures to whet your appetite. :)






11 comments:

  1. I am BAWLING! That last picture is embeded in my heart forever. Thank you for loving on my son! I cannot wait to hear all about Ethiopia, but ESPECIALLY my Kaleab! I love your heart sunshine.

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  2. I am so happy for you! It's so great to know you are home with your son!! Thanks for the update. I can imagine how overwhelmed with you and Ben are. I'm looking forward to hearing more about your journey...

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  3. Welcome back!!! So excited to finally see pictures of you with your beautiful new son.
    Looking forward to the "catch-up" postings
    Love and hugs and prayers.
    Debi

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  4. One of the MANY things I love about you, is that you never look more gorgeous or happy than when you are surrounded by children. I love you dearly. Can't wait to see all of your photos (soon!!!).

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  5. I keep trying to think of what to say, but as usual, all that's coming out is garbled joy-speak. Wheeeeee!!!!!!!! Can't think straight I'm so full of joy for you and anticipation in hearing about your journey and the utter HUGE-OSITY of God's heart. Flufferbobbityboo!!! Woo-hoositowski!!!!

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  6. I have been checking daily--anxiously waiting for THE UPDATE...your son is gorgeous! Can't wait to hear all about the trip and meet him. We are in countdown mode for Amanda. If the volcano behaves she should be in DC on May 5th. WELCOME HOME!

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  7. We have been hoping and praying and waiting ... all to hear the wonderful news that Tariku is home and your family is whole, together, under the same roof. I was thrilled when I saw Ben's mom on Wednesday and she said you'd be home that night. When she told me the story of Tariku's first words to Ben I just gasped and cried. How remarkable! Thanks so much for taking the time to update. Your words are always so powerful. I look forward to reading more and can't wait to see you! Love to all you!!!!
    Anne

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  8. Praising God with you! and like Melanie all I can come up with is garbled-joy speak! WEE hoo!
    Love you! Love your boy!

    Many words are not needed where there is LOVE!

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  9. I am so glad you made it home safely. Who would ever guess a volcano would be part of the story. Can't wait to hear the whole story... especially the pizza party.

    Welcome home! To you and sweet Tariku.

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  10. T is gorgeous! You are glowing! Only God!

    The Lord will bring you the words, he always does and they move me... looking forward to re-living Ethiopia with you.

    Blessings to your beautiful family!

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  11. God is so FAITHFUL! Your son is gorgeous!

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