We are home from Ethiopia - we returned 2/20 at 9pm

I am so thankful for all of the prayers and support that we received during this adoption journey. I know that many of you are waiting to hear how things went....so tonight is the night that I tell everyone about my blog. Scary thought....everyone will see my mispelled words and see that I really was a little "off" during this journey... A peak at the inside!



I'll post more pictures later, but I think that most people just want to see the boys and know that we really are happy and getting along and adjusting. We are doing great, but just a little tired. Right now, its about 3:00am and I am wide awake, I still haven't adjusted to US time.



Ethiopia is an amazing country. I know that people say that about many places, but I've never felt such a strong life and love energy. I know, that sounds new age, but it is so true. I felt so alive the entire time that I was there. It was not just because of the adoption, there was an amazing energy evident the first day we were there. (Maybe the energy was enhanced by the Ethiopian Coffee and truly organic food.) I have never felt more alive.



The people of Ethiopia were the warmest, most loving, genereous people. They are a country full of self and country pride. Even though there is poverty, as a visitor you are completely safe. There was never a time when I felt discomfort. People did beg, but I never felt unsafe. I wish that I could describe the amount of love and kindness from the people. I really do think that it is something that must be experienced first hand. On our trip, there were two other families picking up their kids. I think that when it was time to leave, we all felt like we were leaving our second home. There were many tears from the staff at HOH and the Americans leaving. I would have never expected to feel so connected to a country and its people in such a short time. Both of the families that we traveled with us are planning to go back to adopt more kids in the future. We are definitely planning a trip back there in a couple of years. I truly feel connected to the country and the people.



Everyone wants to know what Ethiopia is like. My best answer is that it is a cross between San Francisco and the Carribean. Ethiopia has beautiful mountains and a climate like San Francisco. While we were there it was hot during the day but cold at night. (For those of you who don't know, San Francisco is one of my favorite places to visit.) The mountains and the trees were beautiful. There were also beautiful lakes close by, but obviously no ocean. Ethiopia was like the Carribean in that there were lots of streetside shops, everything was Mom and Pop style. We all felt like we were visiting a beach town when we got outside of the city. The city of Addis was very developed by not touristy. There were not alot of high rise buildings but it was very urban. At many times during the visit, I felt like I was living in the time of Jesus. There were many donkeys walking the roads carrying supplies, and just the shop and village structure was very different from what I am used to.



That is all for tonight. I'll post more pictures soon...of Addis and of the family reunited. Maybe now I can get some rest!