It's hard to sum up Ethiopia in one post, but I'm going to try.
Ethiopia is a beautiful place full of beautiful and kind people. It is also a place with rampant poverty that is everywhere.
I stayed at a guesthouse with other American families, and it was a wonderful setup. The staff was amazing, and everything was so organized.
I arrived in Ethiopia late Saturday night, and Sunday, our group took a day trip to the country. Ethiopia has some breathtaking views.
Monday was the day I finally got to meet Nur. It was extremely overwhelming. Ever since May, I had been studying his picture. Now I was actually holding him. He was beautiful and soft.
Tuesday involved another trip to the orphanage to visit Nur, and Wednesday I got to check him out of there forever. I took a picture of him with his nanny, who I could tell loved and cared for him very well.
And here is the group I traveled with. We are all so happy to be holding our long awaited children!
Once I had custody of Nur, I stepped into full parenting mode. No longer could we take site seeing trips. . . instead I worked on bonding with my son. I had a great time with the other families, and I hope we'll always be in touch so my son can always have those relationships with the people he shares such a past with. This beautiful girl was one of Nur's roommates. Nur loved her!
Being so far away from the other members of my family was very difficult, but I am so happy that I'll be able to share Ethiopia with Nur someday. Yes, there is poverty everywhere, but there is also beauty everywhere. People in Ethiopia live with so little, yet they are so happy. It makes me realize how I could do without a lot of what I have, and still be fine.
Nur has been home for almost 4 days, and I can't wait to tell you all about how bonding is going, and how it is having 2 infants in the home. I'll give you a preview. . . life is CRAZY!
18 comments:
How precious - thanks for posting, can't wait to hear more!!
Blessings,
mel
thank you for taking the time to share! what a special moment when you finally held Khalil!
Oh Leah, your blog makes me cry every time I read it now! I am just so happy for you! That picture of you holding him and crying is so tender, I love it! What a special, neat experience!
Congratulations. Your son is so beautiful. I think it is amazing that you got to experience Ethiopia and the start of his journey to you. I just popped over from Campbell Family Party of 3. I have a domestic adoption but I think someday in the future, I might do an international adoption. Thanks for sharing your story.
- Lara
My goodness I know you are incredibly busy right now, but thanks for posting pictures. How sweet is he!? Hope things are calming down a bit and going well!
Leah,
Congratulations!!! I choked up when I saw the picture of you holding Khalil and crying. He's beautiful! Now you've got me thinking about Ethiopia for our next adoption :-)
congrats! he is precious
Life is crazy, but I'm sure it's crazy wonderful. SO happy for you guys. Can't wait to hear more. :) xo
Ahhh the pictures I have been waiting for after this long journey!!! I am so happy for you and your family Leah! I can see love in your eyes and hear it in your posts. Kahlil is a lucky little guy and I am so excited to see him and Scarlet grow together and your family blossom!! What an exciting and heartwarming journey. I feel lucky to have been able to experience it with you. Thank you so much! Hugs - mlb1234
Welcome home!! Your son is absolutely beautiful! I can't wait to hear all about your transition into being a momma of two.
Oh my tears!!!!! How adorable is that baby?!? What a touching post! I'm so stinking excited for y'all!!! Congrats again!! Continuing to pray for the transition and sweet Kahlil's adjusting!!!! Sending y'all love!
It is so awesome to think that you were just at the orphanage that my siblings are at, or will be!
Your son is beautiful! You are very lucky parents!
youngfamilyadoption.blogspot.com
So, so happy you have your son home. It sounds like going to pick him up was such an amazing experience, I can only imagine how emotional it was
Can't wait to hear how things are going at home!
Congratulations!
Thanks for the post. I can only begin to imagine life for you right now as well as life in Ethiopia. I love the picture of you holding Khalil, not because it's the best picture of you ever, but because there's emotion in your face and it's just so special.
Welcome Home!! I love seeing your photos. I totally relate to what you said about learning to live with less. It is something I have been thinking about it ever since we got home. Can't wait to hear more about your journey and your new life with two cuties!!!
Oh, Leah, I'm catching up, and I just read this and the post below and saw your beautiful son, and I am crying with joy for you and your family!
Congratulations! I am so happy for you all!
embrace the crazy!!! i know all about it. so happy you are home.
PS. That nanny was one of Jesse's too
Love seeing the pics! So happy for you!!
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