Jacob and Jeremiah's Gotcha Day 6/25/11
After arriving in Addis, we went to our Guest House (Yebsabi) and checked in. We called our agency rep and were informed that we had until 2:30 before we picked up the boys!! So, we unpacked, showered and got to NAP!! An unexpected treat. We pulled together our cameras and donations and awaited their pick up. It took until 3, but finally they arrived with 2 other couples with our agency. I found myself babbling more than the usual to everyone I met. I was NERVOUS!! I never skip a meal, but lunch wasn't an option for this nervous girl (good thing b/c there wasn't any). Before we left we prayed together and God was so gracious to remind us of HIS hand and continued love for us. I can't believe how many times I have to lay down my 'not being good enough' for our family of 7. Precious to soak in God's faithfulness in spite of me!
So, we headed out ...bumpy van ride, dirty streets and yappy mommas. Then we were there. The gates opened and all I could see were kids holding up flowers, familiar and unfamiliar staff and then it's all a blur. I was the last one out of the van (getting stuck in the back), so by then the boys looked so confused and were beginning to offer their bouquets of flowers to anyone that would pick them up too...and then I was frozen. I locked in on them spotting Andy. If I had been able to slow the moments down I would have had the best of pictures. THEY REMEMBERED!! I cried out their names and then it was my turn for hugs. They were overwhelmed. They didn't know why all these people were wiping tears and they just wanted to get in the van. They didn't know why they had to give us flowers, but cooperated. They didn't know why this day would change the rest of their lives....forever!
They didn't need to know why. They knew it was good. It was worth smiling, laughing, squirming, showing us their room again and taking lots of 'photos'. What I've learned since my last trip is how great the Thomas Center (agency's orphanage and transition home for YWAM) really is. They were taken into care and loved well. They were taught to brush their teeth, go potty, take naps (yes!) and go to bed and sleep all night (double yes!). Among other things, I believe they were taught that God is GOOD ALL THE TIME!! I'm going to ask when I go back for our farewell party. Why do I think this? There's something unique about the spirit of Ethiopians. For the most part, they do not look around them as a reflection of God, but straight to Him. I'm still foggy on how one grows in faith like this.
Just like our first trip, I felt like I was given a gift to unwrap and enjoy!! Our sons are NOT responding with the rejection/lukewarmness I expected (and might get down the road I know). What that's done is allowed us time to start jumping into relationship that says 'I LOVE YOU AND YOU'RE SAFE WITH US'. They want to hold our hands as we walk down the street...not out of fear but out of belonging. They don't pull away when we say "Mommy/Daddy loves you" but cuddle in. They are CONSTANTLY chattering away at each other, look at us, and laugh so hard it would make anyone cry!! Don't know what they're saying, but the looks on their faces says 'look at those foreigners...they're OUR PARENTS...and ain't life grand?' Yes...they did call us 'foringay' (pronounced that way for white foreigners) a couple times. I say ..."not foreigner but mommy"..then they run back out of the room and laugh. Haven't heard it again today...just mommy and daddy. They're forever 'tapping' at us and getting us to 'look' or just smiles real big at us. It's such a treat.
Although we're up in the middle of the night, it was b/c we couldn't sleep not them! So when we finally went back to bed at 5:30 and they woke up at 6:30, needless to say they were more energized than we were. I forgot how long the days are here...I think it's not being so busy, minimal electronics and of course no other responsibilities, but it's hard to believe today was a 1st full day!! Lots of time to 'play' this morning. Then, we did get to WORSHIP WITH OUR BOYS at the same International church we were at as a family last visit. They were soaking it all in and get this...sat there/played/giggled/colored for 2 hours! no lie! Was a real blessing to get to worship here!
Afterwards we went back to the guest house we stayed at last time and let them 'meet the boys' and had lunch. I just love coming back and feeling some security around the people, having 'contacts' and people celebrating with us here! We took a long walk back thru the streets of the city to our guest house and the boys wanted to stop and visit along the way...umm...not happening. Got in a late nap and then enjoyed hanging out and just playing the rest of the day. Nice to get to know families that are here from DC! and friends of friends. I realized I've used the expression 'it's such a small world' inappropriately. It SEEMS that way but in essence, it's that we HAVE SUCH A BIG GOD!!!
Generously, the Warrens helped Aliza finally be able to Skype with us. It did make me cry (don't tell Aliza!). I know it hasn't been easy for aliza so keep praying and THANK YOU WARRENS AND EAGLES!! Shout out that the dog adjusted to the Millers and has his transition to the Tomenendals tonight. I share this b/c it's sooo neat to watch how the Lord 1) teaches me to let others help and love us (i.e. pride buster) and 2) It truly points me to Jesus when the details are cared for in neat ways!!
OK...time to go memorize our 'stats' for our Embassy appt in the am! IF YOU MADE IT THIS FAR...MY GOODNESS...YOU NEED TO GET GOING TOO!!
I chron 29: 12 Both riches and honor come from you, and you rule over all. In your hand are power and might, and in your hand it is to make great and to give strength to all. 13 And now we thank you, our God, and praise your glorious name.
