last day--argh!

Well, we are back in our room after saying good-bye to Mekes today.  I woke up crying, had my morning Ethiopian tea  crying, talked to the receptionist about a late check out crying,  I am crying right now,  but when it came time to tuck Mekdes in for her nap and say good-bye I was able to do it without breaking down.  I believe that is due to all the prayers and support that all of our family and friends have given us and there are no words to express how truly grateful we are to everyone!  Before her nap, we read Mekdes the photo book I had sent over a month or so ago.  Several of the girls gathered around for the “story”.  Every time we would get to a picture of Margo all the girls would shout out “Mar-goooo”.  It made us laugh and I think it was that God given moment that helped us get through the good-bye.  To think Margo has a fan club in Ethiopia is a real hoot!  We asked Wass to make sure he continues to explain to Mekdes that we will be coming back and that we are preparing our home in America for her.  He promised he would and this also helps set our hearts at ease.  There were several funny moments today that helped lighten our heavy hearts.  Several children were fascinated with the hair on Shawn’s arms and found it even more interesting when they would get his arm wet.  They would laugh and laugh over this strange white man and his hairy arms!  Mekdes was riding on my shoulders and kept trying to braid my hair in the traditional way of her culture.  She became very frustrated when my straight hair wouldn’t stay in the braid!  White people’s hair is so strange said one of  the care mothers—ha!  Another sweet girl would put on my sunglasses and pretend she was a rapper!  She had all the moves and rhythms down—it goes to show how small our planet has become! 

They are in dire need of diapers...maybe a diaper collection for trip two???

We fly out tonight and after about 20 some hours we should arrive in Chicago.  We cannot wait to see our girls and share with them all about their new sister and the wonderful country of Ethiopia that we have become so found of.  See you all soon!