We are so fortunate....

As most of you know, we had no internet connection while in Ethiopia.  I still journaled each day, so I could share with everyone when we returned.  Here is our amazing jouney...one week later.

We are so fortunate.....

We are so fortunate to be surrounded with such wonderful family and friends!  Over and over again we are reminded of the loving community that surrounds us.  The families on Shawn’s softball team and Kate’s softball team gave us the most beautiful evergreen tree covered with messages welcoming Mekdes  home.  The words covering this perfect tree were so inspirational; Shawn and I were truly touched.  What a beautiful and thoughtful reminder of this special moment in our lives!  We are so fortunate!  An impromptu gathering of friends surrounded the girls and me the other night.  And again, we were enveloped in well wishes and the kind gestures of friends.  Whether it was a pillow in the shape of Africa with a pocket full of welcoming words for Mekdes or a necklace full of charms of Addis Ababa or hair products for Mekdes or monetary gift for the orphanage, all were given with such powerful sentiment.  We were introduced to Dawit, a gentleman from Ethiopia, who has graciously agreed to become part of our family.  He will help us celebrate the Ethiopian culture and transition Mekdes into our lives.  What a gift!  We look forward to a wonderful relationship with Dawit and his family!  We are so fortunate!  There were so many people who gave diapers, nail polish, beach balls, games, coloring books...the list goes on and on.  All for children they will never meet.  Your generosity is much appreciated and I will try to capture the faces of the children when they receive your gifts.  Shawn and I are so lucky to be able to see and feel the gratitude from all the children as well as the people running Hannah’s Hope.  I wish we could bottle it up and bring it back for all of you to experience!  You have all made a huge difference in these children’s lives and we thank you for that.  We are so fortunate!

As we begin our 18 hour flight my heart is overflowing and I cannot wipe the smile off my face.  We are nearing the end of a two year chapter only to begin yet another chapter in our lives.  Thank you doesn’t seem to adequately express what I am feeling for all our family and friends, but THANK  YOU...THANK YOU...THANK YOU!!!  You have sent us off to start this new chapter so full of love and with such a sense of support that, as I said, my heart is overflowing.  We will pour all of these glorious emotions onto our Mekdes the moment we see her.  And we will continue to let her know how special the community is that is about to welcome her home.