Oh My!

I missed writing last night because we went to bed at 5:30! It was the most emotional day I have ever had. I suggested Gladney NOT have us meet the family AND visit the orphanges in the same day. I don't remember crying this hard. No amount of prozac in the world would have helped.

So, the social worker introduced us. There were two translators...one from his language and then one to translate that language to Amharic and then she translated to us in English. I got it all on video, but I'm not sure I'll ever watch it again. It will be for Ava. As soon as he saw her he yelled, "Kantale, Kantale, Kantale" and started kissing her hands. She cried. I handed her over immediately. He hugged her and cried. I lost it. I hugged grandfather. Gary cried. It was awful. The first question we asked was, "What would you like Kantale to know about you and her family." He replied, "That she comes from a Christian home. That her parents were well respected in the community, very sociable, and very happy." They were married for 13 years and mom was only 35 when she died of Malaria. Not sure how old dad was when he died. We told grandfather that we knew it was a hard choice, but that we believed God had a plan for Kantale. That He knew that plan before the earth was formed and that we would do everything we could to make sure she lives for Christ." He cried and said he believed, too, that God had a plan for her and that he was thankful she was with a Christian family. He loved the idea of Kantale having siblings. He loved the pictures. We hugged, took pictures, and left. Next stop...take Kantale to the guesthouse with her caregiver and start visiting orphanges.

I wish I were a good writer. This is where I get lost. How can I possibly explain what I saw? I can't start crying again because my eyes just now opened up. First government orphanage...boys ages 7-12. The government orphanges have no private sponsors to help run the place properly. Don't bring humanitarian aide. The biggest, strongest boys will simply take it from the younger ones. The director hands our aide evenly. A Gladney family started a farm for the boys to run.

Next, a government children's orphanges. Again, no private sponsors. I can't begin to write about it. Last, a girl's orphanage ages 7-12. On a beautiful compound donated by a queen many years ago. Huge mature trees. The girls shower outdoors. In the back was one building with toddlers and babies. Many, many toddlers and babies. Some special needs babies. Again, I can't write.

Landon, I hope you had a great tournament!!! I've been thinking about it because I've been thinking so much about you. Kennady, I can't not tell you how much I miss you! Ms. Tanya told me the news. I know you are in good hands! Carson, I know you're ready for us to come home. It's only a few more days. I think about you a lot!!! We're going souvenir shopping today to get you some surprises! Then we have dinner tonight at a special "Crater Lake" about an hour away! It's supposed to be the most beautiful point in Ethiopia!

We will not be coming home early. Because it is such a long flight, we do not want to be separated or without a bassinet. Right now, our flight set up is perfect. We love and miss you all!

Mom/Tammy