We're home!

After 31 hours of traveling, we made it home. It was a long trip. On our last day in Ethiopia, we saw the kids one last time. We were hesitant to do this because we were afraid the kids would really begin to attach to us. Unfortunately, our concerns were realized. Even though neither Bec, I, nor any of the orphanage workers told the kids we were their parents, the kids (especially the 5-year old) seemed to know. During the visit, the kids grew increasingly clingy. And when it was time for us to leave, they both were crying inconsolably. This was difficult to experience, especially since that scene was our last memory of them. We are praying that God will give them comfort over the next few weeks before we return.

We spent the rest of the day shopping and sightseeing. Addis Ababa is an amazing city. We drove up Entoto Mountain, which has spectacular views of the city. The mountain also serves as the training grounds for Ethiopian Olympic runners. Of course, I attempted to run up a trail used by these Olympians: I'm an athlete, right? Not so much. After a few hundred yards, I felt like my lungs were exploding. The rest of the group, and especially Bec, were greatly amused. I guess running uphill at 10,000 feet is a bit different than running on flat ground at sea level.

We woke up this morning still feeling like we are in Ethiopia. Visiting the country permanently impacted us. We look forward to returning. Hopefully that will occur in 3-6 weeks. We now know our kids' birthplace and will be visiting the birth mother next trip in the southern portion of the country. Over the next few weeks, we will be preparing for this birth-mom visit and the rest of the things we need to do on the trip.

Thanks for everyone's prayers. We felt safe during our trip.

Until we return, Cumings family out.