The kids are ours

Sunday we returned to Addis Ababa. Another long drive. We are exhausted from the 26-hour flight, our two long trips in two days, and the birth-mom visit. No rest for the weary, however. We have a full day on Monday that includes picking up the kids.

We left the guest house at 9:30 Monday morning and traveled to the Bethany office with two other couples. We received training for our embassy meeting on Thursday. We also met with our social worker to receive an update on the kids. A nice lunch followed. Then it was time.

We were first to pick up our kids. Bec and I looked at each other on the way over. Words were not necessary: "we're really doing this?" When we arrived, we were led into the orphanage playroom, which had been transformed into a place for a ceremony. Six small chairs in two rows had been set up facing a table and four chairs. After a short wait, six children walked in and sat down in the chairs. They began singing songs and performing while we waited for Zenash and Elias. It was a long wait. They finally arrived dressed in traditional Ehtiopian clothing. We hugged and kissed them. Then the four of us sat around the table. The orphanage workers brought in a cake that was specially made for the ceremony. Zenash and Elias cut the cake with our help. Pieces were handed out to all, and we ate. Zenash was noticeably concerned about leaving the orphanage. Elias, on the other hand, was so happy to be eating cake that he had a permanent grin on his face. He ate his piece and part of Bec's piece in record time. Then one of the children stood up and said a prayer for Zenash and Elias. After the prayer, each of the six children walked over and kissed both Zenash and Elias goodbye. It was a heartfelt ceremony. On the way out, the orphanage workers each said their goodbyes: some through tears. We then left the orphanage. The kids were ours.

We traveled to the other orphanages for the other two couples. Zenash and Elias were nervous. Zenash even fell asleep. When we finally arrived back at the orphanage, the kids were pretty worn out. We played for a while and then ate dinner.

What an experience. Neither liked their dinner. So we ordered some traditional food: injera and sauce. Zenash ate, but Elias did not. Instead he threw a fit on the floor. The kids were very tired.

After dinner, we got ready for bed. This too was an experience. We tried several tactics and were finally successful in calming them down and getting them to sleep. Now we're exhausted! The kids and Bec are sound asleep as I write this. And I'm soon to follow.

We spend the day tomorrow relaxing with the kids.