Packing for Home in America

Wednesday, July 1st
As I (Daniel) sat down to write this blog for today, Robel came over and snuggled up to my side. He didn't want anything – just to snuggle and relax with his Dad. It's very nice and makes a good ending to a very good day.

We got Robel's passport and visa today, along with the immigration packet that we need when we enter the country. It feels good to have all of the official work done. Now all we need to do is fly home. We fly to Washington, DC on Friday, spend the night with extended family, then fly home on Saturday.

Shortly after receiving immigration documentation, Robel's biological brother and uncle came by to say good-bye. This visit was a lot less emotional than Saturday's visit, which was really good. Robel handled this one a lot better. He was happy to see them, but he had already emotionally said good-bye, so it was more just a “fun” visit for him.

We played soccer a little bit and gave some pictures to Tedi that we had printed for him. He gave us a hand-written document with the names of all Robel's biological extended family and where they live. His uncle gave us his email address in case we have questions in the future, which should be helpful as future questions about the family arise. We had been worried about how Robel was going to handle another visit, but we couldn't have asked it to have gone any better. He has been happy all day.

The rest of the day has been spent playing with the all the kids at the guest house, along with the security guards. I believe Robel prefers playing soccer with the security guards as they are better than him...unlike his parents! :)

Thursday, July 2nd
Today I woke to the realization that we are going home! However, so did our son but his is not so much excitement as it is sadness. He has had tears streaming from his beautiful eyes all morning. The language barrier is so thick I could cut it with a knife. I have held him and told him I love him and still the tears come. My heart aches for him as only a mother's can. I want to take away the pain but instead we seem to be removing his bandaid one hair at a time. It is only too clear that he is struggling with this new life he is entering. I love him, I adore him, I want him to have joy and all of this will come in time. Pray for my baby that he will be able to endure this time as he transitions from the only life he's ever known to one of complete opposite.

I really cannot believe this is our last day. The walls of this beautiful guest house have become home for us. It is where I first snuggled with our new son. Tucked him in. Gave him a bath. Watched him pray. Our friends and fellow adopters are good friends now. They are like family we have lived together, ate together, been anxious together, cried together. I already miss the smells of the country the sweet smell of a cooking fire. The small children and their herds of animals. Africa especially Ethiopia is engraved in my heart forever.

This morning on our 8th anniversary of admitting our love, Daniel gave me a necklace and pendant of Africa. I searched for this exact one the whole time we've been here unbeknownst to Daniel. He went shopping yesterday afternoon and bought it for me. I love it!
Robel is now blissfully playing with his friend, Johannes and of course, the babies. The babies love Robie (Roe Bee). When the natives say Robel it sounds like Robie. I love it. The L is almost silent.

Robie's last trip to the WACAP house/orphanage went well. It is funny...we never know what will make him emotional and what doesn't. We really are excited to be going home. The receptionist told Robie about our stop in DC and stay at Aunt Heidi's. She also told him about the fireworks that will occur when we are home late on the 4th.

Our loves goes out to all of you. Have a happy day and thanks for your support. We leave tonight at 10:50pm (12:50pm PST.