Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Is That the Finish Line?

Day Three, Tuesday Morning, November 18Th
(Ethiopia Time: Tuesday Night)

I heard from Ray this morning. He finally made it to Addis with almost no sleep. He is working on negative energy. When he arrived at the Addis Ababa airport he was met by Justine Gamble who was there retrieving her luggage that was delayed by a day. All her baggage is now in her custody. All Ray's bags arrived safely.
The transition house goodbyes were beyond sad. ALL the nannies were bawling and poor little Meti (Etsegenet's best friend at the TH) was very sad, as we all expected. Our only comfort is that she will be very much doted on by all the loving nannies until her mommy and daddy pick her up in January. E's birth mother was there for the send off. Ray was able to get photos of E when she was younger. This goodbye was sad, but not as painful as we expected. It was the nannies that were the most difficult for her to leave. As you have heard so often, they REALLY love these children. This is not just their job, it is their life.
Ray and E are now at the second guest house some five blocks away from the rest of the AWA families. This is not the best situation for them, but he will manage just fine with lots of Uno and coloring. Angelina sent her newest sister her last care package. It had games, candy, new fun socks and a teddy bear. We were able to talk to E on the phone today and she thanked Angelina for her gift. She is such a sweetie. I can't believe she will be home in just three days!!
Ray is planning on emailing me and calling me tomorrow night. They will be sleeping today and by the time I wake tomorrow they should be preparing for their embassy appointment. I will keep you informed as soon as the information comes in. Keep praying, we are almost at the finish line! Praise God!

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

So glad to hear Ray made is there and now with E! You are all in my thoughts and prayers this week especially.
Cheryl Grantom

Jaime said...

I am so happy for your family!

Anonymous said...

Yeah! I was dying to call you back to see how things were going this morning after you talked to Ray! :) Hope you're have a good day...it's 3:30pm and we are only half way done with school! Needless to say, some things "came up"! hahaha
Love to you,
Ex-TB

Patty said...

Praying for you guys! I hope the time goes fast for our little girl until January. Praise God for the nannys!

Love,
Patty

JbarJ Mom said...

Praying you all through the finish line and thinking of that combination of numb fatigue, relief and excitement when you reach the end of a long race...although in this case, it is a blessed beginning. Love and prayers from the Aldrich Family

Kanga said...

Oh, How exciting. I wait anxiously for every update and get so excited when I see another one. How wonderful that he finally has her with him. We can not wait for him and your new daughter to arrive home. We will be praying for them both on the long trip home.

Isaac T said...

Oh, we are praying, we are praying. What fantastic news! We are so excited for you and your's! The wait is almost over! God is good!

Isaac Terwilleger

Anonymous said...

What?! No more posts? Are you busy or something...perhaps your hubby is outta town? LOLOL
By the way, don't head over to my blog...no updates to speak of over there! LOL
Love to you(and prayers too!),
A