Friday, November 21, 2008

Straight From a Dad's Heart

Day Six, Friday, November 21st

Ray emailed me as soon as he landed in Washington DC. This is his note to me, it speaks volumes! He is on his way home and we will see them at PDX at 6:00pm. Let us Rejoice!!

Etsegenet and I are doing really well, we just landed in Washington after a very long flight from Ethiopia (as you know). Still to my amazement Etsegenet is so happy to come to America without any sadness in leaving Ethiopia and all her relationships. Saying good-bye to Barrett and Rachel was tearless, Rachel had tears of happy/sad emotions, but I think she will be okay.

This trip has really been the trip of many lessons for me:

1. Trust God with everything, Big or Small. HE actually knows what HE is doing!

2. Ethiopian culture is completely kind to all types of people and situations. The poor in this country probably give more than 10% of their wealth to their neighbors.

3. To be a better Father for all my children, Etsegenet really loves me because she now has a father who will provide and protect her...she has shown me her on-going appreciation through her action...she holds my hand everywhere we go, rubs my hairy arms, kisses me on the cheek with thanks, and smiles at me and says "I'm happy".

4. Acknowledge that truth in my life is you Theresa. I know I have been "gray" in my relationship with you and the kids and that will change. As we have done many "truth" projects in our life, they all have been driven by you! Thank you for enriching my life with opening my eyes to real purpose.

May God continue His work through us...

Love you and all my children very much,

Raymond John/Dad

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

Wow! That was amazing! Thank you for sharing something so personal!
With much love,
X-TB
PS Annika wants to know when she's going to get to meet Etsegenet! :)

Anonymous said...

What a sweet and wonderful note from your husband. You can tell that God has really worked in his heart through all this. We are watching for tonight's arrival photos!

Lori

Anonymous said...

YEAH! YEAH! YEAH! As I type this, you all are home now...together, happy and safe!!! Hope happy I am for you.
This journey has been a long and hard one...nothing I could have ever imagined at the start of it all! But look where God has brought us...I started to dance around the room with E. today singing, "I have you! I have my baby! I have you!" :) What a moment!
Love to you all,
from the whole Lusse family :)

Buffy said...

I traveled with my friend to pick up her child this week, and I was able to meet Ray and Etsegenet. She, and he for that matter, were wonderful. I know you are so happy to have her in your family. God Bless you guys. I know Etsegenet will make a huge difference in this world!

Nunez Family said...

Totally in tears!Thank you for sharring your heart. God light shines mighty through children...what a lesson for all of us. I can't wait to reunite with you all:) Thank you for being a wonderful ezample as a father, hunsband & godly man! Blessings for the rest of your jorney!
The Nunez's

Kelly said...

That note is every wife's dream :) How incredibly sweet!!! SO glad that your entire family will be together very soon!!! E. probably knows our daughter who is in the transition home. She is 16 months old... Lori Laughner has told me that all the older girls played especially with the toddlers... what a neat connection!!!

Thankfulmom said...

What a treasure to read this. I loved hearing Ray's "voice". You are blessed.

I look forward to hearing about your reunion soon.

Lisa

Danielle said...

AMAZING! I sure wish I had been able to watch your airport reunion. I can't imagine anything more sweet. Blessings to your family. Thank you for sharing your journey with us! Love, Danielle

Laurel said...

What a beautiful note! I, too, am BLESSED with an amazing man of God, who couldn't be a better husband and daddy.

Laurel