Sunday, November 2, 2008

We're Home



After a grueling thirty-four hour trip we made it back home! Our family and friends were at the airport to greet us and one family lovingly took photos and video of the entire welcome home. What a gift! We stayed at the airport and visited for a short while then Ray, and I, and our children went home to just be together and love our new baby. She is the perfect center of attention and had no problems fitting into that spot!



Tonight we had a birthday celebration for our 15-year-old daughter. All the family came and brought food and we enjoyed the togetherness. We missed our children so much and it is good to be reunited with them. But a huge piece of our heart remains in Ethiopia until we can bring Beautiful Etsegenet home so she can be in our next family photo. It won't be long until our hearts sing for joy!

12 comments:

Patty said...

So glad you are home and will ALL be together soon! What a beautiful family picture! Hope you are rested soon.

Love,
Patty

Karen said...

Love the family photo - and soon Etsegent will be here too! So glad things worked out for you and so glad you are home and all are safe and well! with love, Karen Wistrom

Sherry said...

So glad you made it home with baby M. We continue to pray for precious E. We will count down the days with you until you can bring her home. We're praying for God to restore your bodies and refresh your spirits quickly!

Blessings - Sherry Semlow :)

The Gambles said...

Oh My look at the smile on that little baby!! I can't wait to hear from you guys - So much to tell you.

I am so glad you are here and safe.

ethiHOPEia said...

Oh! What a beautiful picture. We're so glad you had a good trip to Ethiopia and enjoyed reading your blog while you were gone. The miracles you had while there were so amazing! God is a wonderful God!
Blessings as you continue to adjust!
Hilary Forrest

Anonymous said...

Soon you will have all 9 of your children with you. The holidays will be even More exciting this year. Wilma

Jori said...

I am so excited and happy for you!! Wonderful family photo but we are still praying with you for your empty spot! Are you traveling with us in 11 days to bring her back home? Congrats ~ I am not looking foreward to the many, many, many hours but I also know it will be worth it!!1
Anna and I talked about you taking care packages so please let me know ASAP if you will not be traveling!! :):)
love ya, jori

Anonymous said...

We are so excited and happy for your family. We've been following your trip with this blog and praying. Can't wait until we can hear more of the stories, and meet your little girl. Then we'll get to do it over again with E really soon.
Enjoy your time with your new baby this week!

Cheryl Grantom

Anonymous said...

Well Done! What a splendid family! Your courage, strength and faith are incredibly inspirational and an excellent witness to the power and love of our God.
Blessings,
The Bainbridge Harveys

Mark & Mel Harpold said...

Your family is precious!!! So glad to see you together and we are praying for quick travel for your sweet daughter!

Love,
Mama Mel

Kari said...

There are just NO WORDS.
We love the VanWetten family!!!
whoooohooooo
The photo is STUNNING....prayerfully waiting for beautiful Sege to make it complete:))))
We love you,
Kari:)

Anonymous said...

Great family photo! It won't be long before it is complete. You all look like you are having a great time with Meseret.

Lori Schneider