Wendy and I would like to thank everyone for their prayers and support over this whole two year process. It's been a long journey with many different emotions and of course lots of waiting. Now that we are at this point in the journey, we are calling on all of you to say a special prayer for us tonight and for the flight. We knew it was going to be difficult to bond with a toddler from an orphanage who didn't speak our language, but the last couple of days have been harder on us than we could have imagined. Blen didn't sleep much last night and neither did we. She has short periods of good cheer but mostly she is cranky or crying. She is only consoled by Wendy so she is worn down and I try to help as best I can but I feel pretty helpless and worthless.
Please pray for peace and trust in Blen's heart and sleep for our little girl. Please pray for wisdom and strength and compassion for Wendy and I as we really need it. We know with your support and God's help things will get better and we will have a wonderful little girl.
Today our agenda was pretty tame compared to every day prior. We hung out at the hotel in the morning and had a traditional lunch and coffee ceremony at Alemu's house. The food was great as usual and coffee ceremony (they roast the beans over coals, smash and grind them in a small jar/pot, boil water over the coals and then serve them in little cups with popcorn, kolo-roasted barley seads, and doba - a huge loaf of delicious bread). The whole ceremony takes about an hour and a half. We then went back to the hotel and all of the other adoptive families left for the airport. We leave tomorrow night at about midnight local time.
Thanks for all the prayers and thoughts. See you soon.
John & Wendy
I am praying for you many times a day. The flight is bound to be difficult....distractions, distractions, food, toys, singing, walking... Be encouraged. the plane noise may lull her to sleep! Things will get better. You will be home, soon. I hope to be able to visit in April, can't wait! God bless you and hold you in His loving arms.
ReplyDeletejohn and wendy--
ReplyDeletei just caught up on everything you have been through... what a truly amazing and unforgettable experience! tears are streaming down my face and i am so SO happy for you. we will keep you in our prayers, not only for your flight, but for the coming days and weeks of transition for all four of you.
~elissa + erin
I will continue to send so many prayers your way, specifically for peace, trust, wisdom and strength on journey home and for the days and weeks to come. I am sure you know but I sometimes forget when I am in the midst of a trying time, deep breaths help in any difficult situation. Lots and lots of deep calming breaths and feel the abundance love surrounding all of you. I love you guys so much. Big hugs!
ReplyDeletepraying for you all! She will grow to love everything you have to offer her! :) You are doing such a wonderful thing! ~Alison. Molter
ReplyDeletebtw, she is BEAUTIFUL!
ReplyDelete~Alison
So incredibly excited for your newaddition to your family. What a great gift to both families! Safe travels!
ReplyDeletethis is from Melanie Dupon.............a blast from your past!
ReplyDeleteCongrats you guys, we can't wait to see her. We know it will take time to adjust, but Mary and I can't wait till the weather is warm and Blen is following you and Joel up and down the street just like every other summer. What a great addition it will be to all of our lives! Good luck on the rest of your journey. Love, The Wells Family
ReplyDeleteJohn & Wendy-
ReplyDeleteI just caught up on the adventure you guys have been on the last few days, truely touching! It is so funny how you have had that name picked out for so long, but I love that you are keeping it Blen! PLEASE let me know if there is anything we can do, no matter how small to help you as you continue on this journey. You guys are definately in our prayers and thoughts constantly. We can not wait to meet Blen for a playdate with Aliyah :) See you soon and take care. God is with you even when you feel like you are exhausted, He will carry you through to the brighter days!
Love Mark & Christy Garner
Wow. Thank you so much for writing about your days and experiences. I am deeply touched - you guys did a great job describing to us to the sights and tastes and people of Ethiopia. Thank you again for taking the time that we could experience this with you (in a way).
ReplyDeleteI can't explain how excited we are to see you, and meet Blen. Blen. I love it. I love her name.
Love you guys. See you TOMORROW!
- BrieAnna (and Kyle)