Feb 18, 2011
Leaving on a jet plane to go and get Faith!
Feb 16, 2011
Paperwork at the Embassy!
Jan 24, 2011
Jan 21, 2011
Faith Announcement
Jan 17, 2011
Jan 14, 2011
Out 1st Trip to Addis Ababa
January 7th – 15th
Day 1 and 2 – Travel
We flew for 30 hours and finally made it to Addis Ababa at 11:00 in the night on Saturday. We were greeted with the most wonderful people I have ever met. They were very gentle and very helpful. When we got to the hotel, it was the day after Christmas in their timing and they were still celebrating it with loud music and festive dancing. It was a warm welcoming. We slept in and rested the next day at the beautiful Hilton. We were awakened at 4:00 in the morning to chanting and trumpets being blown. Ethiopia is 70% Orthodox Christian and 30% Muslin. You can hear the chantings throughout the city several times a day. 4:00am was just too early.
Although the hotel was nice, the area looked like the rest of the city with shanty built homes. We then got up and ate lunch by the pool. We meet a wonderful woman named Faritusa. We asked her how to say Tarikua and she was amazed at our story of adopting. She gave me her cell phone and told me to call her if I needed anything. What friendly people. We ate some delicious chocolate crepes. YUM! There food is spicy like Thai food but very yummy. They serve a lot of lamb too. Coffee is a huge thing here with coffee ceremonies.
Day 3 – Sunday at the Hilton
After having lunch at the Hilton, we got a taxi and went to meet up with the rest of our group at the Yilma Hotel. Boy was the taxi ride interesting. The city is like NY with a ton of cars, ton of people walking in the street, with cattle and donkeys walking in the street, and with rickshaws and motor bikes zipping through. Lots of horns being blown. We made it to my surprise!!
We met up at the guesthouse with 2 other families. This is a small group of 3 which there are usually 16 families. What a blessing to Meet Erin and Chris who are adopting siblings 1 ½ and 3. Then there is Paula who is adopting her 2nd child from Ethiopia. She brought her 4 year old Martha who was from Ethiopia and her sister Kay. Such a joy to see how they grow. She was actually bringing Martha back to have a meeting with her father and her siblings. Such sweet reunions.
The guethouse was wonderful and the staff is so warm and gracious. We also have a view of the orphanage where Faith will be moved to after the court hearing. Then there is a lot of constructions going on. Mostly with concrete and the building process is slow but it is being done.
Day 4 – Monday – Trip to Hosanna
At the Mussie orphanage where we will meet Faith. It is a 3 ½ hour bus ride on a crazy rode with lots of animals and near deaths of some sort. We left at 6:00am to start our journey to meet our little one. Mark was so sentimental and brought out his red and white stripped baby shirt. He was ready to meet our new little one!! We drove through the hustling city for about an hour and then we got to the villages and farming lands. The farms were amazing and they were very neat and well kept. They each had at least one hut on the property and possibly 2 for storage. The people and children worked together. You would see a 5 year old herding bulls across the busy highway. There is a new saying go play on the highway. Then we would come upon a shanty town made from nothing but sheet metal and hundreds of people standing around. On the way, we saw the World Vision Orphanage where we sponsor a little Ethiopian girl named Martha. It was so cool to see the orphange in Bruee Village. I wish I could have gone to see Martha as well. There was some serious technology for satalitte service out in the middle of no where too.
Hosanna is south of Addis Ababa. We past the Rift Valley where the “Lucy” oldest human bones were found. Our next stop was the the Mussie Orphange. We all got there very anxious to meet our little ones. We waited about 15 minutes while they readied them. We were all put into a room the size of my bedroom with 8 adults and 4 children and 2 babies. It was a tight squeeze. We were not allowed to take pictures but they took them for us.
On the way to Hosanna, I couldn’t stop thinking about Faith and what her life would have been like if we didn’t adopt her. As I watched the farmers tend to their crops, I saw many children hanging out with their parents and some just with their siblings. It looked like a peaceful happy life yet I know that often times it is filled with hunger and illness and death. When we finally got to the orphanage, I was aching to hold my precious daughter. I saw her laying in her crib and went over to her. I feared that she would cry when I picked her up but she just looked up at me with her great big chocolate eyes and wriggled her hands and toes just begging for me to hold her. I picked her up and she just nestled right into my chest next to my heart. They we sat down and played with several toys. She cooed and smiled for us and then she finally giggled. What sounds of joy. She was mesmerized by Mark’s baby shirt. She had plenty of smiles for him too. Then after about an hour she fell asleep in my arms. What joy to just hold her tight and rock my sleeping baby. She looked so peaceful. Then it was time to go and I was hoping to see her bright eyes once more and it was if she heard me and opened her eyes and smiled. When I put her down she started to cry as I told her that I would be back and next time I would bring her home with me. As I left, I began to cry and then they ushered us into a quaint little room to have a coffee ceremony. They roast the coffee over a kettle of hot coals and then they serve us the coffee, nice and hot and very strong. They also served us popcorn too.
When we were leaving the Orphanage, there were several children standing around so I gave them some candy. Within a few seconds, there were over 30 children all asking for some candy. Some of the boys would chant give me a pocket full of money. Whenever a bus would drive by, the kids would all laugh and wave. You would have thought we were some pop stars. After we left the Orphanage, we went to the school that Children’s Home Society has started with funds from the adoption program. Right now it is a K-8 school with over 300 children enrolled. They are not all orphans. This serves the community. They teach them math and reading and English as well. When we got there, a soccer game was going on and Mark joined in to play with the kids. They loved it!! Mark loved it too. Then we went to the classrooms and the kids just all came out and started touching us and wanting to hold our hands and ask us our names and then they would laugh. They were so joyful and truly being blessed by the school.
Day 5 – Reviewing Intake Video
Today we went to see the intake video of Faith’s mother Etenesh. We got to see where Faith was born. It was a small mud hut a Teleke. It was so humbling to actually see Faith’s mom and to see the likeness between the two. There is no doubt about it that Faith is her child. Her mom looked very sad and depressed. It was a difficult video to watch. It is such a shame that someone else’s misfortune can bring so much happiness to another family. After the video we went back to the guest house and had lunch and a nap. We have the privilege of having our own personal guide who goes everywhere with us. His name is Ato Tesaro. He is a very strong Christian and it was a joy to get to know him.
When we were driving, we saw a goat market where you pick out a goat and they slaughter it right there for you. Now that is fresh meat.
Tonight we are going to a traditional Ethiopian festival at the Yod Abyssinia Restaurant. We will have traditional food as well as watch the traditional dancing. I can’t wait. There was a bridal party that came in. It was amazing to see this custom demonstrated in the Ethiopian Culture.
Before we ate, they brought a water basin over and washed our hands. It was very humbling. We ate Injera which is a tortilla like bread and a lot of spicy food with lentils in it. The meal was served with no utensils too. Mark and I ordered Beef and Lamb grilled over coals. It was very yummy but very spicy.
Day 6 – Court Day and Birth Family meeting, Candle Lighting Ceremony
We got up early for our pre-court meeting and during that meeting we were notified that the judge wanted to see us right then and there. We drove to the courthouse and walked right in all three families at once and sat down and answered 5 questions and we were done. We fly 60 hours for a 3 minute meeting. One of the families found out that they passed court during the court meeting and we will have to wait until tomorrow to find out about our court case. I truly believe that we will pass court!!
Then we went to the birth family meeting. This was such an incredible experience to meet Faith’s mom and then ask her questions as well as assure her of our love for her and Faith. We told her about our family and then we asked her what she wanted for Faith’s life. Her answer was amazing: to pray every day, to grow up to be kind, to be a good citizen, and to never forget her. We then asked her if she wanted to give Faith a message for when she grows up and she told her that she loves her and will never forget her. She has no family and she is not only her daughter but her sister as well. We were able to communicate to Etenesh – Faith’s mom that we were thankful to her for giving life toFaith and that she is strong to be here today. We also prayed that God would bless her and that she would always be in our hearts and that she is part of our family now. We embraced and she began to sob and hold me tight like a hurt little girl. Then I started sobbing with her as well. It was a very tender moment.
The next stage was that candle lighting ceremony. The birth families said a prayer and lit a candle and then handed it to us as a symbol of them entrusting their children to us. In return we said a prayer for them and thanked them for this gift and promised to love their children forever. It was hard to say goodbye knowing that it would be a long time before we see her again if we saw her at all. We did make a promise to keep in touch through annual update reports that she gets. Our agency also provides post-adoption services where they set up a meeting between the birth family and our family. If I could bring Etenesh home with Faith I would. She was a beautiful young girl full of joy despite all of her circumstances. It is amazing how strong someone can truly be and someone so young too.
Day 7 – Museum Tour and Shopping
Today we went to the National Museum and saw Lucy – the bones of a 3.3 million years ago Homo Sapien found in the Rift Valley in Ethiopia. Then we went shopping. I was able to buy 13 gifts for Faith, to give her one on her Adoption Day every year. It was interesting and fun. Then as we were coming home, Ato Tefera our tour guide got a phone call and let us know that Faith is officially ours. We passed court! It is final! We were so excited. Everyone on the bus started yelling with joy. Our sweet little Faith is now a Rodriguez! We were the 1st families to pass court in over 2 months due to the new paperwork rule. Praise God for Miracles!! We serve a might God. Then we called our family which it was 2:00 in the morning. They were a bit surprised by the call but very excited to get the news. We then ate a very traditional Ethiopian lunch with Injera and Shinto made with lentils, garlic, onion, and spices. YUMMY! We toasted with our new friends with some Orange Fanta.
Day 8 – Visiting Churches
This morning we took off and went to Mt. Entoto where there are several churches built on top of the mountain. First we went to St. Mary’s Cathedral. Where they were having a festival of Timkat which is a very special ceremony where they bring a replicated Ark of the Covenant out to the people and they have ceremony. There were hundreds of people there. It was an amazing experience. Then we went to a church that was dug into rock like a cave.
Day 9 & 10 – Travel Days – Home at last!
Jan 9, 2011
We arrived at the Hilton!
Jan 6, 2011
Leaving on a Jet Plane!
Fri-Sat - Fly 30 hours to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Sun - rest and shop
Mon - Orientation
Tues - 3 hour drive to see Faith, 2 hours with Faith, 3 hour drive home
Wed - Court Date
Thus - Birth Family Meeting - hopefully meet Faith's Mom
Fri-Sat - Fly Home 30 hours
Cry all the way home............
Jan 3, 2011
Updated Paperwork in Ethiopia!
Dec 16, 2010
Dossier is Done!!
Dec 10, 2010
Updating the Dossier again in 5 days
Well we have run into a bit of a snag. Since we have waited so long for the referral our dossier is too old and we need to update it. I only have 5 days to do it in too. It is very stressful especially when our lives are completely full right now with School, Christmas, visitors, Musicals....Please pray that we are able to get it done and still be able to see Faith in January. God is good and we have to remember that He is in control of all things including paperwork.
Nov 8, 2010
Measles Outbreak in Addis Ababa
Court Date January 12th
Oct 13, 2010
October 4th - Referral Day!
Sep 22, 2010
My first Contraction!
Well today I recieved the news that there is only 1 family in front of ours in order to recieve our referral!! It will be soon, within a week or 2. It has been such a long wait and a long journey it seems so surreal!! It is like having my 1st contraction and the labor begins. Unfortunately, it will be about 4 months before I get to hold our sweet Faith and then another 6 weeks to bring her home where she belongs! Thanks for all of your prayers!!!
"For you are my hope; O Lord GOD, You are my confidence from my youth. By You, I have been sustained from my birth; You are He who took me from my mother's womb; my praise is continually of You. I have become a marvel to many, for You are my strong refuge. My mouth is filled with Your praise and with Your glory all day long." Psalms 71:5-8
Aug 16, 2010
Giving Birth to God's Dream.....
6/2010
I just finished "Completely His" by Shannon Ethridge. I was reading about giving birth to God's Dreams. I prayed that His dream of bringing Faith home would come to be soon. That He would give me patience and a peaceful heart while I wait anxiously for her to come home. When will it be? It has been 2 years now since I had the vision. This message encouraged me to know that it will happen soon.
We are ready!
" Oh, what you are about to see! I have been working my plan throughout all the ages. And now in this generation I will very soon manifest my heart for the world, the whole world. Do you know how the latitudinal and longitudinal lines are laid out across and around the entire earth? Have you seen this on your maps and world globes? But how do you fit in? Have you been gestating for some time now. There were some truths conceived in your spirit long before this time in your life. I caused that conception. There has been a time of waiting. At times you have grown weary and wondered if there was a false conception or perhaps even a miscarriage. But I say unto you that which was conceived is going to arrive on time. That time is very near and even now if you can receive it...The conception was real in your spirit and what is about to happen to and with you is in concert with my will worldwide. What you have considered is so much smaller than what I have in mind. You have dared to reveal my dreams and visions that I have given you concerning this very thing you will now see. I say unto you it is real... Get ready."*
*This is a page from "Completely His" by Shannon Ethridge.
The Plans I have for You...
3/1/2010
Today I was asking the Lord when and if it was still to happen. Then he spoke to me:
"You will be in Babylon for 70 years , then I will come and do for you all the things I have promised. I will bring you home again. For I know the plans I have for you. They are plans for good and not for disaster to give you a future and a hope. I will gather you out of the nations where I sent you and bring you home again to you own land." Jeremiah 29:10-14
Waiting....
The wait to bring home Faith is piercing my heart. It seems as though she will never make it home. I prayed to our Lord to speak to me regarding her arrival and this is what He said:
"The Lord Answers, then the Lord replied; write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it. For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay."
I thanked God for reassuring me of His plan for Faith. I will wait for His appointed time and praise God for His faithfulness.
Aug 15, 2010
Sunrise....sunset
11/14/2008
Today we got the news that our home study and application was accepted. This morning I awoke to a spectacular sunrise. The sky was glowing with such vibrant colors. My heart stirred so I got out of bed. As I looked outside to see God's glory He told me that He loved me and had something special planned for today. Well He did. We got the approval from Children's Home Society. That evening the Lord blessed me with an awesome sunset. He began my day in awe and ended it in awe as well. Today was a great day.