Opps...I just realized that I have been updating Facebook, but have neglected my blog. So here's the lowdown...I arrived in ET on Late Thursday night (Nov. 17th). Thankfully only one bag was lost and was recovered in less than 24 hrs. Isaiah was able to move into the guesthouse with me on Saturday. I was a bundle of nervous energy before he arrived. As soon as the car pulled up, I ran outside to greet him. Sweet boy was completely asleep. Nevertheless, after some good snuggle time he was ready to play. He is such a happy little guy; full of life and joy. He is constantly laughing, smiling, making boy noise, and is always on the go. And Oh can this boy eat!
I am amazed at how well Isaiah is adjusting to me and a new environment. He has been sleeping great each night (12+ hours) and taking good naps during the day. I am learning so much about him like what makes him laugh, the foods he likes, that way he likes to held, cues to know when he is tired, etc. He has a cute way of telling me that he is hungry by the way he smacks his lips. He sucks his thumb when he's ready to fall asleep. And he has a super silly, squishing face he makes when he's REALLY happy. Too cute!
On Monday afternoon, I payed the Embassy a visit. I asked to speak with Esther so that we could discuss the hold up of our case and to see if there was anything else we could do it speed this process along. She was very nice and professional. She gave me the standard answer, "It just takes time. We need to complete the process by interviewing the police officer in Gonder. I will let you know when a decision is made. Yada yada yada." I wasn't discouraged, but I wasn't encouraged either. Prayer, prayer, and more prayer.
Little guy has been sick for a while. He's had a yucky nose, eyes, and cough. We've spent many hours walking the grounds attached to one another. I'm so thankful for my Eurgo, otherwise my back would be killing me. On Wednesday (Nov. 23rd) we ventured out to the care center to pay the doc a visit. It was so good to have a change of scenery. (MOWA has put some regulations in place in ET about taking your adoptive children in public. You really can only go to privately owned businesses/homes.) We saw the doc and got some meds for his eyes and congestion. After the doc, Belay and Genet met me at one of the houses and allowed me to take part of another family's coffee ceremony. There's nothing like fresh, roasted, Ethiopian coffee. I can't wait for Scott to join me for our coffee ceremony next week. Yep, Scott's joining me on Monday because we CLEARED EMBASSY!!!! ( I can't wait to see my hubby.) I got the email late Wednesday before Embassy closed for the rest of the week, for Thanksgiving. We are hoping to get an appointment on Tuesday or Wednesday to get IBP's visa. We'll head back to Arkansas on the following Saturday, Dec. 3rd. I'm so excited for our family of 6 to be reunited. I've missed my hubby and girls so much!
On Thanksgiving day, Genet and the BJoe ladies prepared a wonderful meal for the families staying at the guest house. Roasted chicken with veggies, mashed cheesey potatoes, mac-n-cheese, gravy, fresh salad with mint, and dessert. Funny story....I was in charge of mixing and baking the brownies. I mixed the batch and told the girls to turn on the oven to 350 degrees. Genet said, "Well, our oven only goes to 250 degrees." I assured her that it would eventually cook and it would take a little longer. I went on to change Isaiah's diaper. I made my way back to the kitchen and noticed the brownies were burning and completely hard. We were all puzzled, but didn't think much about it. At dinner we were talking about the brownie incident and realized that I was talking Fahrenheit and the oven here is Celsius. Needless to say we had "brownie brittle." Thankfully, the Robbin's had ordered 2 cakes to enjoy after our meal. This wasn't the first Thanksgiving dessert that I have ruined.
I've missed Scott and the girls more than I can truly express. It has emotionally and physically harder than I expected. I've never prayed so much and cried so much. However, I wouldn't change our decision for a minute. I know without a doubt this is where I need to be, with our son. I feel like I am making up for lost time. This time of bonding has been such a gift. I am so thankful that there is an ending in sight for the Page's. Please continue to pray for our family this last week. Pray that all involved will have the strength that only the Lord can give. And I can't help but ask for prayers of strength for the families that are yet to complete this process. My heart goes out to them. I know "He is faithful and He will do it.".
I am amazed at how well Isaiah is adjusting to me and a new environment. He has been sleeping great each night (12+ hours) and taking good naps during the day. I am learning so much about him like what makes him laugh, the foods he likes, that way he likes to held, cues to know when he is tired, etc. He has a cute way of telling me that he is hungry by the way he smacks his lips. He sucks his thumb when he's ready to fall asleep. And he has a super silly, squishing face he makes when he's REALLY happy. Too cute!
On Monday afternoon, I payed the Embassy a visit. I asked to speak with Esther so that we could discuss the hold up of our case and to see if there was anything else we could do it speed this process along. She was very nice and professional. She gave me the standard answer, "It just takes time. We need to complete the process by interviewing the police officer in Gonder. I will let you know when a decision is made. Yada yada yada." I wasn't discouraged, but I wasn't encouraged either. Prayer, prayer, and more prayer. 
Little guy has been sick for a while. He's had a yucky nose, eyes, and cough. We've spent many hours walking the grounds attached to one another. I'm so thankful for my Eurgo, otherwise my back would be killing me. On Wednesday (Nov. 23rd) we ventured out to the care center to pay the doc a visit. It was so good to have a change of scenery. (MOWA has put some regulations in place in ET about taking your adoptive children in public. You really can only go to privately owned businesses/homes.) We saw the doc and got some meds for his eyes and congestion. After the doc, Belay and Genet met me at one of the houses and allowed me to take part of another family's coffee ceremony. There's nothing like fresh, roasted, Ethiopian coffee. I can't wait for Scott to join me for our coffee ceremony next week. Yep, Scott's joining me on Monday because we CLEARED EMBASSY!!!! ( I can't wait to see my hubby.) I got the email late Wednesday before Embassy closed for the rest of the week, for Thanksgiving. We are hoping to get an appointment on Tuesday or Wednesday to get IBP's visa. We'll head back to Arkansas on the following Saturday, Dec. 3rd. I'm so excited for our family of 6 to be reunited. I've missed my hubby and girls so much!
On Thanksgiving day, Genet and the BJoe ladies prepared a wonderful meal for the families staying at the guest house. Roasted chicken with veggies, mashed cheesey potatoes, mac-n-cheese, gravy, fresh salad with mint, and dessert. Funny story....I was in charge of mixing and baking the brownies. I mixed the batch and told the girls to turn on the oven to 350 degrees. Genet said, "Well, our oven only goes to 250 degrees." I assured her that it would eventually cook and it would take a little longer. I went on to change Isaiah's diaper. I made my way back to the kitchen and noticed the brownies were burning and completely hard. We were all puzzled, but didn't think much about it. At dinner we were talking about the brownie incident and realized that I was talking Fahrenheit and the oven here is Celsius. Needless to say we had "brownie brittle." Thankfully, the Robbin's had ordered 2 cakes to enjoy after our meal. This wasn't the first Thanksgiving dessert that I have ruined.
I've missed Scott and the girls more than I can truly express. It has emotionally and physically harder than I expected. I've never prayed so much and cried so much. However, I wouldn't change our decision for a minute. I know without a doubt this is where I need to be, with our son. I feel like I am making up for lost time. This time of bonding has been such a gift. I am so thankful that there is an ending in sight for the Page's. Please continue to pray for our family this last week. Pray that all involved will have the strength that only the Lord can give. And I can't help but ask for prayers of strength for the families that are yet to complete this process. My heart goes out to them. I know "He is faithful and He will do it.".