BLOGGER TEMPLATES AND TWITTER BACKGROUNDS »

Monday, March 1, 2010

Wow . . . not much more can be said about our day!! We started the day with a “paperwork party” where we filled out the rest of the needed paperwork for our embassy appointment on Wednesday, where we’ll apply for Isaiah Tamrat’s visa. Then we had lunch and orientation with the in-country director of our agency. It was a nice lunch, and very informative talking with Duni.
THEN, it was time to go to the transition home to meet our children. Pretty much all of the buildings here are surrounded by gated walls, usually with barbed wire on top. When we pulled through the gate, there was a nanny shoeing some kids off the front porch. Our mouths nearly dropped open – there was Isaiah Tamrat!!!! It was just a glimpse before the nanny hurried him back inside, but we knew it was him! Then we all got out of the vans and waited outside. The nannies bring the children out to their parents one at a time in alphabetical order. We had already arranged with each other who would take whose pictures so that everyone got pictures of their special moment.
It was amazing! He came walking down the steps and we got to pick him up and hold him and hug him and kiss him! And he gave us that same look that we’ve grown to love in all of the pictures taken by other adoptive parents, kinda like “who are you?” ;o) He is definitely very reserved at least for now – taking it all in! And he was giving EVERYONE that look, including the in-country staff that he knows! So many amazing moments from today!
A few of our highlights - he wouldn’t respond to us or anyone. Understandable in this situation, of course, but we still tried to find out what he wanted to do. It seemed that all he wanted to do was for us to hold him, but we weren’t sure if that was just because he was scared. So I decided to try to give him a granola bar . . . first change in expression . . . he scrunched up his little nose ;o) Apparently granola bars are NOT a favorite ;o)
Then we met with the dr. that works in the transition home. He had to get down off my lap for the dr. to show us something, but as soon as they were done, he inched back to my lap ;o) Then, he was very tired so we sat out on the front porch where he fell asleep on me ;o) No matter what we did, though, we couldn’t get a smile until . . . and all you who know Joe will LOVE this one . . . Joe took him to the little b-ball hoop and had him drop the ball he was holding through the hoop ;o) It was hilarious to watch him actually try not to smile, but we got a few out of him. And then a special moment, but not fun, was leaving again. Joe put him down and he didn’t want to walk away. Joe asked the nannies to tell him that he’d be back, so in Amharic they said “Daddy will be back.” Joe said his expression seemed to “drop” and the nannies said he didn’t want to leave us ;o)
Wow, tomorrow, Lord willing, our luggage is supposed to arrive, and then we go to pick up Isaiah to bring home with us – we can’t wait!!!
I’ll try to post some pics with this post, but I apologize in advance if it won’t go through.









17 comments:

Kevin and Christy said...

PRECIOUS, PRECIOUS, PRECIOUS!!!!!! GOD IS SO GOOD!!!!! (I told you I was living on here to get your updates!) SOOOOOOOO happy for all of you!!!!

Josh, Candace and Cole said...

Sarah, these pictures are just so sweet. I love how you described his reactions...I wonder what is going through his head right now. Praying that the rest of your trip goes well and that Isaiah adjusts to all the changes and traveling. He is just beautiful, and we are so happy for you. Praise the Lord for His goodness!

FranknSteph said...

Yay!!!! The kids keep asking me what's wrong b/c I can't keep the tears in when I see you holding Isaiah! Love you all

Tom Littlejohn said...

Oh yeah! Oh yeah! Praise the Lord!

Isaiah likes HOOPS? Accident? I think not!

Seriously, thanks for sharing. I'm hear wiping tears at work, and the people around me must think I just got fired or something.....

What an amazing blessing; thank you for sharing your wonderful story with us...

Joe, when you get back to the states, you'll need to do a full work-up to see where Isaiah needs to improve his hoops skills..... dribbling, passing, shooting, footwork, defense.... :-)

Esther said...

Tears of absolute JOY. Our God is amazing.

Esther said...

Tears of absolute JOY. Our God is amazing.

Becky said...

Joe looks happy~Sarah content.

Jen said...

I can truly say that this post has drawn me closer to my Father. Heaven seems so sweet when I think about "meeting" Him for that first time! Seeing these pictures also brought tears to my face...just like when I see a mom with her newborn baby!

We are still praying! :)

Joe Fleener said...

This is absolutely wonderful! I have been reading all of your updates and following your journal to meet your son and bring him home with great interest. I was reading this post while I was on hold on the phone and found myself in tears, only to have the person finally come back to the phone! It was kinda hard to explain to the other person why fighting back tears! :-) This is sooooo awesome guys! I praise the Lord for His kindness to you and through you to so many!

The Stephensons said...

Your post and pictures brought tears to my eyes! Congratulations!

Matt & Nicki said...

I am just crying reading this and looking at these pictures! Sarah, what an amazing gift for this little boy and for your family! I am so happy for you guys!! We rejoice with you and will continue to pray!

Kevin and Christy said...

Was hoping to catch you online tonight (this morning?)....but I need to go to bed. Have a GREAT day and know that our thoughts and prayers are with you. Love you and am so excited that you getto keep Isaiah with you today!!!!!!

Jenny said...

SO beautiful! Thanks for sharing your story! I'm praying today that your luggage arrives and that you will soon be permanently with your little one! :)

kelbel said...

I have no words!! Completely awesome and breathtaking!!!

HouseofHerwehes said...

Beautiful!! I am crying tears of joy!

Sue said...

So very happy for you to the point of tears. Amazing, delightful and wonderful. Praying for you.

Missy said...

Crying here!!! So beautiful!!!