From Ethiopia to Disneyland

It is hard to believe that 8 weeks ago this little girl who spoke only a few English words would have a private audience with Sleeping Beauty and Snow White. On a fast trip to California this weekend we made a stop by Disneyland. What an incredible thing to watch Ruhama's face as she meets Mickey and Minnie and all the princesses. Ruhama started preschool last week and she is loving every minute. Each week we watch the butterfly spread her wings and fly a bit higher. Here are a few pictures from DL.

The meaning of a name

When I began our adoption journey I knew that Anna would be her name.....Well after meeting Ruhama and her birth mother, her name will be Ruhama Anna. Ruhama's mother named her Ruhama because she felt that God had shined Mercy on her after the events of her birth and Ruhama is a bibilical name meaning having obtained mercy. She loves her name and so do I.

Gracie, Ruhama and Santa

Meeting Santa Claus for the very first time a few days before Christmas.

Ethiopian Memories

Ruhama and Graciela are playing soccer in the back yard so I have a few minutes to post to our blog. It is hard to believe that it has been 3 weeks since we returned from Ethiopia.

The memories of our trip will live forever.....here are a few of the highlights.

We arrived in Ethiopia in the morning and once we arrived at the HOH, Ruhama was brought to our room to meet me. There she was in the door way holding roses and said "Hi Mommy, I love you." I just couldn't hold the tears. Ruhama stayed with me from that point on-slept with me, ate with me, went everywhere I went. She had been so prepared for me and had watched several families come and go and knew that it was now her time to be with her family.

Staying at the HOH, meeting the nannies, getting to know all the staff , playing with all the children gave me a glimpse into Ruhama's world and now can talk to her about all the people by names and all the children that are her friends.

Having the opportunity to attend church and worshipping with 300+ of my African brother and sisters. I will cherish that memory for a long time.

Meeting Ruhama's birth mother, aunt and dear family friend has to be one of my most precious moments I had while in Ethiopia. There are no words to describe the surreal feelings and asking questions that I know in 10+ years Ruhama will want to know. Embracing each other and having her tell me ewadeshalo - I love you then turned and walked away holding the photo album I had made for her to her chest.....another memory to never be forgotten.

Learning how to make Injera...I am far from proficient as a Injera cooker but what a fun time we had.

Paying at the Hilton playground with Ruhama and watching her experience a slide, teeter totter, swings for the very first time.

Watching Almen (the nurse) braid Ruhama's hair. I still do not have that mastered yet but am learning.

Absolutely falling in love with the Ethiopian people, the land and culture. Leaving was hard and brought lots of tears as they all told Ruhama and me goodbye.The flight home is brutal is all I can say. It is long and exhausting. I love being a Mom and having Ruhama home. I am learning more and more Amharic and she is learning more and more English. We are beginning to settle in.

Melkam Genna -Merry Ethiopian Christmas. Beth, Graciela and Ruhama

Monday

Arriving in Ethiopia after a 20+ hour flight was glorious but nothing compared to having a beautiful little girl standing at the doorway with roses dressed in her pink smocked dress. She said "Hello Mommy" and then ran to give me a hug. The tears just poured. She is EVERYTHING I could have imagined. She has not left my side since we arrived. I believe everything has gone so well because you prayed. Our embassy appointment is in the afternoon tomorrow and I meet Ruhama's birth mom sometime Friday or Sat. Please pray for both of us - that I will not weep during the whole meeting and that God would comfort her heart knowing that I will take care of her precious little girl. Thank you for your prayers and please continue to pray for our return flight home. Until Dec 20th Beth

Thursday

Our Embassy appointment yesterday went great and I have just returned from picking up Ruhama's visa today. Thank you for your prayers. Sunday is the day that I will meet Ruhama's birth mother. Please pray for us. The many first that Ruhama is experiencing is amazing and how I love being apart of each of them. Riding in the car and watching donkeys caring hay and women caring fire wood, to the beggars in the street, eating in a restuarant. Ethiopia is an amazing country and Addis is an amazing city. Lots more stories to share once we get home. Thank you for the continued prayers. Beth and Ruhama.

Ruhama sends her big sister lots of love. PS she loves cocacola and cake.

Here's her mug shot

Here's my doll baby. I just wanted the world to see what my princess looked like. Isn't she adorable? Can't wait to see her in person.

She is officially mine

November 13, 2007 Anna Ruhama became my daughter in the courts of Ethiopia. The day before I got the call that told me that her new court date had been rescheduled for the 13th November. Not three weeks prior her court date had been cancelled due to a document that was signed by a lower ranking official in the region of her first orphanage. When I received the news four days later I just could not shake the disappointment. So bang this came out of the blue. Isn't that just like God to bring it all together without you ever knowing that He is working behind the scenes.