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