Embassy, Flights, and Home

Well, I was hoping to update our blog more while we were in Ethiopia, but the dial-up connection at the guesthouse just did not like the blogger site. And . . . the only time we could get the dial-up connection to work was in the middle of the night or early morning.

On Tuesday, we participated in the going away ceremony at the care center. The nannies dressed Teferi (and the other eight children being adopted in our travel group) in traditional Ethiopian outfits and the baby girls were also given head-bands. It was a beautiful ceremony in which the care of the children was handed over to the new adoptive parents. All of the children in the care center sang farewell songs to their friends.

In the afternoon, we had our US embassy appointment. We were called up to an embassy window and asked a series of questions concerning our adoption. The embassy wanted to make sure it was an ethical process and that we were comfortable with the child we had been referred. The embassy visit finalized our adoption in Ethiopia.

On Wednesday, we had the day to spend time with our children and play. We played outside most of the morning (bubbles, cars, sidewalk chalk, etc.). We were asked not to bring our children out in public, since it is not culturally appropriate to have children out in public in Ethiopia. For example, it would not be culturally acceptable to bring your adoptive child into an Ethiopian restaurant.

On Thursday, the children had one last check-up by the CHSFS staff doctor. We had an afternoon coffee ceremony in which they roasted and served coffee and freshly made popcorn (they add sugar to their popcorn so it is kind of similar to kettle corn). We received our final paperwork for travel including Teferi's passport, visa, and immigration papers. We left the guesthouse for the airport around 6:00pm (Ethiopian time). Teferi was very excited to see the airplanes up close at the airport. In fact, he and his friend Sedeke did an Amharic chant (of excitement) just before we got on the airplane. We left the Addis airport around 11:00pm (Ethiopian time). We spent about 18 hours on the first airplane bringing us home. We flew from Addis Ababa to Rome to Washington DC. Teferi was so nervous, excited, and over-stimulated that he only slept 3 1/2 hours of this flight. We then went through immigration at the Washington DC airport (which was surprisingly easy) and had our first American food in well over a week. It was soooo good. We then boarded the 2nd airplane which took us to Chicago (an hour and a half flight). A little girl sitting next to us was watching "The Wiggles" which was very entertaining for him. He even would push the flight attendents out of his way when they blocked his view. In Chicago, we boarded our last plane which took us to Minneapolis airport (1 hour flight). During our 24 hours travel from Ethiopian to Mn, Teferi slept just 4 hours.

My family met us at the airport with a big sign, presents for Teferi, and lots of love. Teferi gave his new sister a big hug! Our luggage didn't quite make it on our last flight but was delivered to our hotel later that night. We put Teferi to bed as soon as we checked into our room and he instantly fell asleep. He slept for 15 hours straight - he hardly moved. In the morning, we spent time visiting with family and relaxing a little after our long journey home. It was soooo good to be back in Minnesota with comforting food, smells, and family.

We made a quick stop at an Ethiopian grocery store in Minneapolis on our way home. I bought some injera and spices for a few Ethiopian recipes that I have picked up while in Ethiopia. We then drove home and Teferi did surprisingly well in the car seat. He started fighting the seat-belt during the final 20 mintues of our trip but it went fast.

It was so exciting bringing our new son into our home and showing him his new room. It was just sooo good to be home!

Thanks to everyone that prayed for us, sent us cards, bought us gifts/gift cards. Teferi was so impressed with all his new toys, his new bed, and the love he felt from all of you. You all help make his homecoming so memorable.

God Bless,

Scott, Katrina, Bailey, and Teferi