Hi Everyone,
I finally got a chance to get to the computer and do a quick update. Our flight from Washington DC to Ethiopia was about 16 hours. The last four hours were tough. It was not only the flight but the time change too. The flight attendant would wake us up as time change to eat our meals. For example, we had breakfest at 2:30am.
On Friday morning, we all went over to the care center to meet our children. Scott and I went into Teferi's preschool classroom. Teferi was sitting in the front row of his class. When we walked in he got up from his desk and slowly walked over to us - with really big eyes (he was obviously as nervous as us). He then flew into my arms and gave me the biggest hug ever. I really didn't think he would ever let go. Finally, he released his grip and he walked over to Scott and gave him an even bigger hug. By that time, Scott, Angela and I were very teary-eyed. We brought him bubbles and some colors and we spent our first two hours together blowing bubbles and coloring. He knows a few English words, like elephant and zebra. It took him a while to get comfortable with us, but he finally relaxed and started telling us things in Amharic. Not much of which we understood, but it was so fun to listen to him talk.
On Saturday, our group of adoptive parents returned to the care center to spend 3 hours with our children. We brought Teferi a hat which he was very impressed with. He would call out to his friends and I am guessing he was saying something like "look at my new hat!" We has soon much fun playing with him and he gave us many, many hugs and kisses. He especially has bonded with Scott. He has spent a lot of time sitting on his lap and playing with his watch. We have gotten down a few words of Amharic for communicating with him, but even without language we seem to be communicating just fine. At lunch time, all the families left to go back to the guest house. Teferi broke down in tears when we began saying good-bye. Mom, Dad, and Angela broke down into tears too.
Yesterday, we traveled 4 hours South of Addis Ababa to a small town called Hosana. It was an amazing trip, with beatiful countryside. We were able to meet Teferi's father, which is about a hour story, but let's just say it was amazing, emotional, and an experience that I will keep in a special place in my heart forever. He was a strong, proud man - an he loves Teferi so much.
People are waiting so I better go. I will update more later.
Love you all,
Katrina
I finally got a chance to get to the computer and do a quick update. Our flight from Washington DC to Ethiopia was about 16 hours. The last four hours were tough. It was not only the flight but the time change too. The flight attendant would wake us up as time change to eat our meals. For example, we had breakfest at 2:30am.
On Friday morning, we all went over to the care center to meet our children. Scott and I went into Teferi's preschool classroom. Teferi was sitting in the front row of his class. When we walked in he got up from his desk and slowly walked over to us - with really big eyes (he was obviously as nervous as us). He then flew into my arms and gave me the biggest hug ever. I really didn't think he would ever let go. Finally, he released his grip and he walked over to Scott and gave him an even bigger hug. By that time, Scott, Angela and I were very teary-eyed. We brought him bubbles and some colors and we spent our first two hours together blowing bubbles and coloring. He knows a few English words, like elephant and zebra. It took him a while to get comfortable with us, but he finally relaxed and started telling us things in Amharic. Not much of which we understood, but it was so fun to listen to him talk.
On Saturday, our group of adoptive parents returned to the care center to spend 3 hours with our children. We brought Teferi a hat which he was very impressed with. He would call out to his friends and I am guessing he was saying something like "look at my new hat!" We has soon much fun playing with him and he gave us many, many hugs and kisses. He especially has bonded with Scott. He has spent a lot of time sitting on his lap and playing with his watch. We have gotten down a few words of Amharic for communicating with him, but even without language we seem to be communicating just fine. At lunch time, all the families left to go back to the guest house. Teferi broke down in tears when we began saying good-bye. Mom, Dad, and Angela broke down into tears too.
Yesterday, we traveled 4 hours South of Addis Ababa to a small town called Hosana. It was an amazing trip, with beatiful countryside. We were able to meet Teferi's father, which is about a hour story, but let's just say it was amazing, emotional, and an experience that I will keep in a special place in my heart forever. He was a strong, proud man - an he loves Teferi so much.
People are waiting so I better go. I will update more later.
Love you all,
Katrina
The Ulm family is sending you warm wishes as your new family forms. Travel safely and when the little fellas settles in, we would love to meet him in person! Yeah for you!!!!
ReplyDeleteOh, Katrina! Thank you soooo much for the update. I burst into happy-joyful tears reading about your first meeting with Teferi! What a sweet, sweet boy! I am sure you and Scott both have cherished every moment of your time there. Best wishes as you journey back to the US and bring him home.
ReplyDeleteWow. This is already such an amazing story. Can you believe how much your life will be changed forever?!!? Teferi sounds like an amazing, sweet little boy. I look forward to hearing more about the meeting with father. God bless!
ReplyDeleteMatt and I both got emotional reading this! What an amazing story. :) I can just picture him giving Scott big squeezes...so precious! Can't wait until you're back, and to eventually meet T-man! Blessings to you all and safe travels home!
ReplyDeleteErin