We're Home!!

 

My new 'forever friend' Sabrina..we can't wait to see them again!

 

This was the first time that Ty did not cry when surrounded by the others, we were so proud of him!

 

The Coffee Ceremony that the lovely hosts of the Ethiopian Guest House treated us to before leaving Tuesday night

We landed in our sweet home town tonight at 5:30. Our girls met us as we drug our suitcases out of the airport, with squeals of delight and big hugs. That’s the best!
We were so lucky to have traveled home with two other adoptive families. Ben and Heidi, Lisa and Dave. We all enjoyed each others company over coffee and pastries in Frankfurt during our 4 hour layover. We all were exhausted, poor Heidi nearly asleep at the table. We left Ben and Heidi in Germany and boarded our longest leg to Chicago with Lisa and Dave. This nine hour flight was made a bit more comfortable because my sweet husband had the forethought to ask if the flight was full. It was not, and so he moved us to the exit aisle…the leg room was worth the missing window. We both dozed, watched a movie, listened to music and read. We both had begun not feeling well in Frankfurt, so we snacked on pretzels and minimal plane food. In Chicago the four of us found a food court and passed our next two hours with more great conversation and wishful speculation of our next travel. We all agreed, we hope to travel with one another again.
Heading home from the airport we made a stop to see our friends Dawit and Debere. When we were in Ethiopia we had the great pleasure of meeting Dawit’s brother. He gifted us with traditional Ethiopian dress scarves and lots of kindness! We had arranged to carry back items for his family here. We were bringing lots of aromatic spices, clothes, fabric and other gifts for Dawit’s family. We were so happy to be able to do something for this family. It was their kindness to translate our letter to Tamirat’s family that was truly an amazing moment between us. And of course, if we were stopping by we had to have tibs! Debere prepared the yummy tibs, accompanied with injera and lentils..and cottage cheese for Mallory of course! Funny, we left Ethiopia and came to Tennesse for Ethiopian food! It tasted so good! We are so glad we found Goha and the family who owns it. Then when we arrived home we were surprised to find a yummy Chicken casserole from our dear neighbors the Johnson’s. They too have walked this path and know the toll such trips can take. We are so grateful for the love of our friends!