I can't believe this day has finally arrived. I have been looking forward to this trip for almost two years now and it almost feels surreal that it is happening. Today we will leave from DC to Ethiopia. We will reunite with Joseph and spend time with him at his orphanage on Friday, and then on Saturday and Sunday we will travel to the town where Joseph was born and will have a chance to meet with his birthmother. On Monday we will be briefed for the embassy appointment, Tuesday attend our Embassy appt, and then pick up our visa and head home on Thursday arriving back in the US on Friday afternoon. I plan to try to blog while there about all of these exciting adventures!
We are so excited for all of you to meet Joseph. He has no idea how many people back here already love him so much and are so eager to meet him. When we return home from Ethiopia, however, you may think that we have fallen off the face of the Earth, disappeared, disowned all of our family and friends, decided to move back to Ethiopia, or that we just plain don't like you anymore! Please don't be offended - we promise none of these are true! We will be on "lockdown" mode for several weeks. While we do look forward to introducing Joseph to all of our friends and family. . . we first need to introduce him to...well...us! It will be important for us to spend several weeks together as a family while Joseph gets acquainted with us and as we form the relationship of Daddy and Mommy with him. We really want to show off our Ethiopain prince, but we know this is a necessary step to help with Joseph's adjustment and attachment. We know that the new environment, new language, new food, new family, new everything will likely be overwhelming so we know we will have to take things slow so we don't overwhelm him.
We do, however, want to invite any of our family and friends who might be off for the afternoon of the 11th to join us at the airport for a meet and greet!! This will be your big chance before our several week lockdown to catch a glimpse of our little man. Jack plans to keep everyone updated on the time and place. So please contact him if you want to come!!
Can't wait to hear more! I would love to be able to make it the 11th. Post more about times and I will see if I can make it happen. Congrats on making it to the end of your adoption journey, and to the beginning of your parenting journey!!
ReplyDeleteSo excited for all the updates can't wait for you to get the little man home. Be safe and enjoy while there. Wish I could be there on the 11th but that will not be possible. It would really be awesome to meet and greet the little treasure. Love you guys and I know you are being watched over from up above. God Bless You All. Give Joseph a Hug from Uncle Deb.
ReplyDeleteI am completely on board with the "lockdown." This is just what Joseph (and both of you) will need. I have to work on the 11th. Boo. Please don't call the police if you see a peeping tom trying to peep through the windows at your house. It just might be me trying to get a glimpse of that adorable boy!!!! (Just kidding...maybe.) Looking forward to more updates!
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