Another great day in Ethiopia! Today we woke up early to travel 4 hours south to a town called Hosanna where our agency had arranged for us to meet again with Joseph's birthmother. The drive there was beautiful - mountains, grass huts, farmers, animals - rural Ethiopia at its finest!
Upon arrival, we learned that Joseph's birthmother was very tired as she had to walk 4 hours to meet us. I knew from the last visit that her village was far away, but what I didn't know was the reason she was so tired from the walk was because she gave birth to TWINS - 20 days ago!!! Yes - these Ethiopian women are AMAZING. We learned that she got married soon after we saw her last and we were able to meet her husband who also came along for the visit. And how cool that Joseph now has a half brother and half sister! We were very excited for her and felt so blessed that she sacrificed to come and see us. We brought a photo book of about 50 pictures of Joseph from the last year and it was precious to watch her look at them and kiss the pages. We also showed her a video of him on our phones. In addition, he made her a picture with his handprints that we gave her that she loved.
I will keep many of the stories and memories private to share with Joseph when he gets older, but I will say that the meeting was SO very special. We feel blessed that we were able to see her again.
Tomorrow we meet our oldest son - not sure we will sleep tonight!
Upon arrival, we learned that Joseph's birthmother was very tired as she had to walk 4 hours to meet us. I knew from the last visit that her village was far away, but what I didn't know was the reason she was so tired from the walk was because she gave birth to TWINS - 20 days ago!!! Yes - these Ethiopian women are AMAZING. We learned that she got married soon after we saw her last and we were able to meet her husband who also came along for the visit. And how cool that Joseph now has a half brother and half sister! We were very excited for her and felt so blessed that she sacrificed to come and see us. We brought a photo book of about 50 pictures of Joseph from the last year and it was precious to watch her look at them and kiss the pages. We also showed her a video of him on our phones. In addition, he made her a picture with his handprints that we gave her that she loved.
I will keep many of the stories and memories private to share with Joseph when he gets older, but I will say that the meeting was SO very special. We feel blessed that we were able to see her again.
Tomorrow we meet our oldest son - not sure we will sleep tonight!
Tears!! Sweet friends we are praying for you!!
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing gift this meeting was for all of you I'm sure. Kevin and I are praying for you on this journey of the heart. Thanks for keeping us updated!
ReplyDeletesafe travels!!! how neat you got to see her again!
ReplyDeleteI have been praying especially for the birth mother. I'm so glad she now has two prescious babies to hold!
ReplyDeleteMaryLou