Meeting K

We were all wide awake at 400am local time this morning - not sure if it was the jet lag, the roosters that don't like to sleep in, or that we knew we would be meeting K today!  After a wonderful breakfast and bunna (Ethiopian coffee) we headed to Waliso, about 2 hours outside of Addis Ababa, to K's orphanage.  The scenery outside the city was gorgeous!  The boys really enjoyed the drive.

When we pulled up to the orphanage we were barely out of the van, when we saw K waiting eagerly at the door for us.  With tears in his eyes and a beautiful smile on his face, he gave all of us the BIGGEST hugs!  I could never do this meeting description justice, but I will just say it was truly wonderful.  Those of you who have kids know what I am talking about - the moment you lay eyes on your child - it's magical, right?

K then led us inside where we met the orphanage director and social workers.  We knew that K was a big Arsenal soccer fan, so to break the ice we gave him a gift which included an Arsenal shirt.  He immediately took off his shirt and replaced it with the Arsenal shirt.  We then pumped up some new soccer balls that we brought and headed to the courtyard for a quick soccer game.  We learned quickly when we adopted Solomon that soccer has a universal language and way of bringing people together.  The same can be said of K.  He really loosened up and had fun playing with the boys.  He thought it was awesome to play 2 on 2 with Jack and the boys...which actually ended up having to be 3 on 1  - everyone against K!!!  To say he is good at soccer is an understatement - we will definitely be looking for a team for him once we are back!

The morning included a tour of the orphanage and his room, playing with some of the other kids at the orphanage, and some question and answer back and forth with K through our social worker who translated.  (K's English is minimal.)  The morning concluded with us saying goodbye and K presenting us all with necklaces that he had made specifically for each of us.  It was very sweet.  It was hard to say goodbye, but it will only be for a week as next Friday we get to pick him up for good and bring him back to the Guest House with us.

We are all so in love with K and can't imagine the day going any better.  Thank you God for the way you have formed our family.  You have planned this day since the beginning of time and for that we are so grateful!

Until they are home,
Dana and Jack

(We can't post pictures of K until we pass court on Tuesday - then we can share our first official family photo!)

On the road to Waliso

Beautiful scenery on the way

Teff bales- a grain native to Ethiopia and used to make injera

Soccer at the orphanage

Showing K pictures of Sophia