Picking Up Meryn!

We made it to Ethiopia after a long day of travel!  We had a morning flight to Delhi, then a 15 hour layover, so we got to spend the day with some good friends in Delhi for the day.  We even got to sleep a few hours before going to the airport at midnight.  We had a very smooth process getting checked in and to our gate.  Kiryn was an amazing travel companion. I'm so thankful to have her with me.

We left at 3 a.m. from Delhi, arrived a bit late in Addis, but had no line for a visa or immigration, got some money from the ATM, got our bags straight off the belt and found our driver outside.  Certainly, mercies from the Lord to make everything so easy. I'm not used to traveling alone...

We got checked into the hotel, and hurriedly got a little unpacked, showered and changed, and I made all the 25 or so Thank You cards with tip gifts for the nannies to take to the care center. I got all of our gifts together for Meryn's nanny, Aynalem.  As soon as we went down to the lobby, Koleta pulled up to take us out.  We stopped and bought a ton of fruit on the way, and arrived about 11 a.m.

So here's the pictures.  They tell the story themselves....

On the way to the airport: last moment with only three kids in the car!

Goodbye for 10 days! Longest we've ever been apart.

2:30 a.m., munching on some Teddygrams and watching The Little Mermaid. 

Arriving at the care center!

Meryn's Nanny greeting us.

First look!  Sitting up in bed! So relieved to see her sitting up! 

My two girls! 

Where Meryn has lived her whole life. 

Her Nanny really loves her... 

Last playtime together. 

Snacks of pineapple that we brought.

Cofee ceremony to celebrate: beans are roasting.

Checking her out: yep, 5 toes.

She feel to sleep in about 5 seconds!

Head Nanny making coffee.

My friend Koleta, who was invaluable yesterday as translator, driver, photographer, moral support, and helper.  I couldn't have done this without you, Koleta!

Coffe's ready: round 1

Last time to sleep together! 

Giving gifts to Aynalem.

It was a difficult day for her.  

Handing out thank you cards to all the nannies and staff.

What a beautiful woman!

Getting ready to say goodbye. 

One final clothes change to send her out in something warm...

In front of Meryn's crib.

With her parting gift!

It was a hard but good moment.  The nannies were very sweet and celebrated with us.  I take comfort in that Aynalem has a house full of friends and co-workers who have done this again and again and can help her through it. I was able to share with her from James 1: 27, about how much God values her work in caring for these orphans. And from Ephesians 1, about all that He has done to adopt all of us as his sons and daughters. I was able to give her a Bible in a language she can read, and she was happy to receive it. Praying life and truth grows from the seeds planted yesterday.  I thankful for yesterday and the time we had at the care center. It was a great way to bring closure to Meryn's time there. 

We left and got lunch and some baby supplies. Meryn has been eating rice cereal twice a day, which was a surprise to me! I had to go get some at the store, along with formula and diapers.  By the time we got home at 4, we were able to Skype with our boys, and she fell asleep around 5 p.m. I was nervous, because I thought it was late for a nap, but was so tired myself, I put a movie on for Kiryn and fell asleep while she was watching it.  No lie, Meryn did not wake up until 6 a.m. 13 hours!!!  So thankful, I needed that sleep after a night like the one before.  Our seats on the 7 hour flight were in front of an exit row, and so they wouldn't recline at all.  Kiryn was able to lay down with her head in my lap and get good sleep.  Me on the other hand, not so much.  I feel great today, and we're off to the Embassy in about two hours!