What relief we felt when we knew the girls whereabouts were known. They were to be moved over the weekend. The weekend was LONG... Monday came and my phone was silent. I must have checked it one thousand times!! I finally got an email around 12p that they had gotten no word from Ethiopia that day. :( Unfortunately, our agency is 11 hours behind Ethiopia. Basically, by the time they come to work in the morning, Ethiopia staff are home for the evening. It makes for a 24 hour lag... Which is really frustrating when you're waiting to hear about the safety of your children that have been missing for around 3 weeks!
I admit, I lost my cool. Our agency wanted to wait until Tuesday. Not happening! I called and pretty much demanded they call the staff at home. I know, I know... It doesn't really make any difference in the whole scheme of things. But I had to know! They were finally able to get someone and let us know that the girls had been "on the way" when they left the office. At least somewhat comforting. :)
Tuesday, we got the happy call that they had arrived Monday evening, and seemed to be doing well. Next steps were more paperwork for the Ethiopia staff and then Embassy submission!
Thanksgiving came and went. We were so, so thankful to know that our girls were safe. We had a wonderful time celebrating with Mark's family here in Iowa. Then Friday, the kids and I packed up and drove to meet my wonderful sister and kiddos in Kearney, NE. (the halfway point between her and I). She had graciously volunteered to take our big dog, Max, for awhile, as we have heard over and over that dogs are terrifying for most Ethiopian kiddos. I was so grateful to have one less thing on my plate! We had a great time together. The kids swam, we ate out, we went to see The Muppets, we gave Parker her bday presents and both she and Jack their Christmas presents. Then after less than 24 hours, we parted ways. It was so fun and way too short.
We now are in the next wait for Embassy submission. We found out Friday that both girls now have passports! So, we are really hoping to be submitted this next week! Embassy clearance timing is random, so we will wait and see.... But the time is finally coming soon!
I admit, I lost my cool. Our agency wanted to wait until Tuesday. Not happening! I called and pretty much demanded they call the staff at home. I know, I know... It doesn't really make any difference in the whole scheme of things. But I had to know! They were finally able to get someone and let us know that the girls had been "on the way" when they left the office. At least somewhat comforting. :)
Tuesday, we got the happy call that they had arrived Monday evening, and seemed to be doing well. Next steps were more paperwork for the Ethiopia staff and then Embassy submission!
Thanksgiving came and went. We were so, so thankful to know that our girls were safe. We had a wonderful time celebrating with Mark's family here in Iowa. Then Friday, the kids and I packed up and drove to meet my wonderful sister and kiddos in Kearney, NE. (the halfway point between her and I). She had graciously volunteered to take our big dog, Max, for awhile, as we have heard over and over that dogs are terrifying for most Ethiopian kiddos. I was so grateful to have one less thing on my plate! We had a great time together. The kids swam, we ate out, we went to see The Muppets, we gave Parker her bday presents and both she and Jack their Christmas presents. Then after less than 24 hours, we parted ways. It was so fun and way too short.
We now are in the next wait for Embassy submission. We found out Friday that both girls now have passports! So, we are really hoping to be submitted this next week! Embassy clearance timing is random, so we will wait and see.... But the time is finally coming soon!
Can't wait for some more of this...
And this...
And I even can't wait for this!! The girl has some spunk. Love it! :)
6 comments:
I cry everytime I read your post. I am just so happy for you, your family, and these girls!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Tina
This has been labor pains like no other. You're heart is poured out so beautifully in these posts. We are praying with you for a Christmas gift second only to the King! Love to you all!!
Hoping and wishing you get submitted this Tuesday!!!You'll have them home SOON :-)
Hoping to hear you've been submitted to Embassy this week! (and that we are with you! ;)
They're coming... hope you're getting ready!
Love that spunky face! Excited for your wave of good news!
This just makes me smile
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