2 weeks home, well... almost!

Tomorrow is 2 weeks home!  In a way it's hard to believe in another...  it's been a lifetime.  :)  We've been to the doctor's office three times, the pharmacy 4, the grocery store probably 10, Target three (twice for mama's sanity), Goodwill once, the dump twice, and mostly done a lot of staying home!  LOL  If you know me, you know the last one is making me a bit crazy.  It really is easier to stay home, but not when mama gets stir crazy. 

The girls are doing amazingly well.  Of course they have their moments, but as a whole it's remarkable.  A good friend asked me today how the adjustment was going.  I told her, I almost have to remind myself to think about it.  It's really busy with five kids!!  The "mom I need you" from the other room has doubled or maybe tripled.  :)  It's good to be asked that question, though, because it makes me think about how far we've come in 2 weeks. 

Etta is personality plus.  She is full of drama (good and bad).  She definitely lets you know what she needs.  She's a survivor, she's done it on her own for so long, but it's so fun to see her let me baby her.  She's a words of affirmation kind of girl.  Give her a job and tell her what a good job she did and she smiles so brightly it makes my day.  She's not picky at all about food, but she hates anything sweet.  I'm sure that will change!!  She ADORES her big sister, and her favorite time of day is when Callie returns home from school.  In fact, it's a bit exhausting for Callie, she loves her so much.  :)  She has big opinions on her clothing and hair, and always wants to make sure she looks konjo (beautiful).  The sparkly shoes I bought from Target are her best friends.  She even wore them in the snow today, with socks, of course...  Not mommy's fav.  Oh well.  I'm picking my battles.  She also loves anything electronic.  Fits right in here.  :)  Her voice is gorgeous.  The girl can pick up any tune from anywhere and sing it perfectly.  I LOVE when she sings songs in her native language.  I want so badly to get them videotaped, but of course as soon as I pull it out, the songs stop!  I did my first whole head of braids today.  It turned out pretty well, and Etta was so happy.  I love her hair down, she has beautiful curls, but she is not such a fan.

Etta and the adorable cake that Kelly brought us.

Three silly girls

Princess Zoe and her common face

Love for Nonnie

Zoe is as sweet as can be.  She already has several nicknames, but the little princess is most fitting.  She's definitely a youngest...  She sings so sweetly, in fact most of the words we have heard from her little mouth have been via song.  She already knows This is the day, Jesus loves me, and tonight she was singing A you're adorable to me.  :)  She loves to be outside, so the first week home was such a gift.  Today, she's had a really hard time understanding why she couldn't go out and play.  Until of course, we took her out.  She hates the cold!  She loves to eat, and it takes her forever.  Or maybe it's just that she is always eating!!  I can't believe how much she can eat.  She loves her big sister, and is always watching for her reactions.  She is the quiet observer a lot of the time, and especially when people she doesn't know are around.  She is not at all fond of men, and we are praying this away, as she is still very reserved around Mark.  We've made progress, but I surely can't wait until she loves her daddy.

My mom's summary of our trip

Dear Sisters and friends,  This was our first picture as we arrived back in the great old USA!!!  I must say at that point if you will look at me my baggage under my eyes was a mile deep!!!!  We have many amazing stories to share.  We started the journey home at 11p on Thursday night.  We landed in Beirut, Lebanon at 3AM and went on to London arriving sometime in the early afternoon.  After brief layover we took off for Chicago and arrived there also in the early afternoon and had an angel who walked us through customs and immigration for Etta and Zoe.  The girls (3)  were amazing with only a few episodes to laugh about later.  On the United plane from London we had the "old broads" for stewardesses  as Uncle Jim used to call them.  Most were ok but one was over the hill!  She told Erin after Zoe (3) inadvertanly pushed the call button that it rang in the cock pit and Erin MUST stop her.  Erin had tried but the button was on the armrest so she ended up holding her the rest of the trip.  Several others( not 3 years old) had the same problem as you use your armrest to get out of chairs that are 6 inches apart!      

Etta had had an ear infection which we diagnosed and began treatment on as we knew it would be painful to travel with.  She did well except in Beirut where she cried.  after that we dosed her with antihistamines along with her antibiotic.  Then she got sick on landing but no ear pain!  Good sport about all considering not much language.  The last flight from Chicago to DesMoines we were all wiped out.  Callie and Etta fell into DEEP slumber and Callie especially was a few minutes from being on the next flight!  We were greeted at the airport by no less than 60 of Mark and Erins friends!  I could hardly talk ---it still makes me teary.  What a neat support team!  They carried luggage took pictures,  brought dinner and gave many hugs.  My favorite moment was Drew "introducing  himself"  Hi Etta,  I Drewie.  I will send you the picture.  Priceless.  

Now to back track----We arrived in Ethiopia right on schedule Christmas Eve night.  A Holt Agency driver met us and drove us to the hotel about 10 minutes from the airport.(He did not speak English---we did not speak Amharic)  It was an American type small hotel and adequate.  Similar but not quite as nice as the Barcelona Hotel where Sandy, Pat and us stayed.  We had two rooms as we knew we would be getting the girls several days before we left.  My room was on the back of the hotel...Callie and Erin on the front.  I had not slept on the plane and could not get to my sleeping pills until it was TOO late to matter.  Lots of turbulent flights so lots of seat belt time.  So Early Christmas AM the prayer started!  I mean 3AM.  The mosques wail or some said also the coptic church wails their prayer.  Let me tell you...not pleasant.  I knew what it was as I had heard it in Tanzania just not so loud.  From Erins room it was muted but they had the dog packs!  The sounds of Ethiopian nights are a mixture of animals, people, squalor, loud speakers.  (Even with ear plugs)  Eventually I gave up plugged in my IPOD and listenen to my music:)  Sooo Christmas day  dawned!  We knew this was our only day to SEE Addis Ababa so we hired a driver (another story but   do not want this to be an epistle so later)  Driver number 2 comes and takes us to his favorite places.  The first church Entoto,  where the dynasty of Ethiopia began. Queen of Sheba and more recently Haile Sylassie (Lion of Judah)  of some fame.----  National Museum, and National Church.  We also went to a restaurant where we had Pizza.  They were occupied by Italians and lots of remaining Influences.  Also tried their beer St George (really good).  Our strangest experience of the day was the airport style pat down at the national museum.  There was a group of people and this lady officer who had NO uniform comes up goes straight for the boobs and all her "friends"  break out laughing!  Erin and I both were SHOCKED and still wonder if this was for real or if we were scammed.  The museum housed the "LUCY"  supposedly earliest "human"  being.  They are VERY proud of it all and worried you will blow it up I guess or steal it or put it in your bra?

Monday we went to meet Etta and Zoe (Ehitnesh and Firehiwot).  They are beautiful little girls and were very subdued although they had been prompted to come to us.  I am sure they remembered (at least Etta) Erin and especially when she showed them a copy of the books she had given them in June.  We played and then talked to the nurse in charge and the pediatritian.  Finally they had a farewell ceremony where they served coffee and cake and popcorn and the older children were brought in as well as all the staff. the girls were dressed in traditional Ethiopian dress. The day started at 10 A and we got back to the hotel at 5P.

When we got into the room at the hotel the little girls changed dramatically.  Zoe danced and spontaneously sang a song I had been singing to them  "This is the day the Lord has made"  The nurse told Erin she had not seen Etta smile like she did in the 4 weeks she had been in Addis!  We have been "home" now for 21/2 days.  Last night they finally let Erin sleep.  Their days and nights (ours too) were flipped.  They are somewhat afraid to let Erin  out of sight but each day you can see the change.  They were very willing to include me until I left them to sleep but it did make it so they really understood who Mom is.  Sometimes they call me Ayat (grandma)  sometimes they ignore me but always Erin is watched.  Mark is slowly making his way into hearts also...but they are shy.  

Well this is not so short but as you can all tell...your prayers were answered.  Thanks so much dear friends and dear sisters and brothers in law.  Happy New Year,  Linda Z

We are home!!

Today marks a week home!  It's so hard to believe...  In some ways it feels like a day, in others the girls have always been here.

Generally, I think we are doing really well.  The girls are adjusting as are the other 5 of us.  I'd say the first few days home were some of my hardest ever, but I think it was more related to being sick and tired.  Ever since the girls started sleeping, I've felt like a new woman.  My parents have been here, which has been so helpful.  Having another driver, someone doing laundry, and thinking about food/shopping, etc. has been priceless.

The girls bonded to me very quickly.  It's been hard for poor Mark.  They were terrified of men from the moment we picked them up from the care center.  Etta is coming around, and now loves playing tag/tickle with daddy, but Zoe is so scared!  Open for any suggestions from other veterans.  I know it will take time, but I'd love to be able to help her with her fear.

We've survived first trips in the car, first doctor appointments, first pick-up from school for the big kids.  Today we tried Target...  big mistake.  Oh well, now I know!  We all were so happy to be home.  :)

First smiles at home

custody day

farewell ceremony

first family picture

sister love

We've been so blessed by friends and family providing meals, diet coke, calling from the grocery store, and the sweetest airport welcoming I could imagine.  More later...  My sweet Etta has a tea party ready to be served.  :)

Clearance!! We are coming, girls!!

Last night was a night of no sleep.  I was wrestling in prayer for a meeting halfway across the world.


I didn't know if we would find out the results over night, or if we were in for more days of waiting.  But this morning at 5:20AM, the sweetest email was viewed.  FISH Family clearance!!  We are coming girls, we are coming!  


What a Christmas present.  :)


Reading a blog this morning, I came across this quote.  It's everything I've felt wrapped up.  Thanks, Sara from everythingbitterissweet.com


"Adoption is for the hungry. If you want to know more of Jesus and are willing to get a little undone in the meantime, sign up. You can’t pursue a child without being consumed by His pursuit of you."

Scenario 2

A lot of you have been asking, and I haven't updated.  Sorry!

We found out last Friday that the Embassy is requesting another interview that will hopefully happen on Monday the 19th. 

Please pray that they will get the information they need, so that we can be cleared to pick up our girls.

Submitted!!

So, we were submitted to the Embassy today.  I know all of you already know, as I've been shouting it from the rooftops!!  :)  Just a little excited. 

What's next?  One of three scenarios:
1.  We are cleared very quickly with our current file.  This could happen in a week or a month.  :)
2.  The Embassy asks for clarification/more paperwork/interviews.  If this happens, it will likely delay our clearance for 1-2 months.
3.  The Embassy decides they can not clear us, and we are sent to another office to have them review our paperwork.  This is recently common, and delays us more...

Obviously, we are hoping for scenario number 1.  :)

Also have to add...  I joined Pinterest today.  You know, one more time waster, as I wait for emails.  :)  What should appear on the first page I looked at?  A pin for Exodus 14:14, of course!  Lest I forget:

God, you are good, and I'm trying really hard to be still.  :)

Catchup to today - Part 6

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!

 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!  :)