Last day in Ethiopia (part 2)

Second half of Friday in Ethiopia. When we returned from shopping we all ate lunch together and then put the boys down for their naps. While the boys slept we made the mad dash to get all our packing done. We left most of the clothes and toys we had brought with us. Once in Ethiopia it’s hard not to leave everything you own.

After naps our travel group gathered for the coffee ceremony. Most of the nanny’s, the other children in the orphanage and all the other staff members joined to say good bye. The nanny’s and children danced and sang for us. T became very sullen. We had a sense this was upsetting him. Now that we know him better we realize it did upset him. Grief is a funny thing. It doesn’t feel good when you go through it but its something we need to go through to get to the other side. Although it upset T, it was an opportunity to say, "see you again Ethiopia." As parents I was full of emotion. We knew the ceremony was to say good bye to their birth country. We mourned for those who couldn’t mourn for themselves.

The coffee ceremony was delicious.

First incense was burning. Next they brought a bowl and jug to pour water over your hands to wash them. Then they brought around the coffee has it was roasting so we could smell the aroma. One of the travel members was selected to cut this huge round loaf of bread. It looked like the same bread our birth mother served us and it was just as yummy. Then we were served the coffee in these tiny cups with sugar. I know I’ve mentioned this before but the coffee is awesome. I could not get enough of it. Next popcorn was served.

At the end of the ceremony we all said our good byes and ate dinner. For the people who stayed in the guesthouse with us it was hard to say good bye. We had all shared something very special and bonds were made. I made a mad dash over to T’s orphanage to take pictures of other families children to send to them when we returned home. As I was leaving one girl about 6 came up to me saying something. I had no idea what she said but I did hear her say T’s name. I took her picture thinking she was Ts friend.

Back at Horizon House we did a video interview on top of the house. We tried to get some family pictures taken too but T kept looking at the city. We couldn’t get him to look at the camera. Then about five families piled into the van to go to the airport. It was about 7pm. It was our first time seeing the city in the dark.
When we arrived at the airport everyone tried to get from the parking lot to the airport quickly. Beggars and people wanting to help you for a tip just surrounded you making it hard to make your way through. Mullet our driver helped Rick and I navigate our way through to the airport. I felt honored and blessed that out of all the families he chose us to help. Once we reached the airport he kissed both Rick and I and said, "God bless you." That was one thing that really struck me. Everyone we met seemed to be sincerely grateful we were adopting our boys.
Then we went in the airport. It is very daunting to be in a third world country. At the airport everything seemed so unorganized but they have very friendly workers. Everyone in Ethiopia seemed to have a joy despite the poverty. As we waited in line for about an hour we saw lots of families like ours. It was amazing to see all these parents with little Ethiopian children. It seemed they were all under 12 months except for our two. As we made eye contact with them there was a knowing understood bond that we all shared. We all looked a bit dazed, tired, confused and excited all at the same time.

When we arrived to the luggage check in counter the conveyer belt was broken. There was this huge pile of luggage on the belt that ran onto the floor. As the gentleman took our four large bags of luggage I quietly kissed them good bye. I thought there is no way they are going to make it back to little Rhode Island.

More to come...