The long road to good bye...our FINAL day in Ethiopia

Our final day of Ethiopia was one filled with tremendous emotions.

We awoke to MORE cold showers but piping hot coffee! We then travelled as a group to Enat Elam. We left the children behind as we were going to the Mother Theresa house afterward.

Enat Elam was a very important experience for me and Shawn. Our children spent six long months there and I needed to see it for myself and for them. The children were beautiful. We gave out candy, stickers, little cars, and balls. I wanted to cry the entire time. I didn't feel happy or blessed...I felt helpless and sad. These children need SO much. It left me aching inside. I held Shawn's hand as we left and kept telling myself that I had to be strong because I was MEANT to experience this day.

We then went to the Mother Theresa House. As we toured, I felt overcome by emotion and fear. I again felt so small and powerless. As I looked around at death, illness, poverty, disease, I sang in my head OVER and OVER...
"Be not afraid...I go before you always. Come. Fall me and I will give you rest."
It just came into my head and I could not stop singing it to myself. At the last leg of the tour, I walked back to van where Kristin was and just started to cry. It was too much for me.

We then returned to the hotel to shower and change and all I could think about was my kids. We returned to Hannah's Hope and got ready for one last shopping trip. We again boarded the vans and spent a few hours shopping and relaxing. I got some beautiful treasures and it felt good to relax. I saw a little boy that I had seen at the shops on Tuesday. He began to beg and I again began to feel overwhelmed. I waited until we were walking back to the van and I gave him food and money. I just didn't want to turn my back anymore.

When we finally returned to Hannah's Hope for the LAST time, we said our good byes. It was hard for Tewodros. It broke my heart for him. We then returned to the hotel and busily packed, ate dinner, and prepared to travel home. The kids kept screaing, America, and I felt giddy. America, yes, America!

We boarded the vans for the last time at 6 pm and said our good byes to Almaz. What a women...there are NO words.
I felt tired, excited, and overwhelmed. We settled into the airport terminal and waited for our flight. All of the families seemed tired but ready for the new journey in their lives.

As many of you know, the flight brought the emergence of CHICKEN POX all over my little Seble. I initially thought it was hives from stress. But, Oh, NO, Chicken Pox which would become my arch nemesis for the next ten days.

We landed in D.C. FINALLY after a LONG trip from Ethiopia with many trips to bathroom. Yitayish LOVES to pee. Haha.

America...we're here, guys. Mommy and Daddy will be your tour guides. I hope we do a good job.