Here we go again!!!

It’s funny how taking 3 trips to Africa in a year changes your packing habits.  When we went to South Africa, we made list after list, checking them three times to ensure that we didn’t forget anything (granted we were going to be there for 6 weeks).  This time around, we did most of our packing within the last 24 hours and made no lists.  Never did we imagine that we would be making not one, but three trips to Africa ever, let alone in one year’s time!  But, here we are, on the plane to Washington D.C.  We are not nervous, just excited to bring M home!! 

This morning, we got up early to pack and clean the house.  Nicolas had a soccer game at 10 and then we had lunch with all the grandparents before heading to the airport.  

We were able to spend about an hour at the airport with everyone before we had to go through security.  Saying goodbye to Nicolas was tough, but he was a champ and that made it easier on us. J  He is such an awesome kid!  It is amazing the blessings that God provides!!

Since I have not done so, I will jump back to fill in the details since our last update.  On Monday I posted the AMAZING news that we were cleared to bring M home.  What a perfect anniversary present for us! J  On Tuesday, we confirmed our embassy date, which solidified that we would indeed be leaving this weekend.  YAY!  We booked our flights and made our reservation request for our guesthouse. 

Throughout the week we started packing for M – clothes, toys, blankets, etc.  How many diapers?  How many wipes?  How much formula?  When in doubt, bring a lot! J  I am pretty sure I was at Target at least once every day this week!  Last night, we took Nicolas to The Greatest Show on Earth – Ringling Brothers Barnum and Baileys Circus.  It was awesome!!!  They had motorbikes on trapeze wires, motorbikes in the steel globe, a fire-breathing dragon, lions, tigers, elephants, and flipping puppies!  Needless to say, he had an awesome time and so did we!

We will be coming home next Saturday, the 28^th.  Our flight is scheduled to arrive at 2PM.  We will be coming in on United flight #3385 from Dulles.  All are welcome at the airport!  We will likely be scarcely seen for the next several weeks once we are home, so we would love to see you there!

I’ll do my best, internet connection willing, to update daily while we are in Ethiopia.  We can post pictures once we have completed our Embassy appointment which is on Wednesday.  Until then, we’ll give you details!  We will be picking M up at 3:30 Ethiopia time (8:30AM EST) on Monday.  Please pray that our reunion will be a good one and that she will feel safe and comfortable with us!  We are so excited to finally hold her in our arms again, and even more excited this time it’s for keeps!!!  36 hours until we get to pick her up (from the time I typed this)!!! J J J J