the last days of our journey in Ethiopia

It was Friday the day we would drive out to see our little ones orphanage, it was a good 2 1/2 hours away. There were 2 other families traveling with us and we looked forward to sharing this with each of them. After the beautiful drive out in the country side, we arrived, stomach in knots, this was also the time where our daughters birth mother could show up to meet us. We were all anxious.

When we pulled up to the orphanage I was a little taken back, it was hard to see. The kids came running out one by one, smiling little faces waiting for us. One by one the families were reunited with family members, there was a not a dry eye in the place.....We were all in the same room sharing this wonderful but emotional moment. Keith and I waited and waited, not sure if she would show up. I continued to take pictures of all the beautiful children, I could not get enough of them, they were incredible. Then our moment arrived our driver told us she was here and wanted to meet privately in another room, I could not get there fast enough, yet my legs would not move. We walked into the room and there she was standing in the corner, the most radiant women. I grabbed her and did not let go, she held on just as tight. It was truly the most wonderful moment of our lives. The strength she had was remarkable, and I will be forever grateful to her. She will always have a place in my heart, I Love her. We spent the rest of time getting to know each other, and our bond was incredible, and that is why it was so hard for us to leave. I did not want to leave her, we held hands until it was time to leave, as I waved goodbye through the window of the car, I was filled with so much emotion....I knew this would be the last time I saw her, and there is not one day that goes by that I don't think about her.

As our trip was winding down, It became hard. Saying goodbye to the nannies, having 2 incredible coffee ceremonies, sharing many great moments with the other traveling families, I was sad to leave where my daughter was so loved......Sunday night arrived, we packed our bags, headed to the airport, and off we went, back home. Finley was great on the flight, we got a bassinet seat, which was a huge help. She slept most of the flight, while Keith and I stared at her while she was sleeping. We feel so blessed to have her in our lives, every day I am reminded how lucky we are. This journey has been really tough at times, and some days I did not want to go on, we could not handle another delay or bad news. But it does all disappear when she was placed in our arms, she is our daughter, our sweet, beautiful daughter