Our Last Day in Ethiopia

I woke up at about 3:30 on Tuesday morning. I could not go back to sleep and my mind was racing. The reality that we were going to have to say goodbye to Mia and leave her hit me so hard. I was really emotional. I tried so hard to go back to sleep, because I knew it would be a long day, but I just couldn't.

We were picked up by the AGCI driver and taken to Hannah's Hope. This time it was so special, because two families joined us who were going to pick up their sweet children. We were able to take pictures and witness the reunion of these families. It was so wonderful to be a part of their special moment and it was a great reminder to me that we will be coming back (hopefully soon) to get our girl.

We spent the morning playing with M. She liked filling the toy box with all the toys, then taking them out, and repeating. Everyday I brought toys for her to play with. On the last day I brought a notebook and pen, so that I could write down her clothing sizes. She wanted to see the notebook and pen, so I let her play with it for a while. She loved it. She sat still for a long time "writing". I will be sure to pack a notebook and crayons for our long flight home with her.
We also spent time looking at the photo book we brought her. She carried it around for a long time. I showed her the pictures of us and her brothers. I can't wait for her to meet her brothers. I just know she is going to love them.

As always, our time at Hannah's Hope went by too quickly, and it was time to go back to the hotel for lunch. After lunch we bought a goat(or maybe it was a sheep) to take to the orphanage where Mia spent the first 2.5 years of her life. Purchasing and delivering a goat was quite interesting. I think I need to do a whole post just about that experience.

We were able to visit with her first caregiver and see the place she lived. Then, we went back to Hannah's Hope for our final visit with our girl. When I walked in she had just finished her bath and her special mother was dressing her. She looked so cute and her hair was down for the first time since we met her. She looked beautiful with all her curls. When she saw us, she said the word for shoes in Amharic and kept saying it over and over. She wanted her shoes on so she could go outside and play with us. She loves to play outside! We played for a while until we were told it was time to go. My heart just sank when they told us it was time to say goodbye and I immediately had to fight the tears from coming.
We gave her lots of hugs and kisses, tried to take some last minute pictures, and then walked our sweet girl up the stairs to her room. I am so thankful for her special mothers, and I know without a doubt that she is in good hands at Hannah's Hope, but it was so hard to let her go.
It is hard even now, as I remember those feelings. I pray she remembers us and that she is happy to see us when we return. I pray that the time passes quickly and that she will soon be in our arms again.

We had an incredible trip to Ethiopia. The Lord answered so many of our prayers and I know He will continue to.

Leaving our daughter in Ethiopia is one of the hardest things I have ever had to do, but the Lord was with us, and He gave me an indescribable peace. I know that leaving just brought us one step (one really hard step) closer to bringing her home.