We arrived in Addis Ababa around 8am, after a 13 hour flight that was pretty smooth. Thankfully, ALL our luggage arrived safely and since we all have 2 year visas for Ethiopia, we were among the first to get through immigration. As we walked out of customs, immediately saw one of our guides/contacts from previous trips. There was a van waiting from our agency to take us to the guest home we would be at for the next 6 days.
We had the option to check in and go right to the AWAA transition home where Hux is currently living until we pass court. By the time we unloaded and carried all the suitcases up four flights of stairs – we realized how exhausted we were. So, we opted to shower and nap and go meet him after lunch.
We met up with other families at lunchtime and then headed to meet our sweet boy. We have really enjoyed meeting and getting to know the other families that are here. They had all met their kids already so they were gracious enough to photograph and video our first meeting. This meeting was much different from when we first met Sakari, when it was the beginning of the program in Ethiopia and the first meeting was truly chaotic. I'm sure all our travel group families and friends would agree.
Our family of three, stood waiting in palpable anticipation and then a nanny walked out with HIM! He was calm, sweet, content and came to us without hesitation. It was nothing short of a perfect and holy moment. He instantly connected with all three of us and Sakari was an amazing big sister as she just stood in awe as if she couldn't believe he was really in our arms. She kept touching him and kissing him as if making sure this wasn't a dream. For me (Caleb), it felt like we were surrounded with angels. Peace and joy enveloped us.
We spent a few hours with him and I tell you – this kid is exactly what we have prayed for. He loves his sister and she cracks him up! This adoption, we walked into our first meeting with much different and more realistic expectations – and they were blown away. He is sweet, charming, content, incredible, curious, loving, cuddly and funny. He fell asleep on Becca right before it was time for us to leave.
To say that Meetcha Day was more than we imagined – is a gross understatement. We can't wait for tomorrow…just so we can see him again.
Such a sweet moment! (And yes, we agree it was completely chaotic. Alexandra was asleep in her crib, so we had to ask where she was after meeting Josiah.) We are so happy for you all!
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