Second trip…Bringing YOU HOME~part 1

(OK so it’s Easter and I’m just getting around to documenting our second trip to Ethiopia! ugh!! Will I ever catch up?!?)

Before documenting our second trip, I thought I’d add some “Bennett happenings” as we eagerly anticipated bring YOU home!  Our month between the two trips was busy and full of anticipation and excitement!

Our Christmas holiday included many of our traditions

but, quickly transitioned to an Ethiopian Christmas celebration!

We just couldn’t wait to have you join us! (Nice hair, Dan!!)

New Year’s Eve was celebrated with Cincy friends, Josh R. and a couple Honor Academy Friends.

and of course…Kooka!

The night before hearing of our departure date, we were blessed with the Watoto African Children’s Choir!

Monday brought news of our confirmed embassy date!  In less than a week, we would arrive at Hannah’s Home to finally take you in our arms and bring you home!

Dad and I boarded the new 777 Ethiopian Airlines plane and started our journey back to ET!

We arrived Saturday morning completely exhausted and in need of a “power nap.” We were then ready to meet up with our Ethiopian friends for a time of wonderful fellowship.

There is just something about the Ethiopian people and surroundings that makes us feel so welcomed.

It was good to be back!

We were able to get a front room at the hotel which afforded priceless views of the local folks playing soccer, walking by, and gathering water.

We were not sure how these guys were getting any water from this small stream,

but they were there

every day with their donkeys.

There are people walking everywhere…all the time!  Many times carrying heavy loads.

Gotcha Day” was finally here!

(We documented some of the earlier moments right after this day-here)

Hermela, we couldn’t wait to see you again, as we once again walked through the Hannah Hope’s gates. It was so great to be holding you. How could you truly understand all that was to come.

Before we even left HH, you discovered something in dad’s back pocket…his itouch.  How exciting!

It was time to leave, but we would be back to play with your friends over the next couple of days.

Wass brought us back to the Riviera Hotel.  The baby doll on your bed brought you great comfort! (We are not too sure why you and all of your friends love to put stickers on your forehead!?!  Even your sister Abbey said that many of the kiddos on her mission trip do the same thing!)

While the first night was quite and a bit awkward at times, we were able to get another glimpse into your beautiful tender heart. We know that time, love, and affection would soon break some barriers of language, communication, emotion, and difficulties.  Dad and I prayed for God’s heart of compassion for YOU as we patiently bring you into our home and lives.  Also, that you would ultimately find the acceptance of your earthly parents to be a small example of the joy you will find one day, as you are drawn to your heavenly father by the power of the gospel thru the spirit.

January 16, 2011 was a wonderful, exhausting, thrilling, permanent and sovereign day.  Lord, praise and glory to you for Hermela Tirhas-Jul Bennett.