As I reflect back on our “Embassy Day” I am reminded of the relief I felt when we were handed Hermela’s birth certificate and US citizen paperwork. It was finally all finished! The “labor” was complete!! WHEW!! Not only was Hermela officially a Bennett, she was a US Citizen!!
Thanking and praising God for working out all the details of this adoption. He has been and always will be a “just in time” God!
This day began the Ethiopian/Orthodox holiday of Timkat, in which they celebrate the baptism of Jesus.
Our hotel set up a coffee ceremony and our first official photo of Hermela, decked out in her red,white, and blue (and holding tightly her dollie and bubbles!) was posted for family and friends!
More photos from this special day!
Hermela with one of her “special mothers” at Hannah’s Hope wearing her “sweet” shades!
A little bit more iPad fun!
Before the day was done, Hermela and Dad had a great time playing soccer behind the hotel and checking out the fish tank. We don’t think she had ever seen a fish tank before! What fun!
We were told that evening, Hermela’s birth mom had a delay in leaving her village and would not make it on time for our meeting that was scheduled for 8:00 am the next morning.
After a good night’s sleep, we were planning on a hike to Hannah’s Hope for one last day of playing with friends. As we were about to leave our hotel room, Wass called from the downstairs lobby, to inform us that Tirhas was at the bus stop and that she had made it down from the Tigray Region. We were to leave for HH right away. A wave of anxiety consumed me, as I had now prepared for our meeting to be the following day and wasn’t showered or even feeling “ready” to meet the birthmother of our precious daughter. We grabbed our photo book and headed to HH. How our daughter would respond to this, heightened the anxiety. We had to rest in the fact that Almaz thought it was in Hermela (and birth mom’s) best interest, to have one last time together.
Tears of joy and sadness flowed freely from both moms. It was truly evident of the deep passion both of us have for Hermela. I’ve journaled the details of the day for Hermela to someday read and know how much her birthmother loves her and desired for her to have life!
The “mom” theme continued in the afternoon when we got to return to HH after lunch to give farewell gifts to Hermela’s “special moms".” We had forgotten to bring the gifts when we had to quickly leave for HH earlier and knew that it was important for Hermela to present them with gifts and thank them for caring for her. What terrific women who care so deeply for orphans!
Another memorable moment for me was while we were handing out the gifts, Hermela’s birth mom came around the corner and over to us. This time she had a big smile and gave me another hug. I sensed a sweet peace about this encounter and she left smiling! God knew I needed this moment, to help me deal with the angst I feel about a mom having to “give up” her daughter. I know God loves us and wants to redeem everyone of us, but this fallen world can really tear me up! I need to be reminded that I rest in God and him alone! Thankful for the remembrance in James, that we are to remain patient and steadfast in the sufferings of this world with the great expectation of the Lord’s return when all the tears pass away!
Lastly, we got to experience a wonderful Ethiopian Traditional Dinner at Tami’s house, with her daughter and Teki. The food was great, the coffee ceremony tasty, and the fellowship was rich! It’s easy to see how the Menna family is so special to so many. Thanks Lord, for bringing them into our lives. Can’t wait to see where our relationship will go, Lord willing.
A very memorable “Mother’s Day” in Ethiopia!
The next day, January 20th, was our last day in Ethiopia. This final day was exciting, as we eagerly anticipated the return to our family. Yet, again there was a mixed blessing of leaving this beautiful country we have so grown to love.
Almaz arrived at the hotel with the passport and final documents needed to travel home. A word about Almaz…
Rarely do we meet people whose sole focus is first to please God and thru the abundant overflow of that relationship, see how the transformation of their heart is is played out in life-changing ways. Almaz is one such person who is not merely a “hearer of the word, but a doer.” (James 1:22) As a result, her “religion is pure and undefiled before God, the Father”, in her care for the orphans. (James 1:27). Her eloquent remarks to us about her love for these children, for Ethiopia, the poor, and the process of adoption were clear evidence of the abounding grace that cascades from her heart into inspiring action.
We had last adventure of shopping for a coffee table with Abeb (a waitress at the hotel!) on our way to the airport. One last great “in-country” memory on this wonderful trip to bring Hermela home!
Final photos of Hannah’s Hope.
The view outside Hermela’s bedroom/hallway.
We boarded the ET 500 to Washington and then home to Cleveland. Goodbye for now Ethiopia. We can’t wait to return someday, Lord willing! May we take all that we’ve learned from the kindness of your people and the beauty of your land, and allow God to use it to change and transform us, to be a brighter light for the Gospel!
(Our arrival home is here.)
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