We are doing so great here! All has gone better than we could have hoped for. Each day with our children gets better and better. They are very sweet and gentle and affectionate with us. The affection is more and more strong and sincere. Yesterday they each said to us, "I love you Mama. I love you Papa." We have completely treasured all moments with them.
We had court yesterday. Both Andy's family and Hana's family came to court. But, by the time we got there, Andy's family had left. We are hoping to meet them later. They live nearby. We have spent probably 7 hours with Hana's grandmother. She lives hours away but made the journey here to see Hana, us and come to court. WE have a very special relationship with her and a strong bond was made. We interviewed her for probably a total of 2 hours with a translator. I took notes, Steve video recorded it and we got photos too. Lots of tears, kisses and hugs were exchanged. She was profoundly grateful and happy to have Hana come to our family. She said she can die in peace now. We hope she lives many more years though. She is 66, which is quite old for Ethiopians.
At court we saw the judge and our notes on our case were good. We were approved. Hana's case is completely 100% finished. She is legally our daughter. Andy's case is approved, but they asked for a better copy of just one document. Our facilitator told us it will be very easy for him to do that. He will get it submitted immediately and he will report back in court on this next Tuesday and Andy's adoption will then be final as well. So, it was really wonderful news!
We have had the experience of a lifetime. Something we will treasure and be grateful for forever.
We will blog more when we get home.
11 comments:
That is wonderful news!!! Hooray! So happy for you!
I was so happy to read this! Thank you for posting! Been praying for you guys! Can't wait to see pictures when you get back!
Such GREAT news! So happy for ya and that everything has gone so well for y'all! Can't wait to see the pics and all! :)
I'm so excited for all of you. I can't wait to see pics. Safe travels!
Glad you guys are safe and happy!
I've been looking forward to and enjoying your updates (here and on FB). Thanks for keeping us up to date. So truly happy for you guys! Can't wait to meet Hana and Andy. You're in our prayers.
So glad you could update! I'm glad things seem to be going well with court. Can't wait to talk to you when you get home! :)
I'm so excited! But I don't understand why the adoption is final but you can't take Hana home. It's so wonderful that you were able to meet family.
So so happy for you guys - and for Hana and Andy that they are so loving and accepting of you! What a neat experience for you all, and how cool that you were able to talk with Hana's grandma for so long. That will mean a lot to her as she grows, I'm sure.
Congrats! Have a safe journey home!
first graders were discussing a picture of a family. One little boy
in the picture had a different hair color than the other members.. One of the students suggested that he was adopted.
A little girl said, 'I know all about Adoption, I was adopted..'
'What does it mean to be adopted?', asked another child.
'It means', said the girl, 'that you grew in your mommy's heart instead of her tummy!'
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