We found out just a couple weeks ago that we are scheduled to meet with a judge in Ethiopia on January 2nd to officially adopt our little girl. A few days before the court date we will spend some time at the orphanage and finally get to meet her. It will be so good to see that girl face to face!
The timing of this court date couldn't have worked out any better since Christmas break starts tomorrow. This gives us a couple weeks to travel around the country before our adoption appointments.
As you can imagine, the past few days have been a flurry of phone calls and e-mails to people all over the world. But at last, airline tickets have been arranged, hotels have been reserved and a tour has been booked. We leave Brevig Mission on Saturday, we'll spend a couple days in Seattle then begin our flight to Addis Ababa on Tuesday evening.
After a little research, we learned that Ethiopians do not celebrate Christmas until January 7th. Though we're a little disappointed that we won't get to experience a traditional Christmas celebration in another country, I'm guessing we'll get over it somehow and through our best efforts manage to have a nice day.
According to our itinerary, on Christmas Day we will be in Gondar, Ethiopia to "visit the 17th century magnificent castles, registered as world heritage by UNESCO, the swimming pool of King Fasil, the Debrebrihan Selassie church (highly decorated with mural paintings) and church of Qusquam established in the 18th century by Empress Mintewab." Phew! That's a mouth full and an eye full.
Harold was very disappointed when we said we would not be in Brevig for Christmas this year. But we assured him we would celebrate early at home and find a way to make Christmas special while we travel as well.
I think this will be a good chance for us to remember that Christmas isn't about a specific date, where we are or who we're with. Jesus came into the world and this is what we celebrate, the time and place are just details
Wherever you are and whomever you're with, we hope you have a very merry Christmas!
Love,
The Rudstroms
11 comments:
Beautiful little church & court yard. Lots of patience & love.
Have a wonderful Christmas.
mom & dad
I'm so happy for you all, I dont konw you but I love your blog! Happy Holidays and God Bless:)
You guys are such a neat family! We are so lucky we have met you guys and become friends. So happy for you all and your growing family! Safe travels and Merry Christmas!!
The Moores
Thanks everyone!
Mom & Dad - I think it looks like a church too even if Harold disagrees. =)
Anonymous #2 - We're honored that you follow us even though we're strangers.
Southern Exposure - we feel the same way about you. Enjoy Atlanta!
~AnnMarie
Wishing you safe travels and a Christmas season that is filled with peace, joy, love and happiness.
What a wonderful Christmas memory this will be for you to add to many others! Many wishes for comfortable and safe travel to you all.
So happy to hear that you will soon meet your daughter! I can't wait to hear and see more about her. On the Christmas front, this is our first in Alaska and we are very excited about it. I wish you safe travels and a Most Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Wishing you safe travels and a wonderful Christmas together!! I love your blog, too! I've learned so much about Alaska!
Awesomeness! Congratulations on the Christmas present you'll be receiving, or actually New Year's! Hope y'all have an awesome trip!
Thanks for all the well wishes everyone. The trip was more amazing than I could have imagined. Meeting Tizita was indescribable. We are so thankful to God for a healthy, beautiful little girl.
~AnnMarie
Very interesting post.This is Christmas time. So prepare with snöslunga. Take care .
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