Friday, March 16, 2012

The Mother and Child Reunion

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We opened our e-mail from the US embassy sometime before midnight on Wednesday. They informed us that our case was approved and we were free to set up an appointment with them to finalize Tizita's immigration paperwork.

Since leaving her in January, each day has felt emotionally heavier and heavier in anticipation of this very e-mail and for the moment when we would be together as a family.

For the past two days we've been busy making arrangements. Our flights are booked but we still have much to do and loose ends to tie up before we leave. It's a bit stressful but I'll take it knowing our prize at the end of this journey. 

Our Schedule:
March 22 - Depart Brevig Mission
March 24-25 - Washington D.C. shopping for baby supplies and donations
March 26 - Arrive in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
March 27 - Tizita's Gotcha-Day and Meetings with our adoption agency.
March 28 - Embassy Appointment
March 30 - Leave Ethiopia
April 3 - Return to Brevig Mission with Tizita, Harold becomes a big brother


Despite our great joy, I also feel the frustration of some dear families who are still waiting to hear their bit of good news.  The Olfert Family, The Boughner Family, The Baxter Family, The Cotton Family and The Griffin Family are all on my mind today and every day. I pray that the Lord will give them strength and peace to make it through until their children are on their way home.


“O LORD, you hear the desire of the afflicted;
you will strengthen their heart; you will incline your ear

to do justice to the fatherless and the oppressed” Psalm 10:17-18a

No I would not give you false hope
On this strange and mournful day
But the mother and child reunion
Is only a moment away

~Paul Simon

~AnnMarie

7 comments:

Dawson and Alicia Olfert said...

I am so excited for you guys! Very jealous of course, but very excited. Thank you for your prayers. Your email definitely choked me up. I'm sure our turn will come quickly - if it doesn't I will soon be in a corner in fetal position sucking my thumb...hopefully "the email" comes first =) I will be praying for your trip and your beginning...or next beginning of a family of four!!!

Melissa said...

Joseph and I are so excited as well! We'll be praying that you all have a safe journey to bring sweet Tizita home!

Liz Goebelbecker said...

Congratulations! We are so happy for you! Tom is also traveling this week to bring Henok home! He will be arriving in Addis 3/22 and will be home in North Carolina on 3/29. I hope he will be able to see you while you are there.
My prayers remain with all of the families who eagerly await their email...I am sure they will come soon.
Congratulations, again.
Fondly, Liz Goebelbecker

Baxter075 said...

Yay so excited for you! Hopefully the rest of us will hear something soon. Can you give Elliana a hug and kiss for us? We will be praying for a safe and speedy trip! Congrats!

Sarah Cotton said...

So happy to hear the good news. We had dinner with Melissa & Joe and she told me...I hadn't checked your blog in a few days. We will be praying for a smooth trip & a joyous reunion. Please give a kiss to Iris for me if you see her. We can't wait to go - glad you don't have to wait any longer :)

The Rudstroms said...

All your comments make me want to cry. Wrong reaction I know but I just feel for you all. Except the image of Alicia sucking her thumb in the corner is rather amusing I have to say. =)

I will do my best to give your love to Iris and Josef and Elliana and Evangelle.

Great news Liz! I'm sure we'll run into Tom in those few days. C.O. is making reservations right now to stay at the Ethiopian Guest House. Where will Tom be?

Love and prayers and hope for all of you!

~AnnMarie

Anonymous said...

So, so happy for you all! I know the wait has been long & stressful! Your reward is at the end! Congrats & safe travels! Sheryl & Bob Tokarczyk