This picture will sure come back to haunt him

We were so blessed to get new pics tonight from one of the Illien families that spent quite a bit of time in Ethiopia. 7 weeks to be exact. She really got to know my son and capture some amazing moments on film. I was flipping throuh her album just falling in love with the country and its people when i saw this really cute "girl" in a red dress. She really caught my eye and I didn't quite understand why I was so intrigued by this picture. Then it hit me like a ton of bricks. This cute little girl was my son. I must say i got quite a chuckle, and I can assure we won't put any dresses on him here, but he makes a cute little girl as well. HAHA. I'll be sure to pull this photo out on his wedding day.

1 week to go

So I've been packing like a fiend. And had to do lots of reorganizing. It's hard to keep the weight under 100 lbs. Most of it is donations for the orphanage. Abel and I have very little. people have been so generous as well. We have many cans of Soy formula, diapers, wipes, clothing, medications, and yes lots of toys. My friend Cathy just emailed me from Dubai and will be with her daughter in Ethiopia in about 6 more hours. She has promised to give lots of love to Abel for me and she is staying at the same guesthouse I will be at the Italian owned Guesthouse is suppose to be very adoption friendly. I will post the phone number there in case anyone wants to give me a ring there. I will be there next Sat am and will be leaving for home on the following Thurs. afternoon. dial 011 251 1 14672660 and ask to be connected to Sereika's room. i'm also brushing up on my Amharic, i already have a favorite phrase. "chigger yellum" which means "No Problem" . Love it, I could say it all day.

Some more

More

The pics

New Pics

We are so excited that a student who just volunteered at Abel's orphanage this past summer found us. She is very excited that Abel is being adopted and tells us Abel is a very happy little boy who tells everyone he is going to America with his new mommy. We are so happy he has a concept of what is happening and pray that it won't be such a huge shock to his system. She sent me lots of pics of him smiling and very happy, quite different than the customary pics from the agency. He is also apparently left handed as well.

WE PASSED!!!!!!!!!

Yeah we passed court, we were on vacation this week but we got the call about 12 noon that Abel is ours. I will be leaving to go get him in 2 more weeks. Woooo Hoooo.