This morning we went to the Bethany Christian Services office in Addis Ababa. It was good to meet the BCS staff in Ethiopia and see this side of things. We met with Mekonnen, Sisay, the social workers, and the nurse. The nurse is about 25 weeks pregnant, and it was really neat to get to talk to her about how things are in Ethiopia with pregnancy and hospitalization.
Birtukan has had a few immunizations already, which I was surprised that she had any at all. We were horrible 3rd time parents and didn't pack the diaper bag with any drinks, snacks, or toys for Birtukan. It was getting really late, all the kids were starving, and everyone was crying. We all finished filling out our I600's, and bought some stuff from BCS's outreach program store. BCS provides training to ladies in Ethiopia, and then helps them sell their merchandise - scarves, clothing, etc. I got a couple scarves, dresses, and an outfit for Jackson.
Finally, off to lunch!! We all got hamburgers and french fries - what traditional Ethiopian food! But it was delicious!! Birtukan ate some too, but she would tear off pieces of the bun and eat the hamburger like it was injera. I don't think she understands the concept of a sandwich yet.
We went back to Mussie Orphanage for the kids "Goodbye Ceremony" with the other kids and nannies. They changed the kids into traditional Ethiopian clothing as a gift to them. Their friends at the orphanage waited in the same room that we originally met our children in, and then they marched in our children.
As soon as Birdy came in, she ran over and sat on my lap instead of going to the front with all of her friends and the nannies that have taken care of her since November. It was a good moment for me that she realized that WE are her parents, and that she was going home with US and not staying here at the orphanage. She sat on my lap for a little bit, and then I told her that it was okay if she went up to the front with her friends. It was so cute!!
All of the adopted children were at the front in their outfits, and they were presented to the families one by one. Their orphanage friends sang songs, and it was so great to hear their sweet voices! It made me think of the times that Birtukan had probably taken part of goodbye ceremonies as "one of the friends left at the orphanage" - and now it was HER time to go home. All of the children chanted "last day, last day, last day" and it brought tears to my eyes. Yes - today was the last day that she would ever be at Mussie Orphanage. She was going home. I pray that the other children there are able to quickly get matched with waiting families, and that they won't have to wait long for their 'last day.'
They made a giant cake for everyone, and let the kids cut into it with a giant knife. Yes - that is correct. A group of 2 year old children stood there with a knife longer than they were tall, cutting into a giant cake. I took a deep breath, and realized that if Birtukan had survived this long, that she would survive her "Last Day Ceremony" at the orphanage!
On the way back to the Guest House, Abel sang us a song on the bus to celebrate. Then Mike suggested that Lisa (one of the adoptive moms) sing her 'hippo song' - which she sang on the trip to Awassa, from a kids CD she had. Abel thought he said "hip hop" and started busting into the most hilarious rendition of hip hop that I have ever seen. It was hilarious! (We miss Abel!) Then he started singing "Lord I Life Your Name On High" - and it felt really emotional to me. Yes Lord, we lift your name on high; singing the praises of this day where Birtukan is coming home.We were all glad to be back at the guest house! Birtukan made us injera, greens, vegetables, meat sauce, and doro wat. It was delicious! Birdy immediately grabbed injera and whipped it across her plate, and started telling us what she wanted where. She really is a pro!! It made me think about her Ethiopian mom, how she said that Birdy loved injera, and how she said her job was preparing injera. I want to celebrate Ethiopian Christmas every year with Birdy to keep her mom's tradition.
Night time was hard tonight! Birdy cried a lot, possibly because of everything that happened at the orphanage today. It's a lot for her to process! Mike felt bad that she wouldn't go to him, and I felt exhausted and overwhelmed and frustrated. I cried a lot today and tonight. She finally fell asleep with me holding her. I gently put her down in her crib, and fell down onto the bed. Goodnight world!
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