a ma se ge na le hu

After what was probably the most delightful non-business class overseas flight I’ve ever taken, Terry and I find ourselves amazed and confused in Addis Ababa, the capitol of Ethiopia. As hard as it is to believe, 12.5 hours actually seemed to go by fairly quickly. Ethiopian Air has a new fleet of 777’s all with personal entertainment screens and what seems like a bit more space (a few inches) than coach on most airlines. Terry was able to get some ambien-induced sleep, I was able to get some ambien-induced bad movie-watching in.

We landed at 8am, zipped through getting our Visas and Customs, picked up all 3 bags (yay!) and came to the hotel we’re staying at tonight – before proceeding to the guest house where we’ll be staying for the next 4 nights, tomorrow.

In what was somewhat of a surprise - we talked to our agency’s legal council and learned we’d be able to see BBS today!! So after a good nap, we headed to the care center (formerly known as the orphanage) with our driver. Well… then a kink in the plan. Turns out, BBS is actually at a different care center – although in the same system – about an hour away. So we couldn’t see him today, it was too late.

I'm not sure if it was the 12.5 hour flight with no sleep, the culture shock, or the thought of meeting our son within moments, only to have it not happen – but I got a little upset. I managed to keep myself somewhat composed, as the full-on tantrum I wanted to have would have neither been culturally acceptable, nor appropriate for a glowing new mother. (Terry was of course his patient and courteous self, thankfully.) Long story shorter, we’ll meet BBS tomorrow morning. Maybe best for all of to do so when well-rested.

Addis is amazing – more on that when we’re able to post pics, or see through the smog – whichever happens first.

And the reason I wrote “ we find ourselves amazed and confused” is because that’s exactly what we’re feeling. It’s one thing to jump on a plane and fly to what has been described as “not a third-world, but a fifth-world country” in 24 hours. It’s another thing entirely to add to that meeting your son for the first time. So yes, we’re excited, yes, we’re nervous and yes – we’re not quite sure what we are right now. What could be more amazing than THIS experience? And we’re happy to be here. And I'm especially happy to be here with Terry - of all people, who is my much better half. 


So - we just look at each other and laugh, thinking: O M G ! Seriously? Really? O M G! Wow. I really can't put it into words right now - I wish I could, more eloquently. It’s the most life-changing thing we’ve ever experienced. And it's only just begun.

The only other thing to say here is that we have spent all day trying to say “thank you” in Amharic.  (a ma se ge na le hu). I did say thank you in German, though, so at least I'm trying. 

Stay tuned. And thank you so much for your thoughts and prayers - 'cause we really can feel them.