Pure Bliss: Our Christmas Miracle

Brian likes to wake up many times during the night to check his e-mail to see if we received any news from the US Embassy. Lo and behold, this morning at 3am there was an e-mail stating that our "case" had been cleared. What does this mean? Brian and I are traveling to Ethiopia to bring home our Kokeb! Of course we couldn't go back to bed. This day has been a little bit foggy and overwhelming.

I don't think it has really set in completely yet. I still feel, after waiting for three years, that we have to continue to wait. It has been over 4 months since we have seen her. I can't imagine how she has changed. She will be 16 months on December 22.

I would be fooling myself if I thought the next week or months are going to be an easy transition. Everything will be new to her...being outside in the cold weather, the language, the people that surround her, the new sounds, the time change, the food. However, there are two things that I think will help her out tremendously: Eli and Mekebo.

As Brian and I prepare to leave for this exciting adventure, I am still reminded daily of how blessed we are. We are so blessed so be able to smother this little girl with kisses and to share our love. We are so blessed with so many wonderful friends and family. Yes, we did have to wait. Yes, I did have to work on my patience. Yes, there were days where I was frustrated (thank goodness for Brian who always helped to calm me down). Thanks to everyone who has continued to pray for Kokeb.

Tonight I was beginning to pack suitcases (thanks Amanda for assisting; this girl thing is not something I am used to). I am so excited to be able to bring all of the donations that we have received! Everyone has been so generous and the boys and girls are going to love everything.

This is our Christmas miracle. This is the best gift that we could have received. Our Christmas cards will be late this year, but I promise it won't take three years!