First things first.
COULD. YOU. DIE.
I figured her special mothers would do something pretty with her hair but this? Blown away.
Today went SO well! I am so happy about it. I Didn't get a chance to post the prayer requests so y'all must have winged it. You should know your prayers were effective!!
We got to the guest home about 9:30 this morning and the kids were all playing on the lawn. As soon as we got there, Bethie came and gave both me and Walker hugs. I am sure she was told to do this by the nannies, but it was still a wonderful way to start. The last time we came, we brought a stroller for her to play with that was a big hit. On the drive from Austin to Houston I realized that I forgot the stroller so before Walker's dad took us to the airport, I dashed to Target and got the LAST stroller they had. Whew. So when I walked in with it, she remembered instantly and made a beeline for it.
Soon we went inside and they began to feed her a 10:00 oatmeal snack. She was wary of me but did let me feed her a few bites. So much of attachment revolves around eating, because feeding a child is such a parental job.
Needless to say I was thrilled she let me do this. The social worker told me that Bethie only lets a couple of the nannies feed her so she was shocked and happy about it too.
We just stayed in the one big room where she plays. We had brought balloons and bubbles so we took turns with all of them. Addis Ababa is a much higher altitude (contributes to why they have so many Olympic runners - if they can run here, they can run anywhere) which means you get winded just going up stairs and if you try and blow up a balloon? You'll feel insanely drunk for a few seconds. I literally swaggered and almost fell down. Turns out, in Addis, I am a very cheap date.
The caregivers, who are all so sweet, and probably felt sorry for Mags, who was looking a little FLDS
(I can't do white girl hair) set about to give her a makeover.

Now if they would just come to my house every morning.
At first, Bethie stayed away from us and clung to the ladies. But after about 45 minutes Walker picked her up, and she let him.

Then he cuddled with her, and she let him.
He tried to indoctrinate her into his evil Aggie ways, and she kinda sorta let him but inside she was singing Texas Fight, I could tell.
A few minutes later, Maggie came up to me. I drew her in my lap and rocked her and kissed her a couple of times. Bethie stared at me loving on Maggie, and y'all, it was like a lightbulb went off in her little ringlet covered head.
The caregivers love these kids. They honestly do. Both times we have been here I have been so impressed and so thankful with how nurturing they all to the kids in their charge. They are constantly kissing them, wiping noses, gently disciplining. But they have lots of wild little ones to look after and I doubt there is much time for lingering hugs. It's just not the same as motherlove.
Bethie watched me and Maggie so intently. It was like she was thinking, "Whatever is going on over there, I want me some of it."
Maggie jumped off my lap. Then I reached out to Bethie, and the same little girl, who last time would not let me hold her, would barely let me touch her, let me pick her up
and she sat on my lap
leaned into me, as I held her close
and rocked her, and sang quietly into her ear.

What did I sing? The same song my mom always sang when she rocked me. The same song I sang to all my other babies when I rocked them.
Yes. It was a good, good day.
COULD. YOU. DIE.
I figured her special mothers would do something pretty with her hair but this? Blown away.
Today went SO well! I am so happy about it. I Didn't get a chance to post the prayer requests so y'all must have winged it. You should know your prayers were effective!!
We got to the guest home about 9:30 this morning and the kids were all playing on the lawn. As soon as we got there, Bethie came and gave both me and Walker hugs. I am sure she was told to do this by the nannies, but it was still a wonderful way to start. The last time we came, we brought a stroller for her to play with that was a big hit. On the drive from Austin to Houston I realized that I forgot the stroller so before Walker's dad took us to the airport, I dashed to Target and got the LAST stroller they had. Whew. So when I walked in with it, she remembered instantly and made a beeline for it.
Soon we went inside and they began to feed her a 10:00 oatmeal snack. She was wary of me but did let me feed her a few bites. So much of attachment revolves around eating, because feeding a child is such a parental job.
Needless to say I was thrilled she let me do this. The social worker told me that Bethie only lets a couple of the nannies feed her so she was shocked and happy about it too.
We just stayed in the one big room where she plays. We had brought balloons and bubbles so we took turns with all of them. Addis Ababa is a much higher altitude (contributes to why they have so many Olympic runners - if they can run here, they can run anywhere) which means you get winded just going up stairs and if you try and blow up a balloon? You'll feel insanely drunk for a few seconds. I literally swaggered and almost fell down. Turns out, in Addis, I am a very cheap date.
The caregivers, who are all so sweet, and probably felt sorry for Mags, who was looking a little FLDS
(I can't do white girl hair) set about to give her a makeover.
Now if they would just come to my house every morning.
At first, Bethie stayed away from us and clung to the ladies. But after about 45 minutes Walker picked her up, and she let him.
Then he cuddled with her, and she let him.
He tried to indoctrinate her into his evil Aggie ways, and she kinda sorta let him but inside she was singing Texas Fight, I could tell.
A few minutes later, Maggie came up to me. I drew her in my lap and rocked her and kissed her a couple of times. Bethie stared at me loving on Maggie, and y'all, it was like a lightbulb went off in her little ringlet covered head.
The caregivers love these kids. They honestly do. Both times we have been here I have been so impressed and so thankful with how nurturing they all to the kids in their charge. They are constantly kissing them, wiping noses, gently disciplining. But they have lots of wild little ones to look after and I doubt there is much time for lingering hugs. It's just not the same as motherlove.
Bethie watched me and Maggie so intently. It was like she was thinking, "Whatever is going on over there, I want me some of it."
Maggie jumped off my lap. Then I reached out to Bethie, and the same little girl, who last time would not let me hold her, would barely let me touch her, let me pick her up
try not to be distracted by the coolness of me wearing two pairs of glasses on my head | t |
leaned into me, as I held her close
and rocked her, and sang quietly into her ear.

What did I sing? The same song my mom always sang when she rocked me. The same song I sang to all my other babies when I rocked them.
I love you, a bushel and a peck,
A bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck
A hug around the neck and a barrel and a heap
A barrel and heap and I'm talkin' in my sleep about Bethie.
Yes. It was a good, good day.
Tomorrow morning we will go back to the care center for a coffee ceremony, which is an opportunity for her caregivers to say goodbye. Then she will come with us, forever.
Please pray for her little heart tomorrow. Pray for the Holy Spirit to whisper to her that we are love, forever and ever love.
Bawling. Big fat ugly tears. Praise Jesus.
ReplyDeleteAnd as you sang did you start to WAIL? Because I just did.
ReplyDeleteI keep picturing her reading these stories in about 10 years and knowing this love, deep in her bones.
<3
DeleteThis is crazy good! SO glad it's finally happening! My mind is racing through all the years of prayer and waiting and frustration and longing. WORTH IT for this day, right? Her hair!!! Got doesn't miss a single detail in delighting us, does He?!?! SO happy for you, Missy. xoxo!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful. I'm thankful to Jesus for you and with you!
ReplyDeleteOh that made me tear up. I'm so so glad for you.
ReplyDeleteSniff sniff... crying here at my desk, at work. So happy happy happy for you all!
ReplyDeleteWhat Sarah said. Amen.
ReplyDeleteLove you. So excited!!
ReplyDeleteOh my, my!!! My heart is so happy for you, her, you, her, your hubby and kids!!! Thanks for sharing this precious day!!
ReplyDeleteI've been checking and re-checking your blog after seeing the precious pics on Facebook earlier. Praise God for his blessings! She is so precious! My Mema sang that song to me and I sing it to my children. I bawled. So glad you were able to sing to your daughter today!!!
ReplyDeleteDon't know how you weren't a big puddle while you sang that song! So, so happy for this wonderful first reunion with her!
ReplyDeleteNancy
Doin the ugly cry! My heart is s full for you as ths new journey begins. Sending payers for continued grace and peace for all involved.
ReplyDeleteMy heart is filled today reading this story. I feel like I know you when I don't actually know you. Thank you for sharing this. God bless her little heart.
ReplyDeleteMy mama sang that song to me and I sang it to my babies, as well. Yep, tears welled up as I read this one. Bless your family and may Bethie grow in confidence that your love is forever.
ReplyDeleteCrying! And praying for all of you!
ReplyDeleteI am praying. I can't imagine the overwhelming joy you are feeling now and will be tomorrow. What a blessing!!
ReplyDeleteThis is so beautiful!!
ReplyDeleteOh those curls and those big beautiful eyes! She's gorgeous! Praying that your day tomorrow goes well!
ReplyDeleteAaah big tears here too. Will be whispering many prayers for you in these next few days!
ReplyDeleteWhew! My heart is in my throat thinking about the beauty and the heartache of this day, this week. It's like childbirth in that once you have walked this particular path, you can never see it again and not have your own emotions yanked back to you own particular custody day. We are covering you in prayer for the joys and the hurts and the smiles and the tears to come. Savor this time with your beautiful daughter in her home country!
ReplyDeleteOh, I am so THANKFUL for that moment when Bethie saw you loving on Maggie and decided she wanted you to love on her too! I don't know if that's why you brought Maggie along, but I have to think God planned it that way. He is GOOD! Tears of joy for you! Also ... because "Bushel and a Peck" isn't a traditional lullaby, I was kind of surprised to hear that so many other mamas sing it to their babies (as I did). Prayers for tomorrow!
ReplyDeletePraise God!!! This post makes me so happy!! Praying for Bethie tomorrow, so thankful it went so well today!!!
ReplyDeleteI'm crying too - so, so happy for all of you :-)
ReplyDeleteSo unbelievably excited that it went so well! Congratulations!,,
ReplyDeletecrying and praying! YAYYYY!!!
ReplyDeletePraying for her sweet heart. When we took Bogdan from his foster family just 2 weeks ago, I thought it would tear me in two. When he grieved all the next day, I was almost sick with grief for him. But, here we are, home, snuggled on the bed with his music toy and my lap top and he's laying his head on my shoulder. Redemption is hard, but it's GOOD! Blessings to you!
ReplyDeleteDying. DYING. Can't even type through my tears.
ReplyDeleteAmazing.
ReplyDeleteTears!
ReplyDeleteOh my word you are making me cry! So thankful for you all!
ReplyDeleteI kept waiting for an update on how to pray, silly me, should have been praying anyway, but I get all confused about the times. But definitely on it now!
God is so good! Praising Him for this day!!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful Missy!!!! Such a beautiful story and so well written!! Praying that Bethie has a safe transition into your lovely family!!
ReplyDeleteAwwww, sweetness! What a blessing she is. Can't wait to see those sad eyes transformed into joyful orneriness!
ReplyDeleteThis. is. beautiful. Wow. So happy to follow along on your journey!
ReplyDeleteI am typing this..barely seeing the screen through my tear of JOY for you and your family. I cannot thank you enough for sharing your journey with us. Such a blessing. Thank you Sweet Jesus for being so GOOD.
ReplyDeleteoh my stinkin heck what a journey you have ahead of you. I pray that He makes it real to you and that He lays on your heart what you need to do while you are in country to make the transition as easy as possible. i so envy you. you are literally about to become His arms, and His feet, and His heart.
ReplyDeleteI think something is stirring way down deep in that little girl's heart and she knows she's getting a real live, honest-to-goodness, mommy.
ReplyDeleteI have chills going down my legs.
Beautiful girl, so so happy for you, and will be praying for her and for all of you!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful.
ReplyDeletewow. beautiful. thank you Jesus.
ReplyDeleteWell, dang! I wasn't gonna cry this time... I really wasn't. God is so incredibly good. Praying that tomorrow, she feels the arms of Jesus around her when you guys pick her up to bring her HOME!
ReplyDeleteSo thankful it is going well. I will pray for the sweet one tomorrow, and for all of you..
ReplyDeletePraying for a smooth transition. What a beautiful child. So blessed...all of you!
ReplyDeleteSO glad the day went so well!!
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Mary, momma to many
JUST JOY for you. So thankful it went well and that tomorrow, the Spirit moves her so profoundly! Hugs!
ReplyDeleteOh, and HER HAIR. I LOVE it. Love it. Did i mention I LOVE it?
I don't comment much, but I read everything. I have been following your journey and I am so thrilled for you. This was beautiful. I'm excited to read more about your precious girl! (And I will be praying faithfully tomorrow too!)
ReplyDeleteWe sing that song too. My great uncle always sang it to the new babies in the family. It's perfect. Prayers for a wonderful flight home!
ReplyDeleteSo well said, so well done. Sending all our love.
ReplyDeleteHappy Beautiful and Blessed tears of joy for your family!!
ReplyDeleteThis was beautiful! I loved reading and seeing the pictures! God is so GOOD! Praise the Lord that she is receiving you all so well! I will be in prayer for you and for your daughter and husband and children! You are such an encouragement to ME. :)
ReplyDeleteOh my leaky eyes! Praise God from whom all blessings flow. SO thankful Bethie was drawn to you and your family! Wishing you much love today with her tearful (?) departure into her new and blessed life. Safe travels!
ReplyDeleteWill do--thank you so much for sharing your story. ♥
ReplyDeleteDitto to what everyone else said! Beautiful story, and what a beautiful little girl! Happy blessings to y'all!
ReplyDelete(And yes, the ringlets are to die for!) :)
By the way, LOVE the new blog logo! I've been waiting to see that cage empty for a long time (but not near as long as you have)!! WOOHOO! :)
Deletethanks! :)
DeleteWow, congratulations to you all!
ReplyDeleteSo glad to hear that she is tentatively warming up to you! What a blessing! Keep the updates coming; we are praying and cheering you on.
ReplyDeleteCrying and praying. What an anointed time for your family, as I read this, I was just overwhelmed with what the Holy Spirit is doing in this situation, moving ahead of you and preparing this tender heart, as well as the caregivers, who certainly must grieve saying good bye.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your precious new addition. As I looked at the pictures, I just kept thinking, "This is her new normal. This sister will hug her a thousand times, this Daddy will cuddle her, this Momma will snuggle and sing to her.". The first of many, many moments of love. Bless your family as you grow together.
Rejoicing with you. God is already at work, knitting you together. SO GLAD. Soak it up, sweet friend!
ReplyDeleteDivinely Precious!
ReplyDeleteShe's beautiful!!!
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to see her at home. I've seen the transformation in my kids 3 times. The lovin' has its effects in a huge way. Congrats.
ReplyDeleteI have read your blog for years but never commented till now. I have laughed, cried and had chills reading this over and over. My mother sang that song to HER ten children and I've sung it to MY twelve children. What a neat connection I feel to you, Walker, Maggie, Bethie and the ones at home today.
ReplyDeleteGod bless you and keep writing!
Eileen
LOVE it! My hubby is in the air on the way to Addis right now with a God opportunity to photograph and film some new believers who have recently fled various Arabic countries to get baptized. I told him I read on your blog that you'd be there and that if he ran into a white man and lady with a cute little white girl and a cute little black girl to say hello! Prayers for you guys today as you make Bethie an official part of your forever family!
ReplyDeleteWoo-hoo!!!!!!!!!!!! So, so happy for all of you!! And I love both little girlies' hair-dos!
ReplyDeleteEach of my kids has their own little love song or catch phrase from me - Bushel & a Peck is my youngest boy's. My mama sang it to me, too. Sweet, sweet!!
Have been & will continue to pray for y'all!!
Crying. I don't know you but I've been waiting for this for you for forever. I can't even imagine how you feel.
ReplyDeleteI don't get a chance often to read blogs (Mom of 4 - 2 adopted - one came home at 4 last Feb.) Today, however, I actually got a moment to see what the rest of the world was up to and was so excited and surprised to see you are in Addis with your darling girl ... bringing her HOME! I am praying for all the days and months ahead. My son came home last Feb at 4 years. It's been a long year - but seeing all the firsts through an older child's eyes cannot compare! Your girls are adorable and look to be off to a great start. Before long, they'll be rolling around on the floor like two lab puppy's. Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful I know that it will be hard for her, and you, those first days, weeks, months...but it will also be so good, for her, and for you all. I will pray that His will is done in your family and that there will be as few bumps as can be. That she will have peace.
ReplyDeleteThis is my first comment ever on your blog (though I've been reading a long time). I am literally sobbing my fool head off in joy for your family. Please, Lord, allow me to make the same type of impact in the life of a child!
ReplyDeleteThanks Fern!
DeleteTomorrow will be a good day, but a hard one as well. Praying for you and for that sweet girl. God WILL heal her heart, Missy, it just takes time! This I know!
ReplyDeletePraying extra hard for Bethie, her nannies, and y'all tomorrow...
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful - and how wonderful to see all these comments! I'm trying not to cry because I'm sitting in the public area of a Christian community and I really don't want to burst into tears while looking at my laptop screen... Hallelujah! Prayers and love from England
ReplyDeleteSandy x
my original comment didn't post for some reason. (user error?)
ReplyDeletemy eyes burned with tears by the time i got through the song! good grief. you are so good at documenting this whole experience.
ps: i hope you got some tips or a tutorial even, on those curls! her hair is just precious!!
Your birdie's out of her cage! Your birdie's out of her cage! Yahooooooooooo!!!!
ReplyDeleteEmotional with everyone else. God's love is SO big. I love this post!!
ReplyDeleteI'm so excited for you as you finally get to meet your daughter and bring her home! a few months ago you commented on facebook on catalina's post and I recommended a website on hair for you - I promise you will want to bookmark/pin/memorize this blog (and follow her on Facebook, people are always asking questions and I"ve learned a ton)- www.chocolatehairvanillacare.com. Lots of people who have adopted from ethiopia ask questions on there. my daughter is african american, adopted locally, and is 16 months old, and I have learned SO MUCH from that site - not just hair, but other good transracial adoption info too. I know all of that is last on your mind as you need to bond with your daughter, etc - but I promise, tuck away this info and you will not regret it! oh and Rory, author of the blog, is a Christian too, it's neat to read her backstory. Ok, just had to throw that out there!
ReplyDeleteI've heard about it and read it today for the first time - oh my word. So overwhelmed. :/
DeleteThat last picture just says is all - sisters! LOVE!
ReplyDeleteI'm boo-hooing away over here... this little one is blessed to have found such an amazing family. You four are perfect together... and I think double glasses are quite stylish :-)
ReplyDeleteYou are in my thoughts and prayers as you journey home.
maggie
How delightful that you have thoughtfully, prayerfully elected to spend upwards if $35k to purchase this gorgeous Ethiopian child! A deity apparently told you to, so that makes it okay despite the fact that the State Department has thoughtfully published several warnings and notices about corruption and coercion and child trafficking for the purpose of adoption - by wealthy foreigners like yourself. You must be so very thrilled!!
ReplyDeleteYour darling girl won't have been trafficked, right? Has no living family that could care for her? Really truly understands adoption in the American sense (family ties permanently severed with biofamily) as opposed to the Ethiopian sense (kinda like a foreign exchange program; biofamily gets her back at age 18).
I do hope and pray your girl makes the transition easily (though she shouldn't have to - but all the $$$ you are paying likely coerced her biofamily into giving her up, for HER sake. What you deserve is a kid with RAD that wrecks your entire life. Your entire family's life bc you BOUGHT A KID!!
Yawn.
DeleteIf I had a nickle for every time I've seen this word-for-word ignorant comment on a blog I'd have enough money to 'buy' another couple of kids.
Missy, I can't let the comments on this beautiful post end with the one from yesterday! Even though many of us have heard it all before, may God protect your heart from the pain the previous comment was meant to inflict and may the truth found in your family's love be seen by all. Congratulations on your daughter's homecoming! - Emily
ReplyDeleteYou are so sweet Emily. Honestly, I am so exhausted right now, and having just been to Ethiopia twice, and been to the orphanages, seen the street children, and knowing Bethie's story, I know what I know, and comments like that just roll off my back now with an eye roll and a choice verbal dismissal. Her ignorance is her problem, not mine.
Delete