We are wrapping up our time here in the heart of Ethiopia, and we are ready to be home. I (Shelley) ended up getting the same stomach mess Keith had and was vomiting and running to the bathroom all day on Tuesday - except when I had to muster the strength to ride the bus and make our embassy visit. I had to miss the morning ceremony at the orphanage when the kids staying behind and nannies all said goodbye to our children who are leaving this week. I've been told that Keith's closing prayer was 'inclusive' and very powerful. I was very sad to have had to miss, and even more touched that Keith was able to make the trip on Sunday four hours away -- if he felt at all like I did on Tuesday, I don't know how he did it.
I've come to a realization. In life, we face time in "moments," "days," "weeks," "months," or "years." We refer to the longer periods as 'seasons.' Yet, on days like today, we face seasons of moments. Hard minutes seem to last hours. Yet the giggles and laughter fade too quickly to frustration or sleep. Through mispronounced Amharic words, miming, and pointing -- and tears -- we are trying to catch up on 4 years of Zinash's precious life, as well as one year of Yoseph's. Time, it seems, is our enemy. We wish to be home, but realize that it will be harder to communicate once we're away from the guards and kitchen workers who help interpret for us. Yet, we also see that even with their help, our Zinash is in desperate need of her normal to kick in as quickly as possible.
Much of these thoughts came to us as Wednesday was a 'stay at home and get to know your kids' day. Obviously, we have had some tough moments, but Keith's tendency is to kick in and be goofy or silly - which often proves to be a good distraction and fun way to bond! Now that I am up and feeling better, the kids only want ME most of the time. We know that seeing Emma and Murphy crawl all over Daddy will help to bridge this gap -- and we can't wait! For me, it is very tiring, physically - of course - but emotionally, as well. We've read about this and prayed about this... but the reality of it is still difficult. Poor Keith - please pray for him. Though his big heart realizes 'this, too, shall pass,' he's still feeling the rejection. Praise God for the day when we look back and remember this as just a 'moment'.
Ahhh -- and with this, we look forward(?) to 24+ hours of travel starting Thursday around 2pm Central time until Friday evening around 6pm Central time. -- I wish I'd had time to ask for hourly prayer while we are traveling. If you are thinking of us, pray for Y and Z... they'll be experiencing sensory overload. We'll be glad to get to Texas on Friday evening!
I've come to a realization. In life, we face time in "moments," "days," "weeks," "months," or "years." We refer to the longer periods as 'seasons.' Yet, on days like today, we face seasons of moments. Hard minutes seem to last hours. Yet the giggles and laughter fade too quickly to frustration or sleep. Through mispronounced Amharic words, miming, and pointing -- and tears -- we are trying to catch up on 4 years of Zinash's precious life, as well as one year of Yoseph's. Time, it seems, is our enemy. We wish to be home, but realize that it will be harder to communicate once we're away from the guards and kitchen workers who help interpret for us. Yet, we also see that even with their help, our Zinash is in desperate need of her normal to kick in as quickly as possible.
Much of these thoughts came to us as Wednesday was a 'stay at home and get to know your kids' day. Obviously, we have had some tough moments, but Keith's tendency is to kick in and be goofy or silly - which often proves to be a good distraction and fun way to bond! Now that I am up and feeling better, the kids only want ME most of the time. We know that seeing Emma and Murphy crawl all over Daddy will help to bridge this gap -- and we can't wait! For me, it is very tiring, physically - of course - but emotionally, as well. We've read about this and prayed about this... but the reality of it is still difficult. Poor Keith - please pray for him. Though his big heart realizes 'this, too, shall pass,' he's still feeling the rejection. Praise God for the day when we look back and remember this as just a 'moment'.
Ahhh -- and with this, we look forward(?) to 24+ hours of travel starting Thursday around 2pm Central time until Friday evening around 6pm Central time. -- I wish I'd had time to ask for hourly prayer while we are traveling. If you are thinking of us, pray for Y and Z... they'll be experiencing sensory overload. We'll be glad to get to Texas on Friday evening!
7 comments:
We will certainly be covering your travel time with prayers. I cannot fathom the exhaustion you both must be feeling. Give Keith big hugs for us and remind him that we love him and know that he is a WONDERFUL daddy! Can't wait to hug all six of you SOON!
Ugh, my heart is heavy. I have to say I am SO sad that you were sick and I would have been in a super bad, almost ticked mood that I was sick and couldn't be a part of such a special moment that I had traveled so far to experience.
Then, I am sick about what you are feeling in your sadness as your kiddos transition and lose all that they know to join your family. It's something that we experience in domestic adoption, but to a different degree until they can understand more and experience that loss again. I love you and would give anything to be with you praying over your tired, worn out, emotional body.
Hang in there sweet momma. We are praying... And, you are such an incredible writer!
It sounds like you've really experienced it all these past couple of weeks -- highs, lows, health, sickness.... I'm sorry it's been so hard, but hope that the worst is behind you. I'm glad you have one another and that you'll be on your way home very, very soon.
I am just getting to all your posts and it is killing me that I haven't been able to get on here to read as you go. I can hear your heart. I will be praying continually. Love you so much.
I'll have to catch up more later but just wanted to let you know that I am so happy to hear an update...as well as see the lovely pictures.
Please send me an email if you'd like visitors at the airport at PDX. Would love to be part of that group if so.
HUGS!!!
The Ferguson Family
I hope I am not wearing out your blog with checking in so often to see if there are any updates. I am praying and praying for you. I am sorry and so sad that is has been so rough. The sickness just makes it so much more difficult. We love you and are so happy you are almost ready for this next part of the journey--HOME!
Hi...this is Kat Marr (Lori's friend) again...thank you for sharing your wonderful and hard journey. Our daughter is from the Hosanna region as well....we will be praying for your health, journey as it comes to an end and your trip home....please feel free to email me (Lori has my email and I'm on facebook) if you ever want to chat...we've had the "mommy only" thing and got through it with FLYING colors...it took awhile, but is SO common...again, thinking and praying for you!!!!
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