They are now a Family of 6!!!

Wow, where do I start? First we slept like nothing last night. We were wide awake from 2-5am. Not jet lag, nervous energy about meeting Emma.

We got to the orphanage at 8:30am. She was there at the door waiting. We also had a cameraman from the Lifebook following us around. I know I will really appreciate it, but at the time it felt a little claustrophobic. ha! She was standing next to the nanny and apprehensive. We gave her the doll we brought but definitely was just a thing she took with a smile. We gave her a bag of candy to hand out to her friends. They all liked it very much! She even shared with the Bethany guide and the cameraman. Very sharing little girl. There were 6 nannies and they were all in tears giving her hugs good bye. I didn't cry until then. It seemed they all loved her , as well as the children. They were sad to see her go.

She shook our hands - it was cute. On the bus to pick up everyone else, we bonded well over the book Brown Bear. The nannies told me no English at all. She quickly squashed that when were looked at the picture dictionary. She said, Fish, Policeman, Physician. She counted to twenty in English and said half the alphabet. We have a great start to work with.

Next we headed to the Bethany office to fill out the I600. ALL of the staff (about 8) knew her and she knew them. Since we had a long delay it turns out they went to check on her a lot. The head Bethany staff came over and thanked us for waiting and still adopting her. It took about 2 hours here but very organized. We bought some handmade blankets and an outfit to put away for her. It's the only shopping we have done and maybe all we will get. I will be disappointed, but not the purpose of the trip.

We went out to lunch and she ate a lot. Lamb stew with injera. She was very tired, so by the time we got back to the guest house I had her lay down in her bed and I in mine and she quickly fell asleep.

She is so smiley. She has taken our hands and goes with us. She laughs when we tickle her and she loves to play with balloons. She had the photo album we sent in Feb. and kept pointing to her sisters and saying, "my sisters. I am excited to have sisters," That is what the guide said she was saying.

I wish I could send a picture but the internet is terribly slow and I get worried I will lose this whole email. ha!

My girls-you are going to love Emma/Mahlet. She is smiley happy girl. She is excited to meet you. Samantha she is excited to see your room. She is adjusting really well! We miss you so, so much, but can't believe our trip is almost over.

Hugs to all! Miss you tons!!!