More about the trip

I've come to the blog at least 20 times since being back home and find myself staring at the screen, unable to write. In part it's just taken awhile to recover from the jetlag, as it's a very long journey and a 10 hr time difference, but also it was such an intense experience - it's hard to put into words.

Meeting Bedilu was thrilling and surreal. He fell into our arms without hesitation or protest and it felt natural and meant to be. We were with one other adoptive family in the same room and they were meeting their 10 month old girl. The said they thought Bedilu really looked like a combination of Chaat and I! We were happy that he's filled out so much and doesn't seem underweight anymore. We talked to him, tried to tickle him, and stared into his beautiful eyes for the 90 min we had with him. Towards the end of our visit Chaat was holding him and sang "Hold Me Tight"by the Beatles, but balladized it. While he was singing I was looking at Bedilu, holding on to his feet, and we maintained really great eye contact for quite awhile. It was a precious moment with the three of us. Then we had to say goodbye, which of course came way too fast, and yet it wasn't quite as difficult as I expected. I think I've learned to protect my heart so many times in this process that I was actually prepared for having to leave him. Not all was rosy in meeting Bedilu; it's really difficult meeting your child in an orphanage in the 3rd world, and as much as you read about it or imagine it, there's nothing like the reality of seeing it. Conditions are extremely tough and there were some issues, but none I really want to talk about, as at this point in the homestretch it's important to stay positive.

The rest of the time in Ethiopia was spent meeting and bonding with other adoptive families (so helpful!), going on some cultural outings, seeing Lucy at the National History Museum, taking care of business with our agency, and going to court. Then we trekked in the mountains up north for a few days, stayed with locals in huts, saw some absolutely phenomenal historical sites, and really got familiar with Ethiopian culture and customs. The scenery was breathtaking and we were deeply moved by the whole experience. Ethiopia is a fascinating country and despite how incomprehensible and tragic the poverty often feels, there's a very peaceful, elegant energy that pervades the country. I felt incredibly humbled the whole time I was there and also lucky that Bedilu brought me to an amazing country that I probably would've never known otherwise.