We've learned so much about her already. We came here prepared for the worst... tantrums, fear, sleepless nights... but we've had a surprisingly easy time. She's eating well, sleeping all night long, and when we need to go somewhere she's happy in the Ergo carrier.
Today we said goodbye to the transition home and the older children that we have gotten so close to. Luke, Levi, Zahria, Kieran all got hugged and kissed and then watched me cry like a fool. Tomorrow we're visiting Mahder, Amelework, Eyob and Yohannes from the His Little Feet tour. We've heard they're having a hard time with their return to Ethiopia after nine months in America and we're hoping a familiar American face might help.
We said goodbye to two nannies who loved Temar very much. We got pictures with them and hugged them and told them thank you. But how can you really thank someone for loving your child in your absence? For caring more than they had to. We owe Temar's easy transition to those women and the love they've given her these seven months she was with them.
There is so much that I could say, but I don't have the words to capture these few days in one blog post. It has been a lot more emotional than we expected. All of the hellos, and firsts, and the newness of it all. And at the same time goodbyes, and last times, and sadness knowing that we won't be back here for a while.
But we miss River and we're ready to get home and start our life as a family of four. We can not wait to see everyone. We'll be coming into the Indianapolis airport at 6:40 pm on Sunday, July 29th. (My birthday!) And everyone is welcome to come and welcome her home!