Busy Day in Ethiopia

Wednesday, July 21st, 2010

The day after we met our son proved to be a busy one! We began the day with a visit to the Gladney Foster Care Centers, which is where Judah lived from the age of three weeks old until the day we met him.  I was really looking forward to this day, as we would get to meet his primary caregivers as well as give lots of love to other Gladney children who were waiting to be united with their forever families.

The morning was a joyous, yet sad one as Judah's "Special Mother," a Gladney employee who took care of him while at the foster center, had to say good-bye. She was beautiful and sweet, and I couldn't hug her tightly enough! This picture was taken when we arrived there with him, and you can already see the tears in her eyes.

While Judah's Special Mother had her last moments with him and dressed him in traditional Ethiopian clothing that she made, Jeff and I had a chance to tour three of the centers and meet the precious children waiting to be adopted. It was such a joy to love these children, take pictures and video for families, and deliver care packages. After the tours, we were invited to join in a traditional coffee ceremony. For those of you who don't know, legend has it that coffee was discovered in Ethiopia...so Ethiopians take pride in this fact hand roast the best coffee I've ever had. These ceremonies are very special, and it is considered an honor to be invited to one. The longer the beans are roasted, the more the host is believed to like you :-)

Overall, it was a great morning and we are so very thankful for the wonderful care that Gladney provides at their Care Centers before the children are united with their families.

After our wonderful morning, we had lunch at a great restaurant called "Top View." And although it was rainy and foggy that day, the view of the city from our table was still beautiful. 

 

Judah enjoyed the outing as well!

 

He looked adorable in his traditional Ethiopian attire!

After lunch, we visited the Holy Trinity Orthodox Church, which was absolutely beautiful and full of some amazing history. We were so fortunate to have Gladney's own, Belay Tafesse, to give us a tour of this incredible house of worship. Belay's father was a general who worked for Emperor Haile Selassie, so Belay had such interesting insight and knowledge.

 

 

 

Overall, it was a busy but wonderful day. After the church tour, all we wanted to do was snuggle with our little man...and that we did!