Finally Final and Time to Celebrate!

Thursday, July 22nd, 2010

Thursday was the day of our interview with the U.S. Embassy in Addis Ababa. Here we go!

 This is a critical (and final!) step in the adoption process, as this secured Judah's entry back into the United States by giving us his visa and passport, along with all of his legal documents such as the judicial review of our case, birth certificate, etc. We were a little nervous and didn't really know what to expect. Fortunately, though, it was much easier than what we imagined. After a really nice lady asked us a couple of simple questions through a glass window, she had us sign something and then said "Congratulations!" It was a huge relief to have those documents in hand. Now time to celebrate!

That evening, our group went to a traditional Ethiopian restaurant where we enjoyed amazing food and some unbelievable African dancing.  The Ethiopian stews (wat) on freshly baked injera was definitely the best meal of the week!

Our meal was accompanied with great conversation and incredible music by a live band.

And we enjoyed even more coffee after our meal...always served with popcorn, by the way.

Following the meal, we all enjoyed a wonderful sampling of traditional Ethiopian dances. Here are the dancers performing a dance from the Tigray region, which is where Judah is from. Belay told us that the Tigrayans are know for their moves, so Mommy is hoping that is true for Judah ;-)

And much to our surprise, the dancers pulled people from the audience to try the dances. And of course, I was all about it...so much fun!

Jeff busted a move as well! 

 What an incredible day...writing about it made me miss Ethiopia terribly.

Can't wait to go back someday!