Reuniting, part 1

We have embarked on a trip that has been over a year in planning...traveling to Ethiopia to visit the littles' birth families.  Our first stop was Nazret, Ethiopia.  We visited the twins' great aunt whom they lived with for most of their life in Ethiopia.

The twins' birth mom surprised us with a special request:  that we take the twins to visit their half brother.  Although Tom and I knew of this boy's existence, it was our understanding that birth mom was not in contact with him at all and we never expected the twins to meet him.  So...it was a little awkward telling the twins that they have a brother whom we were now going to visit.  Fortunately, they took it all in stride.  The family resemblance is striking.

Following our morning in Nazret, we traveled to Ziway where the twins' mother lives.  Many, many friends and relatives came to visit with the girls and enjoy an abundant and delicious meal.  The girls also got to meet their maternal grandmother.

But the best part of the visit was seeing the girls reconnect with their first mom.

Fledglings

Two of my chicks are preparing to leave the nest.  Emily and Anna are moving into a nice little rental house in Lincoln with two of their friends.  Emily will be taking up residence this weekend.  Anna is going with us on our trip to Ethiopia to visit the littles' birth families, so she doesn't officially fledge for a few more weeks.  

Mother hen that I am, I feel quite anxious.  It will feel strange to have all three bigs in my house only as visitors.  It's the natural order and what we raise them up to do:  be independent and make a way in the world.

It still makes me sad.  Fly high, little chicks.

Dessie, Ethiopia...Because Every Mother Matters

                          

Visiting one of my sponsored mamas, Worke, and her family.  I am so happy to see them healthy, well-fed, and looking forward to a brighter future.  Worke has accomplished so much, and has plans to do so much more.  Gobez!  (Good job!)