Ana is home!!

After much prompting, I guess it's time I sit down and update our blog. As many of you know, the week we were to leave for Ethiopia the Red River began to rise and flood many nearby homes and neighborhoods. Our city of Oxbow was one of those who was forced to fight the flood waters. Early in the week we were thinking that the water would not reach our house as we are almost 2 blocks away and at a higher elevation. But by Wednesday morning we were proven wrong - we watched the water move into our streets and up into our yard. At this point leaving for Ethiopia was NOT what was occupying our minds!! We put a few calls out and family and friends came to help us tighten up our drain plugs and move all of our belongings out of our basement. Many thanks to all who helped!!


The kids and I left the house Wednesday night as the water in the street was rising and it wouldn't be long and we'd be trapped. So my father-in-law packed his bag and came to stay at the house with Kyle, while the kids and I went to stay at the lake with Grandma. I'm sure I'm going to owe him a few meals to make up for staying in a house surrounded by water with no use of a toilet. Thanks Grandpa! Friday, March 27th was the day we were to leave for Ethiopia. I kissed the kids goodbye and left them safe and sound at the lake with Grandma. Kyle's brother, Toby, came for the weekend to take Kyle's place at the house so we could leave. It was tough leaving with all the flooding happening, but we could rest easier knowing that Tom and Toby were watching our house. I had to park my car along Hwy 81 and call Kyle to let him know I was there. Then he had to walk down the street wearing his chest waders.


We left Fargo at 6pm on Friday, March 27th. We flew from Fargo to Chicago to Istanbul, Turkey to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. We arrive in Addis at 3:30am Sunday, March 29th. We stayed at an old villa which has been converted into a guest house. It is owned by a wonderful woman named Jerusalem who made us feel right at home.



We tried to get some sleep once we arrived at the guest house that early morning, but the Orthodox Church and the Muslim Church broadcast their services over load speaker AT THE SAME TIME and it was difficult to ignore. Then once the services stopped the neighborhood dogs decided it was too quiet and that they should all bark! And I'm not talking about 1 or 2 dogs - it was like 101 Dalmations and I'm not kidding!! Once we were up and showered, I gave Emily a call (Emily is an American gal who is doing some missionary work at the transition house owned by our agency) and made arrangements for her and Ana's nanny, Hiwot to bring Ana to our guest house. They arrived just before lunch and I think we both fell in love with Ana all over again!! I couldn't believe she was standing in front of me - it was very surreal!!



Ana was very comfortable with us right from the start!! Emily and Hiwot had done a wonderful job of preparing her for our arrivale. We had fun watching her and listening to her and holding her and just FINALLY being with her!! We were able to ask Emily and Hiwot questions about her personality, her routine, and her likes and dislikes. They also taught us a few keys words in Amharic - like pee and poop! And over the next couple of days we quickly picked up words like gum, chocolate, and pop. We also discovered that Ana is a clothes hound!! She was so excited to look through her suitcase full of clothes!! Below are just a few pictures of her in her new wardrobe...



We had a wonderful time in Ethiopia! We were able to do some sight-seeing about 1 1/2 hours north of Addis and it was beautiful!! We took in some sights within Addis as well - the museum, some beautiful old churches, some yummy restaurants, and playing with the children who lived next door to our guest house. The Ethiopian people are wonderful!!

The night/early morning that we left Addis was bitter sweet. I was so excited to be going home to see Matt, Andy, and Tina and to introduce Ana to everyone, but it was also very sad that we were leaving and taking Ana from everything she knows and is used to. Ana did very well on the airplane - she didn't like the seat belt, but that was just a matter of take off and landing. She was was entertained by the movies, toys I had brought, and the snacks I had packed. But she did eventually hit a wall - she fell asleep about 30 minutes outside of Chicago and she slept through our landing in Chicago - all the way through customs - through immigration - through the entire 4 hour layover - and through the entire flight from Chicago to Fargo. And guess who forgot to pack an umbrella stroller?? Needless to say, Kyle and I were exhausted after carrying her through the airport!!
When we landed at the airport in Fargo, we were greeted by Grandma Carole, Auntie Karleen, Grandma and Grandpa Freier, Matt, Andy, and Tina, and my friend Dawn. They had signs welcoming Ana home and they also gave her a teddy bear - very sweet. She took to them right away! Ana is adjusting well and is melting the hearts of everyone she meets!

Well, that's all for now. More to come...

Rain, Rain Go Away

So I'm thinking that flood preparation was NOT on my list of things to do this week! We THINK our house will not be affected by the river, but have taken precautions to ensure we remain high and dry.

I've gotten all the donations packed!! With all the infant & toddler clothing, shoes, cloth diapers, disposable diapers, bottles, nipples, receiving blankets, & the beautiful blankets my church lady friends made - we were able to fill 4 - 50 lb bags!!! We will be traveling with 3 of the bags and my friend and her husband will take the other bag when they travel to Ethiopia in May to bring home their children. Thank you Beret!! And a HUGE THANKS to all of YOU who have such giving spirits!! The children will benefit greatly!!

I've got most everything that I need and that Ana will need in a suitcase as well. And of course as I said earlier, Kyle will throw in his 5 things and we'll be off!!

We fly out of Fargo Friday evening. We will fly from Fargo to Chicago - Chicago to Istanbul - Istanbul to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. I believe Kyle told me the Chicago/Istanbul flight is 11 hours and the Istanbul/Addis flight is 4 or 5 hours. We arrive in Addis at 3:30am on Sunday, March 29th. We will try to rest for a few hours and get cleaned up and then Ana will be brought to our guest house. We'll be able to visit with Ana's nanny Hiwot and learn her schedule and ask any other questions we have.

Monday is a free day. Tuesday we have our embassy appointment in the afternoon. Wednesday is free as well and Thursday we will receive her Visa. We fly out of Addis at 1am Friday, April 3rd. We will get back to Fargo at 10:13pm that night. Grandma Melinda & the kids will pick us up at the airport. Can't wait to see how the kids & Ana react to eachother!!

So our trip will be fast & furious! I plan to enjoy every moment in Ethiopia and pray Ana bonds well with us. Can't even imagine what she is going to be thinking. I just hope she feels our love for her immediately and that it is not too difficult for her to see her nanny leave her with us.

I will post again once we get home! Can't wait for you all to meet her!!

10 Days & Counting

Well, I can't tell if I'm making any progress or not. Ana's room is FULL of donations of clothing, diapers, bottles, etc. from our wonderful friends!! The children from the orphanage are going to benefit greatly!! I am waiting until Monday to start packing it all up, to see if any other donations come in. I've got Ana's bag packed!! I think I'll work on getting my stuff together tomorrow. Kyle's on his own!! But you know those men - he'll pack his 5 things and call it good!

I just know this week and next are going to fly by! And I KNOW that next Friday I'm going to be a basket-case, running around like a crazy woman!! Crazier I should say huh?

More later...

Ready, Set, Go!

We are making plans to leave Fargo the evening of March 27th to head to a far away place called Addis Ababa, Ethiopia!! We are so ready to have Ana home with us, but I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed with planning and packing and stressing that I'm going to forget something important. Like a document we need for our embassy appointment or something that will cause us problems in bringing Ana home. But I have two wonderful friends that have traveled recently to bring their beautiful children home and they are emailing me lists and giving advice. So greatful!!
I picked up the last of our meds that we either need to take ahead of time or have along for those "just in case" instances - like the diarrhea medication. Oh boy, like I don't have enough to worry about!!
We will be home April 3rd - my birthday!! And I couldn't ask for a better birthday gift!! This years birthday is going to be very memorable that's for sure!!

Introductions

Now that we've passed court and Ana is 100% OURS, I can put her picture out here!!

This is little Miss Ana!! This is one of the very first pictures we received of her via email on September 18th. I began to cry the moment I looked at those dark brown eyes and wonderful smile. I knew she was meant to be in our family. God had chosen her just for us!!

We have been told by all who have met her that Ana is very loving. She laughs and giggles often and is very ticklish. She loves jewelry and purses and the baby dolls that we sent her.

I can't wait to pick her up and hug her!! I will probably spend the entire time on the plane ride home just staring at her!!

Still don't know when we can travel. Have been told they are making some changes in how the embassy dates are scheduled. Have no idea what that means right now. Will keep everyone posted.

WE PASSSED!! WE PASSED!! WE PASSED!!

If you didn't already hear...we passed court today!!! Our emotions are flying high!! Praise God!! Oh my gosh I don't even know what to write...we are working with a travel agent to see what our options are for flights. We are looking at traveling March 20th...possibly. Will know more in a few days. So much to do...so much to think about...and feel unbelievably blessed!! Thank you for all your prayers and thoughts and support!!
I will write more later as I have to go pick up Tina from preschool. Would be really bad if I forgot her there...which could happen as my mind is racing!!
Ok, gotta go!

Keep on, keeping on...

We have recently discoverd that Ana's birth father is deceased. The reason our case was postponed to March 5th is because they needed to locate his death certificate. Good news is, they have the certificate and hopefully our file will be complete and the judges will pass our case. WHEN we pass court on the 5th, we should be able to travel by early April. Keep praying until we hear those wonderful words, "You've passed court"!!

Andy turns 7 years old on Friday the 13th!! Hahaha! So we've decided not to chance it and have his party with friends on Saturday!! About 10 boys will be coming to our house for pizza, sledding and bouncing off the walls!! Can't wait!! Later that afternoon we are having Grandma & Grandpa Freier, Great-Aunt Laurie and Cousin Katelyn, Great-Aunt Joanie and who ever else doesn't already have Valentine's Day plans with their sweetheart, over for dinner. And I suppose a few more presents will be opened!!

At the end of the month we will be traveling to New Ulm for our niece's baptism. We always look forward to spending time with Kyle's brother and wife and cousin Luke and Avery!!

So the month will be busy and that is good!! Before we know it March 5th will be here. I believe once we pass court, I will be able to post pictures of our little Ana. So be sure you check back for the BIG REVEAL!! We are so proud of her and think she is just the most beautiful little girl we've ever seen!!

Hope you enjoy the new blog background. I've had so much fun playing around with this!!