One Year Ago Today …
We walked through the rain into IAN’s care center.
I was met by a woman who shouted “Meske!” and thrust this little one in front of me. Not quite the formal introduction I’d expected. We had decided that I would first take Caleb and Nate, Eden. I didn’t have time to think and nervously handed Eden what was intended to be Caleb’s gift. Our peace offerings weren’t necessary. It was clear they knew we were coming for them.
I’m not sure how long we’d stayed, but things like naptime, potty and snacks weren’t yet imposed on my priority list. We didn’t let go of them as we also held and cuddled the other children that lingered in and out of the room. We wanted them to know we were different than others who’d passed through. We participated in the traditional coffee ceremony, frequently interrupting conversation and play to whisper in their ears in Amharic “I am your mommy”, “I am your daddy.”
After what felt like minutes, but was probably hours, we said our goodbyes to the nannies that loved them so well. I wondered if they knew these goodbyes were forever.
We came to our temporary “home” and, after baths, dressed them in the pajamas that had been folded in a stack for months.
He slept like a rock. She spent her first night fighting sleep just so she could peer her head out from the covers every hour or so to make sure we were still there. I’ll never forget the sound of her little body jolting up in bed followed by a pause to allow for her eyes to adjust to the dark and search out our silhouettes under the sheets in the bed across from her.
*****
In one year they’ve grown well more than over a foot taller (collectively). We’ve gone from 9 month dresses to 4T summer sweaters. The 18 month pajamas he wore in Ethiopia fit him for about a month.
Size and subsequent wardrobe changes pale in comparison to the heart changes I’ve seen in these children who rarely are anything but delightful. As I type, Eden is dancing in the family room singing “He is Yahweh”, a song with an African twist whose lyrics include the chorus “He turns the bitter into sweet.”
We celebrated in advance of their “Gotcha Day” over dinner and chocolate cake (a rarity around here) with friends, who also have recently adopted from Ethiopia. Our morning-of celebration will include “ooey-gooey” bread (a Hagerty favorite), and the unveiling of their first annual anniversary picture books. Twenty-something pages of month-by-month pictures and quoted sayings heard around these parts from the little brown people who have turned our world upside down.
I’m all filled-up with joy.
How can we not do this again? 
Happy one year Gotcha DAY! Love it! Precious post as always Sara! You shine so brightly for Him!
Can’t wait to hear details about the word “again”!
Love you,
Jill
I cannot believe it has been a year. I love reading your post this morning. Your text made me laugh out loud yesterday morning about the wedding pics.. Tell the kids that you are the funnier one, but I am more coordinated :0) Miss you.
So, SO deeply happy for you guys.
I know you’ll savor this day too. May it be yet another one full of joy for the memory books.
Wow Sara! I remember anxiously awaiting your posts last year at this time, excited to see and read about your newest family members. I have loved following your journey and the incredible work of God in your family. As I sit here, still single and anxiously awaiting the day when I too will have a family of my own (fingers crossed
), I am in awe at the joy these little lives have brought to your world and the way your family has changed/grown in the course of a year. AMEN … and thanks for letting me peek in!
It’s so hard to believe it’s been a year! I remember you 2 leaving with excited nerves and anticipation, and then the 4 of you coming back to the Ethiopian Guest home, and meeting your 2 new sweet children! What a blessed day! Happy Gotcha Day!!!
Precious, Sara. Thank you so much for sharing–you inspire so many. God just shines through your gorgeous words.
I’m not sure I get a vote, but I can hardly wait for you to do it all over again. Eden and Caleb are such amazing kids (not that you didn’t know that!), and it’s a huge blessing to see the outwards signs of what God is doing in their hearts.
Wow, Sara! Oh, how this post brings back amazing memories! You held, snuggled and kissed my sweet Bedilu on this day-showering him with love when I couldn’t…and then the same for my precious Mulugeta days later. A priceless gift I could never repay.
I remember sobbing when I saw pictures of you, Nate, Caleb and Eden together at last!!! Marty and I were SO happy for the new Hagerty crew! It was such a blessing to be able to share this journey with you!
Congrats on your one year Gotcha Day!!! What huge, amazing things one year can bring!!!
In 3 days we will walk in your shoes – meet Aaron with beating hearts and tears in our eyes…. wondering today… wondering…. Loved your post.
Praising the Lord today for his blessings in your life!!! We love you guys!
Oh, y’all! They are just so sweet! What a JOYFUL thing to celebrate!
Ah, Sara, you have me in tears once again. What a wonderful testimony to the transformational power of love. Your children are so very precious, and you and Nate are such amazing parents. May God shower you with blessings as you begin your new adventures in Kansas City — and don’t stop updating your blog!! Love, Karen
Congrats!!
I love your pictures as much as your posts, both always beautiful.
Sara – you are a beautiful writer. As always, thank you so much for sharing the joy in your life with us. I fear that with your move and our summer schedule, we might not get to meet these two wonderful children – but hope that we might get together when you come visit Nate’s parents sometime soon. Many blessings!
Kate