inch by inch

We are spending time with Misgana. She is coming out of her shell and
we are trying to communicate. My study of Amharic has paid off and
when we don't know a word someone is here to help.

The people of Ethiopia have been so friendly and the city of Addis is
full and overflowing with people on the move. truly a big bustling
city.

Misgana seems to be warming up well - especially with Vicki. I play
with a ball with her and try to look for moments of connection. We
are reminding ourselves that this is a life long process and that she
has been and is going through an enormous change that can bring great
senses of loss and pain and even joy.

We heard that she was excited that we were coming. In fact the day we
picked her up she jumped right on the bus ahead of us... like, 'let's
get on with this!' :)

She has a sweet little raspy chirpy voice and even fake pouts to get
her way with me.

When I think about how far we have to go for us to attach and connect
on a new level I just think ahead to the day I'll walk her down the
aisle... and reflect on the journey we've all had together.

She is blessing us and we are thankful for her.

Thanks again and please pray for great moments at the orphanages
tomorrow. It will be a goodbye for Misgana with her friends. Pray
for peace for Misgana and good bonding with us. Also for Autumn,
Harrison, and Will as they are at the cottage with my folks - they are
awesome and we miss them heaps!

PS - the rest of the people here to pic up their kids are amazing and
we thank God that we get to go through this together.