Grass Huts & Green Leaves

My girls! Aren't they beautiful?! There are still times I am amazed that I've been allowed to be their mother. They came to us when they were 8 years old and just turned 13 in January. It's been a crazy 4 1/2 years! It hasn't always been easy, but even in the most difficult times, I can't imagine my life without them. They are growing up so fast!

Many people have asked how the girls are feeling about the adoption. They are thrilled! It is definitely the right time. A couple of years ago, we were presented with the possibility of adopting a newborn. It ended up falling through, and though Matt & I were disappointed, we knew it was God's plan. Violet had been asking for a baby brother for years, but when the possibility actually presented itself, she panicked. Her behavior, which is normally a challenge for us =), became impossible. After much coaxing, she admitted she was afraid of being forgotten if we adopted another child. We knew then it was not the right time. So, we prayed and waited.

This time around, it was different. Maggie burst into tears almost immediately! Violet didn't believe us at first--I saw a little apprehension. But then, when Matt told them that they would be coming with us to Ethiopia and how important it was to include them in the entire process, her tears flowed. Tears of joy. The fear was gone, replaced with utter excitement. About 10 seconds later, in true Violet fashion, the tears stopped and she burst out "Are we going to have to sleep in grass huts and wipe with green leaves?" Priceless!

Even now, they are nothing but ecstatic about it all. We gave them each a necklace with the Amharic word for sister on them. They wear them with pride! We have had to remind them not to drive people crazy talking about it. They have spent hours coming up with names for their little brother--Some aren't too bad! I can't wait to see their faces when they see him for the first time. They are going to be such great big sisters!

By the way, we did let Violet know that there are actual buildings and bathrooms in Ethiopia. We did assure her that if it came down it, we could bring our own TP!

Rubeinna