April 28th
Sunrise over Addis. I awoke early when it was still dark to the sounds of roosters and the imams music ~ a call to worship. I smell smoke from fires across the city. Addis is waking up.
The Addis Guest House is across the street from a dirt field. Hills of dirt, peppered with small shacks stretch out before me. People are crouching around fires and carrying water. The street in front of my window is full of people: women in their long white Natala's, old men, children, dogs, oxen, on their way to market. And still in the background is the imams musical call to prayer.
I meet you today, Jonas and Jember. No words can capture my heart or its joy.
One year ago today this was the only picture I had of my little ones. They look so small and frightened. It makes my heart ache...
Jonas (a week old)
Jonas (6 weeks old)
/>Jonas (2 months old)
Jember (a week old)
Jember (6 weeks old)
Jember (2 months old)
Time has slipped away. One year later here we are. Parents of these 2 incredible little souls. Our home is overflowing with life and this incredible love. Some days I feel so stunned...so humbled that I was chosen to be the mother of these incredible little beings. I cannot possibly fathom how I ever deserved such a beautiful and sacred gift. I often wonder if the vast universe is large enough to hold the love we feel for our little ones. Our wonderful, funny, busy, curious, and loving children.
Our hearts opened up that day they placed them in our arms. And we changed forever. Forever and ever and ever. We became a family.
I give thanks every day for that.
Jonas and Jember ~ we love you to the moon and back again!
