Hawassa Trip Part 2

HG picked her bed immediately!

 When we arrived in Hawassa they dropped us off at the hotel.  We were not to have our birth family meeting until 3:00.  So, we tried to get settled & refreshed. 

 Notice the decor?  LOVE THESE THINGS!!!!!!

 We had seperate rooms that adjoined.  It was so nice & quiet there!

Andy preparing for our meeting.

 We had our meeting at Shalom.

This is the orphanage where EJ lived for a very short time.

The meeting was incredible & I highly recommend it for any future adoptive parents.  No, it isn't easy.  But, it's so worth it.  We have lots of video, pictures, & memories for our daughter when she is alot older.  No, we don't plan on telling people her story.  It's her's to tell.  When she is older we will share with her the story that includes so many details that makes her the beautiful little girl that God made her.  If she wants to share it with you, she can.  I am so thankful for the birth family that God allowed us to meet.  I am so thankful for the hardest decision that was made - the decision for life.

They will always be a part of our family.

 This is the outside front of Shalom.  We were not allowed to take pics inside except for the pic of her baby bed (which is currently holding 1 of 2 adorable little twins.)  The director showed us around.  He told us many stories of miracles that are housed here.  They really do have an incredible staff.  The child to adult ratio is amazing.  They even have a couple of full time nurses & a part time nurse there on staff.  It's hard to find that kind of credentials here, never the less in a third world country.  They are very proud of what they are able to do there & rightly so. 

Before our meeting we sat down with one of the office managers.  He told us about the surrounding areas there.  It's unimaginable the living conditions of many of these people.  They are now working on humanitarian projects that I can't wait to be a part of.  I am so thankful for caring people like these who are helping my family. ;0)

 After the meeting Asa. took us to a government reserve park.  We were able to see lots of local wildlife.

 These birds are HUGE!!!!

 This is what a typical house would look like in the region that Genet is from.

 I am in awe.  Everything there is built so well considering the resources.

 The town of Hawassa is located on the huge Hawassa lake.

 HG made sure the boys had fun on this trip.

 Remember those big birds?  These are their nests.

After we returned to Addis someone asked us if we took a boat ride on the river.  We didn't but I so wish now that we had.  Apparently that lake is filled with hippos.  Wouldn't that have been fun?  Maybe next time.