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She said yes!Yesterday Ryan introduced us to our new daughter. As she is an older child, she has the right to decide if she wants to be adopted, and if so, if she wants to be adopted by us.
It’s so exciting! Ryan read her our intro letter, with pictures (and we didn’t scare her off! wonders!), and Tafesse translated. And she smiled and was excited and said yes! Awo! (“yes”, in Amharic, I’m learning…).
So this is a joyful day! We’ve ‘met’ from afar. And though it is a nonstandard meet, that is the nature of adoption, it’s all different and yet it works in it’s own way. And yes, we still have so much longer to go: official referral papers, Ethiopian paper chase, court petition, court date, travel…..
But this was huge…we’ve been waiting for this day. And you know, it makes it so much more real. It feels so much more connected. It made me cry (I know, not much of a surprise, that). We were lucky enough to get a few pictures too, the best ones we have so far! I wish we were there in person to hug her tight. But for now, we will print these out and hang them in the usual places: fridge, bathroom mirror, etc, to keep imprinting this sweet face on our minds and hearts and family. And we’ll celebrate these landmarks as they arrive, because that’s how we get through the process…so:
Wow!
Awo!!!!!!
Another Espresso, Please 
>Congratulations on the beginning of another beautiful relationship! I will pray that despite the difficulties to come (and I’m sure there will be some) you, CoffeeDoc, and your new daughter will always remember your choice to love.
>Awo! OK you just made me cry too!! I can’t tell you how deeply happy I am for you, for her for your whole growing family!!
>It made me cry too! Congratulations on your new daughter and I hope it’s not much longer before you are holding her in your arms as well as your heart.Tania
>OH HAPPY DAY!!!!! So fun checking in today and seeing this news!!! Blessings, Shelly
>Congrats on your great news!
>Of COURSE she would love to be part of your family 🙂 So exciting. What a miracle – the creation of family.
>You guys are amazing. All of you.
>How exciting! That first correspondence DOES make it feel so real! It makes you feel so connected. Yay! Wonderful, wonderful news. I know the pictures will help carry you through the rest of the wait!Rebecca
>Congratulations! I have been lurking here for awhile and this news just warms my heart! I don’t know you, but I just love your family! I hope when my family grows up we can be just like you guys :)God bless!
>So happy for you guys!! 🙂
>What a beautiful day!
>M, What wonderful news from your beautiful daughter 🙂 What a blessing for all! God is good! So happy for ALL of you. What a beautiful addition to your beautiful family!
>What a day of rejoicing! I hope she’s home with her family soon.
>What a wonderful day! We are so excited for and for her.
>Congratulations! What wonderful news!
>What a day!!!! I’m so happy for you all! I can’t wait for the day you meet-meet! This is SO exciting!!!!
>I’m crying. Can I come visit???congrats sweet ones :). becca
>How could she NOT like you???I am so thrilled for you. Inch by inch, you’ll get her. Take care
>This is my first visit and I am so happy for you and your family!I clicked in thru the Catholic Moms link. I like blogs that refer to coffee…and Catholicism…Reading about your family just warms my heart. I hope you’ll stop by my blog for a visit…when you have time!Alexsandra
>That is so exciting!! Congratulations!