Monday, April 20, 2009

Okay, okay, we've been home a few days now, and I keep getting asked when I'm going to update the blog! Well, we are JET-LAGGED and realizing we don't know any Amharic (ha! should've figured that out months ago!!!) so we have our hands full! But Grace is doing sooooo good. As if to say, "so this is how it is to have a family!!!" She absolutely loves her sister and brothers, and follows them all over the house. And they graciously allow it, and even enjoy it! She still has moments of being a scared little lady, and understandably so, but she comes a little farther out of her shell each time. Now if we could just get the hours of the day straightened out...

I want to try to put to words our experience in Ethiopia. I just don't even know if I can begin to do it justice. It is truly the most amazing place I have ever experienced. Still working on processing it all... please stay tuned. As my head clears, maybe the thoughts will get organized too!

4 comments:

  1. Praise God! So glad to hear that you and Grace are HOME!!! We are dying to meet but certainly understand the fog you are in:) It took us about a month to get our days and nights straight when we returned from Ukraine (but we were there alot longer than you were in Ethiopia) so hopefully it won't take you that long. Congratulations Bartel Family!!! You will continue to be in our prayers as your family adjusts to a "new" way of life.

    ReplyDelete
  2. CONGRATULATIONS and welcome home!!!!!!!! May God pour an abundance of special blessing upon your new family! Enjoy the adjustment and transition. She will grow fast and amaze you all.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Congratulations on bring Grace home - I was directed to your blog by FCCA here in Fresno. My husband and I are hoping to bring our 2 kids home this summer (we just got CIS approval and hope we have a court date before the Ethiopian courts take their summer/fall recess). I would love to get in contact with you if possible to discuss your travel experience etc. etc. I know it must be an incredibly busy time for you - but if you do get a moment, please email me or call me. My email is: fgreer@csufresno.edu and phone is 977-1739. My name is Felicia Gomez

    ReplyDelete
  4. So glad that we (really Nate) got to see you and your new blessing on Saturday at baseball. Please take a few moments to tell us how Ethiopia was and how things are going now so I can hear the story!

    Nates5bs
    14degrees.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete