Sunday and Monday

Good evening from Addis Ababa.

I am going to be honest, I hummed myself to sleep on Tyson's bed last night and didn't wake to blog. At some point I woke up, realized everyone else was asleep and Mark had covered me up.  Right there on the twin bed with our brown-eyed boy, I took my first "nap" with him.  This morning I reminded him that "Mommy fell asleep on your bed."  He smiled big and said, "I know. You sang. You sleep.  I sleep."  Pretty much.

All that humming and sleeping came after a fun Sunday!  We woke and went to church (back to IEC for the third Sunday).  There was one pretty crazy, awesome thing that happened.  So, six years ago, our friends, Trent and Carmen Post, moved to Ethiopia to live as full-time missionaries (go check out their ministry, Make Your Mark, at myminternational.org).  We had met Trent and Carmen when we lived in Charlotte, NC.  We went to church together there and it just so happens, Carmen did my hair while we lived there, too.  We have been in touch with them throughout the years and kept up with one another on social media.  Trent has even worked closely with Sebilu (the Africa country director for Bethany) on an orphan alliance panel the past several years.  Due to all the political unrest in Ethiopia right now, the government isn't allowing a lot of wifi or any communication via Facebook in an effort to minimize protests.  Because of very limited wifi (thankfully we have it nearly all the time in our guesthouse), Trent and Mark have had a tough time getting in touch with each other since we arrived.  Until day before yesterday.  So, Saturday night we called Trent and Carmen to see if they had a free night to come hang out with us at the guesthouse, as we knew we weren't "supposed" to leave without a Bethany employee with us (understandable in many ways given the political climate).  However, remember how Trent knows Sebilu?  Well, unbeknownst to us, Trent contacted Sebilu to ask if he could pick us up and take us to their house for dinner tonight and bring us back.  Sebilu agreed and so, that's what we did tonight.  BUT, when we went to IEC Sunday and the music started, guess who was leading worship? CARMEN!!!  Isn't the Lord SO kind?  Even more, as we sat at dinner tonight Carmen asked me what orphanage Tyson had been at.  I answered and she said, "Oh goodness.  There is a little boy there we have prayed about adopting for 4 years.  We are waiting to see the Lord work it out."  Guess who the little boy is?  THE ONE TYSON GAVE HIS SHOES TO!!!!!  They are the best of friends.  I could hardly contain my tears when she said his name and that they might be his family.  ONLY JESUS.  

I am just still sitting in His goodness.  His details.  His timing.  

After church we went back to the fancy shmancy nice hotel for lunch.  Then, we grabbed ice cream at the cute ice cream parlor with swings.  After we had our tummies full, we headed back for a night at the guesthouse of playing, talking, and the kids watching "The Lego Movie."  Since Tyson and I had an early morning today, we had him go to bed around 9pm, but needless to say, he wasn't the only one who fell asleep!

So, this morning Tyson and I had a driver coming at 7:30am to take us to the hospital to begin his medical exam for his Visa.  TRAFFIC WAS AT AN ALL TIME HIGH  After over 2 hours in the car (NOT EXAGGERATING), we pulled up in front of a  Starbucks  Kaldi's and saw a familiar face... Mengistu.  He motioned for us and when we got out of the car, he explained that since traffic had been so bad, the Bethany nurse went ahead to the hospital today and got permission for us to have Tyson's TB skin test done at a closer clinic, just behind the Kaldi's. We entered (after going through metal detectors and being frisked, of course), we were given "Visitor" badges to wear, and then we saw the Bethany nurse.  She had already gotten us registered and they were ready for us (silver-lining to 2 hour drive).  Tyson had his TB skin test done, so we were finished in like 35 seconds quickly.  As we walked out Mengistu asked if I wanted anything and given that we had just been out of the car for a few minutes I suggested we (Tyson, me, Mengistu, and the nurse) go grab a macchiato at Kaldi's.  They were outta milk (yes, a coffee shop with no milk), but we all found something to drink (and Tyson scored a chocolate donut).  While we sat there, we began talking about the Lord and His timing.  Mengistu had some specific things we are joining him in praying over.... and waiting on the Lord, no matter what you're waiting for, can be hard!  I am just seeing the tip of the iceberg on the blessing of trusting Him in the wait...that HE REALLY IS WORKING IT ALL OUT FOR HIS ULTIMATE GLORY AND OUR ULTIMATE GOOD, despite how we FEEL about it before He reveals it all.  

I was grateful for the time sitting around that small wood table in the dead center of a bustling coffee house.  We talked about His faithfulness in each of our lives, about how His plans don't always make sense, about the narrow way that leads to abundant life.  And, I was able to look at both of them square in the eyes and tell them that I am praying 100-fold blessing over them for the way they FIGHT THE GOOD FIGHT for the sake of the orphan.  To let them both know that their faithfulness to not only do their job, but to do it with passion and conviction and leadership from Holy Spirit was an answer to our prayers and the prayers of other waiting families.  I didn't want them to think it was not noticed or that it was taken for granted.  THIS ISN'T AN EASY ENVIRONMENT WHEN YOU ARE WITH WHITE PEOPLE ALL THE TIME as an Ethiopian.  Just this week while we were out people made comments to Mengistu about being with us and about us having an Ethiopian son.  Yet, they wake up every day and arm themselves with the only armor that will do in this fight.  The armor of God.  They are active in the fight, not backing down, despite the attacks of the enemy.  It was in this conversation that I was trying to encourage them both and I said this:

I WISH OUR WAIT HAD BEEN SHORTER, BUT NOT AT THE COST OF WALKING AWAY WITH SOMEONE DIFFERENT AS OUR CHILD. HE WAS MADE FOR US.  

His timing. His way. His Glory. 

We just had church right there and several times during the 45 minute conversation one of us or all of us were in tears at the faithfulness of Jesus.  Recollecting His faithfulness in the past and hearing testimony of His faithfulness to others, grows our faith to trust Him in the unknown.  Hallelujah!  I am so thankful He is trustworthy and good.  

We arrived back to the guesthouse in much shorter time (THANK YOU MENGISTU FOR KNOWING SHORT CUTS. WHERE WERE YOU AT 7:30 THIS MORNING?).  So, from here on out, the plan is for the TB test to be read at the same clinic Wednesday morning.  Immediately following that, we will head to the hospital we were supposed to go to today and have the official medical exam.  That hospital will forward all our documents to the Embassy.  Then, we will give them time to review it all and assign us an Embassy interview time.  Since Veteran's Day is Friday and the Embassy is closed, we are thinking we will have an Embassy appointment next Monday or Tuesday and then HOME.  When we have exact dates and times I will certainly let you know.  

So, we ended today at Trent and Carmen's with  a DELICIOUS TRADITIONAL MEAL and the kids played basketball outside while Tyson played in a hammock, a swing, and rode a tricycle.  He also played inside and brought me one toy car saying, "This one is remote control, but dead."  Um, I think he will pick up on the language quite fast.  It was a beautiful night recounting the goodness of  Jesus to redeem and adopt us.  We are praying over Make Your Mark and over the street boys whose lives are being transformed by the saving power of Jesus.  And, I was reminded of hearing Carmen leading us yesterday as we sang "No Longer Slaves," and singing with confidence that He "split the sea so I could walk right through it."  WAY-MAKER.  I am just undone by Him.  

Tomorrow we are having a day of just hanging out around town, having lunch out, and then back to the guesthouse for dinner.  We will be praying for our country as everyone gets out and VOTES.  I will update tomorrow night (depending on wifi and if I sing myself to sleep!).  I already can't wait.  So much love for you people.

Until WE'RE home,

carrie

Reunited

I am trying to squeeze a blog post in just before midnight for you folks in the states!  Our wifi was out at my normal blog time just before bed last night.  Hoping you aren't too mad at me:)

Saturday started out slow and good.  We had pancakes for breakfast and a fun morning playing in the living the room.  The guesthouse was quiet as two of the three siblings next door (the newest children to the guesthouse) were sick. We've been praying for them and this morning we went with Mengistu as he took them to the hospital to be seen and get medicine.  Turns out the new environment for them is likely the cause and as I type, they are on the mend with no more fevers!

After taking them to the hospital, we stayed in the van we had all taken to the hospital and the Bethany van came to pick up the sick kids to take them back to the guesthouse.  Mengistu stayed with  us so we could go shopping for a few things still on our wish list.  We have been piecing together all the components for a coffee ceremony and we were still lacking two important pieces.  That was our main goal AND to revisit the place where the women make scarves.  Last time we went they were working at the looms, but the shop was closed as they had taken their products to a local bizarre to sell them. So, today we went back and bought the place out did some Christmas shopping.  These scarves are beautiful and help these women financially who otherwise would be carrying hundreds of pounds of wood on their back each day up and down a mountain just to try to make enough to survive. 

After going scarf hunting we went to an outdoor local market.  We were looking for those final pieces to our coffee ceremony and looking for soccer jerseys for Corbin and Hudson.  This particular local market may not have been quite as used to "ferenji" (white people).  We kind of caused a scene everywhere.  But, we found what we were looking for and after Mengistu's negotiations, we were outta there with some steals of a deal.  At one point Brycen slipped out to the open area beside the small tent we were shopping in.  I stuck my head around the corner and saw him with his wallet out, standing getting his shoes shined.  He had on tennis shoes and by the time the, I am guessing, 12 year old boy finished shampooing his shoes they looked BRAND NEW.  When he spotted me, Brycen said, "I am not sure how much a shoe shine is, Mom, but I have plenty of my own money.  I want to help him out."  I fought back tears as I watched the two of them interact.  Two young men, both wanting to serve each other.  Something in Brycen changed as he handed the boy, younger than him, money for his service.  Brycen remained quiet and kept commenting on how good his shoes looked.  Here's the thing I encouraged Brycen with.... he could've just given the young boy money without the shoeshine.  But, to that young boy, that would've made him a beggar.  It was much more honoring to let him wash the shoes and pay him for his service, because then he earned it.  I know one thing for sure, Brycen and Regan aren't returning as the same 14 and 12 year olds we brought.  Their worldview. perspective, and hearts have changed.  They are more grateful, aware, and selfless than I have ever seen them.  They are friends with children who are homeless, orphaned, and many who are very sick.  Having faces and names of people you care about who face those daily struggles can't help but change you.  It's changed me.

Next, with clean shoes and a completed coffee ceremony set, we headed to lunch.  We went back to Lucy's, a place we had visited on our second or third day in Addis.  Last time we were there, Tyson wasn't with us yet and so this time, it was extra fun. The environment is unique at Lucy's, with a outdoor garden with tables in the center of the restaurant and fish tanks surrounded by beautiful flowers.  After we ordered our food Tyson said, "Mom, let's go look at the fish."  His English, Y'all.  SO GOOD.  So, off we went. He counted the fish and named the colors (4 orange, 3 silver, and one pink and white jellyfish for those who care).  Lunch was delicious.  At one point in our eating, I asked the server for ketchup for Regan's fries.  Tyson, understanding what I had said, picked up his small bowl of ketchup and handed it to me saying, "here, Mom, we can share."  His heart is big and living his young 5 years with so little has allowed him the gift of selflessness like I have never seen.  He won't take a drink of water or chew a piece of gun unless he offers one to everybody.  He wants to always make sure he doesn't get something that someone else can't have.  He's teaching me so much.  And, just like I tell him everyday, I love being his mom.

We finished up at Lucy's and went to Wal-Mart Shoa.  There we bought Addis tea ("chai," pronounced "shy" here).  It is just tea (not chai tea), but it is delicious!  We wanted to get some for home and for gifts.  We also needed to get Tyson some milk (which comes in plastic bags here, by the way).  We grabbed a few snacks and we were off.  Just outside of Shoa a man was selling movies for $1.25... movies like "Finding Dory" and "The Secret Life of Pets," etc.  Having bad experiences with such movies historically, we were skeptical, but Mengistu assured us the quality would be good.  He was right.  Mengistu is batting a thousand... he hasn't let us down yet.  

The next stop of the day was so powerful for me.  I mentioned a few days ago that there had been a young lady who had been with Tyson in his original orphanage, moved with him to his last orphanage in 2014 and then aged out of that orphanage last year.  She had heard Tyson had gotten a family and cried, thinking she wasn't going to get to say good-bye.  Her nannie called Mengistu and he assured her we would come by to let them see each other.  When we arrived, the 8 girls, ages 13-16 who live in the house weren't home yet from lunch out.  They were on their way back.  In a few minutes the gate opened and Tyson was at the front window watching.  When Haset walked into the gate he took off running for her.  I can't, in human words, describe the hug they had.  It was an embrace like I have seen so few times in my life.  At their young ages of 5 and 14 they get what it means to love.  It was obvious their bond was unique and deep.  She kept her arms around him and he around her.  We let them sit outside and talk a while.  She had ran ahead of the other 7 girls in order to get home faster.  When it finally came time for us to sit and talk with her, I cried.  She described him as an infant (his skin was lighter and he was skinny) and as a toddler (he was kind of "difficult," always into everything).  THANK YOU, HASET, FOR ENDURING THOSE TODDLER YEARS FOR US.  She gave us details about the scar on the back of his head, the nurse who treated him, and how she had feared when she was younger that he was blind due to his eye movement.  She even described reading him the bible and teaching him bible verses when he was younger... I am crying again.  Right there, in that dingy, worn out, but beautiful house, our sweet boy looked right at her and quoted John 1:12 to reassure her that he hadn't forgotten what she had taught him.  Mark was also fighting back tears.  It was SO obvious they were bound by something deeper and more profound than we will ever know.  Haset is a 14 year old with darling braids, black-rimmed glasses, and heart of pure gold.  Her nannie had described her as "the most disciplined, responsible one in the house."  I didn't miss that... she had taught Tyson more than just Bible verses.  How do you thank a 14 year old who, at the tender age of 9, took on being a primary caregiver to your son who didn't have a family yet?  I still don't know how you thank her.  All I could muster up, just before we left, was a super long, hard hug with tears streaming down my face, and then I put my hands on both sides of her face and said, "Thank you so much.  You did a perfect job with him and you are beautiful."  We hugged again and I am praying for God's favor and blessing over her in a powerful, undeniable way.  While we had been at the house, the girls all asked us questions about America and our family.  They asked Mengistu if they had families (that was hard for me).  The truth is, some of them might and most of them don't, but they have a Father watching over them and I am trusting Him to meet their every need. As we left, we grabbed photos of Tyson with Haset and with the whole group (they had all lived with him at his last orphanage).  Haset stood at the gate watching us as Tyson loaded into the van first and ran to the window closest to the gate so he could wave at her.  Just as the van door closed behind us, Haset ran out one more time and touched his hand through the window, leaned up and kissed him on the cheek.  I sat with tears streaming down my face.  Her sacrifice and love for him profoundly impacted me.  God's plans for Tyson have always been abundant.  I am just now being given a front row seat to see how many people love him and have poured into him on the days I was home missing him, praying for him, and praying for people to be pouring into him.  God didn't owe me the gift of seeing those prayers answered, but in His kindness, He LET me see that He heard every prayer.  Having a face, a name to put as answers to those prayers has grown my faith in remarkable ways.  The wait wasn't in vain and I am forever grateful God has given me the privilege of seeing that.  He has been so purposed all along the way, even in my doubting, He was proving faithful.

We went back to have a tea/coffee combo at that CRAZY awesome coffee shop and then we came back to the guesthouse around 4:00pm.  It was a fun night of loud playing in the living room.  There was a game of soccer, some keep away, and even a soccer game on the TV.  We came up stairs and did showers, movie (Finding Dory), and bedtime.  It was a great day of bonding, laughing, dancing, shopping, and growing.  Seeing Tyson and Haset reunited was so good for my soul.... something I didn't even know I needed.  

We are off to church shortly and we have the cutest little boy, dressed in green dress pants and a plaid green, blue, and white button-down, going with us.  My heart is so full.

Thank you for faithfully walking with us.  

Until WE'RE home,

carrie

Taste and See

With the table set before our enemies, God turned the tables in a big way.  He allowed us to literally watch Him perform a miracle today.... to taste (again) and see (again) that He is good.  The feast was prepared and we were the partakers.  The enemy was crushed under the heel of the Way-Maker, the Miracle-Maker, the Life-Changer, Soul-Saver, Sin-Forgiver, Grace-Giver, Jehovah Jirah.  And we are so grateful.
The morning started out early, as Tesfahun thought it best to get to immigration early because everyone in Addis Ababa is at immigration every day it gets busy early and the lines get long.  We agreed, we wanted to get an early start on the passport paperwork with better chances of getting it completed in one day.  So, we were loading the van at 7am and off we went.  Tesfahun lives closer to Bethany and to immigration, so we met him at the Bethany office and he rode to immigration with us.  We arrived and Y'ALL.  It was 7:35am and it looked like it was noon.  THE PLACE WAS PACKED and bustling with people.  Everyone seemed to be holding the same white form in their hands in our first waiting area.  I will try to do it justice.  It's an outdoor waiting area that is covered on three sides.  On one end is one work area with immigration staff and on the other end is an enclosed office area with other office staff.  I have been there 3 times today and I still can't tell you what each end does.  But, that's why there's Tesfahun.  We sat on a wooden bench while Mark did the initial paperwork.  Tesfahun took it to the necessary end of the "room" and then whizzed back to the other end.  Eventually he motioned for Mark to join him.  When Mark came back to us he said, "Well, Momma, you're on.  You have to go in to do the passport because two men can't enter with one receipt.  So, you and Tyson will need to go with Tesfahun and I will take the big kids and go wait with Mengistu" (who, by the way, had arrived to meet us and wasn't allowed in).  So,we  stuck close to Tesfahun as we wiggled our way beside the open office end desk into a small room where a lady looked at our documents, said something in Amharic, and we squeezed back through again.  Tesfahun then said we were ready to enter the immigration offices... I thought we already had!  So, up an intimidating flight of outdoor steps we went, women enter on one side, men on the other.  I had to pull the, "I'm with him" and point card a million times several times today.  We entered and walked down the main walkway that eventually split, we went to the left and then immediately wound back around to our right.  We were still outside, but to our left was a LONG row of offices, each with a door that opened onto this covered sidewalk where we were.  Each door was numbered.  First, we sat outside of door 3.  We met a few nice men who were asking a lot of questions about our (obvious) situation.  Tesfahun said they were excited for Tyson to get to go to live in America.  Grateful.  It would've been more awkward if they had been disagreeing (which we have also experienced).  Eventually a women came out who looked like she worked at the DMV was (clearly) already having a bad day, despite the fact we were her 3rd customer of the day.  I did an internal chuckle when I read the gold name plate on her desk that stated she was the Customer Services director.  She looked over our paperwork and, as I was afraid of, she was unfamiliar with the infamous Adoption Certificate (remember the new document they are issuing instead of a birth certificate? The one we FINALLY got from the kebele?). Since we were (literally) the first family to EVER have an adoption certificate rather than a birth certificate, we knew we were the guinea pigs and immigration doesn't have a good reputation for their, well, their customer service.  Or their order.  Or their understanding.  Anyway....
Tesfahun calmly explained the situation about the new directive that involves the adoption certificate rather than a birth certificate (though Tyson has his original birth certificate).  She asked Tesfahun where Tyson was born and asked why it wasn't on the adoption certificate.  He replied that he knew it wasn't on the new form and that is why he had the kebele write the birth place and stamp and sign it on the back of his birth certificate.  The MEAN MAN  head director at the kebele yesterday refused to hand write the birth place on the adoption certificate, as Tesfahun knew it was important and that it would be an issue.  Customer Service Lady wasn't willing to listen and before I knew it she was handwriting a letter to somebody, somewhere, handed it to Tesfahun and he said, "Follow me."  We got outside and he was talking and walking at the same time... I could tell he was frustrated. He said, "We have to go to 11."  Um, ok.  So, we arrived at door 11 and there were 3 people already waiting.  He explained that the DMV lady door 3 lady wasn't willing to process Tyson's passport because she didn't want to get into trouble.  As I stood there I read the sign over door 11: Ethiopian Passport Services Head Director.  Great.  We are at the principal's office and it's only 8am.  Awesome.  Finally, we entered, Tyson had been A ROCK STAR the entire time, waiting patiently and keeping up with all our walking.  We entered the room, her intimidating desk sitting straight ahead.  Tesfahun explained, she didn't look up at any of us and she just started talking.  Tesfahun immediately started shaking his head no.  Then, they argued.   A lot.  Then I heard her say one word I could understand: Kebele.  And I prayed it wasn't what I suspected.  Based on Tesfahun's facial expression and body language, it wasn't looking good.  They exchanged words again and Tesfahun looked at me and said, "We have to go back to kebele."  I almost burst into tears.  I (loudly) said, "Are you serious? WHY?"
He was talking and walking as he said, "Now we are going to door 6."  As we walked he explained they were willing to begin processing the passport, but it would be pending until we could come back with Tyson's birth place hand-written, signed and stamped on the front of the adoption certificate from the kebele.  I COULD NOT BELIEVE IT.  We entered 6, a lady reviewed our papers, wrote something down and out we went.  BACK TO 3... DMV LADY.  She flipped through the papers again and asked a few questions.  Then I saw Tesfahun drop his head and exchange words with her again.  He looked at me so discouraged and said, "do you have your and Mark's passports?  They have never asked for those and I don't know why she needs them."  Much to his (pleasant) surprise both were in my bag.  I think she was just trying to be difficult, but we fulfilled her request.  Tyson sat in front of the white background and had his (cute) photo taken while she worked on her computer some more.  She handed us back our documents and off we went to the kebele.  When we finally reunited with the others (who had spent the last 2 hours shopping for Brycen a track suit to buy with his own money) they couldn't believe it when they heard "the k word" again.  Kebele.  You know who else was in for a surprise?  The workers at the kebele when all seven of us ROLLED BACK IN THERE in a blaze of glory.
On the way to the kebele we were literally praying for favor, knowing that yesterday MEAN MAN kebele director had refused to write the birth place on the adoption certificate.  We knew this was an uphill battle and we were ready to wage war.  We were prayed up and knew Tesfahun was nervous, but ready to settle it.  SO, the familiar "15" was in our sights again and the workers looked stunned when we re-rentered.  Tesfahun made his way to the front to explain our plight.  I am looking around for Kebele Director and don't see him.  But, we all saw the one kebele employee who had been ON OUR SIDE FROM DAY ONE.  He had cooperated and understood what we needed, why we needed it from the beginning...when we were all perched staring at each other for two days in the dark.  Today, he was the one behind the desk when Tesfahun explained it all.  I heard bantering, but I stood in the back praying.  Finally, Mengistu came over and said, "The head man isn't here right now and this guy wants to help us, but the other employees know if the boss finds out they will get into big trouble."  Turns out, the willing man even mentioned that writing on a government document can land you in jail!  I better understood why the hesitation.  When I saw that sweet man grab a pen and write on our adoption certificate, sign it, and stamp it, I batted tears away.  He knew he was doing the right thing, but he was doing it with no support from his co-workers and at the risk of losing his job OR GOING TO JAIL.  It wasn't until we were back in the car the I really understood what had happened.  Mengistu explained that Kebele Director was, indeed, working today, but he had just stepped out of the office for a second.  All the employees there agreed he would NEVER have done it.  Mengistu said, "Your prayers have been answered.  This is a miracle."  Tesfahun, sitting beside him, relieved and grinning said, "yes, it is a miracle."  We were in and out of kebele in less than 10 minutes while Mean Man was oblivious while GOD PERFORMED A MIRACLE.  Back in the van, Tesfahun was immediately back on the phone. He told us after hanging up that he knows Kebele Director's boss and Tesfahun called him to praise the kebele ANGEL MAN who signed and stamped and wrote on the adoption certificate.  The boss man replied, "Wonderful!"  We have prayed for this kind man all day... praying favor over him, blessings over him FOR DOING THE RIGHT THING.  Would you join us in praying against him losing his job?  Tesfahun feels confident he can't really go to jail, but promised the nice man that should he lose his job or go to jail over doing it he would represent him as his attorney for free.  WAY TO GO, TESFAHUN.
We were relieved and grateful and FLYING going quickly back to immigration because one small detail we hadn't known all day that Ethiopians "just know" is that federal officials only work until 11:30am on Fridays.  It was 10:45am.
Back to immigration, up the steps, through the women's check in (except this time we left Tyson in the car with dad), wound back around to the LONG row of doors and huffing and puffing winded, we finally flew back into room 3.  She snatched everything out of Tesfahun's hands and examined it closely.  Then, she started typing.  She asked for the spelling of our last name 3 times and all 3 times Tesfahun told her.  She finally gave us a nod and out the door we went to room 7 (one I hadn't seen yet!).  It was the cashier.  We were paying and then OUTTA THERE.  Not so fast.  Once the receipt was printed and Tesfahun was outside showing me where to pick up the passport, he realized DMV LADY HAD SPELLED OUR LAST NAME WRONG.  Tesfahun, "I told her mC, not mE."  He asked me to stay standing in one place and off he went... please understand, I am NOT exaggerating here.  He was back into 3, then to 11 (principal), back to 3, into 6, then 7.... and he assured me Tyson's passport should have the correct last name.  Needless to say, I wasn't holding my breath.  Our assigned time to return to pick up the passport was 4pm.
We piled back into the van and I rehashed the whole thing to Mark and glanced at my watch: 11:36am.  Satan, TAKE THAT.
We took Tesfahun back to Bethany and then we went close by to lunch at Tivoli (same place as 2 days ago) and it was delicious.  While we were eating I asked if there was a coffee place close by because MOMMA HAD A STRESSFUL MORNING I needed something warm to comfort me after
all the running around.  Mengistu's eyes perked up when I mentioned coffee and he said there was his favorite local place just up the street.  So, after lunch we walked there and YALL.  Please see my instagram feed for pictures. BEST COFFEE PLACE EVER (except for you, KBREW).  Good grief, sitting in there you KNEW you were in Africa.  And, Mengistu suggested Mark try a tea and coffee drink (they are together with a little bit of sugar).  Apparently it's very popular here and Mark was all for it.  Turns out he says it's one of his top 3 coffee drinks OF ALL TIME (that's saying a lot).  Next thing I knew Mark, Mengistu, Brycen, and Tyson were up talking to the barista (his name was Joshua).  Mark wanted details on how to make it.  Joshua showed him and then gave him the one he made.  We have big plans for it, Knoxville, you just wait.  There are a few tricks to getting it right so we won't reveal all we know just yet.
On our caffeine high, we walked around the corner to the Bethany office to let Mengistu work for a bit.  We were already pretty close to immigration, so we didn't want to go too far away.  As we waited we talked to the Bethany nurse again about Tyson's Visa medical testing that has to be done in order for us to apply for an Embassy interview.  The medical testing requires a passport, but she said if we got the passport today, he would begin testing  Monday.  Then, she mentioned him needing a photo for the medical testing, so Mengistu told us we would do the photo on the way to immigration.  We left the Bethany office around 2:30 so we would have plenty of time in case traffic was horrible.  It wasn't (miracle number 2).  We actually arrived at the intimidating steps at 3:10pm.  Mengistu was the one going with me this time and we decided to go give it a try early, but knew it was a long shot.  We arrived to the pick up area with 7,200 other people a crowd of people.  We went to the appropriate window (after fighting through the crowd).  The people waiting told Mengistu they had pick-up times for 2pm and they still didn't have passports... it's now 3:20pm.  Finally, the woman at window "A" (for Asnake) acknowledged us, looked at our receipt, and told us to come around the building and to come inside.  Um.  Ok.  We still aren't 100% sure why, except that we had paid for the passport to be expedited.  Either way, we entered and inside we found 6 desks each covered with passports in stacks that were rubber banded together.  It appeared one desk held passports with names beginning with A-C, another D-H, etc.  Mengistu gave the lady our receipt and we sat beside the "A" desk while she went through the stacks.  I knew we were way early and assumed we would be waiting a long time.  The last passport of the second stack seemed to match our receipt so she confidently gave it to Mengistu.  I said, "You look first and PLEASE TELL ME OUR LAST NAME IS SPELLED RIGHT."  He looked and said, "Yes, I think so."  AND IT WAS (miracle number 3).  And it was only 3:34pm (miracle number 4).  Our baby boy has a passport and we are thrilled.  Both Tesfahun and Mengistu have assured us that from here on out, the process is merely formality.  It seems to be so.  We have even tossed around knowing when we will definitely return home, but we will hold that close to the chest for now.  I will let you know as soon as we know for sure.
When we explained to Tyson that he had a passport, he smiled big and said, "Tomorrow morning go to America?" I wish!  But, no.  He now knows what we are waiting for and we have a countdown to America going.  We all drank Mirinda's (similar to orange Fanta) on the way home to celebrate.  We had lots of spontaneous, unsolicited hugs today.  Every day it seems that the Lord gives us greater clarity and bonding with Tyson.  It was night 3 for "You and me.  Lay down. You sing. Me sleep."  He held our hands today constantly while we walked (or he held Mengistu or Tesfahun's), but mostly us.  He adores Brycen and Regan and they adore him.  He giggles when I smell his stinky socks or give him belly-button kisses and I kiss the top of his head about a trillion times a day.  I watched him as he watched out the van window today and I cried.
He set the table in the presence of our enemies.  And He allowed the tables to turn so we could taste and see that He is good.  OVER AND OVER AGAIN.  He made no subtle moves today.  They were all purposed and ON TIME.  They were all orchestrated by His mighty hand and Sovereign heart.  He left NO ROOM for glory to go to anyone else.  We all knew it was a miracle today and we all praised him.  I cried coming home with that passport.... He's just been so kind.  As I lay my head down tonight, I am reading (again) Psalm 34:8

      Taste and see that the Lord is good.  Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!

It goes on in verse 10...
 
     Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry, but those who trust in the Lord will lack no good thing.

NO GOOD THING.  Praise You, Jesus!

Heart full.  The battle has been emotionally and spiritually exhausting, BUT SO ENCOURAGING AND FAITH-BUILDING.  I wouldn't have traded it for a smooth sail for anything!  He's taught us so much about Himself, about adoption, about this culture, and about ourselves.  Mostly, about His ability to MAKE A WAY where there seems to be NO WAY.  Our Way-Maker.

Taste and See.

He is good.

Until WE'RE home,
carrie

"Angry Devil"

GOOD EVENING!!!!  What a great day in Addis Ababa! I will start at the beginning.....

The plan was for the driver to be here at 7:30am this morning.  At 7:40am I asked them to call Mengistu to check on the driver because WE HAD A BIRTH CERTIFICATE TO GET  I did not want to be late.  Our driver was 20 minutes late which was frustrating, but we couldn't change it.  So, we piled into the van and hit an ALL TIME HIGH for traffic issues (of course). Tesfahun was going early to the kebele, so, we were hoping by the time we arrived the adoption certificate  would be ready for us to sign.  We sang (rapped) to Lecrae most of the ride over.  We finally arrived at 9am (yes, an hour and 10 minutes).  Turns out our driver being late didn't even matter. Tesfahun came out to meet us and I hugged him and said (jokingly), "we have power today?"  Not joking he said, "no."  WHAT ON EARTH?  So, an office that hasn't lost power in over 3 months lost power at 1:30 yesterday afternoon, had it return at 6pm. turn back off at 7:30am today?  YES.  Tesfahun said, "The devil isn't happy we are back." noted.
We walked back into the claustrophobic nightmare of an office the kebele and the familiar faces from yesterday greeted us.  They apologized for the power being out and we took our (comfortable by this point) seats from yesterday.  We cozied in and picked up where we left off... for the first hour.  Then, I noticed Tesfahun fidgeting and getting aggravated at some of the conversation the staff was having.  I asked what they were talking about and he said, "they are trying to tell me that they think since Tyson was born in the south we have to go to the south for his birth certificate and adoption certificate, but the new directive says in article 3 that any kebele in Addis can do one if the child RESIDES in Addis."  So, I said, "just to be clear, we could be waiting here for the second day in a row, the power might come on, and they will still refuse to do it even though he had most of it done yesterday?" Tesfahun, "No, we will get it.  I will go to their bosses boss.  I know the new directive about this process, because it's my job to.  They aren't lawyers and don't know the law."  My natural response was, "But, since you ARE a lawyer, shouldn't they know you know best?"  He said, "well, they don't know I am a lawyer.  Sometimes if you say that right away they feel like you are belittling them and they will refuse what you are asking them for."  Me... mouth gaped open dumbfounded, "so we have been sitting with these people for 6 hours (between the last two days) and they don't know you are an attorney?"  He grinned slyly, "no. If I need to tell them, I will.  But, just not right away."  I replied, "If them knowing that gets this done, please tell them.  I understand holding your cards until you need to play them. But maybe WE NEED TO PLAY THEM."  The conversation between Tesfahun and the mean man kebele workers escalated, but I could tell Tesfahun was frustrated.  They argued for a good solid 10 minutes while we all sat there wide-eyed and anxious.  Finally, I heard them both say "ishi" which means, "okay," and they shook hands.  Tesfahun turned to look at me and half-grinned and said, "we are good."  Literally in that second the power came on (at 10:43am)  I was nervous it would still fall apart, but Tesfahun leaned in and said, "I played the cards.  They know I am a lawyer now and they agreed to give it to us."  I wanted to high-five him RIGHT THERE IN THEIR FACES, but instead, I sat there with my heart racing a trillion miles an hour.
They began typing it all out and eventually Tesfahun went behind the desk to help them fill it out... later he explained this was so he could teach them how to do it (but they were doing the typing) so they wouldn't have any excuses about not knowing the procedure from here on out.  Praying that is helpful for other families.  While we were sitting there Tesfahun said, "Now we have an angry devil.  He didn't want us to get this far today."  Wise words, Tesfahun, armor locked and loaded... we aren't backing down.  Despite it taking an hour and 45 minutes to type and print the adoption certificate, we walked out of there with one that declares ASNAKE MARK MCKEEHAN TO BE THE SON OF MARK DANIEL MCKEEHAN AND CARRIE REBECCA MCKEEHAN (tears, praise hands, heart eye emojis, hallelujah chorus, and whatever else there is).  At one point in the typing/printing process Regan asked me what we were doing after we left there.  Tesfahun and I agreed on a response: PRAISING JESUS.
When we finally walked out of there I snapped a picture of Tesfahun and Tyson on the steps of the kebele (you can see it on my instagram feed) to remember that here, behind a ratty, worn out piece of paper on the door labeled "15" the enemy was silenced. again.  The war wages on, this we know, but with every victory along the way we realize the enemy didn't get all he set out for.  So grateful for tangible pictures of victory over systems that thrive on chaos and disorder.
We left the kebele with happy tears, lighter steps, and a heavy weight off.  We went to lunch (TEX MEX BABY) and then celebrated at THE cutest ice cream parlor I have ever seen.  The kids played on the swings at the parlor and we had a great day.  Our original plan was to go with Abdi (another attorney) to the passport office this afternoon, but he was sick today and stayed home.  So, Tesfahun needed to go pick up court decrees for families who passed court Tuesday (we wanted him to do that... that is so important).  The plan is for us to be waiting for immigration to open in the morning (we are leaving the guesthouse at 7am) so we can apply for his passport and expedite it (we should get it tomorrow afternoon). We arrived back at the guesthouse for dinner and then we all played in the living room with the other family who is here with their three new children. It was loud and fun.
If all goes as is expected from here on out, we will get passport tomorrow (Monday morning at the latest) and Tyson will start visa medical tests Monday.  He is super healthy and this shouldn't be a big deal, except waiting on his TB skin test results which takes 48 hours.  So, that will finish up Wednesday morning and will allow us to file for an Embassy appointment on Thursday.  The Embassy usually takes 1-2 business days to review paperwork and then they assign an embassy appointment (but our adoption agency is assigned for Tuesday appointments only).  So, we are expected to have our embassy appointment on Tuesday, November 15th.  In which case we would leave on Wednesday, the 16th, and arrive back in Knoxville, Thursday evening, November 17th (THAT'S ONLY 2 WEEKS FROM TODAY!!!!).
Tyson has had a great day!  He is sweet and learns quickly.  The last two days we have heard him say (in English), "I don't know how,"  "Mom has van in American.  Dad has white car.  Me have a red seat in car.  I have to buckle in America." BUCKLING IN ETHIOPIA IS UNHEARD OF... so we have discussed multiple times that in America he will feel like he is wearing a straightjacket in the car he will have to stay seated and buckled at all times.  His giggle is contagious and his smile just kills us.  Tonight during "The Incredibles," he was so tired he grabbed my hand and said, "Mom, let's go."  He escorted me to his bed and said, "You and me.  Lay down.  You sing. Me sleep. Please."  OK, YOU TWISTED MY ARM.  It was so sweet and tonight he let me pull him a little closer and tighter.  Grateful for the details and growth that the Lord allows us to see.
We are so grateful for all of you who woke to pray for us today....who have carried these burdens and weighs with us.  The enemy isn't backing down and neither are we!  We are so grateful for your continued prayers.

Passport tomorrow!

Until WE'RE home,
carrie

Feast is Coming....

This could be a long one.  Grab some popcorn and get ready for another episode of our crazy life awesome journey.  Today started full of anticipation and hope. Much of that hope and anticipation came from two specific events.  I didn't blog about these two highlights that happened yesterday, because I was still emotionally processing them myself and wanted to be able to share with you clearly what my head and heart were/are feeling.

First, yesterday during our cleaning-the-room-evacuation, I was sitting at a round dining table in the living room downstairs.  It's there to play games and sit and read/talk.  It's in the same big room as many toys that Tyson enjoys, so while I worked on sudoku and crossword puzzles, he was playing.  Then, he came over to my table with his big Tootsie Roll Pop in his mouth.  With his sticky mouth he kissed my cheek and said, "Mom, can I write?"  He astounds me each day with his English.  I, of course, stopped what I was doing and handed him my pen, opened my book to the inside cover and I wrote his name.  He said, "me do.  You spell. Me write."  Off we went.  I started, "T" and he wrote it.  "Y" and so on.  I snapped a picture and realized that, again, God had given me the opportunity to teach him how to spell and write his name, something usually reserved for biological children or children who come to us as babies somehow.  Then, I wrote all our names inside a box and labeled it "family."  Along the side of the box I vertically wrote, "McKeehan," and explained all of us have the same last name (no one uses last names in Ethiopia).  He read each name as I pointed to them, "mommy," "daddy," "Brycen," "Regan," "Corbin," "Hudson," "Tyson."  Then he smiled and looked surprised, "That's me," he said as he pointed to "Tyson".  I replied, "Yes, baby, that's you and we are a family."  He studied that box for the longest time, running his fingers across each name.  I am not sure how long he thought about having a family or even how a 5 year old processes such things.  But, in that moment I knew he felt like one of us.  Maybe he's a visual learner like his mom and he just needed to see it!  I couldn't erase that image of him with that sticky face and fingers, looking over and touching this new reality:  He's a McKeehan.

The other first that the Lord chose to give me yesterday happened just before I sat to blog.  Tyson chose to go to bed before the movie (Cars 2) had finished last night because he was so tired.  We tucked him in and (as usual) he went to bed with a "motor."  I was laying beside him on top of the covers while he was cozied up inside.  He snuggled up close to me and I wondered if he had ever had someone lay with him until he fell asleep.  I was curious if my being there would bother him and make it more difficult for him.  So, I asked him, "No Mommy here or yes mommy here?"  He said, in a soft, sleepy voice, "yes, mommy. stay."  Tearfully I pulled him close and began humming softly, "You are my Sunshine."  He was asleep in 3 minutes.  NO JOKE.  But, I laid there anyway.  And I let tears hit his pillow in gratitude.  I had just sung my baby to sleep.  Don't ever believe the lie that adopting an older child robs you of firsts or of bonding.  I couldn't thank Him enough for the gift of cuddles, humming, and tender memories forever etched in my mind.  

So, when I woke this morning, knowing we off to the kebele and remembering the sweet connections from yesterday, I was encouraged and eager to get going.  Mengistu had arranged for a driver from Bethany to pick us up at 9:40am so we could be to the kebele by 11.  Have I mentioned how long it takes to get anywhere much quality time we have in the car?  We swung by the Bethany office to pick up Tesfahun (attorney) and Mengistu and arrived to kebele (number 5, to be exact) just before 11.  Tesfahun walked in with all the papers they said we needed.  Then, as one of the men looked through them he asked for our passports (luckily I had brought them).  Then, he stated we needed Tyson's original birth certificate.  That was still at Bethany 45 minutes away.  But, Tesfahun immediately made arrangements for a driver to bring it to us.  In the meantime we walked a block away and went into a little cafe to enjoy some buna.  Tyson and Regan ate ice cream and Brycen ate a croissant.  Just as we were finishing Tesfahun (I think it was Holy Spirit) said,  "I am going to make sure they don't want anything else."  He returned and said, "now the kebele is requesting a copy of your marriage certificate."  I looked at him with utter disbelief and said, "WHY?"  Good grief, we wouldn't have passed court IF WE WEREN'T MARRIED.  But, this incident helped me to better understand what a nightmare it is for Tesfahun blessing Tesfahun is to Bethany and to our family.  This was ONE DAY and one interaction with one office and I was frustrated at the senseless demands.  He has been fighting these battles for us (for Tyson) for six years.  But, rather than gripe about it, he made arrangements for OUR ENTIRE DOSSIER (which included our marriage certificate) to be sent with another driver on the off chance they asked us another document.  About the time he made that arrangement Mengistu said, "Tesfahun go ask them, I bet they will need the marriage certificate translated into Amharic."  I shot Mark a look like... WHAT ON EARTH.  Sure enough, the man at the kebele remained difficult and insisted it be translated into English.  Thankfully, that isn't a long process (all the praise hands).  So, we went to lunch and Tesfahun found some kind of translation place took care of business with the translation and before we even finished lunch he was back with us, with our marriage certificate in Amharic.  Turns out we are now married in English AND Amharic.  Tesfahun gave us the word that it was time to go back to kebele because they would be reopening after lunch at 1:30pm and we wanted to be the first in line.  So, please note, we had now had 2 documents driven to us and had one of them translated in an hour and a half.  Tesfahun is a miracle worker blessing and a hard, diligent worker who loves families and our kids so much.  This fight isn't an easy one.

So, we all 7 piled into the Kebele ONE MORE TIME.  The waiting area for us is, I am guessing, 6.5 feet by 6 feet.  The waiting area is in the same room as the office, but the desks are lined to your right and straight ahead, leaving a sort of square area for waiting.  WE MAXED IT OUT.  This time when we arrived, the difficult gentleman seemed to be a bit more cooperative I don't know if it was the enormous stack of papers Tesfahun was carrying  persistence on our part to NOT GIVE UP  and to just keep fulfilling their demands or if he just really needed a lunch break.  Either way, he looked over everything and agreed to print our adoption certificate!!  It was music to my ears to hear the keys on the keyboard as he typed it.  He was nearly half way finished WHEN THE POWER WENT OUT.  Y'all I literally cannot make this up.  MY HEART SANK.  I looked at Mark and I nearly burst into tears.  I looked at my watch.  1:43pm.  Ok, I thought, we have plenty of time today.  So we sat there waiting for the power to come back on.  As we waited, Tesfahun made conversation with the people working because, well, there was nothing for them to do with no power.  We couldn't understand the conversation (obviously), but later Tesfahun told us that he said, "See this family?  Look how they love him?  They came all the way from America to help our people.  They are staying here for a month in our country.  Isn't it a shame we make them wait and make things so difficult for them?"  He said that man said, "Yes, today for the first time I understand that.  You are right.  It's a shame."  I couldn't believe it when Tesfahun told us that.  Maybe the power being out is paving the way for families behind us.  Our time in that office waiting was full of laughter with Tyson, hugs, kisses, and he was so friendly to everyone who came in inquiring about what they needed.  The door to the kebele had a piece of wrinkled paper that bore the numbers "15" in yellow ink with a black background.  The floor was gray linoleum that looked like it had black, white, and dark gray pebbles on it.  The walls were dingy white and the ceiling had cracks and chipping paint.  But, that was where God had set us FOR THREE SOLID HOURS.  We sat there, staring at these people who have made this process so difficult for three hours waiting for the power to come back on. At one point Tesfahun asked one of the workers, "how long is the power usually out?'' He replied, "I have worked here 3 months and this is the first time it has ever gone out since I have been here."  I glanced at my watch, it was 4pm.  I half-joking said to Tesfahun, "You should know when you have the McKeehan file in your hand nothing is going to go according to plan."  He didn't miss a beat and said, "I know.  It's always spiritual."  I looked at him with a funny look, I guess.  He said, "Your case has been abnormal challenge.  It has been a spiritual battle from the beginning.  Today is spiritual."  I got chills and couldn't help but agree with him.  When we walked into the kebele you could physically feel the oppression.  Then Tesfahun said, "but today we have been kind to them and I think it is helpful we have been here because they have seen your family love on this boy and seen your interaction.  They have seen that you are giving him a good life. This is going to help us in the future because we have built their trust today."  I was frustrated and upset that the power was out and that we were leaving empty-handed (more on that later).  But, even in the mess and frustration, God was working this out.  I can't tell you the number of times along the way I have said, "When this is over, I want to help families coming behind us by....."  And right there behind door 15 with these people who had made me want to gauge out their eyes earlier been able to see the beautiful side of adoption, and even WITH MY BAD ATTITUDE, God had worked in ways I was oblivious to as they were happening.  In that worn out chair that had the cover missing off the foam, I was sitting in the middle of this spiritual battle that Tesfahun had been FIGHTING WITH US FROM THE OTHER SIDE OF THE GLOBE FOR SIX YEARS.  Would I have loved to walk out with that adoption certificate?  YES.  But, there is something powerful about recognizing someone has locked shields with you and been praying in that fashion when I wondered all along if they recognized the war that was waging.   

Around 4:30pm Tesfahun said, "they are ready to leave because without power they can't do any work.  I am afraid if we make them stay here until 5:30pm they will be upset and won't print it tomorrow. They have assured me they will print it with no questions or additional requests tomorrow and I believe them.  They can't believe you all just sat here this long."  So, as of now, we will be picked up at 7:30am in order to arrive at the Kebele by 8:30am when they open.  Tesfahun said he would meet us there because he wants to arrive extra early to ensure we are the first ones in line.  Really, y'all.  These people are amazing.  And, I realize that in all the wait there were days Tesfahun had plans to help our case, but there were likely days other families had days like we had where it ended up taking the entire day and still didn't get what we set out for.  But, the table is set for the feast tomorrow.  

On the ride back from kebele I was tearful with disappointment.  We were SO CLOSE.  But, Tesfahun said that after we get the adoption certificate tomorrow morning, Abdi (another attorney) will meet us and take us to begin Tyson's passport process.  Originally we weren't going to start that until Friday.  So, maybe today's events prompted them to want to expedite another, more predictable part of the remaining process.  As I noted before, after we get this document from the kebele, every thing else is predictable and streamlined.

I will keep you updated tomorrow night... tomorrow will be a long day out at kebele, lunch, getting Abdi, going to immigration for passport.  So, we may not get to post pictures until later than normal.  

I am excited to blog tomorrow, hopeful and expectant that the power will be on and the feast will be prepared.  Right there, in the presence of our enemies.  

We love you.

Until WE'RE home,

carrie

Feast is Coming....

This could be a long one.  Grab some popcorn and get ready for another episode of our crazy life awesome journey.  Today started full of anticipation and hope. Much of that hope and anticipation came from two specific events.  I didn't blog about these two highlights that happened yesterday, because I was still emotionally processing them myself and wanted to be able to share with you clearly what my head and heart were/are feeling.

First, yesterday during our cleaning-the-room-evacuation, I was sitting at a round dining table in the living room downstairs.  It's there to play games and sit and read/talk.  It's in the same big room as many toys that Tyson enjoys, so while I worked on sudoku and crossword puzzles, he was playing.  Then, he came over to my table with his big Tootsie Roll Pop in his mouth.  With his sticky mouth he kissed my cheek and said, "Mom, can I write?"  He astounds me each day with his English.  I, of course, stopped what I was doing and handed him my pen, opened my book to the inside cover and I wrote his name.  He said, "me do.  You spell. Me write."  Off we went.  I started, "T" and he wrote it.  "Y" and so on.  I snapped a picture and realized that, again, God had given me the opportunity to teach him how to spell and write his name, something usually reserved for biological children or children who come to us as babies somehow.  Then, I wrote all our names inside a box and labeled it "family."  Along the side of the box I vertically wrote, "McKeehan," and explained all of us have the same last name (no one uses last names in Ethiopia).  He read each name as I pointed to them, "mommy," "daddy," "Brycen," "Regan," "Corbin," "Hudson," "Tyson."  Then he smiled and looked surprised, "That's me," he said as he pointed to "Tyson".  I replied, "Yes, baby, that's you and we are a family."  He studied that box for the longest time, running his fingers across each name.  I am not sure how long he thought about having a family or even how a 5 year old processes such things.  But, in that moment I knew he felt like one of us.  Maybe he's a visual learner like his mom and he just needed to see it!  I couldn't erase that image of him with that sticky face and fingers, looking over and touching this new reality:  He's a McKeehan.

The other first that the Lord chose to give me yesterday happened just before I sat to blog.  Tyson chose to go to bed before the movie (Cars 2) had finished last night because he was so tired.  We tucked him in and (as usual) he went to bed with a "motor."  I was laying beside him on top of the covers while he was cozied up inside.  He snuggled up close to me and I wondered if he had ever had someone lay with him until he fell asleep.  I was curious if my being there would bother him and make it more difficult for him.  So, I asked him, "No Mommy here or yes mommy here?"  He said, in a soft, sleepy voice, "yes, mommy. stay."  Tearfully I pulled him close and began humming softly, "You are my Sunshine."  He was asleep in 3 minutes.  NO JOKE.  But, I laid there anyway.  And I let tears hit his pillow in gratitude.  I had just sung my baby to sleep.  Don't ever believe the lie that adopting an older child robs you of firsts or of bonding.  I couldn't thank Him enough for the gift of cuddles, humming, and tender memories forever etched in my mind.  

So, when I woke this morning, knowing we off to the kebele and remembering the sweet connections from yesterday, I was encouraged and eager to get going.  Mengistu had arranged for a driver from Bethany to pick us up at 9:40am so we could be to the kebele by 11.  Have I mentioned how long it takes to get anywhere much quality time we have in the car?  We swung by the Bethany office to pick up Tesfahun (attorney) and Mengistu and arrived to kebele (number 5, to be exact) just before 11.  Tesfahun walked in with all the papers they said we needed.  Then, as one of the men looked through them he asked for our passports (luckily I had brought them).  Then, he stated we needed Tyson's original birth certificate.  That was still at Bethany 45 minutes away.  But, Tesfahun immediately made arrangements for a driver to bring it to us.  In the meantime we walked a block away and went into a little cafe to enjoy some buna.  Tyson and Regan ate ice cream and Brycen ate a croissant.  Just as we were finishing Tesfahun (I think it was Holy Spirit) said,  "I am going to make sure they don't want anything else."  He returned and said, "now the kebele is requesting a copy of your marriage certificate."  I looked at him with utter disbelief and said, "WHY?"  Good grief, we wouldn't have passed court IF WE WEREN'T MARRIED.  But, this incident helped me to better understand what a nightmare it is for Tesfahun blessing Tesfahun is to Bethany and to our family.  This was ONE DAY and one interaction with one office and I was frustrated at the senseless demands.  He has been fighting these battles for us (for Tyson) for six years.  But, rather than gripe about it, he made arrangements for OUR ENTIRE DOSSIER (which included our marriage certificate) to be sent with another driver on the off chance they asked us another document.  About the time he made that arrangement Mengistu said, "Tesfahun go ask them, I bet they will need the marriage certificate translated into Amharic."  I shot Mark a look like... WHAT ON EARTH.  Sure enough, the man at the kebele remained difficult and insisted it be translated into English.  Thankfully, that isn't a long process (all the praise hands).  So, we went to lunch and Tesfahun found some kind of translation place took care of business with the translation and before we even finished lunch he was back with us, with our marriage certificate in Amharic.  Turns out we are now married in English AND Amharic.  Tesfahun gave us the word that it was time to go back to kebele because they would be reopening after lunch at 1:30pm and we wanted to be the first in line.  So, please note, we had now had 2 documents driven to us and had one of them translated in an hour and a half.  Tesfahun is a miracle worker blessing and a hard, diligent worker who loves families and our kids so much.  This fight isn't an easy one.

So, we all 7 piled into the Kebele ONE MORE TIME.  The waiting area for us is, I am guessing, 6.5 feet by 6 feet.  The waiting area is in the same room as the office, but the desks are lined to your right and straight ahead, leaving a sort of square area for waiting.  WE MAXED IT OUT.  This time when we arrived, the difficult gentleman seemed to be a bit more cooperative I don't know if it was the enormous stack of papers Tesfahun was carrying  persistence on our part to NOT GIVE UP  and to just keep fulfilling their demands or if he just really needed a lunch break.  Either way, he looked over everything and agreed to print our adoption certificate!!  It was music to my ears to hear the keys on the keyboard as he typed it.  He was nearly half way finished WHEN THE POWER WENT OUT.  Y'all I literally cannot make this up.  MY HEART SANK.  I looked at Mark and I nearly burst into tears.  I looked at my watch.  1:43pm.  Ok, I thought, we have plenty of time today.  So we sat there waiting for the power to come back on.  As we waited, Tesfahun made conversation with the people working because, well, there was nothing for them to do with no power.  We couldn't understand the conversation (obviously), but later Tesfahun told us that he said, "See this family?  Look how they love him?  They came all the way from America to help our people.  They are staying here for a month in our country.  Isn't it a shame we make them wait and make things so difficult for them?"  He said that man said, "Yes, today for the first time I understand that.  You are right.  It's a shame."  I couldn't believe it when Tesfahun told us that.  Maybe the power being out is paving the way for families behind us.  Our time in that office waiting was full of laughter with Tyson, hugs, kisses, and he was so friendly to everyone who came in inquiring about what they needed.  The door to the kebele had a piece of wrinkled paper that bore the numbers "15" in yellow ink with a black background.  The floor was gray linoleum that looked like it had black, white, and dark gray pebbles on it.  The walls were dingy white and the ceiling had cracks and chipping paint.  But, that was where God had set us FOR THREE SOLID HOURS.  We sat there, staring at these people who have made this process so difficult for three hours waiting for the power to come back on. At one point Tesfahun asked one of the workers, "how long is the power usually out?'' He replied, "I have worked here 3 months and this is the first time it has ever gone out since I have been here."  I glanced at my watch, it was 4pm.  I half-joking said to Tesfahun, "You should know when you have the McKeehan file in your hand nothing is going to go according to plan."  He didn't miss a beat and said, "I know.  It's always spiritual."  I looked at him with a funny look, I guess.  He said, "Your case has been abnormal challenge.  It has been a spiritual battle from the beginning.  Today is spiritual."  I got chills and couldn't help but agree with him.  When we walked into the kebele you could physically feel the oppression.  Then Tesfahun said, "but today we have been kind to them and I think it is helpful we have been here because they have seen your family love on this boy and seen your interaction.  They have seen that you are giving him a good life. This is going to help us in the future because we have built their trust today."  I was frustrated and upset that the power was out and that we were leaving empty-handed (more on that later).  But, even in the mess and frustration, God was working this out.  I can't tell you the number of times along the way I have said, "When this is over, I want to help families coming behind us by....."  And right there behind door 15 with these people who had made me want to gauge out their eyes earlier been able to see the beautiful side of adoption, and even WITH MY BAD ATTITUDE, God had worked in ways I was oblivious to as they were happening.  In that worn out chair that had the cover missing off the foam, I was sitting in the middle of this spiritual battle that Tesfahun had been FIGHTING WITH US FROM THE OTHER SIDE OF THE GLOBE FOR SIX YEARS.  Would I have loved to walk out with that adoption certificate?  YES.  But, there is something powerful about recognizing someone has locked shields with you and been praying in that fashion when I wondered all along if they recognized the war that was waging.   

Around 4:30pm Tesfahun said, "they are ready to leave because without power they can't do any work.  I am afraid if we make them stay here until 5:30pm they will be upset and won't print it tomorrow. They have assured me they will print it with no questions or additional requests tomorrow and I believe them.  They can't believe you all just sat here this long."  So, as of now, we will be picked up at 7:30am in order to arrive at the Kebele by 8:30am when they open.  Tesfahun said he would meet us there because he wants to arrive extra early to ensure we are the first ones in line.  Really, y'all.  These people are amazing.  And, I realize that in all the wait there were days Tesfahun had plans to help our case, but there were likely days other families had days like we had where it ended up taking the entire day and still didn't get what we set out for.  But, the table is set for the feast tomorrow.  

On the ride back from kebele I was tearful with disappointment.  We were SO CLOSE.  But, Tesfahun said that after we get the adoption certificate tomorrow morning, Abdi (another attorney) will meet us and take us to begin Tyson's passport process.  Originally we weren't going to start that until Friday.  So, maybe today's events prompted them to want to expedite another, more predictable part of the remaining process.  As I noted before, after we get this document from the kebele, every thing else is predictable and streamlined.

I will keep you updated tomorrow night... tomorrow will be a long day out at kebele, lunch, getting Abdi, going to immigration for passport.  So, we may not get to post pictures until later than normal.  

I am excited to blog tomorrow, hopeful and expectant that the power will be on and the feast will be prepared.  Right there, in the presence of our enemies.  

We love you.

Until WE'RE home,

carrie

Table is Set

Good evening, on this Tuesday night!  Forgive me for not wishing you a Happy Halloween yesterday!  I will be honest, it just didn't feel like Halloween here so I forgot.  It might also be hard to imagine that today is November 1st, EXCEPT THAT WE JAMMED OUR HEARTS OUT TO CHRISTMAS MUSIC THIS MORNING.  The two other families here with Bethany both had court this morning (huge congrats to them on passing court!).  So, with only one other mom here (and she was out working on her case), the morning was quiet in the house.  When we heard a knock at the door around 9 and realized the cleaning team was coming in to change linens, take trash, sweep, etc, we headed downstairs.  We grabbed cards, books, "motors," and off we went.  Regan was a great DJ for us and we turned on the Christmas tunes and sang to our heart's content.  All of that to say, "Happy November 1st!"

I already let you in on the early part of our day, but Tyson slept until 7:45 am, just in time to put on his shoes and head downstairs for breakfast (eggs and toast today, if anyone was wondering).  And, of course, "buna" for the adults. My heart and mind and prayers were pre-occupied with the families at court and knowing Tesfahun was supposed to be going to the kebele when court was over.  We had understood their court appointments to be at 9am, but later learned there were multiple families there for adoption cases and they were at court until 11am.  When Mengistu arrived back this afternoon around 1:15pm he said it had been a long morning in court! Meanwhile, Tyson and Mark played with a small, pink bouncy ball that Tyson later asked me about saying, "Mom, where is the baby ball?"  We all got tickled when we were sitting downstairs and heard Tyson say into his iPod, "Please, me game."  He had already figured out there was a way to talk to Siri and she would do what you asked.  Except, with his accent, she didn't quite understand.  His English is getting better every day.  When Mark acts like a monster who is coming to tickle him he will say, "No, thank you," rather than, "stop."  His manners are great and he is catching on to asking in complete, respectful sentences.  We couldn't be more proud of him.  

After a fun morning playing and singing Christmas carols, we came back upstairs to watch, "Paul Blart Mall Cop."  Within the first two minutes of the movie, Tyson was laughing so hard no one else could hear anything.  Eventually, he clung to Mark's leg while he walked around.  Apparently that was fun!  He also enjoyed it when Mark would grab him by his legs and pull him up.  He would lie on the ground and say, "Dad, legs up."  He couldn't understand why Mark couldn't do it 64938 times longer.  He eventually settled in on the arm of the chair I was sitting on (working on Sudoku for those of you who care).  He was listening to music and playing games.  It was on the arm of the chair that he said, "Mom, I love you," for the very first time unsolicited.  I didn't cry at the moment, but I did jump up and run to tell Mark through the bathroom door while he was showering. Later, I cried.  It's the small things.  

For lunch he ate leftovers from his burger yesterday and the rest of us ate food I had brought (quinoa).  We have figured out that adding oil, sunflower seeds, hot sauce, salt and pepper isn't too shabby.  Tyson gave it a try, but hated it politely said, "no thank you. Me no eat it."  He had already eaten his burger, so I wasn't offended in the least.  It was around lunch time I began to count down as to when Mengistu should be back from court and lunch with the other families, because he was supposed to bring us news on what Abdi and Tesfahun (attorneys) found out at the kebele.  We were all sitting here playing when we heard the other families come in.  So, we rushed outside to congratulate them on passing court and to find out if we needed to go to the kebele.  Turns out, Tesfahun arrived at the kebele while they were having a meeting (he arrived later than he had expected due to court going longer than expected). But, he waited for their meeting to end.  About an hour later Mengistu updated us that Abdi had joined Tesfahun at the kebele to beg their heads off  plead our case.  We started praying.  It was around this time we had asked Mengistu if we could go out to the grocery store and to eat dinner.  That way, if they called and needed us at the kebele, we would already be out and we could join them there.  We finally made it to Wal-Mart Shoa and when we arrived, we saw they had grocery carts with play cars attached for the kids to ride in. So, we offered it to Tyson and he jumped in that red and yellow car with the biggest grin on his face, saying, "Me car?"  Brycen pushed him around and Tyson used his horn the entire time.  Pretty common for a third world country driver.  If Brycen stopped for more than a second, Tyson would be out of the car and climbing to the top of it in NO TIME FLAT. No big surprise there.  It was while we were at Shoa on the juice aisle that Mengistu's phone rang.  It was Abdi.  This one kebele they had gone to had seemed the most promising, so they were hopeful in going.  Turns out, the director of that kebele told them today if they would return with us tomorrow morning between 10-11am they would print our adoption certificate (birth certificate).  Obviously, this is no guarantee, but we all danced and high-fived right in front of the dish soap.  I will update you tomorrow on how our trip to the kebele goes.  Should they keep their promise and print the document, we will likely be able to come home in two weeks.  Nothing else can be done without this one document. 

We rounded out our late afternoon with chicken fajitas!  Well, that was what I ordered, but Mark went with beef fajitas, Regan had tilapia and with a side of her boyfriend french fries, Brycen had....I don't remember, and Tyson ate a cheese pizza (that he shared with Mengistu).  The place was called Tivoli and it was delicious for any of you heading to Addis anytime soon (except for the cheese on the pizza.  I wouldn't go for that exact dish).  

It was during dinner that we began discussing the favor we have seen God grant over our case since arriving.  As frustrated as it has been for six years, at dinner, the Holy Spirit reminded me of Psalm 23:5, "You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies..."  Our entire process has felt like a feast set before the enemy to devour at every turn.  Yet, here we are.  In Ethiopia, officially parents to Tyson Asnake McKeehan.  Hearing our agency workers talk about our case has been great confirmation that THIS IS A MIRACLE.  Without a table set before the enemy, we couldn't have seen the Way-Maker make a way.  But He did.  And, without the kebele refusing to print birth certificates or adoption certificates we couldn't see Him part the waters again.  But, He is.  As we go to sleep tonight, it with hopeful, expectant hearts that He is fighting for us and has set this thing up beautifully for HIM TO GET THE GLORY.  No one in Ethiopia has received this kind of document since before the new system began at the end of July.  He is faithful whether they print that document or whether they don't.  But, on this side of the table, it is easier to look back and recognize how apart from the struggle we would be tempted to think we just went through the process.  Rather, He has graciously placed us in a position to watch Him turn the tables and allow us to feast on His goodness, rather than give the enemy ONE OUNCE OF VICTORY. 

As we headed home tonight in the van, Tyson was staring out the window and he said, "I love my mom and dad."  I let quiet tears fall, but again thought on Psalm 23:5.  The table is set and we are the ones who get to enjoy the feast in the presence of our enemy.  Tonight, we feast on it with full expectation that tomorrow will bring good news. We are continually grateful for your prayers and know the only reason this is all happening is because of Him and you joining us in prayer.  Hopefully, by the time you wake tomorrow, we will have the birth certificate in hand, ready to file for Tyson's passport.  

I will update as soon as I can!  

until WE'RE home,

carrie