Saturday, April 16, 2011

A Few Snapshots from our Final Days in Ethiopia...

We have been home for 4 full days now, and it's still a bit surreal.  Wes and I have just been enjoying being in our own home with the twins.  It's been very relaxing and it just plain feels good.

We had an incredible home-coming, but I'll post more about that tomorrow.  For today, I thought it would be appropriate to share some images from our last days in Ethiopia.  Enjoy. 

For the last week and a half in Ethiopia, we all stayed at Rich & Melissa's house (some friends we met during our stay in-country).  It was a HUGE blessing, and the twins loved it.  They got to make all the noise they wanted.  Here they are taking a bath in their little blue tub.  SO cute!
Just some random donkeys.  A usual sight on the streets of Addis Ababa.
On one of our last days we went up to Mt. Entoto with our friends, Erica & Dave Shubin.  Our goal was to get some pics of the twins with a beautiful Ethiopian backdrop.  Eliana loves the camera, but Alex does not seem to care for posing much.

Several children hung around as we took pictures.  They seemed fascinated by the two habesha babies and the white people taking their pictures.
Well, Eliana only lasts so long for a photo shoot.  As you can see, she was finished with posing at this point.  But still....she looks super cute even when she cries.

The Mullins Family Four.  What a miracle.


Zack was one of our faithful drivers.  He really cared about our crazy roller coaster ride of an adoption journey.  We love you, Zack!

Every once in a while we were able to catch a beautiful Ethiopian sunset.  This one is compliments of the view from Jervaun and Tim's house.

Another Mullins Family moment.
The Shubins joined us on a trip to Sabahar, a place that makes real silk scarves starting with actual silk worms!















Erica & I at the Fistual Hospital.  Actually, it's outside the Fistula Hospital because they don't let you take pics inside.  When I called to set up an appointment for a tour, they actually put Dr. Hamlin on the phone!  I know...be jealous...I spoke with the beloved and famous Dr. Hamlin!


Metro Pizza has some of the very best pizza in Addis Ababa.  Take my word for it.  We ate pizza everywhere, and this was the best!  It definitely caters to a Western style, but the Ethiopians seem to love it too!
Metro Pizza offers some delicious starters that are free.  Yum!
And the salsa they serve with the bread....delicious!
I had to add a little pic of our favorite cafe.  So yeah...it looks a little like America's fabulous Starbucks.  And we went here almost every day.  We'll miss you, Kaldi's!

On our last day in Addis Ababa, we decided to make a final visit to Enat Alem, the orphanage our twins spent their first few months in.  These shoes are what you put on when take your own shoes off and go inside the orphanage rooms.
Etsegenet and our sweet Eliana.  Etsegenet is an amazing 9 year old with 2 year old twin sisters.  All three of them should be going home this week to be with their forever family!  We really fell in love with Etsegenet during our time at Enat Alem.
Ummm...hello handsome!  My boy is gorgeous!!!

Hello, people.  Can I offer you some coffee?

And there's their favorite nanny, Desta.  They helped her with our final coffee ceremony in Ethiopia.
Alex was especially helpful by dropping the mugs on the ground.
Wes with his Daddy's boy.
So many people talk about missing Ethiopia once they are gone.  Well, I'll be honest.  Right now I don't really miss Ethiopia.  I know....I'm horrible.  But after spending week after week there, wondering if and when we would get home, right now I am just super glad to be home.  I'm sure after a little bit of time, I will be able to miss Ethiopia.  But for now, I'm just going to thank God for bringing us home, and for providing for all our needs.



8 comments:

  1. I love the pictures. I told you a few weeks ago I needed a little "picture fix" to cheer me up. Even if you did not have the internet service then, I am thrilled to see theses beauties any time.
    I am sooooo happy you are home.
    Mamma

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  2. Again, thanks so much for sharing your life in Ethiopia, with the twins, with your Wesley and best of all in Kentucky!!! so glad you made it home with your two loves!! and Wesley of course!!

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  3. You guys were busy in your final days! Love the photos. Welcome home! Enjoy ;-)

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  4. Stuning photos!
    Your children are so so beautiful! So happy for you that you finally made it home!

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  5. So happy for you guys! I love all the pics, your photography is such a wonderful talent to have. The kids are just absolutely gorgeous! Don't feel bad for not missing Ethiopia, there's just no place like home. God bless you and your sweeties!

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  6. I found your blog through Bex, and saw from blogger stats that you've found mine, too!!! :) Your kiddos are GORGEOUS!!!! Welcome home. The best is yet to come...

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  7. Welcome home Mullins family! I've been following again after quite a long delay in our own lives. So grateful you are finally home. May God bless your amazing family!

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  8. So so beautiful!! I miss you! Every day we talk of you all. Sometimes it comes out in our loving affections like "want me to punch you in the face" or "I'll kick you in the head". Yes....its etched in the memories....

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