Well
it's midnight and I can't sleep. It's
probably the 4 hour nap I had after things settled down after I arrived or
maybe the additional 4 hours at Ibssa's bedtime. By now you probably realize that it is Paul
writing the blog. For those of yo that
didn't know, we decided it would be in all our best interest for me to return
to Ethiopia to finish this amazing journey.
Karen and Ibssa had been here 45 days since I left. It has been an emotional time for all. The delays have not been easy but there is a
light at the end of the tunnel. I an
sure it is the final light to get us home.
The
day has been but oh so worthwhile. I was
up at 4:30am on Saturday morning and then at airport by 7 am (thanks Pam). There was no one in line so I walked right up
and cheked bags and was having a coffee 20 minutes after I walked in. That's through security as well. Plane takeoff was at 10 and landed in Rome to
refuel at midnight (6 hour time difference).
It was about an hour and a half to refuel and change crew before we were
away again. We landed in Addis Ababa at
8am Sunday morning. Got my Ethiopian viasa, picked up
luggage and was waiting outside for my ride.
Yes - it's 8:30am warm and sunny - far different than the rain when I
left a month ago. The guesthouse picked
me up about 20 minutes later. Driver
told me that the prime minister was coming today. As we travelled I noticed that there was an
armed soldier about every 50 feet along the road on both sides. I noticed there was an occasional one perched
up on top of buildings. Much different
than in Canada.
I
arrived at guesthouse but Karen and Ibssa were still upstairs. There was a coffee ceremony setup and some of
guest were waiting. I was greeted by
"Are you Ibssa's Dad", by one of the new guest - I guess they knew I
was coming but Ibssa didn't, Karen wanted to surprise him. Well we surprised them. The guesthouse tooked my bags up and I
followed. Karen seen the bags and knew I
was there. When Ibssa saw me he came
running to me with a hug and a huge "Daddy". He hadn't forgot me at all - Skyping everyday
I'm sure helped. A kiss and another
tight hug and all was good. Karen was right
behind Ibssa with the big smile while trying to hold back her tears - it didn't
work. A warm embrace and a kiss and all
was right in the world again.
We all
went downstairs and met the other guests that assembled for the coffee
ceremony. The ceremony lasted about an
hour and a half all while Ibssa sat with me and got re-acquainted. He told me stories that only he knew what he
was saying but it didn't matter cause I was ready to hear them. He showed me his bike which was "Bike,
mine".
I was
bagged by this time as I don't sleep well on planes. I headed up stairs for a shower and a
nap. I think I napped for 2.5 hours
before Ibssa joined me for another 1.5 hour nap. We got up around 4 and headed to grocery
store to get some supplies. On the way
back, Ibssa thought we should get a donut so we did. It's not Tim Hortons (only 3 kinds of
doughnut but it does the trick. We got
home, Karen made fish and homemade fries for supper, while we played. A little more play time, we did his new
puzzle, watched a little bit of a movie and it was bedtime. Eight thirty - where did the day go (Oh
probably the naps eariler made it fly by)
Hopefully
without any further delays we will we be back home on October 29th. After struggling to decide if I should come
back to Ethiopia, it has been made quite clear by God today, that this is where
I needed to be hopefully for the last week of our journey here. As trying as it has been for Karen and I, I'm
sure it will be the same for Ibssa when he comes to Canada to continue his
journey.
Keep
all the emails and prayers coming. Each
and everyone is appreciated beyond what people may think is just a simple
gesture
Good
night, chow as God Bless
Paul
HALLELUJAH!! Yeah this feels right! God is so, so amazing! Let the count down begin.
ReplyDeleteGrrrrr couldn't get a Monday flight. Leaving Wednesday the 30th now
ReplyDeleteTears of Joy!! What a precious moment that would have been!! Safe travels.
ReplyDeleteSo glad you are reunited! I know Karen must just be thrilled! How frustrating about the flights, but you may be glad, as when Martha went to pick up our visa on the Monday, she was told to come back the next day! Grrr... I was aggravated but we didn't even have flights until Thursday so it wasn't really a big deal. But you never know what curves they might throw you... Praying you have a delightful last week in Ethiopia!
ReplyDelete