We have had an incredible time back in Addis. I love how it feels so natural to be here. We have loved the opportunity to spend time with old and new friends. The Funderburks came to visit us at our guest house and we loved seeing them again. It was so fascinating to learn all about their new adventure living here in Addis. Eyasu was very clingy at first and we realized that he only knows them from the transition home. :( We loved that he wanted us but it broke our hearts that he thought they might have been there to take him back. After much reassuring, he played with their precious little Ruthie. :)

We have also gotten to see our Ethiopian angel, Dereje, on several occasions. We were able to go to his sister, Fifi's, house yesterday for lunch. What a treat. Eyasu loved playing with her two kiddos and it was a gift being able to catch up on her life since we have last seen each other.

Now to the main attraction: EYASU. Oh man. Moody and I just belly ache laugh at this guy all day long. He is hilarious, unless someone tries to take his toys, then hilarious he is not. :) He really has the sweetest spirit. He is happy and VERY busy. Hill, Wick, Avery and Issy, get ready, he can run!!! He is also a parrot and repeats everything you say, full sentences sometimes. It is really funny. An interesting and incredible to witness reality of adopting an older child is seeing them experience firsts. He was terrified of the big potty (thought he would fall in poor guy), learned how to sip from a straw, took his first bath in the big tub, first sip of a Miranda, etc........his eyes and smile say it all! WOW. Thanking the Lord for the incredible gift of entrusting us to this amazing child and allowing us to experience so many of his firsts in life.

We received the very first picture of him when he came into care over 13 months ago. It is heartbreaking and yet, we are so thankful to have that piece of his story. It is clear that he is a fighter with an truly resilient spirit. It made John 14:18, "I will not leave you as orphans, I will come to you." come alive. Thank you for your faithful promises to your children. We are forever grateful to the staff at Gladney for loving him, for nurturing him and restoring him to good health. His love for his special mother was priceless and we will always have a special place in our hearts for everyone that played a role in his life until he could come home to his forever family!