This morning after breakfast, a group of us headed to Kingdom Vision International Orphanage here in Addis. This is the orphanage that Rohama spent about 3 months at before she was brought to America World's transitional home. As we pulled into the gates, I was overwhelmed with emotion. I was going through the same gates that my daughter entered last April when she first became an orphan. It was so surreal knowing that KVI was home to my daughter for a short while. The staff were incredibly nice and loved to smile. They remembered Rohama!
Laundry Area
Shoe rack and washing machine
Kitchen and Staff
We first saw the toddlers and early elementary age children - so precious! One little boy came charging out the door and wrapped his little arms around Meg Sabini and then he couldn't quit kissing Karen Hutcheson. Karen has gorgeous red hair and Ethiopians seem drawn to her immediately. The children were so adorable! We gave out animal crackers, Smarties, and suckers so they were very happy. They even sang us a song - my heart was so full!
When we walked into the baby room, I lost my breath for a moment as reality hit - Rohama used to sleep in these very beds. Then, the most amazing thing happened - I met 2 of her nannies! They said that from a very small age Rohama was happy and she began smiling very, very young. They said she was a good baby and didn't cry hardly at all. I thanked them for loving on our daughter and for allowing God to use them as His hands here on earth. There were about a dozen children in the baby room and praise God, almost every one of them have forever families! Since the beginning of our adoption process, we have prayed that God would surround our child with people who love her and care for her and today, He revealed at least 2 of the people that He used to answer our prayers! It was with tears falling down my cheeks that I surveyed the room and expressed thanksgiving to them for taking care of our precious baby. I will never forget the women who loved and cared for Rohama in her early days of life. What a gift God gave us today in bringing us to these women!
4 comments:
Oh we love KVI! I'm so glad you go to go there! You are so right--being in ET is like walking through the Bible! I know you are feeling God's presence with every step! So excited for you!!
What a joyful experience. May God continue to direct your steps and may you continue to feel his presence throughout. Love ya'll.
Kisses to your glory baby -- the blue cross, the loving orphanage--so thankful God has given you this deep connection to her in Ethiopia. We too have walked through sending off one baby into Jesus' arms before the embrace of the next--it is a very holy experience to be so close to heaven--to know how REAL the our Savior is who really holds our babies in HIs arms. May the weight of God's presence and glory sustain you in the depths and joys of these days. We love you very much and are on pins and needles for your first meeting with Maura! May God overflow your hearts with Himself. Much Love, Gillian and the Tuckers
What special hearts these beautiful women women must have to love on these orphans, see them strengthened and then lovingly relase them to ther forever families. May God fill their hearts with strength for each day.
Debi
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