Mary Beth and I arrived in Addis this morning to be greeted by our friendly driver, David. He took us to our hotel and gave us some tips about Ethiopian culture and some other very good practical advice about our stay.

After checking in at our hotel, we called one of the field coordinators who works for the organization that we sponsor a child through. He picked us up to take us to visit Bete (pronounced Betty) and also bring some gifts to the other children at the orphanage.

When we arrived at the orphanage, there were many children outside swarming one of the caretakers who was passing out candy. It was out of control! At that point, we decided it would be better for the staff to pass out our gifts for us in an orderly manner. The children seemed very happy to receive their small gifts (candy, stickers, and bracelets).

Later on, we found out that Bete had been adopted by a German family! Praise the Lord! It was a little sad that we did not get to meet her, but we are so overjoyed that she now has a family of her own!

After giving the children their gifts, we went into one of the baby rooms at the orphanage. I will never forget all of the children lying in their cribs in this room. Some of them were only six months old, but they could hold their own bottle. They’ve obviously learned that skill to help them survive. I think I will remember these children’s faces for the rest of my life.

One of the things that seemed to be a big hit with the older kids was taking pictures of them. I would take their picture and then show it to them on the camera display afterwards. They LOVED it! This was really the best way for me to bond with the children, since we couldn’t really understand eachother. This was how I met my two new friends: Brook and Musa.

I saw Musa standing a few yards away from me and I motioned with the camera to see if he wanted me to take his picture. He smiled bashfully and I snapped a shot of him. Afterwards, I told him my name and we shook hands.

I saw one of the older boys, Brook, standing quietly on the steps looking on at all the commotion. I walked over to him, took his picture, and we shook hands. He had one of the brightest smiles I’ve ever seen.

During the rest of our visit, these two boys never left my side. Musa would reach down and hold my hand, and I would put my arms over their shoulders. I could tell that they were soaking it all up.

Eventhough I was only with these boys for less than an hour, I could realize how much they long to have a father. My heart aches for these millions of Ethiopian boys that will grow up without one. I wish we could adopt all of them, but God has a special boy picked out just for us.

Tomorrow we will meet Josiah for the first time. It will be an honor to be called his ‘abaya’ (father). Thanks for all your prayers and encouragement!