Thursday, August 19, 2010

Final Post from Ethiopia

I have watched so many families come to the Guest House, meet their children and then complete the final step of heading to the US Embassy for their appointment. TODAY IS OUR DAY!!!!

I am extremely grateful for all of the people who worked hard on Easton's case to make this day happen. When I think about the timeline and the possibilities that could have happened, I am amazed! For example: If I would have known my Visa was only good for 30 days I would have renewed it in time and received another 30 day Visa.

What I learned is that tourist in Ethiopia can only be in the country for 60 days. My 60th day would have been 2 days ago!!!! I would have been in quite the predicament and most likely would have had to leave Ethiopia without Easton. Or another scenario, if I would have gone to the US Embassy just a week earlier to renew my Visa I would have only been issued a 10 day Visa and would have left the country last week, again without Easton.

Even my best laid plan would have been failure, therefore I know, for a fact, that God is in control. He is the one who has orchestrated this adoption and our FAITH in Him will deliver Easton and I home on Saturday. So here we are, after 63 days, waiting to head to the Embassy. I have learned so much during my time here, however, I'm not quite sure how to properly express my feelings toward the experience. I think it will take some time, after being home to gather my thoughts and articulate them.

For now, I sit here and dream about seeing my precious husband again. What an AMAZING man to go through this journey with. He will be a wonderful father and I cannot wait to put Easton in his arms Saturday night. I know how much happiness Easton is going to bring to his life and I'm anxious for our days of lying around the house watching football, stroller walks around our neighborhood, and pool parties with friends and family.

I have one more night here in Ethiopia and I'm trying not to wish it away. There are many things I will miss about Ethiopia but for now my focus is to get Easton home to establish our family. I love you all and thank you so much for your prayers and support! Hopefully, the next blog post will be about our homecoming!!!


Love, Ashlie and Easton

4 comments:

Mama Mimi said...

WOW! This is really happening! So thrilled for you!

Anonymous said...

My prayers are with you Ashlie!! Thanks so much for letting me share in your family's journey through your blog and your FB posts. I am so happy for your family-you are an amazing woman to go through this process away from your husband...what a lucky boy Easton is to have you for his mom...safe travels to all three of you:)

BKessler said...

Wow so happy for you! This is such an encouraging reminder that God is in control as I sit tonight trying not to worry about the details of our own adoption. Can't wait to see homecoming pics!

Anonymous said...

How incredible and amazing this entire experience must be! So excited for you and your family :)