One (and a half) Years Later (July 2010)
Wow! What a journey! I apologize for neglecting this blog. I haven't always known what to say this past year. Adopting an older child is as hard as they say. The transition is for EVERYONE...not just for the child.
Eli is now into his second year in America and in our family. This summer we will see our second child off to college. We will become a household of three. It has been a rollercoaster this past year and I will honestly say, one of the most difficult things I have ever done. The adjustment to family life, rules, structure, school, friends, siblings, schedules, car rides, food, clothing, etiquette, language...along with grieving, sadness, homesickness and post traumatic stress...what were we thinking?!
Well, as one friend said to me, "You are doing God's work and it's never easy." She's right. We have a beautiful little boy, who in time, will learn to trust us. He has God's hand on him in every way. He has come to this strange place (with some ridiculous expectations), but has been wholly embraced by our friends, family and this community. People know him from his engaging smile and bright eyes. They root for him when he is down and yell his name when he shines on the soccer field. He is blessed.
With our second child off to college, we are so lucky to know we have Eli. He has filled our lives as a child does and we see him starting to understand and accept us and this new life. We pray for him and others pray for him. It has been a tough year, but today, we are happy.
Here's what we have been up to...
Over 40 goals this soccer season!
Showing best friend, Anders, how to eat Ethiopian food...
...and wearing his hat...
Putting up with big sis and the fuss of senior year...
Stealing...
Kissing...
Hugging...
Hanging out with dad...
Celebrating (one year)...
Being in America...Congratulations, Eli. We love you!
Great to see some new pictures of Eli! It sounds like you've had a very eventful year, and it's great to know that things seem to be getting better. It's really unbelievable to think about everything that our kids have been through in the last year and a half, isn't it?
ReplyDeleteWishing you a wonderful year as a family of three - what a change!
Wow! He has grown, so handsome and talented, glad you guys are adjusting, it is hard, praying for you as one flies the coop, I have one leaving too!
ReplyDeleteOH, BEAUTIFUL post and pictures - it is hard! Gotta keep going forward, and yes with God in your corner! Eli looks happy, I hope he can hang on to some happiness as he continues to grow.
ReplyDeleteMaria
Your blog caught my eye as we're on the border of Minnesota and we're bringing home a nine year old girl from Ethiopia in a month or two...I read and enjoyed every post since he joined your family! I pray our transition will be as smooth as yours! You are all just beautiful in many ways!
ReplyDeleteI can relate to your entire post! Finny is little, and our challenges are a little different but we have loved every minute - even the hard ones! Thank you for giving us an update on your beautiful boy and family!
ReplyDeleteKim