The Day We Waited For...[x16]

Last weekend we were in Saint Paul for our first reunion with [many of] the families from our adoption travel group.

In December 2010, 16 families from all over the U.S., flew to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and met each other for the first time.  [This was after "waiting" in the official process for about two years.]  On that trip, not only did we meet each other, but we met our children [for the very first time].  Our children were in care together in Ethiopia and most are very close to the same age.  They spent nearly their first year of life together...in the same little rooms with their cribs lined up side by side. 

The finalization of our adoptions hit many delays and roadblocks and as we shared these experiences together we bonded in a unique way.  Even many of our social workers commented that we experienced something special in our group in the way we formed a community.  We reached out to each other, not only in Africa, but once we returned home.  It is a wonderful group of people that I am glad to know.    

This weekend we met at a global market for dinner, attended the event Ethiopian Kids- Summer Mehaber at the MN State Fairgrounds, enjoyed another dinner together and a backyard BBQ.

As we celebrated together, it was the celebration of a day long waited for.  As I was talking with one of the fathers...looking out over a backyard full of families and toddlers....he told me this is the day he and his wife waited their whole lives for....to have a family.

It was like toddler heaven...toddlers running and playing.  Enjoying kiddie pools, a slip 'n slide, sand box, swing, balls, lawn games and being with each other.  

  

They didn't even want to stop to eat.  Did I mention how cute they looked in their swimsuits....?!

Get out of town...this girl is so cute I can't even stand it.  

They all are...

Totally delicious.  

It did the heart good to see them [10 of the 16 kids] together.   

It is meaningful to me because our daughter was surrounded by these children shortly after her birth.    It is a connection we are thankful continues.  

~Kate