Hi Everyone,
Thanks for keeping up with us. It has been an amazing journey so far, with some bumps, twists and turns. Now, Denise and I face our toughest challenge yet. We learned yesterday morning (1 day before leaving) that my passport would not be accepted because it expires in September. Ethiopia requires 6 months out on all passports. After scrambling all day without any luck Denise and I made the toughest decision of our lives together. Instead of postponing our trip and trying to fix my mess, Denise is heading to Ethiopia alone.
My heart is breaking as I write this. She must now do everything on her own. I can't believe this happened. My only grasp of reason I can hold onto is that for some reason this is something Denise needed to do on her own. It rips me apart knowing I won't be there to meet Girma for the first time, to see his homeland, to meet his friends at the orphanage, to help Denise with getting to know our son, taking tons of pictures and video, and mostly with the flight back home. The image of her crying as she passed out of sight going through security will haunt me this week and beyond.
Incredibly, and not surprisingly, Denise has been a rock throughout the last 2 days. Once again, I find myself in awe of her strength and courage. We had to combine 4 checked bags into 2, change a few forms, and add a new power of attorney to make this work.
We did manage to get a full refund for my flight, and Denise will have Beni, Selamawit's older brother, to be her guide and companion this week. Also, the guest home will have a car waiting for her at the airport. Denise will just take it one step at a time. Thank God she is so strong. Denise is bringing my laptop so we can email and talk over Skype. She will still drop off the donations at the orphanage and go try getting to the market to buy supplies for the November silent auction/dinner.
Denise's plane took off 2 minutes ago. She gets into Addis Ababa Sunday night at 7pm (11am Sunday Denver time). Until she gets a hold of me and is safe and sound at the Ethiopia Guest Home, I will be freaking out! Until my honey comes back home with our Girma, I will be out of my mind. They are scheduled to land back in Denver next Saturday, August 1st, at 5:18pm. Anyone that wants to meet us at the airport, please call or email me, or just show up. (Steve's cell is 303-775-7766, email is drliving@comcast.net)
Please, please, please, pray and send good vibes for Denise and Girma for this week, a safe return flight home, and my sanity.
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Hey Steve so sprrybto hear this but here is a way to expedite renewal passports - friends of ours just recently have gotten new passports within 24hrs by going to regional passport agency offices directly. For example there is one in LA where you can fly in get your passport and leave for Ethiopa and continue on your journey and support Denise. You are right, after all she has survived Denise is the strongest person we all know but it's a shame she has to do this alone and I have to believe there is still option for you pick up your son! Happy to help in any way we can. We are in Ireland but certaiy can help from here.Please keep us posted.. Steph and Drew
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