The weekend.

I was texting Becca Friday morning and she mentioned we should come to Melawit's airport welcome, and that we could stay with them.  I wrote back something like "We might take you up on that!"  

I asked Becca later if she regretted offering us a place to stay.  She said she didn't.  They were great hosts and Eli and I had a great time. (Ben was out of town for work.)  You should totally stay with them if you get the chance :)   

A couple of hours later, I left my sister to finish painting the first coat of pink in Ruthie's room (Yes, I do have a great sister.  She paints the room, while I go visit friends?  She's too nice to me.) and Eli and I headed out on a last minute road trip.  

Jennifer loved on Ruthie Mekdes for me a lot on her first trip to Ethiopia.  Our girls slept in cribs next to each other in the Gladney Care Center.  I played with Melawit a lot while I was in Ethiopia in December. 

Ring around the rosie with Melawit, me and the nurse.

 There is just a lot of love there.  

I wish I had a cute picture to insert here of the new family of six.  But I don't.  But believe me, they're a cute family.  I got to see Melawit on Saturday morning for a little bit.  I showed her some pictures and video on my phone that I had taken while in Ethiopia.  I showed her a picture of Ruthie M and asked her if she knew who it was.  She looked at me, smiled and whispered "Mekdes".  I wanted to burst into tears.  So thankful for this connection.  So glad that when Ruthie Mekdes comes home, she'll have a familiar face and a good friend that lives not too far away.  So thankful that I got to be part of Melawit's airport welcome.  Thankful for friends I've met along this adoption journey.  Just so thankful.