Wow, what a week. I have been on American soil now for 8 days and have been surrounded by love and support each step of the way. I arrived home safe and sound last Wednesday morning and was in the arms of my family by noon. My family has always been a source of comfort for me, but falling into Mom and Dad's arms that afternoon I felt the weight of the world come off of my shoulders. The weight of trying to be grown up and deal with death from across the world. In that moment I gave myself permission to fall apart, because here, with the ones I love most, I was safe and secure. I mourned the loss of my grandfather from Ethiopia, but being in PA with my family the process began all over again. It was difficult. I wondered more times than I can count when the tears would stop coming, but the beautiful part about being here was that when they came there was always somebody there who "got it" and would carry the hurt with me.
The outpourings of love that I have experienced over the past week and a half have absolutely overwhelmed my heart. It seemed like every time I turned around I was getting another message from somebody letting me know they were praying for us. And at the funeral, I got the surprise of a lifetime as two wonderful friends traveled up to support our family. Blessings upon blessings!
There is so much I would like to write, so many stories I would like to share... But it does not seem that words can do justice to what I have experienced this week. My heart has experienced its deepest hurt, and in the same breath some of its greatest joys. This week, I found myself simply beyond blessed. And now, as I prepare to head back to Ethiopia this coming week, I count it a blessing that I am eager to have those babies back in my arms! Thanks for all of your love and support during this difficult time. Your prayers and God's love got us through!
