Another good day in Ethiopia! We began with breakfast the hotel restaurant, like we do every morning. After breakfast we went over to the Hilton hotel to confirm our flight reservations (YAY!). The Hilton was beautiful. Maybe too beautiful? It was constructed of stone columns and floors and lit with huge black iron lights hanging from the walls. The grounds were magnificent! The pools were gorgeous and the courtyards were lined with colorful flowers. It didn’t really feel like Ethiopia to us, but we could definitely appreciate why people stay there.
After the Hilton, we came back to the hotel where the artist was waiting with our paintings! I am so glad we decided to contact him. We first met him on the top of En Toto mountain and fell in love with his style. We purchased two paintings, one because we loved it (Tall Ladies) and the other because it reminded us good times celebrated here in Ethiopia (Coffee Ceremony). I know we will love looking at them for years to come.
Now, we have just finished a wonderful Italian (yes, Italian) lunch with our WACAP coordinator, his treat! He is such a wonderful man. The children adore him and all call him Papa. He has never been to Seattle before, so, of course, in true Markquart fashion, we encouraged him to come and stay with us someday. I hope he does.
As we were returning to the hotel for Eli’s nap and last minute packing, we got a twinge of sadness that this was our last day in Ethiopia. As I tried to soak in the images along the streets as we drove for the last time, it struck me hard…It is our last day, last day of nine days, that we are in Ethiopia. I looked at our son. It was also HIS last day here in Ethiopia. His last day in the only place his has ever known. I felt that lump in my throat grow bigger as he so unknowingly gazed sleepily out the window…
We will all miss Ethiopia. We will always speak fondly of our son’s birthplace and will forever share stories with him about our time here. He may not remember this part of his life, but we are so grateful that, here in Ethiopia, he was given life, raised through his toddler years, and then well cared for until we could come for him. We are grateful for his grandfather who made the heart-breaking sacrifice of giving Eli up for adoption. We will be forever connected to this wonderful country and we look forward to returning someday.
Thank you for sharing this journey with us. We look forward to creating many more memories with you, our family and friends and, of course, another Markquart!
After the Hilton, we came back to the hotel where the artist was waiting with our paintings! I am so glad we decided to contact him. We first met him on the top of En Toto mountain and fell in love with his style. We purchased two paintings, one because we loved it (Tall Ladies) and the other because it reminded us good times celebrated here in Ethiopia (Coffee Ceremony). I know we will love looking at them for years to come.
Now, we have just finished a wonderful Italian (yes, Italian) lunch with our WACAP coordinator, his treat! He is such a wonderful man. The children adore him and all call him Papa. He has never been to Seattle before, so, of course, in true Markquart fashion, we encouraged him to come and stay with us someday. I hope he does.
As we were returning to the hotel for Eli’s nap and last minute packing, we got a twinge of sadness that this was our last day in Ethiopia. As I tried to soak in the images along the streets as we drove for the last time, it struck me hard…It is our last day, last day of nine days, that we are in Ethiopia. I looked at our son. It was also HIS last day here in Ethiopia. His last day in the only place his has ever known. I felt that lump in my throat grow bigger as he so unknowingly gazed sleepily out the window…
We will all miss Ethiopia. We will always speak fondly of our son’s birthplace and will forever share stories with him about our time here. He may not remember this part of his life, but we are so grateful that, here in Ethiopia, he was given life, raised through his toddler years, and then well cared for until we could come for him. We are grateful for his grandfather who made the heart-breaking sacrifice of giving Eli up for adoption. We will be forever connected to this wonderful country and we look forward to returning someday.
Thank you for sharing this journey with us. We look forward to creating many more memories with you, our family and friends and, of course, another Markquart!
Just wanted to thank you for taking us along your wonderful journey. What a very special treat to share in Eli's new beginnings. Welcome home Eli!!
ReplyDeleteHave a safe flight and can't wait until you guys are back home ! Thanks for all of the wonderful memories that you shared with us :)
ReplyDeleteA day to remember! Flying home with your little boy to be with your entire family!!
ReplyDeleteWe will be with you in our thoughts and prayers on this very special homecoming day!!
God's Blessings to you! The Millers
Joel, Erin & Eli: Just spent some time getting caught up on your blog and am deeply moved by the images, words and emotions from your experience in Eithopia. Eli is radiantly beautiful. Can't wait to meet him in-person and welcome him to his extended family of friends and at Grace. And to introduce him to Boston Pizza... Love, RyanA
ReplyDeleteYou both need to seriously think about writing a book about this whole experience. Your writing is captivating.
ReplyDeleteI can't wait for you to get home and to meet the new member of the Markquart family. I'm looking out the window every couple minutes to see his little face!