KVI Orphanage - Coffee Ceremony

April 30 - Yesterday at 1:00pm we had our interview at the U.S. Embassy. For being one of the most significant steps in this whole process, it occurred with no fanfare of any kind. It took less than 5 minutes. We weren't allowed to have cameras in the Embassy building so no photos of the big, but brief, event. 

Today was another big event - the Coffee Ceremony. Yosef picked us up at the hotel at 9:45. We went to the office of our agency and picked up Huwit, the adoption agency rep, and Rahel, the angel who found Tigist when she was only 3 months old. We then proceeded to the orphanage for the Coffee Ceremony. 

Rahel with TG. Priceless. 

One of the most important nannies at the orphanage is Zawditu (means princess). She cared for, and loved, TG from the first day she arrived at the orphanage. She was so emotional during the ceremony and it was so hard for her to say goodbye. 

Another of the nannies. TG remembered her very well, and ran to her with arms wide. We regret not writing down her name. She was very kind. 

Here's the entire toddler room waiting for TG to enter. They were chanting her name, and they were so excited to see her again. 

Rahel brought traditional scarves for Carrie and me to wear. Very thoughtful!

The formal ceremony started with remarks by the orphanage Program Manager, Salom, pictured below with Carrie and TG. She expressed how the orphanage's mission is to care for the children, and the rewards they recieve for their hard work far outweigh their salaries. She also said how happy the staff is to see TG going to live with a loving family. TG will be missed, but not forgotten. Then Salom let Rahel tell the heart wrenching story of how, when and where she found TG on that fateful day 18 months ago. Although Rahel spoke only in Amharic we knew the story, and the entire room was in tears. Then Carrie made a very eloquent speech about how our hearts are filled with happiness to have TG in our lives, and that we will always remind her to be proud of who she is and where she came from. It was intensely happy and sad all at the same time. 

Then it was time for coffee!

And popcorn, as is the tradition. 

Some pictures are worth far more than 1,000 words...

Later this afternoon, we went back to our agency's office to pick up TG's Ethiopian passport. ADORABLE!

This represents the FINAL STEP in the long adoption process. Needless to say, it's been very much worth the wait!!  We'll be home Sunday night!!!