It was Christmas Day in Ethiopia...how perfect. We got in late Sunday night and checked in to the Union Hotel. After unpacking we tried to get some sleep. There was a rooster crowing most of the night across the street from us. I think he was a bit confused. We woke up, ate breakfast with Tim and Michelle, a couple from Ohio who had met their son the day before, and headed over to Hannah's Hope. The walk was through a side street lined with rubble. We rang the bell and were greeted by many smiling faces. We met Almaz ( the most wonderful woman...smart, funny, loving,) and walked into her office. We walked by children in their exersaucers and I thought " one of these children is my daughter". They were not. She came in with Martha, our Gracie and we were overcome with emotion. She was beautiful !!!! Yes, this was her. She looked the same, yet very different. She did not smile at us but had more of fearful look. I was initially very worried about this because so many of the other children would smile just looking at them and smiling. It is amazing what a couple of days can do. Almaz explained to us that even though they do get the very best care they are able to do, it still does not replace 24/7 care and attention. She was right of course. She is smiling and babbling now whenever we look at her.
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