Humbled

Just back from CHS office. 

Just as we did for our previous meetings, we were led to a small office-- they have all been the same-- two desks, one computer, four chairs and one set of shelves. 
Israel's social worker seated us, then went to retrieve his mother and just like that there we were. She is very shy and would not look at us. She was wearing a tshirt and long skirt.  She is really short. We start awkwardly, we introduce ourselves. We introduced Patterson and Wlliam with the picture and explained that they are very excited to meet him and love him.
She immediately asked if we were Christians, and asked if we would raise him to fear God. She explained that this was her one wish for him. We explained emphatically our love for God, and that we would raise him to fear God, go to church for worship. We explained how happy we were that she loves God and named him Israel. Throughout we asked what other wishes she has for him, and this is the ONE thing she cared about. Not health, education etc. God.  What a blessing to be able to respond with confidence and vigor to her request!!!
She wanted us to know that she did the best  she could, that she did not want to give him up, but she could not care for him. She said he was so so very sick. We replied that he is healthier now.  We asked how she came to know God, she said her parenst raised her that way. 
We asked if there were any family stories he should know. She said no, just to tell him about her, about Ethiopia and teach him about God. She said she was so glad to know he is going to a family that knows God. I asked what songs she used to sing to him--- and she sang for us!! A song about God's promise to care for his people. That was such a blessing and she had sweet little singing voice.
At some point Meron the social worker commented that he looks like her to which she quickly replied, no, he is much lighter skinned.
Then she smiled big and evidently asked to see him. I could tell that Meron was responding to a difficult question but had no idea until she told us. Meron said it is not allowed. At some point Allison said to say that we pray mercy for her,and that God loves her.  I believe she said that she knows that God has a plan.
Then we had our picture taken with her.  Then I asked if we could hold hands with her and pray the Lord's prayer which we did. then she asked to repeat it in her language--- this was a very sweet moment, one I will never forget.

Ceremony
The four adoptive couple lined up on one side, and the four birth parents, two dads and two Moms on the other. They repeated a prayer, lit a candle and passed to us. We were all crying. Everyone. They then handed the candle to us. Then we said a prayer in unison. 

It was then time for goodbyes. Then three of us embraced for many minutes, holding each other and crying. She had her head buried in our chests and we were all three sobbing. Gripping each other so tightly--almost fell over.She did not want to go, she kept looking at us and putting her head down, and reaching her  hand out. Bereket and Ereftu's dad consoled her. He seemed mature and happy, Obama's mom was also crying, and Samual's dad looked the worst of them all.he was completely dejected and would not raise his eyes from the floor.

Humbled.