HH day 5

We went to Hannah's Hope early in the morning. We spent the day with our little girl blowing bubbles with mama and riding around on Daddy's shoulders. E reached out twice for me to hold her, and the same for Nate too. We were encouraged with how safe she was starting to feel with us as we spent more time together.

E ate injera and lentils for lunch. She let Nate feed her, it is adorable to see those two together!

We spent the day playing and playing with lots of giggles and loves. It was an amazing day!

When it was time to go, E cried because we had to leave her. It broke my heart that she was feeling sad, but reassured me that she will bond deeply to us. I got choked up when we left her little crying face. Her special mother brought her out to the front patio and they waved "chao" as the van drove away.

One of the other families traveling with us was saying "goodbye" to their little one at that time. It was an emotional time, and seeing them go through it made me realize how hard saying goodbye is.

There is nothing right about having to leave your baby behind.

The poor little tear-stained face E had. I left HH knowing that saying goodbye the next day would be excruciating.

After our visit, we had a chance to drive around the city again. It was our second attempt with a taxi driver to find the Compassion International Office to drop off a care package for the two children we sponsor in Ethiopia. Because the community was gearing up for Ethiopian Easter, the office wasn't open. We will try to arrange something on our next trip back.

Driving around the city, we felt the poverty and despair so overwhelmingly. What an eye-opening experience this has been.

We are so very blessed.