Sunday, August 29, 2010

What it's all about...

To many of you what I'm about to say will have little to no impact, but to YOU..who know these names will stand in awe at how awesome our God truly is.

On Friday I got to speak with Gedese in Ethiopia. Again with her limited English and my very limited Amharic, I tried to explain that I would be there in Ethiopia on November 1st. It's so hard to believe it's been 18 months since I kissed her and Christiana goodbye and sent them on a plane to ET. I was trying to tell her I would be there for Christiana's second birthday and I was bringing a group with me who wanted to meet her. After all she is not only an Olympic athlete, but she was Because Every Mother Matters first mom AND my best friend! Gedese was excited to tell me that Christiana speaks three languages(Oromio, Amharic and English)..yeah she's not even 2! Then Christiana gets on the phone. The last time I saw her..she was 6 months old. I was there for her birth and poetically labeled at the hospital as her dad:) I felt her first kicks, was there when we heard her heartbeat, I spent sleepless nights waiting for her arrival. I never left Gedese's side. I was there when Christiana was ripped from Gedese's body lifeless, I was her advocate when the Dr's thought she had physical deformities and chromosomal abnormalities. I held Gedese and Christiana and prayed for a miracle when all around us was darkness. I fought for them, sold my possessions for them, loved them and then watched them leave. Many times since then I have promised Gedese and Christiana I would see them in Ethiopia and every time I have had to cancel. My body was sick..my spirit was willing,but my flesh was weak. So, when I talked to her on Friday and told them I was coming..her first words, "Please come, don't not come again." Funny thing is..once again I find myself at the mercy of my body. I have big medical tests this week, but have remained silent. Again my spirit is willing....THEN Christiana got on the phone...and she said(not yet 2), "Hello. I love you momma Steffany...Amasecanalo(thank you) for my life". Um..Yeah...Screw my body...I am counting down the days until I see them again!

6 comments:

Becky said...

Tears Steffany! So amazing!! I wish so badly I could travel with you but it just can't happen until Heidi is a bit older! I am pretty much her life-line! So excited for this upcoming adventure for you. I will be praying for a strong body for you!

Melanie said...

Got behind on your blog and just sat down and had a Stef-fest. Oh, I'm not sure if I should fall to my knees or raise my hands in the air...maybe both at the same time? God brought you to my mind last night and I just laid there and prayed for you and for the trip. No words, just air-hugs in the direction of Missouri.

Jaime & Kelly said...

Steffany, I do get this!! I know how it feels to have your loved ones so far away. Since, Wednesday I have been crying and missing those I left in Ethiopia. It totally sucks and I hate feeling ripped apart from my family. I know what it will feel like to get to see them and how much your heart with overflow! I am praying for you, your heart, and that you WILL get on that plane and see them!!!

Unknown said...

I'm in tears. Oh, the thought that you guys will be united, again, is beautiful! I am praying...praying for your body...praying for travel plans...praying your visit comes very quickly!! How can precious Cristina already be 1.5 years old. It seems like just yesterday that she was born. Hugs!!!

Paula said...

Wow, that brought tears to my eyes. I wish so badly that I could go with you.

Ali said...

Awww, I hope you have a lovely trip and visit with them. And I want to see photos! I cannot believe it's been 18 months! That doesn't sound right...