What it means to have a family...

Well, trip #4 is unknown at this point, but trip #5 is pretty much set already. November 2012.

Emnatu will be graduating college a 2nd time, this time from his night classes. 

 The boys from Kolfe usually don't let their classmates and teachers know they are orphans. Orphans are looked down upon in their society, undervalued, spat upon, rocks thrown at... in general, you just don't share who you are, with 99% of the people around you.

My 2nd trip, Ayal (a driver) showed up at the airport driving a work car. It took me a while to understand just how significant this was. He had told his BOSS that his MOM was coming to town, and that he wanted to borrow a car to drive her home (guest house) from the airport. That was an admission of who he is... it was HUGE, and a great honor.

His first graduation in July 2010, I missed it by a month.

Talking with Emnatu this morning, he suggested I be there for his graduation. This confused me... who would I be? Would I be free to be who I am, his mother??? Would I be a visitor he just happened to give a ticket to? (I have not met his friends aside from former Kolfe boys...) 

I have asked this question to many of the boys, and never gotten an answer. It is a tough decision for them to make when their family shows up... but his answer today melted my heart, and made me realize just how much I need to get on that plane next November...

"i dont care about any people i proud of you"  Proud, not because I am some fabulous person...

nope, that would be PROUD, because he dreamed for 16+ years about having a mom, and now does!

 One of his friends told me a few weeks ago that Emnatu hopes to have his "unofficial" name printed on the graduation program... "Emnatu John", not Emnatu T-----  because having his Dad's name in print with his, is huge for him.  So sweet!

 ♥ Things you and I never have to think about... I am humbled, honored, and in complete awe that God would choose us to be a part of these boys lives. 
God is soooooo good!!! ♥