This is the view outside our hotel room. I’ve looked at that tall unfinished cement building this week and wondered why it was never completed. I wonder also about those who live in the homes below and their unfinished dreams. It breaks my heart as we get ready to leave, knowing there are so many more who need our help. But for today, God has asked us to be part of one mother’s dream to give her daughter a hope and future with a family who would love her and take care of her in a way she never could. I can’t wait to tell you more about her story.
We are getting ready to leave for the airport now. Just in case you want to know where we’ll be for the next 24-48 hours, here is our itenerary:
Saturday (Ethiopia)
Leave: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia @ 1:35am – 7 hour flight
Arrive: Frankfurt, Germany @ 7:35am – 6 hour layover
Leave: Frankfurt, Germany @ 1:15pm – 7 hour flight
Arrive: Wash-DC @ 3:45pm – go through customs
UPDATE: Leave: Wash-DC @ Charlotte at 9:50pm which puts us home by midnight we hope!
flight delayed getting here so we missed the flight to Charlotte at 5:05pm
Saturday (Charlotte)
Arrive: Charlotte @ 11:28pm (United 7261)
Andrew just asked if we could all pray together. It was so precious! Then when we were done he asked me to email and blog and facebook our friends to ask them to pray. I think he’s a little anxious about this very long part of our journey to get home, and he’s concerned Aster will be crying. Right now she is sound asleep and hopefully she will be for a while.
We’d all treasure your prayers. My biggest concern is our 6 hour layover (can’t leave the airport because we don’t have visas for Germany) so we are praying God will bless us with something really good that helps us pass the time – like sleep, a movie, good food.
This has been an amazing and faith stretching yet God revealing week. I can’t wait to write and share with you all of the things God did and tell you about all of the people we met. We prayed we would see Jesus in Ethiopia and we definitely did!!!
God is Good!!! Congratulations! 🙂
Loved seeing you yesterday!! Aster is a beautiful and precious little girl. Can't wait to watch her grow before our eyes. I pray that God will continue to bless the Swope family as you continue to pursue Him…
love you~
We've been praying for you all weekend long. I can't even begin to imagine a 6 hour layover in Germany and having to stay at the airport all that time. That must have been REALLY hard!
A new chapter begins…enjoy the blessings God has for your family. Welcome home.
Sweet Renee,
I have been watching and praying every step of the way. Just thrilled to have you back in the US.
You don't mind it I stop by to see you/her later today do you???
JK of course, love you, enjoy!
pat
Y'all are still in the airport right now–bless your hearts! But, you're in America!! Glad you're "home!" Like Sharon, I wish the Hoods could be waiting with hugs for you in the Charlotte aiport! We were there when a dear couple brought home their baby girl from Khazikstan (spelling?) a few years ago! Amazing to watch God at work!
We continue to lift you all up in our prayers! I am so excited!!
Love ya!
Susan
As I read this it is 5:38pm on Saturday, Renee, and I just know you are thrilled right now to be on the FINAL leg of your journey. Can't wait to hear more, and see more pics.
Praying!
Thanks for the update!! Praying for the trip home, may it go exactly as God has planned. Praying for peace for all of you – what a great big brother already!!! Blessings, Jill
YEAH you are heading home. Tell Andrew I am praying for all you. I pray little Aster will not be fussy. I can not wait to hear more about your trip and what God has done.
Angela
Praying for you. Praising God for you. Thanks for letting us be a part of the journey!!!
Renee – very exciting!
Praising God for the many ways He shows us during adoption of one of His children. Praising Him for the ways He shows up when we are out of our comfort zones too.
I'll be praying you home! May the journey be one more way for your family to glorify God!
In Christ' love,
Jill
who is now waiting once more for a precious daughter in Ethiopia to come home!
Excited and praying! Wishing we all could be there to welcome your FAMILY home! 🙂
Love, prayers, squeezes and confetti,
Sharon 🙂
Praying, Praying, Praying!! I believe that you should be in Germany as I type this. Can't wait for the next update.
Blessings! 🙂
🙂 Safe travels my friend. Think pink all the way home. Love that boy of yours, he is so right on about the prayers, must get that from his mom.. Love you bunches
Cris
praying for you all to arrive home safely!
Continuing to pray and asking God to "step in" wherever you need Him. Blessings to you and your family through this long journey home.
Praying God's hand will be on you the entire trip home…God's peace will keep you! Praying for a safe journey home!
Blessings
Praying your trip back is smooth and uneventful.
You say you saw Jesus in Ethiopia. I suspect Ethiopia saw Jesus in you as well!
Can't wait to see and hear more!
Prayers are rising up for you and your husband, your sons and your daughter … for a safe, peaceful, healthy, trip home. Can't wait to here more when you get home!
R
I am sooooooooo looking forward to hearing all about everything! Praying for your sweet family!
Renee,
Have been praying for your family's health and safety all week. Praying for your journey back home, and everyone's health.
It's lovely that your son asked about praying. It seems that he has been trained in the proper way from which will not be departed when he gets older.
smooches,
Larie
Praying for you and your family this weekend.
I'm so thankful you guys are feeling better!! I've been praying since Wednesday for your health and safety. I can't wait to hear more!!
I'll be praying for the trip home..
Renae