Hugs and Tears



The past three days have been absolutely amazing. Nothing could have prepared us for the experience of meeting our girls for the first time. Until 08-21-09, Misrak and Mistire had only been faces in pictures, and then…there they were standing in front of us. Hugs and tears flowed freely in that first few minutes and in many times throughout the past three days. We have all fallen in love with each other and it feels almost like we have always been together. We have so many stories to share with you once we return and we look forward to sharing a meal with as many of you as we can when we get settled in. You will love Misrak & Mistire.

Many of you reading this blog have given us letters/cards to read during our trip and we have read one of them per day, all at very significant times in the journey. I cannot even begin to tell you how these notes have spoken to us DEEPLY in those times. Your words of wisdom, encouragement and support have ALL come at precisely the right time even though the cards have been chosen at “random.”

We are absolutely awestruck by Ethiopia, its people, the people working for us at Hope Adoption Agency and of course recognizing the ONE who made all of this possible. We feel that we are standing on the side of an 18-year prayer where it has been answered. For all of those years, we stood on the other side and we wondered what God was thinking. We can see clearly at least a small part of His plan for our lives, for the lives of Misrak & Mistire and for the lives of our extended family and local community. Thank him with us! He is God and He is good.

Amasaganolo!!!

Todd, Emily, Riley,Misrak & Mistire

4 comments:

Aimee, Cary, and Caiya P. August 24, 2009 at 9:31 AM  

I have tears running down my cheeks... wonderful! Congratulations family of five.. I remember that feeling of going from 2 dimensions (photos) to having my daughter be in my arms and feeling her cheeks, checking out her hair, skin, eyes, and just falling in love. God is truly amazing, isn't He? BLESSINGS!!!

Carla August 24, 2009 at 10:43 AM  

Oh Sweet Murphy's! We love you so and praise God for HIS amazing plans for you all! I write with tears flowing...knowing you have shed so many with various emotions over the years! I'll be praying for your hearts...for strong connections...for a simple day at court...and for your safe journey back home! May God's glory continue to be reflected in your family and all your experiences! Can't wait to HUG all 5 of you!!!

Colleen August 24, 2009 at 1:53 PM  

How awsome that I got to talk with you today!! Glad to hear you met the girls' brother - he sounds so sweet and wanted Riley to remember him; this so tugs at my heart for him! I will pray for him along with you all. May God bless him for his courage and keep him in His care. A pastor spoke at our church Sun. about their mission work in ETHIOPIA, Addis and they want to start soccer camps there as well. How awsome is our God!!

The Mrs. August 24, 2009 at 6:43 PM  

Crying tears of joy for your sweet family. Can't wait to hear the stories once you're settled in.

Welcome to Our Journey!

Misrak and Misti came home from Ethiopia to their forever family on Aug 21st, 2009. We pray that our story blesses you as much as they have blessed us!!