Solomon is HOME!!

He's finally home!! It's so strange to think that he's just a few states away from here and not halfway around the world...it feels so surreal that the miracle has finally happened!

Solomon's story is something so unique and special that hundreds of people have now heard it. It all started over 2 years ago with an adoptive mother traveling to Ethiopia and her encounter with a 17 year old orphan named Solomon. Since then, this incredibly strong mother has done so much for orphan advocacy in Ethiopia, especially those older girls and boys who are often forgotten once they hit 8 years and older. Read her blog here for their whole story.

Solomon was the first boy I met when I went to Kolfe Orphanage in September 2008. We immediately started talking and asking lots of questions to each other while he led a tour (with tons of boys following) around the Kolfe grounds. He was such a gentleman and just one of those people you meet that you can never forget!

It has been amazing to watch his journey unfold, and I am so thrilled for him that he is finally home with his family in North Carolina! He will also be attending college and seminary on a full scholarship starting in the fall! Praising the Lord for his provision and faithfulness in ALL things! Here's the news clip that aired on the local news in Wake Forest tonight about Solomon and the Mestas family:

September 6th...More than just Labor Day

It's the day I leave for Ethiopia! That's right - the votes are in, tallied, and September 6th it is! It's the perfect date - right before Ethiopian New Year and the children in Gladney's program will only have to wait about 2 weeks for me to resume the reading program and begin the rest of the child development activities, instead of a month like originally thought. So instead of spending Labor Day like this.....

...I will be doing this...

...and this...

SO EXCITED THOUGH!!!

the ABC countdown has begun

It's official! My days of working a desk job are now numbered...10 days to be exact. :) I gave my 2 week notice today at ABC....WOO HOO!!!


I can finally talk openly about me moving to Ethiopia and not have to act like I am climbing the corporate ladder...not being able to talk about it has been killing me! My boss said he wasn't surprised, considering he had read some of my personal emails over the last few weeks and had figured out my plan....I know, I think that's a little sketchy too. Anyway, this chapter of life ends on Friday, June 2. Can't really say that I'm disappointed because I'm so excited for what's to come!

(FYI: I love Ace Ventura Pet Detective...just in case anyone didn't know where the picture came from...)