A New Family

August 29: Homecoming day for the Greenes...plus two! Dozens of us were there to greet Jeff and Kristen after the day-long flight home from Ethiopia with Tigist and Mihiretu. I cannot even describe the anticipation that built amongst all of us - and even other bystanders - as we waited for them to finally appear down the hallway. Someone observing all the action was prompted to ask, "Is there a celebrity arriving or something?" This is by far one of the most incredible and emotional moments I've ever been a part of. Visit Kristen's "To Africa with Love" blog for more photos and a great video montage.

The "welcoming party" breathlessly awaits the arrival of new friends!

"Here they come!..."

...And now suddenly (and yet at the same time, finally) they're parents. It's just unreal.

Sydney and Tigist happily meet for the first time as if they were already lifelong buddies. Tigist was so sweet, bounded right up and gave her a kiss. We couldn't get over her happy and abundant energy level, considering all she'd been through. These girls' first giggles together will be a indelible memory for me.