Back in Wheaton

We returned from Africa last night - so happy to be home and re-united with our Gabe, Ela, Hudson, and Mia.  We were absolutely exhausted after traveling for nearly 22 hours.  I (Mike) travel on regular basis, but still found myself feeling the exhausting effects of very little sleep and a very long journey.  In fact, on the final leg of our trip from Germany to Chicago - I could not escape the dreaded "head bob" ...  you know, that awful thing that happens when you are sitting perfectly upright, but your head continues to sway uncontrollably as you drift to sleep.  I kept laughing as I would wake up only to find my head and neck hanging at 45 degree angles in unusual places.  On one occasion, I had drifted to sleep and swayed uncontrollably... I then woke up almost face to face with the man sitting in the seat next to me ... both of us tried awkwardly to pretend like nothing had happened!  I've attached some pictures of our travel worn faces for your amusement!

Sasha, Mike, Cara ... trying to sleep during our 5 hour layover in Frankfurt, Germany

Sasha and Cara trying desperately to find a comfortable spot to sleep on the crowded place ... unfortunately, Sasha never really slept on the long plane rides!

Cara, on the other hand ... slept almost the entire 22 hours!

We awoke this morning, feeling refreshed and grateful for our amazing journey to Africa.  We worshiped at church with renewed fervor and reverence this morning.  We are praying that we will return quickly to Africa to bring our Joseph home for good.  More posts to come ... for now ... Soli Deo Gloria!

Joseph Fikadu Parker

It is Friday afternoon here in Addis.  Sasha, Jonah, Cara and I have just returned from our court proceedings.  After a long morning (over 3 hours of waiting) ... we are praising God that we have passed court ... Joseph is now officially 'ours'!

The name Joseph means, "the Lord shall add" and the name Fikadu means, "it is His will" ... we are praising God for working His perfect will in adding Joseph to our family!  Psalm 100 reads,

 "Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth!

Serve the LORD with gladness!

Come into his presence with singing!

Know that the LORD, he is God!

It is he who made us, and we are his;

we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

Enter his gates with thanksgiving,

and his courts with praise!

Give thanks to him; bless his name!

For the LORD is good;

his steadfast love endures forever,

and his faithfulness to all generations."

Joseph and family, with Gabe at the rock church in Northern Ethiopia

Jonah and his new brother Joseph

Joseph & Family (we're only missing Gabe, Ela, Hudson, and Mia!)

Joseph Fikadu Parker

Reviving the spirit

In Exodus chapter 3 verse 5, God commands Moses to “take off your sandals, for the place that you are standing is holy ground”.  Day 4 here in Mekele was another incredible experience that led us to unexpected places and literally had us standing on ‘holy ground’.  

Our day began with Gabe arriving at our hotel and explaining that he would take us to see one of the many rock churches in northern Ethiopia - a 2 hour trip by car to the rugged and remote regions far from our hotel in Mekele.  We grabbed our bags and headed for the car and we were greeted by our sweet Joseph, who was smiling and waiting for us in the back seat.  All of us were so excited at the opportunity to have the day with Joseph, as we weren’t sure if he would be joining the group on this excursion.  Sasha, Jonah, Cara, and I had talked at breakfast with a hint of disappointment that our time with Joseph at the orphanage could be limited with such a long journey to the rock churches.  It was an unexpected gift that he was joining us and provided another wonderful opportunity to see more of his life-giving personality and for our family to further bond with one another outside the walls of the orphanage.  

The journey by car took us over breathtaking mountain tops and beautiful African countryside.  We traveled through the town of Wukro ... which is actually where our adopted daughter Ela is from.  What a blessing to be given a glimpse into this important chapter of her young life.  We took video and photographs and will share these precious memoirs with Ela for many years to come.  As we moved through Wukro, we found ourselves traversing rugged and rocky dirt roads for the remaining 45 minutes of our journey.  The ride was not for the faint of heart (or weak of stomach) - but the children laughed and played remarkably well as they literally bounced around in the back of our SUV.  

The switch back roads & stunning views during our journey through Wukro

We arrived at the rock church and were blessed by an unforgettable experience.  We climbed the large brick stairs leading up to the rock church and were greeted by an elderly Orthodox Priest.  Catching our breath (the altitude is nearly 6,000 feet above sea level), we were instructed by the priest to remove our shoes and socks before entering the church.  We were standing on holy ground.  This ancient church, constructed centuries ago - was literally carved out of the rock along the steep incline of the mountain.  We toured the interior of the church and spent time praying as a group for the people of Ethiopia.  It was another moving and powerful experience.  After visiting & praying with another elderly orthodox priest in his tiny stone home, we began the long journey back to the orphanage in Mekele.  

The remarkable rock church in northern Ethiopia

Our final night at the orphanage was so special.  It is a place you simply long to be ... and never want to leave!  We laughed and played with children before gathering inside for an unforgettable time of prayer and fellowship.  The children circled around our family and another family who is also adopting.   Standing hand in hand and surrounding our families, the children prayed fervently for God’s blessings upon us.  The children then sang us beautiful praise songs in their native Tigrinya language before the time came for our emotional goodbyes.  We hugged and held one another.  Many of their tiny voices whispering ... “Thank you ... God bless you” with each embrace.  The sweetness of it all is impossible to articulate.  Such precious souls ... dear precious souls!  We hugged and prayed for our sweet Joseph, before swallowing hard and telling him that we would be back quickly to bring him home ... for good!  Wiping away the tears ... we climbed in the car to return to our hotel for our final night in Mekele.

We said our final goodbyes to Mekele and flew back to Addis early this morning (Thursday).  We will prepare for our court date tomorrow and fly back to Chicago late Friday night.  

This has been a remarkable journey - filled with unspeakable emotions.  We are still praying through and processing all that we have experienced.  In reflecting on this journey, Sasha shared a powerful verse that captures much of this experience.  Isaiah 57:15 reads, “For thus say the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with the him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit; to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite.”  The children of the orphanage and our dear Joseph have taught us much during our four days in Mekele.  They are indeed, ‘lowly in spirit and contrite in heart’.  It is within these humble hearts - that you see such fervent ground for God to work in amazing ways.  They are filled with a pureness of faith and reverence of God and His promises ... that is both humbling and beautiful.  They bear the light of the gospel and have touched our lives deeply ... and forever. 

Brotherly Love

It is the morning of Day 3 here in Mekele.  Sasha and I woke up at 4:30 this morning -  to a black sky, softly lit by a beautiful moon directly outside of our open hotel window.  We finally had time to reflect with one another on this amazing journey - each sharing different observations and perspectives on all that God has been showing us and teaching us.

In the midst of this early morning conversation, Sasha shared one of those moments that touch you to your very core.  In the flood of experiences and emotions that we have experienced over the last four days in Africa ... it could have easily been missed - instead, it is now something that I will cherish and hold onto forever.  

Sasha described our very first encounter with Joseph from her own perspective on Day 1 in Mekele.  She explained to me that as Joseph walked to greet us for the very first time at the orphanage ... as we hugged, smiled, laughed, cried ... and shared more hugs - Joseph did something so subtle and so sweet that it brings tears to my eyes even now as I write.  As Sasha was hugging Joseph, he gently slipped a piece of paper with a handwritten note into her hand ... and he whispered ....  'thank you ... I love you' into her ear.

Sasha unfolded the paper ... and was overwhelmed by what she read.  It was a handwritten note that our Jonah had written and sent to Joseph over four months ago.  In it, Jonah writes of his excitement to come to Africa and meet his new brother Joseph, and to welcome him into our family.  This small gesture left an indelible mark ... Joseph had clung to this token of love ... and demonstrated how someone with so little in life - holds on to what is truly important ... a deep and beautiful trust in the Lord and His promises ... and the love of a dear brother - eager to welcome him into his new family.  Amazing .... could God humble us any more!?  Quite possibly the sweetest picture of childlike faith and God's grace, mercy, and provision that I have ever witnessed.  

Jonah's letter to his new brother Joseph ... such a beautiful picture of the God who adopts! 

It is our last full day in Mekele.  We will spend the day with Joseph and the children at the orphanage, and say our final goodbyes until we return to Africa and we are re-united to bring Joesph home for good - hopefully in January.  My heart aches the thought of leaving ... but I know God is at work ... I have seen it in a thousand different ways over the last four days.  I am holding onto His promises in a new and powerful way. 

We will fly to back to Addis tomorrow (Thursday) and our court date is scheduled for Friday morning. We are hopeful that we can connect with Dave and Mary in Addis on Thursday before they fly to Mekele to meet their Samuel.  I smile at the thought of seeing these dear friends half way around the world and how God has woven these remarkable stories of grace together.   Pray for our final goodbyes to Joesph and the children this afternoon and for smooth court proceedings in Addis on Friday.  

My twin brother sent me an email yesterday that continues to touch me deeply.  In it he writes, "Until we see God's grace in tangible ways (like your journey in Africa) - we sometimes miss how amazing it really is.  That the God of the universe, creator of all things (including a powerful sunrise he had witnessed that morning) loves us each intimately and unconditionally ... steadfast and sure.  It should stir us every minute of every day - instead we occupy ourselves with worldly matters that cloud eternal ones.  This morning ... there are no clouds!"  

Psalm 103: 11-12, "For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His steadfast love toward those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us."  

Amen!

Joseph and Jonah 

Continued blessings

Day 2 here in Mekele proved to be another powerful day on many levels.  We began the day by visiting a ministry for blind children that Gabe helps support.  The Mekele School for the Blind provides housing and education to blind children up to the eighth grade.  “The least of these” ... that is who lives within these walls ... that is what we saw.  Heartbreaking to the core ... yet not without hope.  These children have amazing spirits of resiliency and joy.  Many walk the campus smiling and laughing, arms joined, helping one another navigate the rocky terrain in a place of refuge from a cruel world outside.  Their faces brighten with curious excitement as they hear our voices and rush to greet us.  Handshakes and hugs bring unforgettable smiles  while providing much-needed affection to these curious little cutties.  The language barrier evaporates - replaced with a dialogue of love and affection - each grateful for the encouragement that the other provides.  It was a poignant start to another beautiful day.  Lord, bless & protect those dear souls - may your Word and your church bring eternal hope and joy to their hearts.

Children at the Mekele School of the Blind.  The others in the background are touching the car to get a sense for what it looks like.  

We then traveled to the orphanage.  As we reached the driveway leading inside, the large steel gates that guard the entrance are slowly pulled back by none other than our sweet little Joseph.  My heart is immediately filled with a deep sense of joy as I watch his smile and his servant heart - it was a moment of unexpected and unspoken bonding with my new son.  While taking this in, I turn to Gabe who is driving the car and observe him watching Joseph.  He is pensive and pleased ... as if thinking ... “sweet, sweet Joseph ... such a gentle servant”.  As I watched it all unfold - I thanked God for this amazing journey - so grateful for Gabe and for our dear Joseph.  

The orphanage in Mekele

We played soccer, fed livestock, and enjoyed an authentic Ethiopian lunch together.  Throughout the day - I kept going to God with two very simple, yet heartfelt words ... “Thank You!”.   Thank you bringing us to this place.  Thank you for weaving together this beautiful story in a way that points us to you and to your glorious grace!  Thank you for helping me see my need of you more deeply through this experience.  Thank you for Sasha, Jonah, and Cara and for the opportunity to witness their loving and selfless hearts on this journey.  Thank you for friends and family walking alongside us and for the felt prayers of many.  Thank you for weaving together Dave & Mary’s adoption of Samuel and Chris & Laura’s adoption of Luke ... what joy to know these boys will experience a new chapter of life - together - in the fellowship of their new families ... and the continued friendship & familiarity of one another!  Thank you for showing me that you are indeed ... the God of adoption (Ephesians 1).  And finally, thank you for Joseph - for his infectious smile and humble heart - he has taught us much in two short days.  Thank you, O Lord, for only you could have scripted such a story.  Psalm 117:2 reads, “For great is his steadfast love toward us, and the faithfulness of the LORD endures forever. Praise the LORD!”  

We are praising God for another wonderful day in Mekele. 

Steadfast Love ...

The wake up call was slated for 4:15 am this morning.  It wasn't necessary.  Sasha had not slept all night and at 3:30 am, quickly began preparing for our long-awaited journey to Mekele to meet our son Joseph.

After a short 90 minute flight (before & during which our sweet little Cara got sick ... twice!), we found ourselves in Mekele - a city unlike any we had ever seen or experienced.  It was striking in so many ways ... stunning landscapes and natural beauty, contrasted by rugged people, places, and rampant poverty.  It was the juxtaposition of old world (with livestock literally roaming the streets) and new world - with cars and commerce bustling throughout.

After checking into our hotel in Mekele, we headed to the orphanage to finally meet Joseph.   We pulled into the long dirt road leading to the orphanage and exited the car.  As we approached the front ... we were greeted by sweet Joseph.  Hugs ... Tears ... Smiles .... Laughs ... and more Hugs!  It was amazing.  It was better than we could have ever hoped or prayed for.  Within our first hour together, it quickly became evident that Joseph is a special child.  He is selfless - constantly looking out for the needs of those around him.  He is a servant - immediately lending a helping hand for whatever the need.  He is a prayer warrior ... we are told he wakes early every day and prays earnestly.  One of the highlights of the day was our powerful time of prayer together with Joseph - his eyes clamped shut and hands folded - he prayed with calm assurance in his Tigriyna language.  Gabe later translated and explained that Joseph had lifted up thanksgiving to God for his new family, for the remaining children in the orphanage, and for Gabe & Connie's continued well-being.  It was a moment that I will never forget - absolutely precious and profound.

We were able to meet all of the children at the orphanage - including Samuel (Dave & Mary's soon-to-be adopted son) and Luke (Chris & Laura's soon-to-be adopted son) ... I could not stop smiling and marveling at the glory of it all!  God sovereignly weaving together unimaginable love stories that point again and again to His steadfast love ... for all of us ... His adopted children.  I read the powerful story of Joseph again this morning during the flight to Mekele.  I was struck by Genesis 39:21, "But the Lord was with Joseph and showed him steadfast love ... ".  Isn't that true of us all!?  God doesn't want us to miss this promise ... so much so that His 'steadfast love' is emphasized 193 times throughout Scripture.  It changes everything ... and it carries us forward with grateful hearts wanting to bear witness of his glorious grace.

We took photos & video (which unfortunately we cannot post any images of Joseph's face until we pass court), played soccer, observed Joseph's gardens, played games with the children, and learned more about the amazing ministry of Gabe and Connie.   Throughout the day, I would pause and just observe Joseph ... on more than one occasion, I found him smiling and walking hand-in-hand with Jonah, Cara, or Sasha.  Words simply cannot capture the sweetness of it all!

We are exhausted ... in the best way possible.  Sasha, Jonah, and Cara are fast asleep as I type.  We head back to the orphanage tomorrow.  We are praising God for an amazing day.  Thank you again for your prayers and support.  We are seeing God's hand of provision in powerful ways here in Mekele.

The beautiful Sunday sunrise from our hotel room in Ethiopia.

We arrived in Ethiopia last night - finally making it to our hotel at 11:30 pm ... after our 20 hour journey from Chicago.  Sasha and I are traveling with two of our children Jonah (13) and Cara (11) - both have been wonderful & helpful in our travels across the globe.

Physically we are tired from the long journey and 9 hour time change ... emotionally we are expectant and excited - now only one day away from meeting our dear son, Joseph for the first time!  Underneath our tired eyes and travel worn faces - we are smiling ... with a profound sense of God's perfect plan and provision in our lives.  Each of us seem to be quietly processing this entire experience ...  marveling at how God has carried us to this place - thousands of miles from home - to demonstrate His unending love for all of us, His adopted children.   Sasha and I have been reading and reflecting on Isaiah 46 in recent weeks, verses 8-11 read, "Remember this and stand firm ... for I am God and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, 'My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish my purpose', calling a bird of prey from the east, the man of my counsel from a far country.  I have spoken, and I will bring it to pass; I have purposed, and I will do it."

Indeed, there is none like God ... He has spoken ... and He is doing great things!  God is clearly working in ways that only He can orchestrate.  We were reminded of this yet again, in wonderful surprise during our layover in Frankfurt, Germany yesterday.  As we approached our gate, sitting in a chair near the ticket counter was Gabe ... our dear friend who runs the orphanage in Mekele with his wife Connie and has cared for our son Joseph for the last 5 1/2 years.  What an unexpected surprise as we embraced and expressed our mutual praise to God ... "from whom all blessings flow".   It was wonderfully encouraging for all of us - as God continues to show us that He works "all things according to the counsel of His will" (Ephesians 1:11).

We have one day here in Addis Ababa to adjust and explore the rich culture, contrasts, and history.  Far from home ... we are resting and rejoicing in the truth that God is indeed the "Father of all nations" and making all things new in His marvelous work of redemption.  We travel by plane to Mekele tomorrow where we will meet and embrace our dear son Joseph for the very first time.  Tears fill my eyes as I write and reflect on this journey.  What a God we serve ... "Father of the fatherless and protector of widows is God in his holy habitation.  God settles the solitary in a home." Psalm 68:5-6

Thank you to all of our dear friends and family who have been holding us up in prayer throughout this journey - we miss you all and we are so grateful for each of you.   As you wake up back home on this Sunday (we are 9 hours ahead here in Ethiopia) - we pray that the promises of Ephesians 1 will bring fresh encouragement to each of you this morning ... He is the God of adoption ...  who has rescued us and redeemed us ... and lavished us with the riches of his eternal grace!

We leave tomorrow to meet Joseph!  Very excited... but also completely consumed with the craziness.  We have had the stomach bug come through the family.  Pray for the 4 of us that are traveling to not get it!  Our sweet Hudson has it pretty bad... he is still throwing up.
Please pray for him.
We will post updates if we can.
Thanks for your prayers.

mia dancing