December 2, 2009

Both sets of grandparents were able to come the re-adoption.

On December 2, 2009 we finalized our adoption of Lidya. On that day she became Lidya Bizunesh Helmstadter. Bizunesh is her birth mothers name. We wanted her to be able to carry a part of her life in Ethiopia with her forever. Bizunesh means "you are much". We found this to be very fitting for Lidya. She has given us much. Its funny how when you start the adoption process you think your doing the greatest thing by saving and helping a child who probably would have no future. In the long run when you look back your the one that was changed. Lidya has changed us in so many ways. She has added to the value of our family. She has taught us faith, patience, unconditional love and mercy. But most of all traveling to Ethiopia to meet her has totally changed our lives forever. We are no longer ignorant to the what the other side of the world lives like. We saw poverty yet hope. We saw despair yet joy. In the eyes of the kids at Hannah's Hope we saw a future. A future that God has planned for each child's life that he has created. God is alive in Ethiopia. One year later my heart still fills with such joy when I think of my daughters birth country. I feel so honored that God "chose me" to raise Lidya.