I’m thinking of our little guy more than ever today. I had so hoped I’d be in Ethiopia for his birthday. Even though it’s not as celebrated an event over there, it would have been the first significant “holiday” we had spent together. What better “holiday” than one that focuses solely on the blessing of his birth.

I know it was more like a random day they gave him as birthday but it is still so significant to us. He is 3 today. 3ish years ago his amaye and abaye were looking at this little swaddled baby and imagining his future with them. They had made plans and given him a name. Tariku Asamu Abyiu. Today is like a “rebirth” (for me, by the way) in the sense that on this birthday I am thinking of all those things for him. I am thinking of his future (as well as his past) and how lucky I am to be a part.

We’ll have a little celebration in Tariku’s honor when he’s home. But I want to send my birthday hugs to Addis today. When I prayed this morning I asked God to send them on Angels wings to the little boy I miss so intensely.