Tariku's 1st Year!

Sunday, March 13th, marked the anniversary of Tariku being home. We got him in Ethiopia on March 6th and on the 13th, he met his three waiting sisters late that evening. That night he was so shy and didn't know what to think. As I look back, I can't help but see God's protective hand on Tariku's heart. He went right to us in Ethiopia with no tears and just held so tightly to us. He was calling me ma on day 3 of meeting me. Vince and I had taken him out to play in our guest house's courtyard. When Tariku fell in the grass, he screamed with fear, because he had never seen or felt grass before. He hated baths and showers, because he was probably used to cold water and quick washings. The first night we got home, I got in the bath with him and he started to scream, but quickly got over it when we handed a baby doll with a bottle to feed her with. Now he loves bath time, loves Dora and Bob the Builder, guns and vacuums, and of course, the girls' barbie doll cars that he sits on and scoots around the house in. I think all the wheels are all bent out now! This year has been one of the best on record for our family! Just having him home and getting to rock him to sleep every afternoon, singing "Down to the River to Pray"--his favorite--is the sweetest gift in the world!