My Dearest Girls,

I dream of you all the time now. The closer we get to meeting the stronger our red thread gets. I know that the weeks we have left to wait feel like an eternity, but I am coming. I promise you.

To my Macie,
I know that your little eyes have seen more pain and heartache than I can imagine. You have a strength that reaches out of this photograph I have been staring at for the last 2 and a half months and I am so proud of you.
We are calling you Sara Macie so that you have the name given to you and a new name to be called by, that embodies the heart that we see in you. Macie, means enduring and that is what you have done in your short life so far. It is a strong name that should give you pride, as it has us, in the proven ability you have to survive and to fight for your place in this world and in our family. You will fit in well, my love.
I hope that the wounds that have been inflicted on your precious spirit are healing. I know you are being loved and held and adored by the arms of those that care for you. I long to do the same so that I can help those scars heal and watch you become the woman God wants you to be.
Even in a picture I can see the twinkle of mischief behind that little grin of yours and I long to live out all sorts of adventures with you as we navigate the start of our life together. All that you have seen and been through, the curiosity that you have and the immense emotion you have felt, has brought you to this place, at this time, for a reason that neither of us are all together certain of, but trusting in.
We were always meant to be little Macie. We are already connected and I can't wait to hold you in my arms.

My darling Ella,
I know that there is a lot going on and that all the different faces and places and hands that have held you have made life a little confusing. I can see in your face an uncertainty and a longing for people that are familiar. You are learning so much and discovering the world on two wobbly legs that are still struggling to be sure of their stance.
It is all so much to take in and you are being so brave! I know that it helps to have your sister with you. It has brought me so much comfort to know that she is there, but I also know that you ache for a Mommy to run to when the world just doesn't make sense and things get overwhelming.
I am so proud of you for hanging in there and waiting with me. It is hard for me too! I wish I could get on a plane RIGHT NOW!!!! I would scoop you up in my arms and never let you go.
We have named you Ella Birtukan. Birtukan, to keep your given name and Ella, to be called by. Ella means light or torch. We can already see that you have such a brightness within your eyes and we know that your presence will bring light into a room when you enter it.

My girls, there is no river wide enough, no shadow dark enough, no mountain tall enough and no path lost enough to keep me from either of you. Without even holding your precious faces in my hands or hearing your beautiful voices resound from those little mouths, I would give my life for you both.
Your new family can't wait to embrace you and welcome you home. We love you already and are coming soon. I can hardly wait!!!

Mamma