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Stephanie Gibson, Program Assistant, Ethiopia

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia—This afternoon the families gathered at the Holt Transitional Center in Addis one last time for a blessing ceremony for the children. The nannies took the children one last time and dressed them in traditional Ethiopian garb purchased by the staff as a gift to the children and families. [...]

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Stephanie Gibson Program Assistant, Ethiopia

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia—All our families had their visa interviews today. After entering the U.S. embassy, which felt a lot like walking into a compound, we waited for about an hour for the first family name to be called. Each family was called to a little window where they were sworn in [...]

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Stephanie Gibson, Program Assistant, Ethiopia

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia—What an amazing privilege to watch our families meet their children for the first time. I found it hard not to cry. The infants attach quickly to their new families and adore the attention. While it takes a bit for the toddlers to warm up, I can [...]

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Stephanie Gibson, Program Assistant Ethiopia

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia—I arrived in Addis on Wednesday accompanied by a Holt board member who often travels to assist with medical checkups on children in Holt’s programs. Massi, who was hired to help escort the first of our adoptive families, greeted us at the airport. Those families will begin to arrive [...]