Shannon Family Update January 2016
2 New US Citizens!
During the month of December we all jumped on a plane and headed back to the US for 6 weeks to finalize the adoptions for Kidist and Mihiret. It would be our first time back in the US for the holidays since 2008, so it was full of expectation.
Inside the Hagia Sophia dating to the 6th century
But on our way to the US, we took the opportunity to stop in Istanbul, Turkey for 3 nights to take in some history. What a delight Istanbul was as we toured the Hagia Sophia, the Basilica Cistern built by Emperor Justinian in the 6th century, The Blue Mosque, the Hippodrome and even took some time to travel up the Bosphorus by boat and enjoyed a fresh caught fish lunch in Asia, very close to the Black Sea. Plus, it broke up our trip a bit and gave us a breather before we got back on the plane to travel to Washington DC.
Hanna at the fountain, on Sultanahmet Square in Istanbul
Our time was spent getting the girls citizenship, passports, court appointments, Social Security numbers, Ethiopian visas and much more. Fortunately there was also a lot of time in there to spend time with extended family members, many of whom we have not seen in years. We spent time with Christy’s family, including a Christmas tradition of decorating sugar cookies on Christmas eve with all of the cousins together. We also spend a few days with Jerry’s family over New Years and got to have a great time of all the kids staying up with their cousins to usher in 2016.
A Christmas meal with extended family. There were over 30 of us there.
Hanna had prayed and prayed for snow – and God answered her prayer 🙂 She didn’t remember snow at all – so it was a great gift. We also got to celebrate Jerry, Hanna and Micah’s birthdays state-side, complete with some treats along the way.
Christy, Caia, Kidist and Hanna in Istanbul
We returned to Ethiopia about a week ago and are slowly settling back in,
so we ask for your prayers as we are overcoming jet lag and preparing for
this next season of ministry. Since getting back we have enjoyed a Field Day competition where all of our kids competed in track and field events as well as had some great friends staying with us for a few days.
As we get back, this is what is going on:
- Joshua will continue in his Junior Year while praying about what his steps are for after graduation.
- We’re jumping back into Church Ministry, EHE developments and home schooling – in full force.
- Micah continues to take great photographs. Visit his Facebook page and
Success! Citizenship, Adoption Finalization, US Passports, Ethiopian Visas and Social Security Numbers for Kidist and Mihiret!
let him know what you think about some of his recent shots. You can see them at http://www.facebook.com/MissionaryKidPhotography/
- All of our girls will settle back into normal life and are excited to get back “home”, to get back to our church and small group and to see friends.