He is darling!

"He is darling!"

Those were the words I heard as our program director, Sue, described Endale.  She just arrived back in the US from being in Ethiopia.  She is an occupational therapist as well and was able to assess our little Endale on his progress.  She described him as darling, adorable, always smiling.  She also said that he loved to laugh.  That assures me he will certainly be a perfect fit for our family!  

She gave us great news that he seemed very high functioning with great eye contact, responsiveness and able to do lots of things with his hands.  They have determined that they think he is about 9 months old; however, there still is no official date of birth.  After the adoption is complete, they "issue" him a date of birth.  She said they will just come up with one and record it as his date of birth for documents.  She said developmentally he is more like a 5 month old.  She seems to think that is a result of him being in an orphanage versus having Down Syndrome.  She said that she thinks he will only improve and flourish now that he has been moved into a transitional home with a nanny until we can go get him.

On that note, Sue also gave us great news (although never a guarantee), she thinks we will be able to travel and bring him home in January!!!  I have been praying for the shortest possible time frame.  All the documents and approvals between the US and Ethiopia take weeks at a time, but she seems to think it will move along and we'll be ready to travel for him in January. 

It was so great to be able to visit with her knowing she had held him in her arms.  My prayer is that God will just keep him safe and healthy as he waits for us.  Please join me in praying for Endale.