Wednesday, November 29, 2006

11/29/2006 8:34 AM

We are just cruising around Rome, hitting some last-minute landmarks before we fly outta here. We went to the Vatican Museum, where we saw lots of Egyptian, Roman, Etruscan art and something called the Sistine Chapel or something. Not sure what that was all about, but it was pretty cool.

We then hopped on the subway and headed over to the Spanish Steps, which are both Spanish and steps, and that's about it.

We ate some lunch and we are back at our favorite internet cafe to update you before we head out.

Our plane leaves at 11:59pm tonight for Ethiopia, to arrive tomorrow morning right before 8:00am. We should be nice and fresh for the court appearance first thing in the morning :).

We don't know anything about the internet access over there. So the updates may dwindle after this. But we'll see!

Thank you all again for your prayers and thoughts. We definitely appreciate them and can see the results of them already!

Mario and Em

9 comments:

Laura and Blaine said...

Emilee and Mario,

Blaine and I prayed for you last night that the baggage person who checks you through either will not notice or care that your bags are slightly overweight. We're praying that you'll not have to pay even a penny for the overage.

Of course, we are and will continue praying that your judge will be favorably disposed toward you and you'll be allowed to take Joshua with you much sooner than later. I can't wait to hear about your first meeting with your boys!!

Deedie got a travel date of Dec. 22! They received their referral 5 days before us. Wonder what that means for us...Hope we hear this week!

May God bless you as you continue your journey to your sons.

Blessings,
Laura

Unknown said...

Wow I loved hearing about what you guys are up too and what was really great is that it didn't sound at all like you were bragging, nor was it in the least a bit rambblly. Hearing what you ate and how long you waited for trains. etc etc etc etc etc etc .... I am just kidding I wish I could hear your voices and the stories I love you guys and miss you. I am excited cause I get to see the girls in two days!!! Thad and Jake are praying diligently for you. We know that things will go just how God plans them to tomorrow and we will be praying. Have a safe and turbulent free flight tonight. Rest well in the knowledge that you are well surround in love and pray.

Always
Anya Victoria

Anonymous said...

As you enjoy Rome, I hope you will say Ciao to some of my relatives...I lived in Sicily for 2 years, and visited Rome once, so it's nice to see that you can experience it too...just watch out for the taxi drivers who aren't really taxi drivers.

I will pray that the judge will allow you to depart with Joshua.

Dan "still mad that you Google everything I tell you" Villanti

Nana said...

Hi Mar & Em
Looks like you had a pretty good time in Rome. I really hope for some good news in the next few days so that your family can all be together soon. I am spending the day with the girls tomorrow...Jack & I are taking them to see "Santa". We will of course ask him to "excuse" Mario's behavior in the last year. :) Hope to hear from you soon!! All our love and support.
Mom & Jack

kirsten & ryan said...

Hi mario & em,
So sorry we haven't posted our blogs yet...we MEANT to! We have been praying for you since we heard your latest news...we are asking that God move things swiftly and yet give you a sense of peace. We continue to learn that so often what seems to be a setback is indeed a blessing---we are confident that this is true in this situation and are excited to see God reveal what it is! We are asking today that God will supernaturally intervene and that the judge will have grace and mercy and allow you leave AS PLANNED, as an intact family! How exciting! carter too, has been praying for his new "cuzzzzins" to be happy and safe! We love you! ryan, kirsten, carter & ???!!!

Anonymous said...

It will be interesting to see if you have WiFi. We love hearing about your journey! I check your blog severel times a day.
We will continue to pray.
Love always,
Becca~

Anonymous said...

I am assuming that you are in Africa by now and I am thinking about you a lot and praying for you whenever you pop into my mind. I am so excited to see pictures(or at least read about) when you get to meet your boys for the first time!! I am also praying for Chloe and Maya as well. I'm sure that they are having such a special time with all of their grandparents. Do not worry about them - they are in God's hands as well. It's cold, cold, COLD here now (lows in the single digits). Enjoy the warm Ethiopian sun. Hopefully we'll have tons of snow and warmer temps to greet the boys when you head home for Christmas. I'll write again soon...
Love,
Tanya

Anonymous said...

Emilee & Mario,
I know you are surprised to see a message from me...I ran in to your mom & Maya at the store today & she gave me the info to check your blog. Anyway,I am so glad you had a great time in Rome and that you have gotten safely to Ethiopia. We are thinking about you and praying for you guys. It will all work out just as it is supposed to. We may have a play date with the girls on Monday-I know they will have fun.

We can't wait for more news from you. Enjoy the whole experience and know that you will soon be together as a big, happy, wonderful family.
Love,
Joy, Alana, Amelia, & Luis

Anonymous said...

Hi Emilee and Mario!

Just read your e-mail from Ethiopia... I'm so excited for you and can't wait to hear more about your time spent with the boys! We'll be praying for you, that the boys bond with you quickly and that you'll be able to get home with them with minimal delay.
Much love,
Susan