Our loooong Ethiopian tour could be described as this…
Take the CHSFS bus down to the city of Hosanna! Enjoy the gorgeous mountains with their many layers and foggy “steeples”. Take pictures of the many exotic plants found in the southern part of Ethiopia. From flat topped trees, to “fake banana trees” , Ethiopia’s interesting plants will keep your eyes fed.
Enjoy the animals of Africa. No lions, giraffes, or elephants are likely to be seen on this trip, but more animals like donkeys, stray dogs, and monkeys are more likely to be found. Keep your eyes open for the monkeys as they could be found in the trees, crossing the road, or running pell-mell through the brush. Donkeys are likely to be found as often as you would find squirrels back home. Donkeys are used mostly for carrying heavy packs like water and food. It is a usual sight to see young children or women beating and leading the donkeys.
Women and children walk for hours to rivers where they will scoop up the muddy water in yellow containers to take home. These women also will take the chance to clean their and their family’s clothes. Watch for these popular water spots and enjoy the sight. WARNING- Do not be shocked to accidentally see someone swimming nude or washing their clothes no longer on their backs in these rivers. This is a common occurrence.
As we tour the Southern Ethiopian area, you will meet and play with many children along the way. These children love the sound of a bus and will pour out of their houses to run alongside grinning and yelling. The children love foreigners as they are likely to give money. Do not be surprised to hear the children yelling, “Money, money” as we pass. Do not feel obligated to give to them even if they do command you to give them money. Remember, although these children are poor, the majority of them and their families are very happy. Although money is a treat, so also is a kind smile, word, or motion.
This tour will take a little more than three hours each way. (This is only an estimate amount of time. Stray dogs, donkeys, cows, people, especially very young children may not only make this trip a swervy one, but also a long one. Your driver, knowing you may have somewhere to go, will try to keep the bus at about 60 mph, dodging and beeping at anything in his way, including children).
If at some time, we come to a complete stop for donkeys crossing, cars jammed, etc., please beware that there are likely to be many beggars coming to the windows. Although they have very limited English, they usually are able to get their point across. Depending on whether you’re male or female, they will call you sister or brother. This is normal. If you do not wish to give them money, the best way is not to shake your head. They will not listen. The best way to get rid of them is simply to ignore them and look the other way no matter how many times they beg, tap on your window, or stick their hand in. If you do not wish to have beggars at your window, it is best to keep your window shut.
You may also be approached by men or women trying to sell you things. The prices are usually outrageous and again if you do not wish to deal with them, it is simply best to keep your window closed.
You will want to wear modest clothing and a scarf to cover your mouth from the dust. Sunglasses and water are a great idea. Please also pack a lunch, as we do not provide it. NOTE: Because of the amount of dirt and dust, do not plan on wearing your outfit again during your stay in beautiful Ethiopia.
By Emily
The above is a pretty good description of what we saw on our trip to Hosanna, Sunday. We woke really early so we could set out in the bus at 6. CHSFS did not provide lunch so we brought our own food. Yum.. cereal bars, Chocolate-peanut butter oatmeal bars, sausage bites, nuts, peanut butter crackers. Mmm… The trip to Hosanna was good. It was long, but it was so amazing seeing all the houses and villages. The houses honestly are what you would see in picture books. Thatched roofs, children leaning in the doorway, cows and goats in the front yard.. We stopped at a hotel to use “western” toilets. The problem was that although they were western toilets, nothing else was the same. The stalls were in a room for men and women alike and inside the stalls there was no room to move. The front of the toilet basically almost touched the stall door. Yeah. Then only a couple sinks worked.
After being amazed with all the views and scenery, we finally made it to Hosanna. The bus crept through the streets with children on each side yelling hello and that they wanted money. One family said that a little boy waving at them as he ran by the road, ran into an open door of a bus. They have before and after pictures of that! And Dad actually had a teen boy come to his window and say, “Give me money!”!!! That was funny! When we stopped at a gate and prepared to back into it, children surrounded us again calling for money. They were being so cute and grinning at us. Then I heard someone gasp and looked up to see someone whipping the kids back with a long grass blade. They continued to smile at us!!!!
We had a special meeting and ceremony and then we got in the bus and headed next to a school built by CHSFS. It was so different than our schools. But they had posters on the walls. In fact, one had a bunch of rules and one was NEVER to ask to use the bathroom during class only during breaks. Oh, and that bathroom- it was a squatty-potty. You had to walk down this hallway and turn to the left and there it was. No doors. Someone had to guard the hallway!
There were kids again at the school. They weren’t actually at the gate. They just met us at the bus and again at the school’s gate when we were done. They were adorable. There were 4 boys there and three girls hanging shyly behind them. When we came out from our tour, they were smooshing their faces between the bars of the gate. One man took their picture and then came around and showed them. The boys were shy about it, but you could tell they were pleased. Then he took a picture of each of them. They liked to look at themselves afterwards. A woman, (which this is a good idea for future travelers), had candy in her purse, so she asked the man in charge if she could give them one and he said they expected it! So she did and gave some to the girls too. They were so happy in a shy way.
Then we continued on our long journey. We stopped once at a beautiful spot on the road for pictures. We had to step over the guard rail though and that is tough with skirts!! I followed a woman who found a pile of dirt to step on to. There we saw the monkeys. They were either running across the road or running down a hill trying to get away from our pictures. We took tons of pictures. A guy in our group took pictures of some women walking down the road and then showed them. They loved it and made some poses and motioned for him to take their picture. Then they would crack up laughing when they saw the picture!! :-) We also got some pictures of donkeys, but unfortunately not any of the baby donkey. :-(
When we came home we had a couple minutes to freshen up from the dirt before we had to eat supper. I think that might’ve been the day we had spaghetti. It was very yummy. These cooks are so good at giving us yummy, American, food. I love it. But they add an “Ethiopian twist” to it!! They also, quite a bit, make Ethiopian foods like injera and spicy sauces.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
My Second Ethiopia Journal Entry
This is the third entry I wrote, but I think it's still the second day....
The kids at the Care Center are so cute. I so want to play, cuddle, and adore Belly Boy, but these kids here grab you, hug you, and want attention, that it’s hard not to play with them. I, of course, prefer playing with Belly Boy to swinging little kids around in a circle and doing hand games with them, but I love it still.
When we first got there, the kids were so loving. They wanted to show you what they could do and wanted to be held and wanted to play soccer with us. One boy wanted Dad to hold him. When he did, I leaned toward the little boy to smile and he placed his hand against my cheek and kissed me. It was so sweet.
Today I spent the most time with the kids. Belly Boy was tired and cuddly today, so when one of us was holding him, the others really had nothing to do, so we did the next best thing- play with the kids!! One little girl grabbed my hands and spun me around until I eventually was swinging her around by her wrists. She couldn’t understand me, so I had to motion that I was dizzy and done with that. It wasn’t long until other kids were grabbing me to do the same thing to them. I kept trying to show that I was dizzy. The first girl kept yelling at them in Amharic. Then they’d pout so I’d motion that it was her turn right now. Another girl got mad at the first and hit her. When she pouted, I ignored it as I played with a little boy. Later she and the little girl were hugging on to me front and back as I leaned over playing with a little boy! After the kids understood I was tired of spinning, the girls wanted to play clapping games with me. I played along. One hand, clap, next hand, clap… We got a great rhythm going. I tried to speed it up sometimes. The kids quickly understood that they had to take turns with me so they would push each other away when someone else was trying to push their way to me and point to whoever was playing with me and basically say it was their turn. It was so cool. The first girl ran off for her friend and got my attention as she showed a new clapping game. I watched and learned and then offered to try it with one of them. I actually caught on quickly. It wasn’t that hard. One hand, clap, next hand, clap, both hands, clap. It was just hard doing it faster. I had to think through each move.
The older kids that I’m guessing are around 7 or 8 still would ask you to hold them. They’d say “up, up!” (the opposite of the “big” kids back home), and I would say, “No, no, you’re too big.” But obviously they could not understand me. So I’d shake my head no. Occasionally I would let up for this one adorable girl and she’d clasp me around the neck and giggle. Once she gave me a kiss. But she was like a monkey and I’d have to tickle her to get her to let go.
The kids loved Dad’s watch and my pony tail holder on my wrist. They wanted to make Dad’s watch beep and were intrigued with it. The little girls liked putting my pony tail holder on their own wrist and then back on mine.
Mom played jump rope with the kids , kicked a soccer ball about, and just played with the kids and made them feel special.
Today we brought fun toys for Belly Boy, and before we knew it the ball and two books were taken away by the kids who hang around the adopting families. We found the ball, but a little girl took to naptime at least one of the books. How sweet. So we left her alone.
The kids are so eager for attention, but it’s not like they don’t get any from their nannies. They love their nannies too.
It’s cute because the kids call out Mommy , Daddy when we leave and when we come. They also found how to squeeze through the gate to us!
The kids at the Care Center are so cute. I so want to play, cuddle, and adore Belly Boy, but these kids here grab you, hug you, and want attention, that it’s hard not to play with them. I, of course, prefer playing with Belly Boy to swinging little kids around in a circle and doing hand games with them, but I love it still.
When we first got there, the kids were so loving. They wanted to show you what they could do and wanted to be held and wanted to play soccer with us. One boy wanted Dad to hold him. When he did, I leaned toward the little boy to smile and he placed his hand against my cheek and kissed me. It was so sweet.
Today I spent the most time with the kids. Belly Boy was tired and cuddly today, so when one of us was holding him, the others really had nothing to do, so we did the next best thing- play with the kids!! One little girl grabbed my hands and spun me around until I eventually was swinging her around by her wrists. She couldn’t understand me, so I had to motion that I was dizzy and done with that. It wasn’t long until other kids were grabbing me to do the same thing to them. I kept trying to show that I was dizzy. The first girl kept yelling at them in Amharic. Then they’d pout so I’d motion that it was her turn right now. Another girl got mad at the first and hit her. When she pouted, I ignored it as I played with a little boy. Later she and the little girl were hugging on to me front and back as I leaned over playing with a little boy! After the kids understood I was tired of spinning, the girls wanted to play clapping games with me. I played along. One hand, clap, next hand, clap… We got a great rhythm going. I tried to speed it up sometimes. The kids quickly understood that they had to take turns with me so they would push each other away when someone else was trying to push their way to me and point to whoever was playing with me and basically say it was their turn. It was so cool. The first girl ran off for her friend and got my attention as she showed a new clapping game. I watched and learned and then offered to try it with one of them. I actually caught on quickly. It wasn’t that hard. One hand, clap, next hand, clap, both hands, clap. It was just hard doing it faster. I had to think through each move.
The older kids that I’m guessing are around 7 or 8 still would ask you to hold them. They’d say “up, up!” (the opposite of the “big” kids back home), and I would say, “No, no, you’re too big.” But obviously they could not understand me. So I’d shake my head no. Occasionally I would let up for this one adorable girl and she’d clasp me around the neck and giggle. Once she gave me a kiss. But she was like a monkey and I’d have to tickle her to get her to let go.
The kids loved Dad’s watch and my pony tail holder on my wrist. They wanted to make Dad’s watch beep and were intrigued with it. The little girls liked putting my pony tail holder on their own wrist and then back on mine.
Mom played jump rope with the kids , kicked a soccer ball about, and just played with the kids and made them feel special.
Today we brought fun toys for Belly Boy, and before we knew it the ball and two books were taken away by the kids who hang around the adopting families. We found the ball, but a little girl took to naptime at least one of the books. How sweet. So we left her alone.
The kids are so eager for attention, but it’s not like they don’t get any from their nannies. They love their nannies too.
It’s cute because the kids call out Mommy , Daddy when we leave and when we come. They also found how to squeeze through the gate to us!
Sunday, March 14, 2010
We're Home!
Hey, it's great to be back. Many, many thanks to Lindsey, who wrote for me as I didn't have computer access. (applause..)
So we're home and doing great. Belly Boy is adorable and we are thrilled to have him home. He is very comfortable with us, (enough even to throw tantrums! :-) and loves to play and snuggle with us.
So, because I wasn't able to blog, I am going to fill you in now. Each day, (as much as I could), I tried writing about our day on Microsoft Word so I could share with you all when we got home. But they're really long, so I'm gonna share one with you every day. I think there are 7, so hang in there.
Here we go..
There’s a lot to write about in this post. I could talk about the plane rides, the airport, our tiredness, or Ethiopia in general. But I want to share with you the highlight of our day. That was when we met Belly Boy!
We got up early to get ready for the day and eat our breakfast. In the meantime, we got to know the other families here. During our breakfast we counted down the minutes until we met Belly Boy for the first time. Unfortunately the social workers were late getting here, so we had to wait a long time before we could leave on the bus for the Care Center, (which we can see from our bedroom window).
Mom thought she spied Belly Boy being hurried away by one of the nannies when we got there, but later we thought no. We were brought down to the “basement” sorta and were surprised and amazed at the beauty of the room from marble steps to the decorated ceiling.
Then the social workers took two families at a time to meet their baby(ies). We were not the first, but thankfully not the last. Instead of taking us upstairs like the others, we were led to the toddler room. A camera man walked backwards in front of us. The social worker asked Mom if she knew which was Belly Boy when we got in the room. Mom guessed right. He was picked up and given to Mom. It was so cute. He was so nervous and worried. We have a picture of him worried back home so it was fun to see that expression. His eyebrows are so expressive. With each rising and falling he has a different face. He and Miss Bossy will have to have contests when we get home.
After saying hi to him, and hugging, and touching him, we joined the other families outside. Oh my goodness, were the kids cute! Belly Boy had his bottom lip stuck out and looked like he was pouting. He didn’t smile, babble, motion, or really anything. He sat in Dad or Mom’s arms looking at everyone he knew and occasionally cuddling in to whoever was holding him. Mom took him to the nannies who told her he could walk so she put him on the ground. Oh you should have seen him take off. Not running away, just in a hurry to get nowhere. They put him on the plane that we actually bought him for at home and after getting pushed a minute, he figured out how to push himself. As he went, he threw his upper body back and forth trying to get the plane moving. When Dad started pushing him later, this was how he got Dad to keep pushing him. He seems to really like the plane.
Like I said, he’s walking, almost running, and is cute as can be. Unfortunately he doesn’t look where he’s going. He’s too busy watching his spectacular feet move. He ran into a pillar while we were there. He cried, and Mom comforted him, and he quickly recovered. Mom gave him to me next and while I was leaning to pick up a toy he dropped, Belly Boy suddenly started grinning. I discovered he liked to fall like that and got quite a lot of smiles. No laughs yet.
Next they fed Belly Boy his lunch. I got to hold him on my lap while the social worker tried to feed him. We were laughing so hard, (which we are going to regret later when he does it to us), because he got this Belly Boy teasing grin on his face and turned his head from the food. I can’t describe his teasing. His eyes light up, his mouth draws into a smile, and there he goes.
So Belly Boy refused to eat so he was taken to his nanny who after a few tries, got him to eat quite a bit. After that, Belly Boy got a few more squeezes and then we had to leave.
We had orientation and lunch and then some of the families went to a meeting and we went to the Care Center to see Belly Boy again. Unfortunately he was having a nap and we didn’t want to wake him. Every time the door opened, I’d walk across the room to get a view of his crib to see if he was still sleeping. And he was. Man, those nannies were so LOUD! They kept slamming the door when they walked in and it’d echo, and then they had music on in his room, and the nannies were moving around in there, as well as some nonsleepy babies.
FINALLY, when we had about 10 minutes left, Mom went into his bedroom to see if Belly Boy was awake and he was! She brought him out and cuddled him on the couch and then gave him to Dad. It wasn’t long, but when Mom had to bring him back to his room cuz we were leaving, Belly Boy cried!! He didn’t want to go to his nanny and was reaching out for Mom. She took his head to kiss it and the nanny took that as a sign she wanted him, so handed him over. Finally Mom tore herself away as he cried more. Although it was hard leaving him, this is SUCH A GREAT SIGN! He’s already getting attached to us. Thank you all so much for your prayers.
Dad and Mom went to a meeting next and I had to sit in a lobby by myself. Occasionally men walked in and I was nervous, but then some women came in, so I felt comfortable again. Mom and Dad had some papers to fill out, and a video to watch.
Then we went to pick up a group at the Care Center, but was happily surprised when the bus driver told us we had 20 minutes at the Care Center. We took off to Belly Boy's room and when Mom walked in he stood up from where he was playing with a grin and held up his arms as he walked towards Mom. It was SO COOL! SO ENCOURAGING! He was the most active during this visit. He babbled occasionally. And apparently really likes crayons. He’d keep grabbing a green crayon and scribbling on a book. Mom tried to take it away from him, but he grinned and ran away until I caught him and brought him back. Then a little bit later when he got a hold of that crayon again, I took it away and oh boy, was he mad. Mom comforted him. When we had to leave, Belly Boy’s nanny distracted him while Mom walked away.
We see him again tomorrow morning before we leave to go shopping. I just want to bring him home with us. Like U.S. home.
Mom looked at Belly Boy’s clothes to see what size he was and was surprised and a little dismayed to find that he was wearing a 3-6 mo. shirt, and either 9 or 12 month pants. We packed 18-24 mo. clothes for him!!!! (Note: He actually does fit in 18 mo. clothes. The nannies at the Care Center don't really care about size, or matching, actually!!! :-)
So that’s the deal on Belly Boy. We can’t wait for the morning. Tuesday, (our time here), we bring him to the guest house with us to live with us forever.
We love you so very much, Belly Boy! We are so glad we got to leave so early to get you. You are already starting to become attached to us which it was wonderful. Love you, you big tease!
One other thing, the kids here. They are a little spoiled and a little rough sometimes, but they are the most charming, adorable, smilie kids. They LOVE attention and will just eat it up.
So we're home and doing great. Belly Boy is adorable and we are thrilled to have him home. He is very comfortable with us, (enough even to throw tantrums! :-) and loves to play and snuggle with us.
So, because I wasn't able to blog, I am going to fill you in now. Each day, (as much as I could), I tried writing about our day on Microsoft Word so I could share with you all when we got home. But they're really long, so I'm gonna share one with you every day. I think there are 7, so hang in there.
Here we go..
There’s a lot to write about in this post. I could talk about the plane rides, the airport, our tiredness, or Ethiopia in general. But I want to share with you the highlight of our day. That was when we met Belly Boy!
We got up early to get ready for the day and eat our breakfast. In the meantime, we got to know the other families here. During our breakfast we counted down the minutes until we met Belly Boy for the first time. Unfortunately the social workers were late getting here, so we had to wait a long time before we could leave on the bus for the Care Center, (which we can see from our bedroom window).
Mom thought she spied Belly Boy being hurried away by one of the nannies when we got there, but later we thought no. We were brought down to the “basement” sorta and were surprised and amazed at the beauty of the room from marble steps to the decorated ceiling.
Then the social workers took two families at a time to meet their baby(ies). We were not the first, but thankfully not the last. Instead of taking us upstairs like the others, we were led to the toddler room. A camera man walked backwards in front of us. The social worker asked Mom if she knew which was Belly Boy when we got in the room. Mom guessed right. He was picked up and given to Mom. It was so cute. He was so nervous and worried. We have a picture of him worried back home so it was fun to see that expression. His eyebrows are so expressive. With each rising and falling he has a different face. He and Miss Bossy will have to have contests when we get home.
After saying hi to him, and hugging, and touching him, we joined the other families outside. Oh my goodness, were the kids cute! Belly Boy had his bottom lip stuck out and looked like he was pouting. He didn’t smile, babble, motion, or really anything. He sat in Dad or Mom’s arms looking at everyone he knew and occasionally cuddling in to whoever was holding him. Mom took him to the nannies who told her he could walk so she put him on the ground. Oh you should have seen him take off. Not running away, just in a hurry to get nowhere. They put him on the plane that we actually bought him for at home and after getting pushed a minute, he figured out how to push himself. As he went, he threw his upper body back and forth trying to get the plane moving. When Dad started pushing him later, this was how he got Dad to keep pushing him. He seems to really like the plane.
Like I said, he’s walking, almost running, and is cute as can be. Unfortunately he doesn’t look where he’s going. He’s too busy watching his spectacular feet move. He ran into a pillar while we were there. He cried, and Mom comforted him, and he quickly recovered. Mom gave him to me next and while I was leaning to pick up a toy he dropped, Belly Boy suddenly started grinning. I discovered he liked to fall like that and got quite a lot of smiles. No laughs yet.
Next they fed Belly Boy his lunch. I got to hold him on my lap while the social worker tried to feed him. We were laughing so hard, (which we are going to regret later when he does it to us), because he got this Belly Boy teasing grin on his face and turned his head from the food. I can’t describe his teasing. His eyes light up, his mouth draws into a smile, and there he goes.
So Belly Boy refused to eat so he was taken to his nanny who after a few tries, got him to eat quite a bit. After that, Belly Boy got a few more squeezes and then we had to leave.
We had orientation and lunch and then some of the families went to a meeting and we went to the Care Center to see Belly Boy again. Unfortunately he was having a nap and we didn’t want to wake him. Every time the door opened, I’d walk across the room to get a view of his crib to see if he was still sleeping. And he was. Man, those nannies were so LOUD! They kept slamming the door when they walked in and it’d echo, and then they had music on in his room, and the nannies were moving around in there, as well as some nonsleepy babies.
FINALLY, when we had about 10 minutes left, Mom went into his bedroom to see if Belly Boy was awake and he was! She brought him out and cuddled him on the couch and then gave him to Dad. It wasn’t long, but when Mom had to bring him back to his room cuz we were leaving, Belly Boy cried!! He didn’t want to go to his nanny and was reaching out for Mom. She took his head to kiss it and the nanny took that as a sign she wanted him, so handed him over. Finally Mom tore herself away as he cried more. Although it was hard leaving him, this is SUCH A GREAT SIGN! He’s already getting attached to us. Thank you all so much for your prayers.
Dad and Mom went to a meeting next and I had to sit in a lobby by myself. Occasionally men walked in and I was nervous, but then some women came in, so I felt comfortable again. Mom and Dad had some papers to fill out, and a video to watch.
Then we went to pick up a group at the Care Center, but was happily surprised when the bus driver told us we had 20 minutes at the Care Center. We took off to Belly Boy's room and when Mom walked in he stood up from where he was playing with a grin and held up his arms as he walked towards Mom. It was SO COOL! SO ENCOURAGING! He was the most active during this visit. He babbled occasionally. And apparently really likes crayons. He’d keep grabbing a green crayon and scribbling on a book. Mom tried to take it away from him, but he grinned and ran away until I caught him and brought him back. Then a little bit later when he got a hold of that crayon again, I took it away and oh boy, was he mad. Mom comforted him. When we had to leave, Belly Boy’s nanny distracted him while Mom walked away.
We see him again tomorrow morning before we leave to go shopping. I just want to bring him home with us. Like U.S. home.
Mom looked at Belly Boy’s clothes to see what size he was and was surprised and a little dismayed to find that he was wearing a 3-6 mo. shirt, and either 9 or 12 month pants. We packed 18-24 mo. clothes for him!!!! (Note: He actually does fit in 18 mo. clothes. The nannies at the Care Center don't really care about size, or matching, actually!!! :-)
So that’s the deal on Belly Boy. We can’t wait for the morning. Tuesday, (our time here), we bring him to the guest house with us to live with us forever.
We love you so very much, Belly Boy! We are so glad we got to leave so early to get you. You are already starting to become attached to us which it was wonderful. Love you, you big tease!
One other thing, the kids here. They are a little spoiled and a little rough sometimes, but they are the most charming, adorable, smilie kids. They LOVE attention and will just eat it up.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Belly Boy!
Emily called our family and gave me some stuff to write about on her blog. She has no internet access in Ethiopia!
They arrived on time and are adjusting to the time change well. Emily says Belly Boy is super cute! He is also a tease, giving little smiles and rolling his eyes at his nannies. By the third visit, Belly Boy was running to Em's Mom with his hands up asking to be picked up! They went to the market today and had to bargain a lot, which Emily said was strange. They are so thankful for the prayers.
They will be home in about a week so Emily will be able to resume writing then.
~LindseyMarie
They arrived on time and are adjusting to the time change well. Emily says Belly Boy is super cute! He is also a tease, giving little smiles and rolling his eyes at his nannies. By the third visit, Belly Boy was running to Em's Mom with his hands up asking to be picked up! They went to the market today and had to bargain a lot, which Emily said was strange. They are so thankful for the prayers.
They will be home in about a week so Emily will be able to resume writing then.
~LindseyMarie
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
So this is What Its Like..
This is what it's like to wait for a plane! FINALLY, I understand what Dad goes through when he's on a business trip! Tickets, security, waiting, etc.
Right now we are waiting in the waiting room for our plane. Our plane is at 3:30, so we have quite a ways to go yet. Mom is on the phone with my siblings and grandma and Dad is looking over our paperwork.
We came really early and fortunately too, because we had some ticket stuff to work out for Belly Boy. We made friends with the people at the airport and they are sorry they won't be working on the day we come back with our new baby boy!
We stayed up really late last night, (to 1:30) and got up at 6 today so hopefully we'll be able to sleep on the plane and avoid much jet lag.
We packed all our stuff up this morning. We filled 6 suitcases, have 3 carry ons, and 3 personal belongings!!! We look like we're staying for more than a week. Oh well. Better be safe than sorry.
Mom had butterflies in her stomach this morning, but says they're gone now. The most nervousness I've felt was when I said bye to my friend, Rachel, who saw us off at the airport. My hands, knees, and everything were shaking. Right now I feel great, though. And as for Dad, he's used to flying.
I remember when I was little, I sat in this room and watched my Dad board his plane. But now they have so much security, that they don't allow anyone to come back here. Rats!!! We are sitting in front of a big wall full of windows and right now I'm watching a plane take off. We have the best seats!
I will try to write again soon. Until then, bye.
Right now we are waiting in the waiting room for our plane. Our plane is at 3:30, so we have quite a ways to go yet. Mom is on the phone with my siblings and grandma and Dad is looking over our paperwork.
We came really early and fortunately too, because we had some ticket stuff to work out for Belly Boy. We made friends with the people at the airport and they are sorry they won't be working on the day we come back with our new baby boy!
We stayed up really late last night, (to 1:30) and got up at 6 today so hopefully we'll be able to sleep on the plane and avoid much jet lag.
We packed all our stuff up this morning. We filled 6 suitcases, have 3 carry ons, and 3 personal belongings!!! We look like we're staying for more than a week. Oh well. Better be safe than sorry.
Mom had butterflies in her stomach this morning, but says they're gone now. The most nervousness I've felt was when I said bye to my friend, Rachel, who saw us off at the airport. My hands, knees, and everything were shaking. Right now I feel great, though. And as for Dad, he's used to flying.
I remember when I was little, I sat in this room and watched my Dad board his plane. But now they have so much security, that they don't allow anyone to come back here. Rats!!! We are sitting in front of a big wall full of windows and right now I'm watching a plane take off. We have the best seats!
I will try to write again soon. Until then, bye.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
We are Leaving in THREE DAYS!
Everything is starting to look more and more like we are leaving. Right now our huge counter is PACKED with diapers, toys, wipes, toys, batteries, waterbottles, and toys. Under the counter are suitcases! 7 or 8 suitcases! We are so thrilled to be leaving so soon. Today was our last Sunday at church before we leave. It's SO COOL!
Bob, Sports Dude, and Miss Bossy are at Papa and Nana's right now. Miss Bossy was so cute on the phone today. She asked Mom when we were leaving. Then she had to talk to me just to say bye and then she wouldn't hang up until I did.
Dad is planning on putting up the crib tonight and I think I might try to help him and/or clean the house. It's messy and you don't want to get stressed from the messes while you're packing! I don't know what Mom is planning on doing tonight. Probably more packing for Belly Boy.
Please pray for us. That we will get all our packing done, that the trip will go well, and that Belly Boy would bond to us quickly!
Today Mom and I were reading the blog of another family who is in Ethiopia right now. It was so cool to read the lady's view on the trip and know that we were going to experience that soon, too. Her posts were so easy to picture and they got me so excited to go.
I also spent the afternoon with my friend, Rache, who has been to Uganda on a mission's trip and had the most amazing time and plans on going back someday. Talking to her about her trip, looking at her pictures, and listening to her excitedly talk about our leaving so soon, has got me excited. I can't wait to go see another country, but most of all meet my brother who I already know is SO, SO CUTE!
Bob, Sports Dude, and Miss Bossy are at Papa and Nana's right now. Miss Bossy was so cute on the phone today. She asked Mom when we were leaving. Then she had to talk to me just to say bye and then she wouldn't hang up until I did.
Dad is planning on putting up the crib tonight and I think I might try to help him and/or clean the house. It's messy and you don't want to get stressed from the messes while you're packing! I don't know what Mom is planning on doing tonight. Probably more packing for Belly Boy.
Please pray for us. That we will get all our packing done, that the trip will go well, and that Belly Boy would bond to us quickly!
Today Mom and I were reading the blog of another family who is in Ethiopia right now. It was so cool to read the lady's view on the trip and know that we were going to experience that soon, too. Her posts were so easy to picture and they got me so excited to go.
I also spent the afternoon with my friend, Rache, who has been to Uganda on a mission's trip and had the most amazing time and plans on going back someday. Talking to her about her trip, looking at her pictures, and listening to her excitedly talk about our leaving so soon, has got me excited. I can't wait to go see another country, but most of all meet my brother who I already know is SO, SO CUTE!
Thursday, February 25, 2010
More..
I'm gonna try to write this as I eat pizza...
Dad and Mom have the last of their shots and are taking their typhoid pills every other day. Mom did have a reaction to her tetanus shot. It consisted of achiness and nausea and plain tiredness. She also got a big swollen lump on her knee which has caused her pain today as she did Miss Bossy's hair.
Because I am taking an antibiotic for my acne, I couldn't take the regular typhoid pills and instead got a shot today. (Psst, if you're not scared of needles, and you just want to get the typhoid stuff over and done with and not have icky side effects, get the shot. It's not bad at all!)
Mom is doing Miss Bossy's hair right now and then she's gonna pack up the kids so they can leave tomorrow for our grandparents!
Ethiopia is so soon! Only 6 days away! We can't believe it! But are SO, SO thrilled!
Dad and Mom have the last of their shots and are taking their typhoid pills every other day. Mom did have a reaction to her tetanus shot. It consisted of achiness and nausea and plain tiredness. She also got a big swollen lump on her knee which has caused her pain today as she did Miss Bossy's hair.
Because I am taking an antibiotic for my acne, I couldn't take the regular typhoid pills and instead got a shot today. (Psst, if you're not scared of needles, and you just want to get the typhoid stuff over and done with and not have icky side effects, get the shot. It's not bad at all!)
Mom is doing Miss Bossy's hair right now and then she's gonna pack up the kids so they can leave tomorrow for our grandparents!
Ethiopia is so soon! Only 6 days away! We can't believe it! But are SO, SO thrilled!
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