Hello All,
This will be our last and final email from Ethiopia. We leave this country with a deeper understanding and appreciation of our son’s birthplace. We can’t imagine having missed the opportunity to come here and pick him up as it gave us a great deal more insight into his cultural heritage and ancestry. We have a new son, and that fact alone has changed the course of our family’s history.
We’re a bit behind, but we’ll start with yesterday (Friday) morning. We awoke and enjoyed an olde-fashioned pancake breakfast with our dear friends at the guest house. Then, it was off to the Dutch embassy for the second time to collect our 75.00 USD transit visa so we can transit through the fine contry of Holland for seven hours. Note to potential travelers: Don’t go through contries that require a transit visa. We went with Heather in the taxi who needed to drop by the British embassy and pick up her transit visa. We left at 9:15 A.M. and we thought we were off for a breezy morning drive to quickly pick up our transit visas and then back to the guest house to laze away the day enjoying delicious Ethiopian cuisine and sprightly conversation. At least, it started that way. The trip to the Dutch embassy was accomplished with dispatch, and the Dutch were ready and attentive when we arrived and handed us our visa with nary a word. We were quickly off, back into the bustling streets of Addis headed to the British embassy. Now, we had had a moderately trouble-free experience with Dutch embassy, but Heather was having a nightmare of a time with the British. This was her second or third time at the British embassy and she had also had to make a second trip to the US embassy because of other troubles with her paper work. Anyway, she had called the Brits yesterday morning and someone there gave her information that she could pick up her child’s transit visa that morning (previously, they had told her not until after 2 P.M. Friday). As our stop by the Dutch embassy was quickly accomplished, we were headed off to the British embassy by a little after 10:00 A.M. The British embassy was quite far and there were a lot of poor roads due to construction. After driving for about 40 minutes we finally pulled up to our destination. It was now about 10:40 A.M and heather hurried inside to get her visa. She returned shortly and we were elated that the morning had gone so smoothly. She reported however, that she had been given erroneous info and that she could not actually pick up her visa until after noon. Our dilemma was that it was a long drive back to the guest house and it wasn’t really realistic to go back when we would immediately have to just turn around and come back. A phone call to Mossi resulted in the taxi driver being instructed to take us to a nearby café for a beverage to kill the time. After finding a suitable establishment, we enjoyed a soft drink and casual conversation. During our respite, a very strange thing occurred: An older woman, perhaps mid sixties, walked up to us and in almost perfect, accent-free English, gave an oration about her husband, marital relations, her marriage and marriage license being “on the moon” and some other information which seemed very out of context for the time and place we found ourselves. She then left as quickly as she came. We were stunned and didn’t know what to think. Then, almost on queue, all the Ethiopians who were sitting nearby all broke out into laughter. We realized this had been just as surprising for them, and somewhat humorous. It was a very strange occurrence, but was kind of an icebreaker for us ferenji sitting at a Café among Ethiopians. We all exchanged smiles with the Ethiopians giving gestures which seemed to convey, “don’t worry about her”. This lightened our mood and helped the time pass until 11:45 when we paid the café bill and headed back to the British embassy. Heather was dropped off in front and disappeared into the cavernous edifice and we prayed it wouldn’t take several hours to accomplish her task. It was a hot day in Addis and Girum was getting restless. We parked the taxi in a sort of taxi repair area across the street amongst several other inoperative taxis. In one near us, several young men were sitting, apparently idled waiting for some spare parts or something so they could continue their repairs. They were smiling and waving. One of them motioned to our taxi driver and he approached their vehicle. They handed him a branch with several green leaves on it and motioned him to give it to us. Once in hand, our driver told us it was “chat” and said we should not chew it but give it back. (Chat is a plant that contains a cocaine-like substance and will get the one who chews it “high”, or so we were told). We took a photo and gave it back to the nice gentlemen who had given it to us.
Just when we were thinking that Heather was in the embassy for the long haul, she reappeared with her daughter. She had acquired her baby’s transit visa which was attested to by her broad smile and bounding gait. It was true! She had her visa. We bid farewell to our chat-chewing friends who gave us a weak wave and we were off again, bound for the guest house.
Upon arrival, we were greeted with the delicious smells of Ethiopian cooking. We weren’t disappointed. Lunch was great. It was a great to come home to our friends and a fine lunch. Some of the greatest concerns of our entire trip—the procurement of transit visas—had been accomplished in time for our return trips home.
After lunch we finished packing and cleaning our room so that it was ready for the new occupants.
We next went with Mossi to see the results of another project we wanted to finish while here in Addis. Jill’s sister, Brooke, had given us money in donation which was intended to help rehabilitate a swing set at the CHSFS school in Addis. Mossi had purchased chains of appropriate length at the Merkato and had already mounted the seats we’d brought from the US when we arrived. We took photographs and Mossi said that the children had really enjoyed them. As the chains hadn’t cost too much, there was enough money left over that the school will be able to purchase a whole other swing set frame and two more sets of chains. Shawn and I told Mossi we’d purchase two more swings and send them with a family traveling to Addis in the future.
We then went back and said our final goodbyes to guest house staff, exchanged addresses and readied for departure. Several families were to fly home Friday evening. Jill, Heather and I were headed to the Hilton. But first, we needed to make one last stop at the CHSFS offices.
We packed the people and cars and headed for our exit meeting with the founder and visionary of the CHSFS Ethiopia operation, Mr. Asnake. When we arrived, we were escorted to his office where he thanked us for our participation in the program. He then presented each family with a personalized “life book” for our children. This consisted of both an impressive bound book and a multimedia DVD. The book contained pertinent information on our child’s background and progress while at the care center in Addis. It contained photos and interviews with the people who were instrumental in getting our son into the hands of CHSFS-Ethiopia staff. The DVD contained actual video footage and narration of the same items as the bound volume. If there is one thing—above and beyond everything else-- that has really set our agency apart, it has been the preparation of this lifebook. This is obviously something that takes a lot of effort and time to prepare. The CHSFS-Ethiopia staff understands that although Adam is just a baby now, the time will come when he will have many questions about his origins and beginnings. This lifebook will be essential when the time comes to answer these questions. Moreover, CHSFS-Ethiopia understands that picking the child up is merely the beginning of a very long journey and any tools—such as this lifebook—will be of immeasurable help down the road.
To conclude, Mr. Asnake, discussed his vision for the future of CHSFS-Ethiopia. It included expanding his operation so that more children can be placed with families and that more jobs and economic opportunities can be provided for citizens of his country. It is wonderful that many children who may otherwise face a bleak future can be given loving, stable homes in the US. Beyond that, however, Asnake realizes that this should also be an opportunity to hire, train and improve the labor force in his own country and thus provide a much-needed economic boost for his people and an investment in Ethiopia’s human capital. This is evidenced by the fact that in just a few years, Asnake has expanded his operation from just a few staff to nearly 175 persons. Where just a short time ago all operations were conducted out of one facility, there is now several facilities in multiple locations and two separate large guest houses for visiting families. Nurses and nannies are receiving ongoing intensive training given by well-educated staff doctors in child care and medical treatment. The training curriculum rivals anything in the developed world. In this way, the placement of orphaned children through CHSFS-Ethiopia is very much a win-win situation for all parties involved.
After receiving our exit materials, we were dropped off at the Hilton. It was very busy, with people from all over the world checking in and conducting business. It is a stark contrast, the bustling, developing streets of Addis Ababa with its sights and sounds and unfortunately, extreme poverty, and the polished, modern and beautifully landscaped Hilton Hotel which was like a tropical island paradise. It makes one feel almost guilty being there. It could have been fine hotel in any European capital. One of the last sights we witnessed before entering the well-gaurded gates of the Hilton’s sheltered enclave was that of a young mother with her young child and infant huddled under a tarp trying to keep each other warm, this small piece of sidewalk their bed for the evening. The security was so tight to get in. All of the families had traveled in one car to drop everyone off at the Hilton or the Airport. They allowed us in because we were in a nice Mercedes van. However, the taxi van that had been hired to take all of our luggage was not allowed into the Hilton compound. No taxi’s apparently are. So Shawn and the two divers had to go get all of our luggage out on the street and haul them into the compound. At first I did not understand this. However after staying at the Hilton for a day I can see that it is so nice that if the security was not so efficient you would have so many people in the city trying to come in to get away from the real Ethiopia outside the gates of the Hilton. It is hard to look at the lush plants growing in the beautiful climate here and wonder why all of Ethiopia can not look like it does inside the compound.
From the balcony of our comfortable room, it seemed almost surreal as our view was of one of Addis’s squalid neighborhoods, seemingly made exclusively out of rusting corrugated steel sheeting. And to our left a few clicks away, the even more lavish Sheraton Hotel, reputed to be Africa’s finest. We went and ate lunch out on the pool deck under beautiful grass huts with the landscape that looked like we were in the tropics.
It was difficult for me to sit and enjoy my lunch in such a beautiful surrounding knowing what lies on the other side of the compound walls.
We requested a crib for Adam Girum, had something to eat, and went to sleep, knowing this would be our final night in this amazing country. We are going to sign off with this last email. Thank you to all of our friends and family for your love and support in our families journey. It has been so nice knowing that our children back home have such a great supportive group of people to look after them.
Mom and Dad or Shawn and Jill
Tuesday, May 8, 2007
Saturday, May 5, 2007
Ethopia Update 9
Well we are officially checked out of the guest house and have moved to the Hilton until tomorrow night. We already miss it there and the friends we have made. We promised to get together in three years to see our children again. Shawn and I could not have asked for a better group of people to spend the week with.
I will try to catch you up on yesterday’s travels as well as today’s. Yesterday we awoke and got our little Girum back to the care center. The nannies were surprised to see him as we could keep our children full-time after Wed. Afternoon. However, she was happy to see him. They had already brought in another 8 babies that morning and had given away his crib. I told the nannie that we were planning on leaving him one last time while we toured Addis. She smiled and took Girum and said, “ Go, go he be fine.” I have to admit that I found my self getting a little teary-eyed leaving him.
After leaving the care center we left with our driver. We had hired the same company that we had gone with to Hosanna with on Sunday to take us on a tour of Addis and up into the mountains called Entoto. It was absolutely beautiful.
Our first stop was the Ehtiopian National Museum. This was the second museum we’d been to, the first being the Institute for Ethiopian History at the Addis Ababa University. This, too, was very interesting and it gave us a further appreciation for the rich history and heritage of this ancient country. In addition to many interesting things such as art and sculpture, the National Museum also contained a replica of the ancient bones of “Lucy”, the oldest fossils of upright-walking humans. The original Lucy bones are temporarily on loan in the United States.
After the museum, we went to see one of the most famous Ethiopian orthodox churches in the city called Eternity Cathedral. It was very interesting, especially as we learned some of the reasons why the church was founded and how it differentiates itself from other churches such as Catholicism the Eastern Orthodox. In Ethiopia about 60% of the country is Eastern Orthodox. In Addis, the driver said that the number goes to 90%. One thing that we have really gained appreciation for is how deeply religious this country is. Our driver told us that many of Ethiopians spend hours worshipping everyday. Most of the women wear crosses around their neck. This is unlike most African counties were the religion is primarily Muslim. Our driver told us that many Ethiopians believe deeply in the scripture that states that a rich man can not get into heaven. This is what sees them through their daily lives. They worship daily and believe that they will live with God due to the fact that they are poor, humble and religious.
We then stopped by the office of Abbysinian Tours and Travel to meet Tsagae, the owner of the company that took us to Hosanna on Sunday. Shawn has struck up a friendship with him. I think they both enjoyed talking politics together on Sunday. It is amazing that someone in Ethiopia would share so many of the same ideas as my husband. Shawn said they are kindred spirits. He had invited us to lunch with he and his wife. Our driver joined us as well. He took us to a beautiful restaurant, even by American standards. We were amazed as we looked at the menu and read the prices. At first I thought it must be in US prices as there was no way that Filet Mignon with button mushrooms, julienne zucchini and eggplant with new potatoes could only cost 22.50 Birr (equivalent to about $3.00 US) But indeed it was in Birr. It has been experiences like this that have given us a better understanding at how well someone with money can live in Ethiopia. Our meal for five all eating steak, lamb kabobs and the like came to $20.00 US that included the tip and two beautiful pastries as well. We so enjoyed our visit with Tsagae and feel ourselves blessed to have met him and gained a new friend. The Ethiopian people are so beautiful and hospitable.
After lunch our driver took us to see the huge Jumbotron in the middle of the city with a big terraced hill so that the people can sit and watch the soccer games as they are played. Soccer is a huge sport here and you are able to see all of the taxis with their local and international favorites. They all follow the English teams such as Arsenal and Manchester United. They hadn’t really heard of Real Salt Lake. This has been a big ice breaker with people for Shawn. He loves to ask people that we meet who their favorite team is. It always starts a conversation. We also visited the Ethiopian Tourist Center to pick up a few brochures and such.
After we left there we headed up to the Entoto mountains that are surrounding the city of Addis. It began as a beautiful drive up the hill side leaving the hustle and bustle of the busy city. However, the poverty which I thought was horrific to see in the city became quickly almost too much to bear as we drove up the mountain in our LandCruiser. In Addis the poorest people are known as “the woodcutters”. These are always women. They walk up the road to Entoto to the forest that lies at the top. They cut down the branches and trees and then bundle them together and then put them on their backs to walk all the way back down 5 to 10 miles to sell the wood for about $1.50 or 15 birr, if they are fortunate enough to sell it. As we begun this ride the women were walking down the road with their bundles at first I thought the first one or two were quaint and stopped to take a picture, always tipping them for the ability to do so. You can tell they count on the money as they have their hands out and as soon as you give them the money they stand up and smile for you to take their picture. All the way up their hands were outstretched at the cars and they knew the English word for money. However, after we had been driving a few more miles and the women kept coming it became to sobering thought for me to realize the harsh life and existence that they live with everyday. As we arrived at the top, we visited the oldest Orthodox Church in this area. Along with the Palace (I use that term only because they used it). It was more like an old stucco house. It was the Palace of Menelek II, the king of Ethiopia. It was beautiful and by the end I of the tour I had quite the following of beautiful children that loved having their picture taken. I would take their picture and then show them on the back of the digital camera and then they would laugh and laugh. It was so fun. At the top we were able to overlook the entire city of Addis and it was beautiful! After this, we returned to our car and drove down the hill. It was at the end of our drive when I was just overcome with the poverty. We had just left as the rain started it was coming down at a good rate. It made the beautiful scenery even more beautiful. The trees were lush and beautiful. As we headed down the hill we started passing the woodcutters again. I asked the driver if he could stop and so I might better get a picture. As he stopped and I got out of the car and reached into my purse to get some Birr to tip the women began bowing at me as she could tell I was going to give her some bir. Customary is to give them two birr about 20 cents US as I got nearer to her I realized that she had a bundle on her front as well as the 70 lbs of wood on her back that caused her to hunch over forward to carry them. As I got closer to her and handed her the money she pulled down the blanket on her bundle and I discovered that it was a baby. She was uncovering her sweet baby so that I could photograph him as well. It was the last straw for me. What is this world coming to? I could not leave her there with 20 cents in the rain. I was not prepared for this. I reached in and gave her more money to which she started crying and bowing. Then I started crying and bowed to her and jumped into my car and started crying. It was silent ride down the rest of the hill. The driver asked if I would like to take more pictures and I declined as I could not capture the hard life of these women without sobbing. I will never forget this woman. The driver left this area and drove us back to the care center were we picked up our little Girum, who was of course being played with and loved by the Nannies. His nanny got him ready for me to take and then said, “ Little Girumy is going to America!, Little Girumy is going to America!” Indeed, he was with little to no understanding of this beautiful country he was leaving or what his life holds in front of him and what lay behind.
We thanked the Nanny again! We left with big hugs and lots of tears and then ran down the stairs with our sweet little boy as we left for the last time his home of three months.
I will try to catch you up on yesterday’s travels as well as today’s. Yesterday we awoke and got our little Girum back to the care center. The nannies were surprised to see him as we could keep our children full-time after Wed. Afternoon. However, she was happy to see him. They had already brought in another 8 babies that morning and had given away his crib. I told the nannie that we were planning on leaving him one last time while we toured Addis. She smiled and took Girum and said, “ Go, go he be fine.” I have to admit that I found my self getting a little teary-eyed leaving him.
After leaving the care center we left with our driver. We had hired the same company that we had gone with to Hosanna with on Sunday to take us on a tour of Addis and up into the mountains called Entoto. It was absolutely beautiful.
Our first stop was the Ehtiopian National Museum. This was the second museum we’d been to, the first being the Institute for Ethiopian History at the Addis Ababa University. This, too, was very interesting and it gave us a further appreciation for the rich history and heritage of this ancient country. In addition to many interesting things such as art and sculpture, the National Museum also contained a replica of the ancient bones of “Lucy”, the oldest fossils of upright-walking humans. The original Lucy bones are temporarily on loan in the United States.
After the museum, we went to see one of the most famous Ethiopian orthodox churches in the city called Eternity Cathedral. It was very interesting, especially as we learned some of the reasons why the church was founded and how it differentiates itself from other churches such as Catholicism the Eastern Orthodox. In Ethiopia about 60% of the country is Eastern Orthodox. In Addis, the driver said that the number goes to 90%. One thing that we have really gained appreciation for is how deeply religious this country is. Our driver told us that many of Ethiopians spend hours worshipping everyday. Most of the women wear crosses around their neck. This is unlike most African counties were the religion is primarily Muslim. Our driver told us that many Ethiopians believe deeply in the scripture that states that a rich man can not get into heaven. This is what sees them through their daily lives. They worship daily and believe that they will live with God due to the fact that they are poor, humble and religious.
We then stopped by the office of Abbysinian Tours and Travel to meet Tsagae, the owner of the company that took us to Hosanna on Sunday. Shawn has struck up a friendship with him. I think they both enjoyed talking politics together on Sunday. It is amazing that someone in Ethiopia would share so many of the same ideas as my husband. Shawn said they are kindred spirits. He had invited us to lunch with he and his wife. Our driver joined us as well. He took us to a beautiful restaurant, even by American standards. We were amazed as we looked at the menu and read the prices. At first I thought it must be in US prices as there was no way that Filet Mignon with button mushrooms, julienne zucchini and eggplant with new potatoes could only cost 22.50 Birr (equivalent to about $3.00 US) But indeed it was in Birr. It has been experiences like this that have given us a better understanding at how well someone with money can live in Ethiopia. Our meal for five all eating steak, lamb kabobs and the like came to $20.00 US that included the tip and two beautiful pastries as well. We so enjoyed our visit with Tsagae and feel ourselves blessed to have met him and gained a new friend. The Ethiopian people are so beautiful and hospitable.
After lunch our driver took us to see the huge Jumbotron in the middle of the city with a big terraced hill so that the people can sit and watch the soccer games as they are played. Soccer is a huge sport here and you are able to see all of the taxis with their local and international favorites. They all follow the English teams such as Arsenal and Manchester United. They hadn’t really heard of Real Salt Lake. This has been a big ice breaker with people for Shawn. He loves to ask people that we meet who their favorite team is. It always starts a conversation. We also visited the Ethiopian Tourist Center to pick up a few brochures and such.
After we left there we headed up to the Entoto mountains that are surrounding the city of Addis. It began as a beautiful drive up the hill side leaving the hustle and bustle of the busy city. However, the poverty which I thought was horrific to see in the city became quickly almost too much to bear as we drove up the mountain in our LandCruiser. In Addis the poorest people are known as “the woodcutters”. These are always women. They walk up the road to Entoto to the forest that lies at the top. They cut down the branches and trees and then bundle them together and then put them on their backs to walk all the way back down 5 to 10 miles to sell the wood for about $1.50 or 15 birr, if they are fortunate enough to sell it. As we begun this ride the women were walking down the road with their bundles at first I thought the first one or two were quaint and stopped to take a picture, always tipping them for the ability to do so. You can tell they count on the money as they have their hands out and as soon as you give them the money they stand up and smile for you to take their picture. All the way up their hands were outstretched at the cars and they knew the English word for money. However, after we had been driving a few more miles and the women kept coming it became to sobering thought for me to realize the harsh life and existence that they live with everyday. As we arrived at the top, we visited the oldest Orthodox Church in this area. Along with the Palace (I use that term only because they used it). It was more like an old stucco house. It was the Palace of Menelek II, the king of Ethiopia. It was beautiful and by the end I of the tour I had quite the following of beautiful children that loved having their picture taken. I would take their picture and then show them on the back of the digital camera and then they would laugh and laugh. It was so fun. At the top we were able to overlook the entire city of Addis and it was beautiful! After this, we returned to our car and drove down the hill. It was at the end of our drive when I was just overcome with the poverty. We had just left as the rain started it was coming down at a good rate. It made the beautiful scenery even more beautiful. The trees were lush and beautiful. As we headed down the hill we started passing the woodcutters again. I asked the driver if he could stop and so I might better get a picture. As he stopped and I got out of the car and reached into my purse to get some Birr to tip the women began bowing at me as she could tell I was going to give her some bir. Customary is to give them two birr about 20 cents US as I got nearer to her I realized that she had a bundle on her front as well as the 70 lbs of wood on her back that caused her to hunch over forward to carry them. As I got closer to her and handed her the money she pulled down the blanket on her bundle and I discovered that it was a baby. She was uncovering her sweet baby so that I could photograph him as well. It was the last straw for me. What is this world coming to? I could not leave her there with 20 cents in the rain. I was not prepared for this. I reached in and gave her more money to which she started crying and bowing. Then I started crying and bowed to her and jumped into my car and started crying. It was silent ride down the rest of the hill. The driver asked if I would like to take more pictures and I declined as I could not capture the hard life of these women without sobbing. I will never forget this woman. The driver left this area and drove us back to the care center were we picked up our little Girum, who was of course being played with and loved by the Nannies. His nanny got him ready for me to take and then said, “ Little Girumy is going to America!, Little Girumy is going to America!” Indeed, he was with little to no understanding of this beautiful country he was leaving or what his life holds in front of him and what lay behind.
We thanked the Nanny again! We left with big hugs and lots of tears and then ran down the stairs with our sweet little boy as we left for the last time his home of three months.
Thursday, May 3, 2007
Update 8
It is Thursday morning here in Addis. It is another sunny, warm day. Adam Girum slept here with us at the guest house last night and appears to be quite the munch mouth. He woke up and wanted to eat about every two and a half hours. Obviously, he enjoys bottle feeding.
Yesterday afternoon at around 4:30 P.M. the care center put on a Goodbye Ceremony for all the children leaving in this group. It was very touching. All the children had been dressed by their nannies lovingly in traditional Ethiopian clothing which they were to keep. The program began with the toddler and school-age children singing a song in Amharic followed by a rousing rendition of, “If you’re happy and you know it”, sung in English. After, one of the social workers expressed her wish that we would all take a positive impression of Ethiopia back with us and try, as far as possible, to raise our children with an appreciation of their Ethiopian heritage. They gave us a chance to speak, and the parents universally expressed thanks to the staff here for the devotion and loving care shown our children while in Addis.
Next came the children being called individually to dip their hands into paint put their handprints on the wall, thus leaving a durable record of their presence there. The handprints were placed on a wall-sized painting of the Ethiopinan flag. Even though this ritual occurs every week here in Addis, the CHSFS staff were clearly sincere and their expressions were deeply hearfelt.
Since we were unable to meet any birth family in Hosanna, we asked management (something you should always do if you want to do anything which may deviate from standard protocol) here if we could give the photo of Adam Girum (which was meant for the Hosanna trip) to the nanny with whom Girum seemed to have a special bond. We were told we could. After the goodbye ceremony we gave the photo of Girum and our family, together with a laminated photo of Jesus surrounded by children to this nanny and expressed our thanks via a translator. It was very touching. We cried and embraced each other.
Shortly before this, Girum had thrown up all the formula we’d fed him in the last hour or two. As he liked to eat from a bottle, we just kept feeding him when he felt hungry. No one could believe how much he expelled. This was in the middle of the goodbye ceremony and kind of embarrassing. The doctor was there and she told us what we already suspected: we had overfed Girum. Although well fed in the care center, he had simply ingested too much formula because he enjoyed eating from it so much. We have since scaled back how much formula we give at each feeding. Adam Girum seems just as satisfied with no more throwing up.
After the ceremony, the staff treated us to a piece of delicious cake and a bottle of soda. We enjoyed each other’s company and several of the children said goodbye to the care center for the last time. The event evanesced into a haze of tears and embraces.
It is difficult to appropriately thank these fine individuals who have done so much to help these children we’re adopting. It is amazing how close we’ve grown to these caregivers, the language and communication barriers notwithstanding.
We have been very lucky this week as we’ve traveled with five wonderful families. We’ve laughed, comforted each other’s children, taken meals and driven through the bustling streets of Addis together. Several will leave Ethiopia in the next 24 hours and we may never see them again. We hope, though, that we’ll be able to exchange information via email and hear how this amazing adventure will continue for them.
Yesterday afternoon at around 4:30 P.M. the care center put on a Goodbye Ceremony for all the children leaving in this group. It was very touching. All the children had been dressed by their nannies lovingly in traditional Ethiopian clothing which they were to keep. The program began with the toddler and school-age children singing a song in Amharic followed by a rousing rendition of, “If you’re happy and you know it”, sung in English. After, one of the social workers expressed her wish that we would all take a positive impression of Ethiopia back with us and try, as far as possible, to raise our children with an appreciation of their Ethiopian heritage. They gave us a chance to speak, and the parents universally expressed thanks to the staff here for the devotion and loving care shown our children while in Addis.
Next came the children being called individually to dip their hands into paint put their handprints on the wall, thus leaving a durable record of their presence there. The handprints were placed on a wall-sized painting of the Ethiopinan flag. Even though this ritual occurs every week here in Addis, the CHSFS staff were clearly sincere and their expressions were deeply hearfelt.
Since we were unable to meet any birth family in Hosanna, we asked management (something you should always do if you want to do anything which may deviate from standard protocol) here if we could give the photo of Adam Girum (which was meant for the Hosanna trip) to the nanny with whom Girum seemed to have a special bond. We were told we could. After the goodbye ceremony we gave the photo of Girum and our family, together with a laminated photo of Jesus surrounded by children to this nanny and expressed our thanks via a translator. It was very touching. We cried and embraced each other.
Shortly before this, Girum had thrown up all the formula we’d fed him in the last hour or two. As he liked to eat from a bottle, we just kept feeding him when he felt hungry. No one could believe how much he expelled. This was in the middle of the goodbye ceremony and kind of embarrassing. The doctor was there and she told us what we already suspected: we had overfed Girum. Although well fed in the care center, he had simply ingested too much formula because he enjoyed eating from it so much. We have since scaled back how much formula we give at each feeding. Adam Girum seems just as satisfied with no more throwing up.
After the ceremony, the staff treated us to a piece of delicious cake and a bottle of soda. We enjoyed each other’s company and several of the children said goodbye to the care center for the last time. The event evanesced into a haze of tears and embraces.
It is difficult to appropriately thank these fine individuals who have done so much to help these children we’re adopting. It is amazing how close we’ve grown to these caregivers, the language and communication barriers notwithstanding.
We have been very lucky this week as we’ve traveled with five wonderful families. We’ve laughed, comforted each other’s children, taken meals and driven through the bustling streets of Addis together. Several will leave Ethiopia in the next 24 hours and we may never see them again. We hope, though, that we’ll be able to exchange information via email and hear how this amazing adventure will continue for them.
Wednesday, May 2, 2007
Update from Ethiopia
Another interesting and eventful day in Ethiopia.
We awoke, had a yummy breakfast and then boarded a taxi for the Dutch embassy to petition for a transit visa for little Adam Girum. First we went to the care center to fetch Adam Girum from the nannies. When we arrived to do so, we found him on the roof of the care center sunbathing with all the other babies whilst being slathered and massaged with baby oil in the warm sun. This ritual is repeated every morning with the babies from 8:30 to 9:00. This is done so the babies get some good vitamin D-building sunlight and their skin is well moisturized.
As soon as I walked in, Adam Girum who was heretofore perfectly content, began with his "I want food" cry as soon as he saw me. Although he was not scheduled for a feeding, he has already learned that Mom will provide food any time. This was confirmed when we rapidly consumed a 6 oz. bottle of formula as soon as we climbed in the van. Off to the Dutch embassy and people in wooden shoes.
When we arrived, there was a long line of Ethiopians waiting to get in for various reasons. We completed Adam Girum's application, and then asked the guard at the door what we should do with it. He then asked us what country we were from. We answered, "USA", at which point he summoned us through, bypassing all the people who were ahead of us. We protested and said we'd wait, but he insisted. So, we reluctantly went inside. (When we asked Aswah later (sp?) at the office about this curious thing, she simply stated this was normal to let Americans go to the front of embassy lines and not to worry about it). The Dutch gave us our rubber stamp, took our 75 bucks and told us to come back on Friday morning to get the visa. With a clack of her wooden shoes she was off to the next visitor. By the way, the Dutch embassy grounds were beautiful. Often the contrast inside these embassy, business and private living compounds and the bustiling, developing city outside is bracing.
We arrived back at the guest home for another Ethiopian feast which was exceptionally delicious. The food at the guest house has been very good this week and quite safe. We did get a few reports of some minor "issues" with those who either didn't heed or hear Massi's advice to avoid anything uncooked at the Crown Hotel last night.
Adam Girum had, in the meantime, consumed two more 6 oz. bottles of formula which warmed our hearts.
We met with the two care center doctors for a briefing on Girum's progress during his stay over the last few months at the care center. Very impressively, they had maintained a thorough medical record for Adam Girum that was as comprehensive as anything I've seen in any country, including the United States. As I've stated before, the staff here is very good and they really understand the unique challenges facing these children in this part of the world. In fact, when you consider how many children are here, the space they have to care for them and the other challenges they face, it would arguably be difficult to find this good of loving, concerned care even in the United States. This CHSFS facility would put many american child care facilities to shame. Many of you know that Adam Girum has had a few issues during his stay which have been successfully treated. The doctor even mentioned that Adam Girum is a tough little fighter. We agree. Since being with us, he seems to be making great progress, with good eye contact and really seems to be recognizing and reacting to us.
We're just about to attend the Goodbye Ceremony at the care center. This is where the nannies and staff say goodbye to the children they have cared for so tenderly for these last weeks and months. It is sure to be an emotional time. As happy as we are to have our new children, many of the staff will grieve as they have been so close to many of these children and have, in a very real way, saved thier lives.
We miss all of you and are beginning to feel just how long this trip is lasting. We miss our children very much. Jill, in fact, is craving an icy diet coke in a Maverik Mug just to give you an idea.
From Ethiopia
Well it has been another fantastic day in Africa! I am laying here typing with my beautiful baby lying next to me and the wind is flowing thru windows off the deck from our bedroom. He is starting to smile at both of us and has been cooing so sweetly. When Shawn and I went to take him back to the nannies this morning while we shopped. I had him in my sling. The nannies smiled and patted my sling saying, "good mommy! Safe, Safe, Safe". I knew they approved. Ethiopian culture says that babies are not to be seen in public until they are older than six months. So my sling that keeps him hidden inside is perfect. We kissed him goodbye and told his favorite nanny that we would return after lunch.
Massi then took us to Church Hill road for a morning of shopping. The shopping prices were so amazing. I felt guilty buying the things knowing that this was someone’s livelihood and that the items were so inexpensive. Even harder to watch were all of the beggars that showed up as soon as they saw the Americans. There were many people who were crippled,or in wheelchairs or have some sort of terrible disability. In America we have a social safety net for these people but not here. We were told by our driver today that only between 6-20% of this country works doing salaried jobs. The per capita income in Ethiopia is $120 a year. No that is not a typo! Ethiopia is one of the world's poorest nations. As we were walking our baby back this morning we walked next to two young men wrapped in blankets that they probably had slept in on the road. They told Shawn and I that there was no work here. They were going to look this morning for something to make money. We gave them two granola bars for their breakfast and they thanked us and then we left them as we turned into the office. Anyway, I got off the subject of shopping. We had a good time and it was nice to have Massi and our driver to keep us safe and in the right place.
After shopping they drove us through the Merkato. This is the largest open air market in Africa. It was huge. I was taking pictures outside my window and Massi told me to quick close the window or someone would pull my camera out of my hands. There were so many people, donkies, cars, goats and more people. In the books it sounds like a fun place to visit and I had been disappointed when I learned that we would not be able to shop there. However like so many other things here as you are able to experience it for yourself you realize why Massi has made the determination that it will be drive through window shopping.
We returned home to another wonderful lunch finished with the best rice crispy treats ever. Someone on our agency forum had told me that the cooks love to make rice crispy treats. So if I would bring the marshmallows and rice crispies they would make them. They were delicious.
Need to run and do some things I will write later.
I went to pick up Girum from the care center and his favorite nanny was there. She was smiling her usual beautiful smile. She tries so hard to communicate with me and I, her. But usually we just smile and laugh at our little Girum, however. Today when I came she said to me, "I have a gift for Girum". She got in her drawer and pulled out a beautiful Ethiopian outfit. She had bought it just for him. I got all teary eyed and gave her a big hug and she asked if she could put it on. He looked so beautiful in it. It was really more than my emotions could handle. This sweet nanny had bought this beautiful outfit with what was equivalent to 2 days pay. It was then that I really understood how attached she was to my little boy. She has taken care of him for the past three months so well. To which I will never be able to repay her for. I got to the car and the other families were there and I showed them little Girum in his outfit and all of them could not believe he she had done that. We are all very aware at the little money that people get by on here. I started crying it was just to much. A van full of darling babies and toddlers and my sweet little boy in his darling Ethiopian traditional dress.
We spent the afternoon enjoying each other's company and doing a little wash in the
bucket in our shower. Not my favorite pass time, but necessary as most of our luggage space was taken up with the gazillion donations we brought with us. (Thanks to the generous donations from so many of you our friends and family. ) The roof has a makeshift laundry line on it and we hung our stuff up to dry in the breeze.
We had to be ready to go by 6:30 to the Crown Hotel for a traditional Ethiopian meal and dinner dancing show. Think, Ethiopian Luau. It was very interesting food. I personally enjoyed the food at the guest house better. But it was still delicious. Then they had dancers that came out and a live Ethiopian band playing traditional Ethiopian instruments. They danced from all of the regions of Ethiopia. They can move their head and necks unlike anything I have ever seen. Shawn took lots of video tape so we will have to show anyone that is interested the tapes when we are home.
We are at the guest house now and I am tired and have to get up early as we have a car picking us up at 8:30 to get us to the Dutch embassy for a transit visa. Then we will be meeting with the Doctor to go over Girum’s history and see what she has to say about him. Hopefully the embassy will be a smooth trip.
Massi then took us to Church Hill road for a morning of shopping. The shopping prices were so amazing. I felt guilty buying the things knowing that this was someone’s livelihood and that the items were so inexpensive. Even harder to watch were all of the beggars that showed up as soon as they saw the Americans. There were many people who were crippled,or in wheelchairs or have some sort of terrible disability. In America we have a social safety net for these people but not here. We were told by our driver today that only between 6-20% of this country works doing salaried jobs. The per capita income in Ethiopia is $120 a year. No that is not a typo! Ethiopia is one of the world's poorest nations. As we were walking our baby back this morning we walked next to two young men wrapped in blankets that they probably had slept in on the road. They told Shawn and I that there was no work here. They were going to look this morning for something to make money. We gave them two granola bars for their breakfast and they thanked us and then we left them as we turned into the office. Anyway, I got off the subject of shopping. We had a good time and it was nice to have Massi and our driver to keep us safe and in the right place.
After shopping they drove us through the Merkato. This is the largest open air market in Africa. It was huge. I was taking pictures outside my window and Massi told me to quick close the window or someone would pull my camera out of my hands. There were so many people, donkies, cars, goats and more people. In the books it sounds like a fun place to visit and I had been disappointed when I learned that we would not be able to shop there. However like so many other things here as you are able to experience it for yourself you realize why Massi has made the determination that it will be drive through window shopping.
We returned home to another wonderful lunch finished with the best rice crispy treats ever. Someone on our agency forum had told me that the cooks love to make rice crispy treats. So if I would bring the marshmallows and rice crispies they would make them. They were delicious.
Need to run and do some things I will write later.
I went to pick up Girum from the care center and his favorite nanny was there. She was smiling her usual beautiful smile. She tries so hard to communicate with me and I, her. But usually we just smile and laugh at our little Girum, however. Today when I came she said to me, "I have a gift for Girum". She got in her drawer and pulled out a beautiful Ethiopian outfit. She had bought it just for him. I got all teary eyed and gave her a big hug and she asked if she could put it on. He looked so beautiful in it. It was really more than my emotions could handle. This sweet nanny had bought this beautiful outfit with what was equivalent to 2 days pay. It was then that I really understood how attached she was to my little boy. She has taken care of him for the past three months so well. To which I will never be able to repay her for. I got to the car and the other families were there and I showed them little Girum in his outfit and all of them could not believe he she had done that. We are all very aware at the little money that people get by on here. I started crying it was just to much. A van full of darling babies and toddlers and my sweet little boy in his darling Ethiopian traditional dress.
We spent the afternoon enjoying each other's company and doing a little wash in the
bucket in our shower. Not my favorite pass time, but necessary as most of our luggage space was taken up with the gazillion donations we brought with us. (Thanks to the generous donations from so many of you our friends and family. ) The roof has a makeshift laundry line on it and we hung our stuff up to dry in the breeze.
We had to be ready to go by 6:30 to the Crown Hotel for a traditional Ethiopian meal and dinner dancing show. Think, Ethiopian Luau. It was very interesting food. I personally enjoyed the food at the guest house better. But it was still delicious. Then they had dancers that came out and a live Ethiopian band playing traditional Ethiopian instruments. They danced from all of the regions of Ethiopia. They can move their head and necks unlike anything I have ever seen. Shawn took lots of video tape so we will have to show anyone that is interested the tapes when we are home.
We are at the guest house now and I am tired and have to get up early as we have a car picking us up at 8:30 to get us to the Dutch embassy for a transit visa. Then we will be meeting with the Doctor to go over Girum’s history and see what she has to say about him. Hopefully the embassy will be a smooth trip.
Tuesday, May 1, 2007
Update from Ethiopia
It is morning and we have just awoken after a long day. We ate a delicious breakfast and are looking forward to an Ethiopian feast after the morning is spent at the Ethiopian National Museum. This should be an interesting visit. Lucy is housed here. She is the oldest found skeleton in the world. CHSFS has done amazing work here and I have to say that the founder of the Ethiopian program whose name is Asnaka is a visionary man. When we got here it was a little overwhelming to see your baby and realize that he is yours when you have never met him before. They do a great job at slowly introducing your children to you. When we got here we had a social report that had been done by the social worker which had all kinds of information about his likes and dislikes and habits. They had asked us to read it before meeting him. They do this so that the transition will go smoother. Everyday we get to see and play with little Girum and everyday the transition is smoother and more natural. I think tonight we will bring him back to the guest house for his first night with us. We will pick him up after the museum because we will be going to the embassy this afternoon. Then we will keep him with us until the morning. After we return him to the nannies, CHSFS will take us shopping. It should be nice, as the agency sends two people with us to help us communicate with the merchants. Massi, is Asnaka’s brother and a GREAT house manager. His job is to take care of all of us and make sure we get whatever we need and that we stay safe. He does and outstanding job of it and takes his job very seriously. Just try to go out at night, or do something that might be the least bit risky and he springs into action. He is an incredibly hard and dedicated worker as so many of the people here are with CHSFS. More importantly, he is great person who exudes genuine warmth and concern for all the families here in Adis.
A couple of things that I did not mention about yesterday that I meant to say: We had an amazing driver on our Hosanna trip who seems to have a thriving tour business here in Ethiopia. He spoke perfect English and thus was able to give us a lot of insight into Ethiopia and its various cultures. He kept reiterating how regretful he is over wasted human potential and resources in his country, especially in a land as rich and fertile with so much potential as Ethiopia. This is a beautiful country with incredible people and possibilities. Like I said yesterday, the people here are bright and intelligent, but often there is not enough opportunity. As Shawn and I were talking to all of the little children in Hosanna they wanted to talk English. Shawn asked one of the little boys, “what do you want to be when you grow up?” He answered, “ A doctor to fight HIV and AIDS” It brought tears to my eyes to hear that. Right after that we drove away and the driver shook his head and said, “ it is so hard for me because these children may never have that opportunity. It will be very difficult for him to accomplish that. As smart as he is it will be very difficult.” These children are smart. It was so amazing to me how much they wanted to learn from us. They were hungry for our attention and the chance to practice their English.
Our travel group is great. Six families, 2 couples picking up twins. One couple picking up a sibling set and three of us picking up single infants. Everyone here is very positive, which is extremely helpful in this situation. It has been so wonderful to have other families going through the transition with you that are sharing your same feelings. It is great to have each other. This is another wonderful thing about CHSFS. They have taken care of EVERY detail. I just can not say enough about this agency here. Asnake is going to go over his new plan for the center. We have seen pictures of it on the wall. It will be like a high school campus. With a birthing center, a school, a building for education to help the people of Ethiopia learn how to do many things that they can then turn around and gain employment through CHSFS at the center. It is quite amazing. When you meet people like the ones at this place it makes me rededicate myself to helping others.
New post- We just got back from the Museum. We thought we were going to the National Museum but first we went to the National Institute museum on the campus of Addis Ababa University. When we finished the driver said, “ we go now to the National museum and we all looked at each other and wondered what we had just been to. However, it was already 11:30 and we knew Ethiopian food was being served at the guest house at 12:00 and we had to be to the embassy by 2:00 and have picked up our babies. So we kindly told the driver we wanted to go back to the guest house. We will be able to visit the National Museum on Thursday I think because we hired the driver that we had on Sunday to pick us up on Thursday for a half day tour. The Museum that we visited was great and gave us a good insight on Ethiopian Culture. It is actually the palace of Hallie Salassie(sp?) It was quite neat. The mirror still had the bullet hole from the coup in the 1960’s.
I will write more later as we are going to lunch and then to pick up our sweet baby at the center. I hope it goes okay tonight. He is so good natured while we have been with him so I hope that does not change. We have packed our bags with the bare minimum for our embassy trip as we have been told that they will search everything, make us drink any form of liquid to try it including the formula, even try on the lotion if we bring it. Funny thing the embassy of Togo is across the street from here and I have taken a couple of pictures of it and no one has come out running. Where is Togo anyway?
Off to lunch!
Well we are back from the embassy! That was sure fun. Amazing to see what our American Tax dollars can build in Ethiopia. I would have loved to have gotten past the front part of the embassy headquarters and walked around so that we could have seen the grounds. From the inside gate they looked beautiful. We had to go through two metal detectors and then Shawn was asked to try the liquid in the diaper bag. Good thing I had not mixed up the bottle yet. We then went inside and sat and waited until our names were called. After that we went upstairs and answered a bunch of questions to a American woman behind some glass. She was very nice and then said you passed. So now Adam is official and we can go get his Dutch transit visa. Hope that goes as smooth. Funny thing at the embassy there are big signs that say no photography. Vicki in our travel group was leaving the embassy and was across the street from the embassy walking to the van and thought she could get away with snapping a photo. So she did and then started walking to the car. She had not even gotten to the car when the guard caught up to her demanded to see her camera and the pictures she had taken and then watched and rechecked as he made her delete her photos. So when they say no photos they really mean no photos.
The CHSFS worker Martha then took us to the Hilton for us all to confirm our flights home which is a must do in Ethiopia. Then we walked over to the pastry shop and purchased a slice of cake from the bakery. It was a nice bakery the kind in the US where the slice of cake would be $5.00 US. We purchased it and it was 90 Birr. Equal to $1.00 US. I about fell over. Martha told us that was expensive to Ethiopians. I was taken aback because to me it was a real bargain.
We have Girum back with us at the guest house and he is a dream!!!! I don’t think he did anything but a few giggles today. He is so good natured and alert he looks around and is happy to be here. He did a great job at slurping down two 6oz bottles in 5 hours time so I think he will take to this bottle feeding well. He is now sleeping very peacefully next to me on the bed as I type. He is sooooo sweet and darling. He has a ton of hair and his locks are loose and soft curls. We will see how tonight goes. It is probably the only thing I have not been looking forward to: Waking up with a hungry baby in the night.
I forgot to tell you the cute thing his nanny did yesterday. I walked into his little room and she was cuddling him. It has been obvious from the start that she loves him. She handed him to me and as I was hugging him she put her hand on my arm and said with a darling smile. “I LOVE YOUR BABY!” and I knew she meant it.
She then took out her cell phone and showed me his picture on her cell plate. I started crying. How lucky He has been to have someone to love him so much until I could get here to pick him up. She ask me if she could please have a picture of Girum and if I would send one to her later on his birthday. It was so sweet I again got big huge tears in my eyes.
This place is amazing. Have I said it enough?
Well this is the longest email ever, I know. So I had better log off. We are shopping in the morning and then have the afternoon off to hang out with the baby. Tomorrow night we will be going to the Crown Hotel for a traditional Ethiopian dinner and dancing show. We hear that it is fabulous and we can not wait. So we will write again soon.
A couple of things that I did not mention about yesterday that I meant to say: We had an amazing driver on our Hosanna trip who seems to have a thriving tour business here in Ethiopia. He spoke perfect English and thus was able to give us a lot of insight into Ethiopia and its various cultures. He kept reiterating how regretful he is over wasted human potential and resources in his country, especially in a land as rich and fertile with so much potential as Ethiopia. This is a beautiful country with incredible people and possibilities. Like I said yesterday, the people here are bright and intelligent, but often there is not enough opportunity. As Shawn and I were talking to all of the little children in Hosanna they wanted to talk English. Shawn asked one of the little boys, “what do you want to be when you grow up?” He answered, “ A doctor to fight HIV and AIDS” It brought tears to my eyes to hear that. Right after that we drove away and the driver shook his head and said, “ it is so hard for me because these children may never have that opportunity. It will be very difficult for him to accomplish that. As smart as he is it will be very difficult.” These children are smart. It was so amazing to me how much they wanted to learn from us. They were hungry for our attention and the chance to practice their English.
Our travel group is great. Six families, 2 couples picking up twins. One couple picking up a sibling set and three of us picking up single infants. Everyone here is very positive, which is extremely helpful in this situation. It has been so wonderful to have other families going through the transition with you that are sharing your same feelings. It is great to have each other. This is another wonderful thing about CHSFS. They have taken care of EVERY detail. I just can not say enough about this agency here. Asnake is going to go over his new plan for the center. We have seen pictures of it on the wall. It will be like a high school campus. With a birthing center, a school, a building for education to help the people of Ethiopia learn how to do many things that they can then turn around and gain employment through CHSFS at the center. It is quite amazing. When you meet people like the ones at this place it makes me rededicate myself to helping others.
New post- We just got back from the Museum. We thought we were going to the National Museum but first we went to the National Institute museum on the campus of Addis Ababa University. When we finished the driver said, “ we go now to the National museum and we all looked at each other and wondered what we had just been to. However, it was already 11:30 and we knew Ethiopian food was being served at the guest house at 12:00 and we had to be to the embassy by 2:00 and have picked up our babies. So we kindly told the driver we wanted to go back to the guest house. We will be able to visit the National Museum on Thursday I think because we hired the driver that we had on Sunday to pick us up on Thursday for a half day tour. The Museum that we visited was great and gave us a good insight on Ethiopian Culture. It is actually the palace of Hallie Salassie(sp?) It was quite neat. The mirror still had the bullet hole from the coup in the 1960’s.
I will write more later as we are going to lunch and then to pick up our sweet baby at the center. I hope it goes okay tonight. He is so good natured while we have been with him so I hope that does not change. We have packed our bags with the bare minimum for our embassy trip as we have been told that they will search everything, make us drink any form of liquid to try it including the formula, even try on the lotion if we bring it. Funny thing the embassy of Togo is across the street from here and I have taken a couple of pictures of it and no one has come out running. Where is Togo anyway?
Off to lunch!
Well we are back from the embassy! That was sure fun. Amazing to see what our American Tax dollars can build in Ethiopia. I would have loved to have gotten past the front part of the embassy headquarters and walked around so that we could have seen the grounds. From the inside gate they looked beautiful. We had to go through two metal detectors and then Shawn was asked to try the liquid in the diaper bag. Good thing I had not mixed up the bottle yet. We then went inside and sat and waited until our names were called. After that we went upstairs and answered a bunch of questions to a American woman behind some glass. She was very nice and then said you passed. So now Adam is official and we can go get his Dutch transit visa. Hope that goes as smooth. Funny thing at the embassy there are big signs that say no photography. Vicki in our travel group was leaving the embassy and was across the street from the embassy walking to the van and thought she could get away with snapping a photo. So she did and then started walking to the car. She had not even gotten to the car when the guard caught up to her demanded to see her camera and the pictures she had taken and then watched and rechecked as he made her delete her photos. So when they say no photos they really mean no photos.
The CHSFS worker Martha then took us to the Hilton for us all to confirm our flights home which is a must do in Ethiopia. Then we walked over to the pastry shop and purchased a slice of cake from the bakery. It was a nice bakery the kind in the US where the slice of cake would be $5.00 US. We purchased it and it was 90 Birr. Equal to $1.00 US. I about fell over. Martha told us that was expensive to Ethiopians. I was taken aback because to me it was a real bargain.
We have Girum back with us at the guest house and he is a dream!!!! I don’t think he did anything but a few giggles today. He is so good natured and alert he looks around and is happy to be here. He did a great job at slurping down two 6oz bottles in 5 hours time so I think he will take to this bottle feeding well. He is now sleeping very peacefully next to me on the bed as I type. He is sooooo sweet and darling. He has a ton of hair and his locks are loose and soft curls. We will see how tonight goes. It is probably the only thing I have not been looking forward to: Waking up with a hungry baby in the night.
I forgot to tell you the cute thing his nanny did yesterday. I walked into his little room and she was cuddling him. It has been obvious from the start that she loves him. She handed him to me and as I was hugging him she put her hand on my arm and said with a darling smile. “I LOVE YOUR BABY!” and I knew she meant it.
She then took out her cell phone and showed me his picture on her cell plate. I started crying. How lucky He has been to have someone to love him so much until I could get here to pick him up. She ask me if she could please have a picture of Girum and if I would send one to her later on his birthday. It was so sweet I again got big huge tears in my eyes.
This place is amazing. Have I said it enough?
Well this is the longest email ever, I know. So I had better log off. We are shopping in the morning and then have the afternoon off to hang out with the baby. Tomorrow night we will be going to the Crown Hotel for a traditional Ethiopian dinner and dancing show. We hear that it is fabulous and we can not wait. So we will write again soon.
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