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.