Well, Nick pulled another all-nighter! He decided to quit tossing and turning and took the computer downstairs to finish up his presentation for Saturday and chat with whoever was on line. He ran into his friend Benjamin in the bar and he made Nick 3 coffees by the time he came back to the room. The coffee here is good and very strong. Needless to say, Nick was buzzing and got his whole presentation done. He came back to the room at 3:30 am and unfortunately neither of us fell back to sleep. Yikealo decided to play “let’s kick mom all night long”. So much for hugging and snuggling. He is definitely sleeping in his own bed in his own room when we get home.
At 6:00 am Yikealo woke up and we all snuggled for 45 min. I got up and showered so we could go get some breakfast. As we walked out of the dining hall we were informed by the front desk that we needed to change rooms. Apparently they needed to spray our current room for cockroaches and the stuff would smell bad. I hadn’t seen any, but they must be there. They wanted to move us to a back, end room, but I refused and asked politely for a front room with better internet connection. They agreed and we were off to pack. I decided to organize our bags for tomorrow so we are basically packed to go now.
After getting rescheduled we decided to check with the front desk about getting a taxi to take a three hour tour of the city. I had gotten permission from the director of Hannah’s Hope on Monday to do this to allow us to show Yikealo a little of the city as he was old enough to appreciate it. We were not supposed to get out of the taxi was the only stipulation. A dear friend had suggested to get lots of pictures for Yikealo later on and we had not done a great job of this as of yet. This allowed us to get many pictures and see the wide variety of wealth and poverty within the city.
We got back in time for lunch. Yikealo ate the buffet and Nick and I ordered our usual, French fries and a large water. The ride and early rise or lack of sleep depending on who I am talking about, did us all in and we returned to our room for a nap. Yikealo and I woke up after an hour or so. Nick was still sleeping hard. I think he is trying to stay more on US time. I took Yikealo out to play to allow Nick to sleep some more.
Yikealo wanted to go find his friend one floor up. The boys had a great time with playdoo. Then they found a sticker book. Yikealo’s friend loves to put stickers all over his face. It was so cute and the bigger the sticker the better. In the end, there was not a part of his face not covered in airplane stickers. One of the best parts of the boys playing together is hearing them chatter with each other. Since Yikealo’s English is not really developed, he is pretty quiet with us. The boys are from the same region, so they speak the same dialect ( 1 of 80 in Ethiopia). It is so fun to hear them chatter with one another. I know that is something he will lose quickly once home as there is no one to talk with him. I tried video taping it to capture some of it. I only hope the volume comes across good. Nick would be the first to tell you I am not the best when it comes to computer/electronic issues so I had no idea how to turn the volume up.
The boys were getting pretty rowdy in the room so we took them outside to kick a ball around. The back alley has been great to get out and get some fresh air. It is also shaded by the surrounding buildings so it offers relief from our way-too-hot rooms. After 3 ½ hours, Nick finally woke up and joined our fun outside.
At 6 pm we went down for supper. The boys ate the buffet again and the adults (that weren’t puking or recovering from puking) had the usual French fries. One dad decided to cut his losses and not eat at all as he was concerned about getting sick before the flight tomorrow as so many in our group have taken their turns worshipping the porcelain god. Nick and I have been fortunate so far, so please pray that our luck keeps us in the clear for the next 24 hours here and 27 hours en route home.
We are relaxing in our room tonight, me working on this post and Nick and Yikealo watching a movie. I’m sure Yikealo does not understand much but he intently watches anyway. I wonder if he had much exposure to tv before entering Hannah’s hope last October. Hopefully we will get a good night sleep tonight.
Tomorrow we pick up final paperwork in the late morning and then hang out at the hotel until we fly out in the evening. We are all very much ready to leave. We have been since we picked the kids up Sunday. The week has been long, but has allowed much bonding time with our kids that would have been interrupted with the busyness of our lives back home. We are anxious to get home and start our new life as a family of 8! Please pray also for our flights over the next two days that we can get much rest and arrive home safely to our other kids. Thanks for sharing this journey with us!
.
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Embassy Date - Tuesday, February 22nd, 2011
Today started early again for Nick and I. After Nick’s big nap yesterday, he hardly slept a wink last night. I got up after midnight and tried skyping with the kids without any luck. I woke up at 5 ish and Y started rolling around 5:40 am when he came searching for his momma again and wrapped his arms around me and held my face next to his. I tried moving my face away a few times to get a little air, but he quickly pulled me close again. He sure knows how to get to me.
Breakfast would have been good, but the dining hall wasn’t opened yet so we snacked on granola bars, beef jerky, and chocolate. I know not really healthy, but what do you do. We eventually got ready and went down for breakfast. Yikealo looked so sharp in his dress shirt and dress pants. He would have preferred his jeans.
After breakfast, I went shopping with the other moms and the dads stayed at the hotel with the kids. A few in our travel group got sick en route. We all are so ready to just get on that plane and come home. It is so hard to run into all the street people begging for food and money. They tell they have no food and that they live in the streets. I am sure it is so true, but we can’t save everyone here. If we gave out money to one person, we would be mobbed. I had no food with me either, so I just had to tell them I was so sorry and keep walking. That is so hard to do.
We made it back in time to get a quick snack and change Yikealo and Nick out of their long sleeve shirts into t shirts. It was too hot to be so formal. Our agency was picking us up at noon and said we would be back by 5:30. We were hoping it wouldn’t really take that long. We did not get lunch as the dining hall doesn’t open til noon when we were scheduled to leave. We are so typical Americans. We sat and complained because we would not get lunch, yet here we are in a country where many may not get food all day many days.
We made it to the US Embassy and it was by far one of the nicer places in Addis. Even the benches inside were granite. Seemed like such a waste in such a poor country. We sat down and within 10 minutes they called our number. We had to approach the window and answer a few questions for the man behind the glass. He said we were all done. The adoption was final and Yikealo would enter the US as a US Citizen. We would not be able to come back and get his papers and passport until Thursday after 10 am. Nick was still trying to figure out how we could fly out Wednesday, but that statement confirmed we won’t be able to leave before Thursday evening.
Yikealo and Nick both fell asleep on the bus on the way back to the hotel. We went up to our room and both boys fell asleep in no time. I tried, but tossed more than anything as the room is so hot. If you are reading this and are still to come for Embassy, bring shorts or capris for in the hotel as you are here way too much. I tried skyping the kids before school, but was not successful. It will be so good to finally be home at the end of the week.
By 5:20 pm we were starving. Nick suggested we just go down anyway and see if they would allow us to eat. The dining hall was scheduled to open at 6 pm. They agreed to let us eat as long as we ordered off the menu as the buffet was not ready until 6 pm. That was ok with us. We had one of the ladies in the restaurant ask Yikealo what he wanted to eat as we are having a tough time figuring that part out. He ordered a traditional beef tibs with injera (the pancake like bread they eat the beef with). It came with onions, green peppers, and tomato slices. Yikealo actually ate the trimmings before he ate the meat. He won’t eat any fruit for me, but he ate peppers and onions. Go figure! A few others from our travel group joined us. Yikealo’s friend ordered the same as him and all the adults ordered French fries with ketchup. I can’t wait for the Producer’s Meeting on Saturday and some real great food. I will sneak Yikealo and I into the kitchen and back out that door if I have too!
We played a little more before retreating to our room for the evening. Nick had to work on his presentation for the meeting Saturday and Yikealo and I read an I Spy book before going to bed around 8:20 pm. Another day down and another day closer to America!!!!!!!!!!!
Breakfast would have been good, but the dining hall wasn’t opened yet so we snacked on granola bars, beef jerky, and chocolate. I know not really healthy, but what do you do. We eventually got ready and went down for breakfast. Yikealo looked so sharp in his dress shirt and dress pants. He would have preferred his jeans.
After breakfast, I went shopping with the other moms and the dads stayed at the hotel with the kids. A few in our travel group got sick en route. We all are so ready to just get on that plane and come home. It is so hard to run into all the street people begging for food and money. They tell they have no food and that they live in the streets. I am sure it is so true, but we can’t save everyone here. If we gave out money to one person, we would be mobbed. I had no food with me either, so I just had to tell them I was so sorry and keep walking. That is so hard to do.
We made it back in time to get a quick snack and change Yikealo and Nick out of their long sleeve shirts into t shirts. It was too hot to be so formal. Our agency was picking us up at noon and said we would be back by 5:30. We were hoping it wouldn’t really take that long. We did not get lunch as the dining hall doesn’t open til noon when we were scheduled to leave. We are so typical Americans. We sat and complained because we would not get lunch, yet here we are in a country where many may not get food all day many days.
We made it to the US Embassy and it was by far one of the nicer places in Addis. Even the benches inside were granite. Seemed like such a waste in such a poor country. We sat down and within 10 minutes they called our number. We had to approach the window and answer a few questions for the man behind the glass. He said we were all done. The adoption was final and Yikealo would enter the US as a US Citizen. We would not be able to come back and get his papers and passport until Thursday after 10 am. Nick was still trying to figure out how we could fly out Wednesday, but that statement confirmed we won’t be able to leave before Thursday evening.
Yikealo and Nick both fell asleep on the bus on the way back to the hotel. We went up to our room and both boys fell asleep in no time. I tried, but tossed more than anything as the room is so hot. If you are reading this and are still to come for Embassy, bring shorts or capris for in the hotel as you are here way too much. I tried skyping the kids before school, but was not successful. It will be so good to finally be home at the end of the week.
By 5:20 pm we were starving. Nick suggested we just go down anyway and see if they would allow us to eat. The dining hall was scheduled to open at 6 pm. They agreed to let us eat as long as we ordered off the menu as the buffet was not ready until 6 pm. That was ok with us. We had one of the ladies in the restaurant ask Yikealo what he wanted to eat as we are having a tough time figuring that part out. He ordered a traditional beef tibs with injera (the pancake like bread they eat the beef with). It came with onions, green peppers, and tomato slices. Yikealo actually ate the trimmings before he ate the meat. He won’t eat any fruit for me, but he ate peppers and onions. Go figure! A few others from our travel group joined us. Yikealo’s friend ordered the same as him and all the adults ordered French fries with ketchup. I can’t wait for the Producer’s Meeting on Saturday and some real great food. I will sneak Yikealo and I into the kitchen and back out that door if I have too!
We played a little more before retreating to our room for the evening. Nick had to work on his presentation for the meeting Saturday and Yikealo and I read an I Spy book before going to bed around 8:20 pm. Another day down and another day closer to America!!!!!!!!!!!
February 21st, 2011
Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday dear Nick! Happy birthday to you!
After typing yesterday’s events at midnight, we did not get much sleep. Unusual for Nick is that he was the one who didn’t sleep. He basically has not sleep 8 hours since Thursday morning. Y woke up at 5 am. Wow! It has been a long day. We went down for breakfast early and then waited around to go to Hannah’s Hope this morning to go over the details for tomorrow’s Embassy appointment. I made sure Y knew we were going to play with his friends and that he would return to the hotel with us. He seemed to understand and welcomed the opportunity to ride in the van again.
We have learned to go with the flow here as usually the drivers are 30 – 45 minutes late. They made up for it today and showed up 40 minutes early. Thank goodness we were ready to go. Y didn’t seem real interested in playing with the kids or visiting with the special mothers. He seems to understand that his time there is done and he has moved on.
I asked the director about his eye and she confirmed Y did in fact have pink eye. She gave me some drops to use. I am so glad to get started on cleaning it up. While putting those first drops in, Y told her that they had been putting drops in, but apparently no one gave me the meds when we left. Hopefully, we will have that cleared up soon.
We got back to the hotel at 11 am and were starved. Lunch, however, was not available til noon. We went up to the room where Nick immediately feel asleep. I put a Word World video in and snuggled up with Y on the bed. We snacked on a few nuts to satisfy our hunger. I sure hope he isn’t allergic to peanuts.
At noon, Y and I went down to eat and we left Nick sleeping. We brought Nick back our left over pasta. He got up and ate some and went back to sleep. Y and I played all day and eventually went outside where we were relieved to find a nice cool breeze in the back alley. Our room is literally roasting. Boy North Dakota is going to be a shock!
Nick eventually woke up at 5:30 pm and came outside with us for a bit before we went to supper. We ordered Y some fish and mashed potatoes. Nick and I shared an order of French fries. Boy I can’t wait to get some good American food. Y was tired after supper so we went to our room and watched a video again until turning the lights out at 9:15 pm.
Y fell asleep with his arm wrapped around my neck with his face in my face. It was not the most comfortable, but I didn’t care. It seems as if my little boy is attaching to me and that is all that mattered to this momma.
After typing yesterday’s events at midnight, we did not get much sleep. Unusual for Nick is that he was the one who didn’t sleep. He basically has not sleep 8 hours since Thursday morning. Y woke up at 5 am. Wow! It has been a long day. We went down for breakfast early and then waited around to go to Hannah’s Hope this morning to go over the details for tomorrow’s Embassy appointment. I made sure Y knew we were going to play with his friends and that he would return to the hotel with us. He seemed to understand and welcomed the opportunity to ride in the van again.
We have learned to go with the flow here as usually the drivers are 30 – 45 minutes late. They made up for it today and showed up 40 minutes early. Thank goodness we were ready to go. Y didn’t seem real interested in playing with the kids or visiting with the special mothers. He seems to understand that his time there is done and he has moved on.
I asked the director about his eye and she confirmed Y did in fact have pink eye. She gave me some drops to use. I am so glad to get started on cleaning it up. While putting those first drops in, Y told her that they had been putting drops in, but apparently no one gave me the meds when we left. Hopefully, we will have that cleared up soon.
We got back to the hotel at 11 am and were starved. Lunch, however, was not available til noon. We went up to the room where Nick immediately feel asleep. I put a Word World video in and snuggled up with Y on the bed. We snacked on a few nuts to satisfy our hunger. I sure hope he isn’t allergic to peanuts.
At noon, Y and I went down to eat and we left Nick sleeping. We brought Nick back our left over pasta. He got up and ate some and went back to sleep. Y and I played all day and eventually went outside where we were relieved to find a nice cool breeze in the back alley. Our room is literally roasting. Boy North Dakota is going to be a shock!
Nick eventually woke up at 5:30 pm and came outside with us for a bit before we went to supper. We ordered Y some fish and mashed potatoes. Nick and I shared an order of French fries. Boy I can’t wait to get some good American food. Y was tired after supper so we went to our room and watched a video again until turning the lights out at 9:15 pm.
Y fell asleep with his arm wrapped around my neck with his face in my face. It was not the most comfortable, but I didn’t care. It seems as if my little boy is attaching to me and that is all that mattered to this momma.
Gotcha Day - February 20th, 2011
After tossing and turning all night, we finally got up at 6:45 to shower and get ready for the day. Nick once again tried to get internet access which was sketchy at best. We went down for breakfast and ran into friends who arrived yesterday and had their sweet baby girl with them. It was around 8:30 am and 11 am was not coming fast enough. We ate and another family came with their 5 year old son. He and Y had come into Hannah’s Hope together. Seeing his smiling face made me even more anxious.
We finished up eating and went to sit in the lobby and attempt to get on the internet again. Not much luck! You need to have lots of patience in a third world country. We people watched, visited with other families, and greeted the remaining two families in our travel group when they arrived at 9:30 am. Wass the driver for HH showed up and I asked if we could go with him. He was there to pick up a family here on trip 1. We were told no. We have to stick to the schedule.
It was finally 11 and Wass came back for us and the two families that had arrived that morning. When the van pulled into the court yard, Y was there waiting. The kids all called his name. They must tell them who is coming. He came running over to the van all smiles. Nick and I were trapped in the back of the van and could not get out fast enough. I opened the window and stuck my hand out to grab his. Man I missed that sweet smile of his. I can’t wait to show you his great smile on Tuesday.
It was hugs all around for both of us. We told him how much we loved him and missed him. Nick asked if he was ready to go to America and he giggled and said yes! We hung out with him for about two hours. They must have kept a bunch of the other kids away as there were many familiar faces missing. It perhaps was nap time and they had already been put down. Y was fed lunch and we left shortly after.
Y seems to have gotten a cold since we were here last. His one eye is quite red too. I didn’t bring anything for pink eye. Can’t remember if it will go away on its own or if we need meds. Will have to play it by ear this week and maybe arrange to get some if we can as we won’t be back in Bismarck until after all is closed for the weekend. There doesn’t seem to be a lot of matter so maybe just related to the cold and his nose is running none stop. We have started him on a probiotic and I had airborne packs I am putting in water to try and boost his immunity.
When we got back to the hotel, we gave him a bath and changed his clothes. I had sweatpants picked out and he said no. He was looking for jeans. I hadn’t seen him in jeans in any pictures or the whole trip 1 so maybe he was finally ready to wear some. He is a skinny little bugger. The 5T slims I bought are definitely the right length, but they are very cinched. Good thing for adjustable waist bands.
Y checked out the room and pushed the button for the tv. He will fit right in. Nick turned to a car building show and we all relaxed. I think Nick was secretly hoping for a nap, but that never happened. At the end of the show, we decided to take his little remote control car and go out back to the alley (the only place outside the hotel we are allowed to take the kids). Other families were already there including his little buddy. They played with their cars and had a great time. They were talking nonstop. The both probably felt like “finally someone I can talk to that understands what I am saying”.
As good as the fries were last time, a whole week of them was too much to think about. The men decided to take a taxi to the Italian Restaurant we ate at last trip and get some food. Y and I went up to the room and watched a couple of videos we had brought. His friend eventually joined us. They got bored with the movies after a bit and so I took out a bag of blocks I had packed. I had to show them how to build towers with them. Some of the blocks were alphabet blocks and Y knew most all of them. He seems to have his colors down too.
The guys finally made it back with food. We were all starving. Since Y ate at HH before we took him, Nick and I skipped lunch so as to not have him think he needed to eat twice and overeat. Nick brought back 4 pizzas for us. He wanted extra for the fridge for the rest of the week. Good thing too because it is 11:50 pm as I am typing this and we are starved – pizza snack and I hear Nick getting into the chocolates as well. I am typing in the dark as Y is sound asleep. Y wasn’t quite sure about pizza. He only ate 1 piece.
After dinner we relaxed some more and anxiously awaited the time we could find the kids and skype with them. We found Nick’s sister Sadie on line and chatted with her a few minutes. She was sweet enough to drive from Fargo to Casselton where the kids are with Grandpa and Grandma to bring them her laptop so we could skype. Got to love family. In the meantime, we found Grandma Marly online and introduced her to Y. We eventually found Kaitlyn at our friend’s house. She is so lonely for her brother that it brought her to tears to see him again and hear him call her name. Their camera wasn’t working for us to see her but you could hear the tears in her voice. Sweet Kaitlyn. We finally connected with the three little girls. They were all so very excited to see him and hear his voice.
We had a short visit and then had to call it a night. Y was ready for bed at 7. We got to bed by 8pm and he was out like a light. I think we were too for an hour or so. Then we woke up and to our shock only two hours had passed. We are unable to sleep so here I am typing in a word document which I will post in the morning when we go downstairs.
If you are still reading, sorry this is so lengthy. I want to document this for Y someday so probably more details then you wanted. Probably better get some sleep before Y wakes up and is ready to play. Thanks for taking this journey with us and including us in your prayers. Friday can’t come quick enough for us. We just want to be home and have the whole family under one roof. We miss our other kids so much. Thank you to all those standing in the gap for us with our other kids while we are gone. You are all the best!
We finished up eating and went to sit in the lobby and attempt to get on the internet again. Not much luck! You need to have lots of patience in a third world country. We people watched, visited with other families, and greeted the remaining two families in our travel group when they arrived at 9:30 am. Wass the driver for HH showed up and I asked if we could go with him. He was there to pick up a family here on trip 1. We were told no. We have to stick to the schedule.
It was finally 11 and Wass came back for us and the two families that had arrived that morning. When the van pulled into the court yard, Y was there waiting. The kids all called his name. They must tell them who is coming. He came running over to the van all smiles. Nick and I were trapped in the back of the van and could not get out fast enough. I opened the window and stuck my hand out to grab his. Man I missed that sweet smile of his. I can’t wait to show you his great smile on Tuesday.
It was hugs all around for both of us. We told him how much we loved him and missed him. Nick asked if he was ready to go to America and he giggled and said yes! We hung out with him for about two hours. They must have kept a bunch of the other kids away as there were many familiar faces missing. It perhaps was nap time and they had already been put down. Y was fed lunch and we left shortly after.
Y seems to have gotten a cold since we were here last. His one eye is quite red too. I didn’t bring anything for pink eye. Can’t remember if it will go away on its own or if we need meds. Will have to play it by ear this week and maybe arrange to get some if we can as we won’t be back in Bismarck until after all is closed for the weekend. There doesn’t seem to be a lot of matter so maybe just related to the cold and his nose is running none stop. We have started him on a probiotic and I had airborne packs I am putting in water to try and boost his immunity.
When we got back to the hotel, we gave him a bath and changed his clothes. I had sweatpants picked out and he said no. He was looking for jeans. I hadn’t seen him in jeans in any pictures or the whole trip 1 so maybe he was finally ready to wear some. He is a skinny little bugger. The 5T slims I bought are definitely the right length, but they are very cinched. Good thing for adjustable waist bands.
Y checked out the room and pushed the button for the tv. He will fit right in. Nick turned to a car building show and we all relaxed. I think Nick was secretly hoping for a nap, but that never happened. At the end of the show, we decided to take his little remote control car and go out back to the alley (the only place outside the hotel we are allowed to take the kids). Other families were already there including his little buddy. They played with their cars and had a great time. They were talking nonstop. The both probably felt like “finally someone I can talk to that understands what I am saying”.
As good as the fries were last time, a whole week of them was too much to think about. The men decided to take a taxi to the Italian Restaurant we ate at last trip and get some food. Y and I went up to the room and watched a couple of videos we had brought. His friend eventually joined us. They got bored with the movies after a bit and so I took out a bag of blocks I had packed. I had to show them how to build towers with them. Some of the blocks were alphabet blocks and Y knew most all of them. He seems to have his colors down too.
The guys finally made it back with food. We were all starving. Since Y ate at HH before we took him, Nick and I skipped lunch so as to not have him think he needed to eat twice and overeat. Nick brought back 4 pizzas for us. He wanted extra for the fridge for the rest of the week. Good thing too because it is 11:50 pm as I am typing this and we are starved – pizza snack and I hear Nick getting into the chocolates as well. I am typing in the dark as Y is sound asleep. Y wasn’t quite sure about pizza. He only ate 1 piece.
After dinner we relaxed some more and anxiously awaited the time we could find the kids and skype with them. We found Nick’s sister Sadie on line and chatted with her a few minutes. She was sweet enough to drive from Fargo to Casselton where the kids are with Grandpa and Grandma to bring them her laptop so we could skype. Got to love family. In the meantime, we found Grandma Marly online and introduced her to Y. We eventually found Kaitlyn at our friend’s house. She is so lonely for her brother that it brought her to tears to see him again and hear him call her name. Their camera wasn’t working for us to see her but you could hear the tears in her voice. Sweet Kaitlyn. We finally connected with the three little girls. They were all so very excited to see him and hear his voice.
We had a short visit and then had to call it a night. Y was ready for bed at 7. We got to bed by 8pm and he was out like a light. I think we were too for an hour or so. Then we woke up and to our shock only two hours had passed. We are unable to sleep so here I am typing in a word document which I will post in the morning when we go downstairs.
If you are still reading, sorry this is so lengthy. I want to document this for Y someday so probably more details then you wanted. Probably better get some sleep before Y wakes up and is ready to play. Thanks for taking this journey with us and including us in your prayers. Friday can’t come quick enough for us. We just want to be home and have the whole family under one roof. We miss our other kids so much. Thank you to all those standing in the gap for us with our other kids while we are gone. You are all the best!
Travel Days - Friday and Saturday Feb 18th and 19th
Travel Days – Friday and Saturday
Friday, February 18, we were off once again to Ethiopia and this time to bring our son home! With only four days between booking tickets and flying out, our options were very limited this time. I think we got the last two tickets out of Bismarck on our flight. Spring break is not a good time to try and get tickets at the last minute.
We traveled alone this time. Kaitlyn begged up until the time we left to take her back. She so badly missed her little brother and the people from Africa that she had grown to love on our last trip. Our other traveling companions from trip one could not get on our flight, so they ended up on a different airline a day earlier.
Nick was at peace this trip, while I was a bit more anxious. It was the mother in me kicking in and I so badly just wanted to pick my little boy up in my arms and never have to leave him again. OK maybe not until he becomes a teenager. Our flights went off smoothly and I even managed to sleep about half of the third leg which made the trip faster.
We got into Addis Ababa around 9:30 pm local time on Saturday February 19th. It felt good to be back in familiar surroundings, in the same town as little Y. We once again found our driver from the Riviera holding our sign. We got back to our hotel and were warmly greeted with big smiles from the bell boy. The people here are so friendly. We settled into our room 407 and were breathing heavily after walking 4 flights. We might take the elevator on occasion this time. By the second floor we are already breathing heavy due to the elevation (not lack of shape mind you. Ok maybe a little of both) and by the fourth we practically needing an inhaler.
I unpacked while Nick tried to log on to the internet. I think the internet was down all together, but we have found that unlike last time when we had great reception, we do not this time. The extra two floors are bad for connection. We find ourselves sitting in the hallway outside the elevator on first floor to skype and post these entries. At midnight we decided we better get some sleep. The itinerary we received at check in had us scheduled to go get Y at 11 am. The other families that arrived Saturday morning already had their kids at the hotel and I so wanted our son too.
Friday, February 18, we were off once again to Ethiopia and this time to bring our son home! With only four days between booking tickets and flying out, our options were very limited this time. I think we got the last two tickets out of Bismarck on our flight. Spring break is not a good time to try and get tickets at the last minute.
We traveled alone this time. Kaitlyn begged up until the time we left to take her back. She so badly missed her little brother and the people from Africa that she had grown to love on our last trip. Our other traveling companions from trip one could not get on our flight, so they ended up on a different airline a day earlier.
Nick was at peace this trip, while I was a bit more anxious. It was the mother in me kicking in and I so badly just wanted to pick my little boy up in my arms and never have to leave him again. OK maybe not until he becomes a teenager. Our flights went off smoothly and I even managed to sleep about half of the third leg which made the trip faster.
We got into Addis Ababa around 9:30 pm local time on Saturday February 19th. It felt good to be back in familiar surroundings, in the same town as little Y. We once again found our driver from the Riviera holding our sign. We got back to our hotel and were warmly greeted with big smiles from the bell boy. The people here are so friendly. We settled into our room 407 and were breathing heavily after walking 4 flights. We might take the elevator on occasion this time. By the second floor we are already breathing heavy due to the elevation (not lack of shape mind you. Ok maybe a little of both) and by the fourth we practically needing an inhaler.
I unpacked while Nick tried to log on to the internet. I think the internet was down all together, but we have found that unlike last time when we had great reception, we do not this time. The extra two floors are bad for connection. We find ourselves sitting in the hallway outside the elevator on first floor to skype and post these entries. At midnight we decided we better get some sleep. The itinerary we received at check in had us scheduled to go get Y at 11 am. The other families that arrived Saturday morning already had their kids at the hotel and I so wanted our son too.
Friday, February 18, 2011
We are leaving again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Nick and I are anxiously waiting to fly out this morning to begin our second trip to Ethiopia to bring our son home!!!!!!!!!!!! We are all so excited around here!!!!!! Please keep us and the rest of our kids in prayer this week. We will be back on American soil next Friday.
Kelly
Kelly
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
We are heading back
What a sweet Valentine's Day it was yesterday. We got the call we had been waiting for since we arrived home January 28th. Our case had been cleared with the US Embassy and little Y will soon be home. Nick and I will travel back to Ethiopia this Friday February 18th!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We are all very excited!!!!
Our Embassy appointment will either take place Monday February 21st (Nick's Birthday) or Tuesday February 22nd. There is a little confusion over whether the Embassy is open Monday as it is a US holiday (President's Day). We will leave Ethiopia Thursday just before midnight and be back in Bismarck at the end of the work day Friday.
It will be so good to be done with this phase of our journey and just be a family of 8!
Our Embassy appointment will either take place Monday February 21st (Nick's Birthday) or Tuesday February 22nd. There is a little confusion over whether the Embassy is open Monday as it is a US holiday (President's Day). We will leave Ethiopia Thursday just before midnight and be back in Bismarck at the end of the work day Friday.
It will be so good to be done with this phase of our journey and just be a family of 8!
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
One step closer!!!!!!!!!
Got a phone call from our caseworker this morning. I just love seeing her area code on our caller ID. Y has passed his medical testing and all his paperwork has been submitted to the US Embassy for approval. They have been known to request additional paperwork, but the last few families have been cleared right away. We are praying this trend continues for us!!!!!!!! If we hear by the end of the week, we will probably get the date of February 21st. That is also Nick's birthday and what a wonderful way to celebrate this year!!!!!!!!!! If we don't hear until next week, we are looking more at the 28th which conflict with Nick's work. Please join us in storming the Heavens for an Embassy date of the 21st!!!!!!!!! We would love to go get our little boy and bring him home.
Kelly
Kelly
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Happy 10th Birthday Kassie!!!!!!!!!!!!
Kassie, thanks for a great 10 years! You are such a special daughter! Thanks for all your help for your grandparents with the little girls while we were gone last week. Here's to another great year!
Love you lots,
Mom
Love you lots,
Mom
Happy belated Birthday Kaitlyn!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Kaitilyn turned 13 on Sunday! Yikes! Another teenager in the house! Sorry I wasn't able to post on our actually birthday! Jetleg. Do I need to say more? Your dad and I were so glad to share Ethiopia with you. You are such a special daughter. Thanks for all the memories.
Love,
Mom
Love,
Mom
Addis - Friday January 28th, 2011
I took a Tylenol PM as soon as we boarded and got roughly 2 hours of sleep. Not nearly as much as I wanted. The seat was painly uncomfortable and
it hurt to lean back. My head was congested, sinus full, teeth hurt, nose was running and sore. I was miserable to say the least.
We made it to Amsterdam early and had to rego through security immediately after getting off the plane. We found our gate and the boys stayed with the suitcases while the women went to find McDonald's. We are traveling with 2 other families that were at HH with us. While walking back to our gate, we were meet by Nick who was looking for us. They had begun checking people through for our next flight to Minneapolis.
I was not looking forward to another 9 hour flight. They took all our water before getting on the plane, so I managed to swallow another Tylenol PM without any. I slept another 1 1/2 hours. I woke up as they were serving food. I watched a movie, walked around to stretch out, and checked our flight status hoping to be almost to Minneapolis. We still had 5 hours left. Ugh!!!!!!!!!!!
I wonder what our little boy thought when we didn't show up today? I am going to facebook another family that is there this week seeing their two toddlers and see if they can check on Y for me. As I journaled this on the plane, we were still over the ocean. We had travelled 2,472 miles and had 1,758 miles to go. We were traveling at 534 miles per hour.
More than 3 hours to go. I watched another movie and continued to think about and miss our little boy. I prayed for him again and for a quick return trip. I plan to get home, unpack, and get ready to repack for a moments notice to make this terribly long trip again to pick up Y for good. I prayed again for Y's birthmom who loves him so much and took such great care of him in spite of her curcumstances.
We eventually made it back to Minneapolis. It felt so good to be back on American soil again. Kate and I found McDonalds again and Nick ate at A & W. We were so exhausted at this point and just wanted to be home. We finally boared our last flight to Minneapolis. Nick had to take unsitely pictures of Kate and I and posted them to facebook. Thanks Nick.
We were so glad when we finally arrived in Bismarck at 4:30 pm. We got our luggage and headed for home. One stop at Walmart on the way out of town and we were on our way. The road conditions were deteriating and it made for slow driving. Several cars were in the ditch. Nick struggled to keep his eyes open to drive and Kate fell asleep as soon as we got in the truck.
The girls were waiting for us when we got home and came outside to greet us and carry in the luggage. Nick showered and went straight to bed. Kate went right up the stairs and went to sleep. I tried to talk to the little girls a little bit and eat some of the supper they had prepared for us. By 7:15 I was in bed too. With the time change, we had hardly slept in the last two days.
Thank you Jesus for getting us home safely and watching over the kids and Grandpa and Grandma while we were gone. Please watch over little Y until we are able to go back for him. Continue to be with Y's birthmom and comfort her heart.
Thank you to everyone who has prayed for us throughout this journey. We so appreciated your thoughts and prayers.
Sorry if these posts got long, but we wanted to have the story for Y to read someday when he is ready and able.
Kelly
it hurt to lean back. My head was congested, sinus full, teeth hurt, nose was running and sore. I was miserable to say the least.
We made it to Amsterdam early and had to rego through security immediately after getting off the plane. We found our gate and the boys stayed with the suitcases while the women went to find McDonald's. We are traveling with 2 other families that were at HH with us. While walking back to our gate, we were meet by Nick who was looking for us. They had begun checking people through for our next flight to Minneapolis.
I was not looking forward to another 9 hour flight. They took all our water before getting on the plane, so I managed to swallow another Tylenol PM without any. I slept another 1 1/2 hours. I woke up as they were serving food. I watched a movie, walked around to stretch out, and checked our flight status hoping to be almost to Minneapolis. We still had 5 hours left. Ugh!!!!!!!!!!!
I wonder what our little boy thought when we didn't show up today? I am going to facebook another family that is there this week seeing their two toddlers and see if they can check on Y for me. As I journaled this on the plane, we were still over the ocean. We had travelled 2,472 miles and had 1,758 miles to go. We were traveling at 534 miles per hour.
More than 3 hours to go. I watched another movie and continued to think about and miss our little boy. I prayed for him again and for a quick return trip. I plan to get home, unpack, and get ready to repack for a moments notice to make this terribly long trip again to pick up Y for good. I prayed again for Y's birthmom who loves him so much and took such great care of him in spite of her curcumstances.
We eventually made it back to Minneapolis. It felt so good to be back on American soil again. Kate and I found McDonalds again and Nick ate at A & W. We were so exhausted at this point and just wanted to be home. We finally boared our last flight to Minneapolis. Nick had to take unsitely pictures of Kate and I and posted them to facebook. Thanks Nick.
We were so glad when we finally arrived in Bismarck at 4:30 pm. We got our luggage and headed for home. One stop at Walmart on the way out of town and we were on our way. The road conditions were deteriating and it made for slow driving. Several cars were in the ditch. Nick struggled to keep his eyes open to drive and Kate fell asleep as soon as we got in the truck.
The girls were waiting for us when we got home and came outside to greet us and carry in the luggage. Nick showered and went straight to bed. Kate went right up the stairs and went to sleep. I tried to talk to the little girls a little bit and eat some of the supper they had prepared for us. By 7:15 I was in bed too. With the time change, we had hardly slept in the last two days.
Thank you Jesus for getting us home safely and watching over the kids and Grandpa and Grandma while we were gone. Please watch over little Y until we are able to go back for him. Continue to be with Y's birthmom and comfort her heart.
Thank you to everyone who has prayed for us throughout this journey. We so appreciated your thoughts and prayers.
Sorry if these posts got long, but we wanted to have the story for Y to read someday when he is ready and able.
Kelly
Addis - Thursday January 27th, 2011
I took a tylenol pm last night, but I couldn't sleep anyways. I was up at 2 am so I Skyped with the girls. They are lonely and ready to have us home. I just want to go see my little boy again. I can't believe we have to say goodbye today. I finished packing up everything we could. We ate breakfast and waited for Wass to pick us up at 10:30. At 11:00 we called and they thought we had gone shopping and would be there in 30 minutes. Ugh!!! So hard to wait!
When we got there, Y greeted us but was a little distant. He loved up dad lots, but I felt like he was avoiding me. I was very hurt by it all and so sad to be leaving anyway. Kate was playing with him too and I just wished she would just go play with the other kids instead. I sat in the sun holding the other kids and feeling sad. The two trip policy no longer seemed like a good idea.
I decided to go read books with Y. I had him go with me to the classroom to get books and stayed on that side as everyone else was on the otherside. I just wanted some alone time. Two other kids joined us for books. Y is so smart. He repeated many words after me. I loved holding him on my lap, kissing his cheeks.
Y eventually said "dad" and wanted to go find Nick. We picked up all the books and put them away first. He was so particular about making them neat and clean. He is very organized. He called out "dad, dad" and ran off to find Nick. We played together somemore until his lunch time. After lunch, it was more play time. He loves his remote control car. It has seen better days and the batteries are starting to die.
Finally, it was bathtime. I went in with him to find out about his routine and got to help with his bath. While waiting for his turn in the tub, he was sitting on a lower bunk and I was tickling him and kissing his cheeks. He kissed my cheeks several times and told me he loved me. Melt a mommas heart.
I helped with his bath. The kids just sit in the empty tub and rinse off with a bucket of water. I wonder what he will think of his first bath in a tub full of water? They use the same towel on all the kids. The poor kid who is last gets a pretty wet towel. We put his jammies on and went back outside to play somemore. Bathtime is between 2 and 3 pm.
We sat on the ground with Nick and Nick started rubbing Y's hands and face. I took out a bottle of Holy Water that a friend gave us for the trip. Nick traced a cross on Y's forehead. We then had Y do the same to Nick, Kate, and I.
My heart was breaking as I knew time was running out and we had to leave soon. Nick got him to film for the camera hello to each of us and his brother, sisters, grandpa, and grandma. He also said I love you to the three of us. It is so sweet.
Finally, we had to leave and go check out of our hotel. Some of the others wanted to come back and say goodbye again, but we didn't. We knew it would be too tough. We hugged Y and told him goodbye and that we loved him. We were all very brave and held it together. He said "tomorrow?" That broke my heart. What would he think tomorrow when the new families showed up and not us? No one was around to translate so we had to leave without explaining we wouldn't be back.
When we left the gates, Kate and I broke down in tears. I hope and pray we get a quick Embassy date to return. I want my little boy home so bad! We got back to the hotel and checked out. They let us put all our luggage in one room (4 families). We met back in the lobby as the staff from HH were going to pick us back up at 4:00 to go back and say goodbye at 5:00. We so didn't want to go back. I was tough last time and don't think I would have been again. God must not have either as the driver misunderstood our desire to return and didn't come. "Lost in translation" seems to be the phrase here. We decided to go eat supper instead and then head to the airport at 6 pm.
Our plane was scheduled to leave at midnight, but another family in our group was flying out at 10:30 pm. We all went to the airport at the same time. We waited several times in lines and went through 2 security checkpoints. The airport is smoking and the smoke was thick everywhere. It made me feel worse then I already felt.
Kate and I did some shopping and got some last minute gifts we weren't able to get on our previous shopping day. We saw several families traveling on trip 2 bringing kids home. How badly I wished Y was with us!
Kelly
When we got there, Y greeted us but was a little distant. He loved up dad lots, but I felt like he was avoiding me. I was very hurt by it all and so sad to be leaving anyway. Kate was playing with him too and I just wished she would just go play with the other kids instead. I sat in the sun holding the other kids and feeling sad. The two trip policy no longer seemed like a good idea.
I decided to go read books with Y. I had him go with me to the classroom to get books and stayed on that side as everyone else was on the otherside. I just wanted some alone time. Two other kids joined us for books. Y is so smart. He repeated many words after me. I loved holding him on my lap, kissing his cheeks.
Y eventually said "dad" and wanted to go find Nick. We picked up all the books and put them away first. He was so particular about making them neat and clean. He is very organized. He called out "dad, dad" and ran off to find Nick. We played together somemore until his lunch time. After lunch, it was more play time. He loves his remote control car. It has seen better days and the batteries are starting to die.
Finally, it was bathtime. I went in with him to find out about his routine and got to help with his bath. While waiting for his turn in the tub, he was sitting on a lower bunk and I was tickling him and kissing his cheeks. He kissed my cheeks several times and told me he loved me. Melt a mommas heart.
I helped with his bath. The kids just sit in the empty tub and rinse off with a bucket of water. I wonder what he will think of his first bath in a tub full of water? They use the same towel on all the kids. The poor kid who is last gets a pretty wet towel. We put his jammies on and went back outside to play somemore. Bathtime is between 2 and 3 pm.
We sat on the ground with Nick and Nick started rubbing Y's hands and face. I took out a bottle of Holy Water that a friend gave us for the trip. Nick traced a cross on Y's forehead. We then had Y do the same to Nick, Kate, and I.
My heart was breaking as I knew time was running out and we had to leave soon. Nick got him to film for the camera hello to each of us and his brother, sisters, grandpa, and grandma. He also said I love you to the three of us. It is so sweet.
Finally, we had to leave and go check out of our hotel. Some of the others wanted to come back and say goodbye again, but we didn't. We knew it would be too tough. We hugged Y and told him goodbye and that we loved him. We were all very brave and held it together. He said "tomorrow?" That broke my heart. What would he think tomorrow when the new families showed up and not us? No one was around to translate so we had to leave without explaining we wouldn't be back.
When we left the gates, Kate and I broke down in tears. I hope and pray we get a quick Embassy date to return. I want my little boy home so bad! We got back to the hotel and checked out. They let us put all our luggage in one room (4 families). We met back in the lobby as the staff from HH were going to pick us back up at 4:00 to go back and say goodbye at 5:00. We so didn't want to go back. I was tough last time and don't think I would have been again. God must not have either as the driver misunderstood our desire to return and didn't come. "Lost in translation" seems to be the phrase here. We decided to go eat supper instead and then head to the airport at 6 pm.
Our plane was scheduled to leave at midnight, but another family in our group was flying out at 10:30 pm. We all went to the airport at the same time. We waited several times in lines and went through 2 security checkpoints. The airport is smoking and the smoke was thick everywhere. It made me feel worse then I already felt.
Kate and I did some shopping and got some last minute gifts we weren't able to get on our previous shopping day. We saw several families traveling on trip 2 bringing kids home. How badly I wished Y was with us!
Kelly
Addis - Thursday January 27th, 2011
I am the only one up of course. Last day here to visit little Y. Bags are pretty much all packed. We don't go to HH until 10:30 am today. Wish we could go sooner. I want to spend as much time with our son as we can. The kids at home are ready to have us back and we miss them much too. Praying for safe flights and possibly some sleep this time.
Kelly
Kelly
Addis - Wednesday January 26, 2011 More from Nick
Since Kelly did the tough post (whew), I’m going to share some thoughts on “feeling” the power of prayer or maybe better said, I’ll share some thoughts on being aware of the power of other people’s prayers for you. Coupled to that, I will share with you one way the Lord has been getting the Breidenbach’s ready for this trip…,without us even knowing it (at least while it was happening) – the post may seem a bit convoluted as your read but I’ll try to pull it all together at the end.
Feeling the Power of Prayer:
Here’s how it all started, as I remember anyway: Kelly and I went to Adoration at our Parish in Napoleon on Friday morning at 5am. As we walked through the door, one of our friends met us as he was leaving and wished us safe travels…, then he said: “We’ve been praying for you and know we’ll keep praying for you while you’re over there….then he gave us a hug.” By way of metaphor, it felt like I was a balloon at that moment and the “breath of God” entered the balloon to start expanding it. As we knelt and prayed ourselves, another of our friends who happened to be praying before Jesus turned back to Kelly and I and waved….I was suddenly aware in my Spirit that she wasn’t just waving a greeting but sending us grace (wow, I can hardly see the screen through the tears in my eyes right now), “the breath of God” expanded the balloon a bit more. Another friend of ours was sitting across the aisle and I became aware that she, too, had been bringing us before Jesus – the balloon expanded more. I was reminded in almost an instant of the many people that had said the words “we’re praying for you” and the sensation of that reality continued.
We left the church and drove to our home, the balloon continued to expand as more and more people started their day and remembered us to God. On the way to the airport we received a text from some dear friends and I could feel the balloon continue to expand. Facebook posts, emails, etc.. ., all had the same effect. Over and over God breathed into us. .
God getting us ready:
You may not know this but neither Kelly nor I are travelers. I hadn’t ever flown prior to us being married when afterwards we flew to Florida for our honeymoon, while we enjoyed our time there ;) much of our heart’s cry was to just get back home. In fact, by the third day of Disney, we drove all over looking for a familiar restaurant chain (Burger King, Mcd’s or even Perkins) just so we could eat some common food and feel a little closer to home. One time when we went to Duluth for a weekend, Kelly was frightened by the kids (ethnic children) that were hanging out on the streets..., I don’t sleep well when my kids stay overnight at their friends house…, I just like being home and having my family, however dysfunctional we are, gathered around me.
Anyway, when we got here, one of the first things we did is go for a walk where we greeted and visited (at least tried to visit) with any and every one we met. We hung out on the street, walked through the market and spent time in the field across from our hotel. As I did a playback of these events in my head I wondered why Kelly and Kate were so courageous and how I never thought twice about going up to folks who don’t speak my language and engage them in conversation. As I thought through this in my mind’s eye I saw the two enormous Angels (dang tears again) that are on my right and left and now I am frequently aware of them as we are out and about. Let me be clear, I really don’t think we have been close to any danger (except for the bus and van rides – sheesh) and the Ethiopian people are beautiful and wonderful…I just know that they are there, because of the prayers and, in part, for the following reason:
I’m taking a hard turn here and it may seem that the next sentences aren’t connected but by the end I hope it makes sense. Kelly and I have the privilege of being in a bible study with a group of people from our Parish. We are going through the gospel of Matthew with Jeff Cavins. The theme of the study is the coming of the Kingdom and we recently went through a study of some of the miracles of Jesus. When we talked about the healing of the leper we learned how Jesus’ Kingdom is different from the Old Covenant in that with the old covenant one was defiled by the sin and “uncleanliness” that was around them and believers could make no positive impact on their environment. In Jesus’ Kingdom, there is a power where we do make an impact, and by His Grace, we bring healing and forgiveness to the fallen world we are in. In the Old Covenant the Jews were commanded to separated themselves from sinners and lepers because they would be defiled by them – in the Kingdom of Jesus we are commanded to go to the sinners and lepers to heal and bring forgiveness. I know I don’t explain this well but I hope you get the gist of the teaching.
Here’s the practical implication and how the power of your prayers along with all of God’s preparation have made a difference: I have always been fearful of AIDS…, it’s a mysterious deadly disease associated with terrible sin. I have always thought that AIDS was a punishment for sinful lifestyles and in the case of adult who contract it, just punishment. Well, as we have been here not a day has gone by where we haven’t played with child or two who have the disease and as I look back I haven’t thought twice about snuggling the kids into my neck or rolling around with them on the ground, or just holding them and rubbing their backs or stroking their hair. I have loved these little ones in a way that makes no sense to me and I can bring some comfort (at least a gentle touch) to them that comes not from me a touch that doesn’t defile me but brings Christ’s presence to the situation…. Maybe one of the reasons God has called us here is for my own healing.
Again, thanks for your prayers and the love you have shown us through your concern and support we really do feel we have a strength like Samson and a Love that resembles that of Jesus.
Nick
Feeling the Power of Prayer:
Here’s how it all started, as I remember anyway: Kelly and I went to Adoration at our Parish in Napoleon on Friday morning at 5am. As we walked through the door, one of our friends met us as he was leaving and wished us safe travels…, then he said: “We’ve been praying for you and know we’ll keep praying for you while you’re over there….then he gave us a hug.” By way of metaphor, it felt like I was a balloon at that moment and the “breath of God” entered the balloon to start expanding it. As we knelt and prayed ourselves, another of our friends who happened to be praying before Jesus turned back to Kelly and I and waved….I was suddenly aware in my Spirit that she wasn’t just waving a greeting but sending us grace (wow, I can hardly see the screen through the tears in my eyes right now), “the breath of God” expanded the balloon a bit more. Another friend of ours was sitting across the aisle and I became aware that she, too, had been bringing us before Jesus – the balloon expanded more. I was reminded in almost an instant of the many people that had said the words “we’re praying for you” and the sensation of that reality continued.
We left the church and drove to our home, the balloon continued to expand as more and more people started their day and remembered us to God. On the way to the airport we received a text from some dear friends and I could feel the balloon continue to expand. Facebook posts, emails, etc.. ., all had the same effect. Over and over God breathed into us. .
God getting us ready:
You may not know this but neither Kelly nor I are travelers. I hadn’t ever flown prior to us being married when afterwards we flew to Florida for our honeymoon, while we enjoyed our time there ;) much of our heart’s cry was to just get back home. In fact, by the third day of Disney, we drove all over looking for a familiar restaurant chain (Burger King, Mcd’s or even Perkins) just so we could eat some common food and feel a little closer to home. One time when we went to Duluth for a weekend, Kelly was frightened by the kids (ethnic children) that were hanging out on the streets..., I don’t sleep well when my kids stay overnight at their friends house…, I just like being home and having my family, however dysfunctional we are, gathered around me.
Anyway, when we got here, one of the first things we did is go for a walk where we greeted and visited (at least tried to visit) with any and every one we met. We hung out on the street, walked through the market and spent time in the field across from our hotel. As I did a playback of these events in my head I wondered why Kelly and Kate were so courageous and how I never thought twice about going up to folks who don’t speak my language and engage them in conversation. As I thought through this in my mind’s eye I saw the two enormous Angels (dang tears again) that are on my right and left and now I am frequently aware of them as we are out and about. Let me be clear, I really don’t think we have been close to any danger (except for the bus and van rides – sheesh) and the Ethiopian people are beautiful and wonderful…I just know that they are there, because of the prayers and, in part, for the following reason:
I’m taking a hard turn here and it may seem that the next sentences aren’t connected but by the end I hope it makes sense. Kelly and I have the privilege of being in a bible study with a group of people from our Parish. We are going through the gospel of Matthew with Jeff Cavins. The theme of the study is the coming of the Kingdom and we recently went through a study of some of the miracles of Jesus. When we talked about the healing of the leper we learned how Jesus’ Kingdom is different from the Old Covenant in that with the old covenant one was defiled by the sin and “uncleanliness” that was around them and believers could make no positive impact on their environment. In Jesus’ Kingdom, there is a power where we do make an impact, and by His Grace, we bring healing and forgiveness to the fallen world we are in. In the Old Covenant the Jews were commanded to separated themselves from sinners and lepers because they would be defiled by them – in the Kingdom of Jesus we are commanded to go to the sinners and lepers to heal and bring forgiveness. I know I don’t explain this well but I hope you get the gist of the teaching.
Here’s the practical implication and how the power of your prayers along with all of God’s preparation have made a difference: I have always been fearful of AIDS…, it’s a mysterious deadly disease associated with terrible sin. I have always thought that AIDS was a punishment for sinful lifestyles and in the case of adult who contract it, just punishment. Well, as we have been here not a day has gone by where we haven’t played with child or two who have the disease and as I look back I haven’t thought twice about snuggling the kids into my neck or rolling around with them on the ground, or just holding them and rubbing their backs or stroking their hair. I have loved these little ones in a way that makes no sense to me and I can bring some comfort (at least a gentle touch) to them that comes not from me a touch that doesn’t defile me but brings Christ’s presence to the situation…. Maybe one of the reasons God has called us here is for my own healing.
Again, thanks for your prayers and the love you have shown us through your concern and support we really do feel we have a strength like Samson and a Love that resembles that of Jesus.
Nick
Addis - Wednesday January 26th, 2011 Random Thoughts
Some experiences that touched me.
1. The second day we were at Hannah’s hope I was playing with the kids and giving piggy back rides. We were all laughing and having a great time. The “special moms” (caregivers) brought in a 4 year old downs syndrome girl. She came over to me while I was giving “Y” a ride. She threw her arms around my neck and gave me a big kiss on my cheek. She then picked my hand off the floor and kissed my hand. I picked her up and put her on my back and gave her a ride. She hung on so tight and giggled heartily. She won me over big time. Over the rest of the week I found myself looking for her every time we were at HH. I noticed that she was always being held and came to learn that she is a favorite of the Special Moms and oh how they love on her. This was truly beauty to be witnessed. By the way, her new adoptive parents arrived at Hannah’s Hope today to spend time with her as they await their court day.
2. On the ride from court, Kelly and “Y”s birth mom sat together on the bus. I was sitting behind them so I could see their interaction. “Y”s mom tried to communicate something to her and Kelly reached in her bag to pull out a photo album Kate put together for the birth mom. Kelly placed it in her hands and she gently stroked the cover picture of her son as she wept. Kelly turned the pages for her and as she got to another picture of “Y” the birth mom picked up the book and kissed the picture. Both women wept as they looked over each page and as they got done they tightly held each other’s hand as they continued to cry.
3. We met with “Y”s birth mom after the bus ride and had the opportunity to ask her questions and also give her information. The translator started the meeting with some small talk and in that asked if she was comfortable. “Y”s birth mom told her that as soon as she saw us in the court building she was at peace. She then went on to say that she knows Kelly and I are an answer to her prayers (this took my breath away).
4. We asked why she gave “Y” his name. She told this story. Before she had given birth, she became very ill. “Y” was born and she was so sick that she could not take food or water. Her face and body on one side had become paralyzed. Because she could not take food or drink herself, she was unable to feed the newborn babe. She was certain they would both die. The sacristian from the church came over and blessed her with Holy Water and prayed over her. She got better and “Y” survived. She named “Y” a word that means “GOD IS ABLE” as it was because of God that both are living today.
Nick
1. The second day we were at Hannah’s hope I was playing with the kids and giving piggy back rides. We were all laughing and having a great time. The “special moms” (caregivers) brought in a 4 year old downs syndrome girl. She came over to me while I was giving “Y” a ride. She threw her arms around my neck and gave me a big kiss on my cheek. She then picked my hand off the floor and kissed my hand. I picked her up and put her on my back and gave her a ride. She hung on so tight and giggled heartily. She won me over big time. Over the rest of the week I found myself looking for her every time we were at HH. I noticed that she was always being held and came to learn that she is a favorite of the Special Moms and oh how they love on her. This was truly beauty to be witnessed. By the way, her new adoptive parents arrived at Hannah’s Hope today to spend time with her as they await their court day.
2. On the ride from court, Kelly and “Y”s birth mom sat together on the bus. I was sitting behind them so I could see their interaction. “Y”s mom tried to communicate something to her and Kelly reached in her bag to pull out a photo album Kate put together for the birth mom. Kelly placed it in her hands and she gently stroked the cover picture of her son as she wept. Kelly turned the pages for her and as she got to another picture of “Y” the birth mom picked up the book and kissed the picture. Both women wept as they looked over each page and as they got done they tightly held each other’s hand as they continued to cry.
3. We met with “Y”s birth mom after the bus ride and had the opportunity to ask her questions and also give her information. The translator started the meeting with some small talk and in that asked if she was comfortable. “Y”s birth mom told her that as soon as she saw us in the court building she was at peace. She then went on to say that she knows Kelly and I are an answer to her prayers (this took my breath away).
4. We asked why she gave “Y” his name. She told this story. Before she had given birth, she became very ill. “Y” was born and she was so sick that she could not take food or water. Her face and body on one side had become paralyzed. Because she could not take food or drink herself, she was unable to feed the newborn babe. She was certain they would both die. The sacristian from the church came over and blessed her with Holy Water and prayed over her. She got better and “Y” survived. She named “Y” a word that means “GOD IS ABLE” as it was because of God that both are living today.
Nick
Addis - Wednesday January 26th, 2011
Today was a long and exhausting day. Didn’t get the Tylenol pm last night so sleep was sparse. Over a week with little to no sleep is really making me feel my age or older. We had court first thing this morning. The bus picked us up around 9:15 and headed to the court house. We made a stop along the way and the driver announced he was getting little “Y’s” mom. I got very nervous. I don’t know why . I just wasn’t prepared to meet her yet. We were in the back of the bus and she got in and sat in the front. I began to pray for her and how nervous and scared she must be.
We arrived at court and entered a small packed room. We stood for a while and eventually seats opened up and they were right beside his birthmom. Nick motioned for me to go sit. I went, but did not say a word. Shortly there after, the birthparents were all called. They went in as a group. They were done within 5 minutes. We were called next. All four of us families were called in together. We were the only ones with an child so Kaitlyn came in with us. They went through the litany of questions which basically all could be answered with a yes. The last thing the lady said was “OK that’s it the children are all yours.” I couldn’t believe I had heard those words. It took a second to sink in and then the tears flowed. I am so glad we all passed on the first time.
We walked out of the room and back into the waiting area. Nick went back and sat on one side of Y’s mom and I sat on the other. We embraced her and cried together. It was so hard to see her pain. I know she loves him very much and is doing what she thinks is best for him and to make sure he is taken care of. We went back to the bus and I sat beside her. She motioned that Nick, Kaitlyn, and I were all together and I said yes. Then I took her photo album out and showed her pictures of Y. She cried and kissed his face. We looked through the book and saw more pictures of him, pictures of our whole family, and pictures of our house with his bedroom. She was so glad to see Kaitlyn there and kissed her picture too. She tried to hand the album back and I told her no, it was hers to keep. She hugged that book some more. It is all she has left of the son she loves soooo much. We cried together and embraced each other.
We got back to HH and she walked in first and Y ran to her smiling and hugged her. I know how much she loved him, him her, and how well he was cared for. The bm went into the office and Y talked with her only briefly. He can outside to play with his “makina” (car). We had brought a remote control car with and it was a life saver. Within 20 minutes we were told it was our turn to meet with her and ask any questions we had. Y chose not to be a part of it and they respected his desire to not come in. He and Kaitlyn went back to find the “makina”. We were able to get many of our questions answered. They pretty much took us away as soon as the meeting was over. It allowed us time to collect ourselves and get a bite to eat and for Y and his mom to eat and have a little time together alone.
The driver came back for us in and hour and half and we went back to HH to see our kids. Y was visiting with his bm when we walked in. We went to our usual spot and they came and sat by us. She was the only family that was still there. She sat with us for a few hours while she waited for her bus to leave. It was good for her to see Y play with us and be happy. He interacted with her. Smiled at her and talked with her. We were able to get many photos together with him playing around us all.
Finally it was time for her to leave. He got very quite and kept his sunglasses on. He hugged her goodbye and she left. They let us stay a while longer and comfort him which was good. I think it was a good bonding time. I took Y and walked around with him in my arms with his head on my shoulder. It is so much for a 5 year old to process especially when the love between them was so great. It breaks my heart to think we have to leave him tomorrow. He keeps his feeling stuffed inside but you can sense the pain. We will pray for a quick embassy date as we need to get him home with us when he is so confused and sad right now.
We are staying in tonight. We are completely exhausted emotionally and physically. We aren’t even going down for dinner. I already got my Tylenol pm and plan to go to bed early tonight. Tomorrow will be another hard day saying goodbye. I know the special mothers at HH are so wonderful, loving, and caring on all the kiddos, but our little guy is hurting so badly right now that I just need to get him home. It is soooooo hard.
Thanks for all your prayers and support. Missing our kids back home. Just want to get everyone together under one roof. May God bless you all and keep our little boy in your prayers tonight.
Kelly
We arrived at court and entered a small packed room. We stood for a while and eventually seats opened up and they were right beside his birthmom. Nick motioned for me to go sit. I went, but did not say a word. Shortly there after, the birthparents were all called. They went in as a group. They were done within 5 minutes. We were called next. All four of us families were called in together. We were the only ones with an child so Kaitlyn came in with us. They went through the litany of questions which basically all could be answered with a yes. The last thing the lady said was “OK that’s it the children are all yours.” I couldn’t believe I had heard those words. It took a second to sink in and then the tears flowed. I am so glad we all passed on the first time.
We walked out of the room and back into the waiting area. Nick went back and sat on one side of Y’s mom and I sat on the other. We embraced her and cried together. It was so hard to see her pain. I know she loves him very much and is doing what she thinks is best for him and to make sure he is taken care of. We went back to the bus and I sat beside her. She motioned that Nick, Kaitlyn, and I were all together and I said yes. Then I took her photo album out and showed her pictures of Y. She cried and kissed his face. We looked through the book and saw more pictures of him, pictures of our whole family, and pictures of our house with his bedroom. She was so glad to see Kaitlyn there and kissed her picture too. She tried to hand the album back and I told her no, it was hers to keep. She hugged that book some more. It is all she has left of the son she loves soooo much. We cried together and embraced each other.
We got back to HH and she walked in first and Y ran to her smiling and hugged her. I know how much she loved him, him her, and how well he was cared for. The bm went into the office and Y talked with her only briefly. He can outside to play with his “makina” (car). We had brought a remote control car with and it was a life saver. Within 20 minutes we were told it was our turn to meet with her and ask any questions we had. Y chose not to be a part of it and they respected his desire to not come in. He and Kaitlyn went back to find the “makina”. We were able to get many of our questions answered. They pretty much took us away as soon as the meeting was over. It allowed us time to collect ourselves and get a bite to eat and for Y and his mom to eat and have a little time together alone.
The driver came back for us in and hour and half and we went back to HH to see our kids. Y was visiting with his bm when we walked in. We went to our usual spot and they came and sat by us. She was the only family that was still there. She sat with us for a few hours while she waited for her bus to leave. It was good for her to see Y play with us and be happy. He interacted with her. Smiled at her and talked with her. We were able to get many photos together with him playing around us all.
Finally it was time for her to leave. He got very quite and kept his sunglasses on. He hugged her goodbye and she left. They let us stay a while longer and comfort him which was good. I think it was a good bonding time. I took Y and walked around with him in my arms with his head on my shoulder. It is so much for a 5 year old to process especially when the love between them was so great. It breaks my heart to think we have to leave him tomorrow. He keeps his feeling stuffed inside but you can sense the pain. We will pray for a quick embassy date as we need to get him home with us when he is so confused and sad right now.
We are staying in tonight. We are completely exhausted emotionally and physically. We aren’t even going down for dinner. I already got my Tylenol pm and plan to go to bed early tonight. Tomorrow will be another hard day saying goodbye. I know the special mothers at HH are so wonderful, loving, and caring on all the kiddos, but our little guy is hurting so badly right now that I just need to get him home. It is soooooo hard.
Thanks for all your prayers and support. Missing our kids back home. Just want to get everyone together under one roof. May God bless you all and keep our little boy in your prayers tonight.
Kelly
Addis - Tuesday January 25th, 2011
Slept this morning until 6:30…wow that Tylenol PM really worked for Kate and Kelly. Had breakfast with our traveling group and left for Hannah’s Hope by 9:30. “Y” ran up to mom with a big grin and wrapped his arms around her – HOORAY!
Played with the kiddos for a couple of hours. Lots of fun. Blew bubbels and spilled the soap all over the courtyard. Drew pictures and laughed and giggled. Stayed until lunch time and watched “Y” eat about 3 servings of spaghetti (his favorite food). We think they are trying to fatten him up. At one point, one of the assistant received a call notifying her that “Y”s birth mom was in transit for the court appointment tomorrow…,it is a two day trip for her.
Went to an Ethiopian Italian restaurant (is that an oxymoron?). Kelly went safe today with a 4 cheese pizza. Kate had lasagna and Nick had Whiskey Braised Beef Loin. Food was really good. Bought a couple of piece of art from the restaurant and they took about 25% off when they found out we were adopting. We learned that the owner is so thankful for adoptive families so that the Ethiopian Children are taken care of and not left on the street. One couple told us that he began to weep with them when they told him their adoption story.
After lunch we went to the market. Nick hates shopping anyway but this was crazy. The shops were no more than 10 x 12 foot rooms and they were packed with stuff. Prices were cheap but it was hard to swallow the prices at first until we did the conversion as the Ethiopian Birr is at a 17:1 exchange rate. Got “Y” a traditional outfit and some gifts for the kids. There were no prices on any merchandise so you had to barter for everything. We bought a drum for 500 birr and another couple was told it was 450 – oh well.
Supper consisted of beef jerky, granola bars, fruit snacks and nuts in our hotel room as we were all too tired to go out tonight.
As mentioned earlier, court is tomorrow (at which time we become “Y”s legal parents) and after court we have a meeting with the birth mom to ask her any questions we might have. Some things we’d like to know are as follows: What was “Ys” home like? Did he live in a rural or metropolitan area? What are his favorites…foods, music, animals, stories, etc? Was he taught Jesus? Is he baptized? What is he scared of? How is he calmed? What did his dad do for work? We would like to have facts about his birth family that we can tell him as he grows.
We have mixed feelings about tomorrow. In one sense we are so excited to have this part of the journey over. We also feel very deeply for “Ys” birth mom and what tomorrow will be like for her and for “Y”. “Y” attends the meeting. We hope to be a blessing for “ys” mom tomorrow. If you can spare a prayer or two please remember us to the Lord and ask that we be filled by the Holy Spirit to have great wisdom and the ability to share His love with this woman who must be hurting greatly.
Oh yeah, we wanted Kate to get educated on this trip…, today she saw two guys peeing in public on a fence and a lady at the market feed her baby…., the old fashioned way
If you are reading this you are likely in our prayers – thank God for you!
Nick
Played with the kiddos for a couple of hours. Lots of fun. Blew bubbels and spilled the soap all over the courtyard. Drew pictures and laughed and giggled. Stayed until lunch time and watched “Y” eat about 3 servings of spaghetti (his favorite food). We think they are trying to fatten him up. At one point, one of the assistant received a call notifying her that “Y”s birth mom was in transit for the court appointment tomorrow…,it is a two day trip for her.
Went to an Ethiopian Italian restaurant (is that an oxymoron?). Kelly went safe today with a 4 cheese pizza. Kate had lasagna and Nick had Whiskey Braised Beef Loin. Food was really good. Bought a couple of piece of art from the restaurant and they took about 25% off when they found out we were adopting. We learned that the owner is so thankful for adoptive families so that the Ethiopian Children are taken care of and not left on the street. One couple told us that he began to weep with them when they told him their adoption story.
After lunch we went to the market. Nick hates shopping anyway but this was crazy. The shops were no more than 10 x 12 foot rooms and they were packed with stuff. Prices were cheap but it was hard to swallow the prices at first until we did the conversion as the Ethiopian Birr is at a 17:1 exchange rate. Got “Y” a traditional outfit and some gifts for the kids. There were no prices on any merchandise so you had to barter for everything. We bought a drum for 500 birr and another couple was told it was 450 – oh well.
Supper consisted of beef jerky, granola bars, fruit snacks and nuts in our hotel room as we were all too tired to go out tonight.
As mentioned earlier, court is tomorrow (at which time we become “Y”s legal parents) and after court we have a meeting with the birth mom to ask her any questions we might have. Some things we’d like to know are as follows: What was “Ys” home like? Did he live in a rural or metropolitan area? What are his favorites…foods, music, animals, stories, etc? Was he taught Jesus? Is he baptized? What is he scared of? How is he calmed? What did his dad do for work? We would like to have facts about his birth family that we can tell him as he grows.
We have mixed feelings about tomorrow. In one sense we are so excited to have this part of the journey over. We also feel very deeply for “Ys” birth mom and what tomorrow will be like for her and for “Y”. “Y” attends the meeting. We hope to be a blessing for “ys” mom tomorrow. If you can spare a prayer or two please remember us to the Lord and ask that we be filled by the Holy Spirit to have great wisdom and the ability to share His love with this woman who must be hurting greatly.
Oh yeah, we wanted Kate to get educated on this trip…, today she saw two guys peeing in public on a fence and a lady at the market feed her baby…., the old fashioned way
If you are reading this you are likely in our prayers – thank God for you!
Nick
More Monday January 24th, 2011
Afternoon and Night Addis day 3. (Steph, tear level orange “safe”)
Long day today. I already posted about Kelly and Kate’s new sleep pattern and I am trying be a better husband and father so I won’t obsess any longer about the fact that they are causing me much mental anguish and stress and if they really loved me they would do everything in their power to let me get some much needed rest…as Wilma inferred in Bible Study a month ago, if I’m going for beauty rest – I’m not getting enough…oh yeah, I wasn’t going to obsess.
Anyway, we went to breakfast this morning. Kelly had an omelet with ketchup and a coffee with 6 scoops of sugar. Kate had toast and a coffee with 9 scoops of sugar. I had 4 coffees which consisted of 4 espresso shots, 1 tbls of milk froth and 2 teaspoons of sugar…have I mentioned I REALLY like the Ethiopian coffee? After breakfast we went to Hannah’s Hope. Kelly and I had a meeting with the director and Kate played with the all the older kids. Our meeting went well. We along with the three other couples with us (great people by the way) were all challenged about our resolve for adopting. I was very impressed by the way the director was so blunt and straightforward. Made all of us comfortable that she is singularly focused on the good of the children. She also reviewed the court process with us to prepare for Wednesday. Another part of our time with the director was her setting the stage for our day. She told us that we shouldn’t apply U.S. standards to the way Ethiopians do things, especially in assessing orphanages. Some may not be the most clean, some may not give daily baths, or have diapers, or have 3 good meals everyday… ‘cause that’s just not possible when there are millions – yes millions of orphaned children. The facilities may be substandard and understaffed but they exist to take care of as many kids as they can and if they didn’t the kids would be starving on the streets or worse if you’d like to imagine worse (I don’t want to). This opened our eyes a bit and helps me to be much more grateful for the work they do here.
When we got out of the meeting, Kelly and I went down to the courtyard with Kate… the kiddos were swarming around her like flies in …well, you know. She did a great job loving on them. Some of the kids call her momma or auntie. We played with balloons, painted toe and fingernails and just let the kids crawl all over us. I had up to five on my lab at once – a little sucker goo, fingernail polish, and snot make for a good time – who knew!
We left the orphanage at lunch time and came back to our hotel. Kelly and Kate had lunch while I went up to bed for a long needed nap as I have been suffering at the hand of a wife and child that give no thought to denying what CS Lewis calls one of God’s great blessings (sleep). I can hardly believe they are so rude…….am I obsessing again ….let it go, Nick. Anyway, I slept for an hour and Kelly and Kate had lunch. Both ordered pancakes and because they had asked for ketchup on their eggs, the chef (I use the term loosely, here) garnished their pancakes with what he thought was their favorite condiment – ketchup. Not what they expected, but better than the thought of a hamburger…I did already write about the meat shop in a previous post.
After lunch we took a drive, they don’t use blinkers here and don’t stop for pedestrians, to Bethsada orphanage. They had 50 children in residence and it is from here that agencies like Hannah’s Hope places kids. The place was a beautiful home that was worn a bit by lack of upkeep. Smelled like urine and other fragrance less pleasing to the nose. The staff was absolutely wonderful and loving to the kids. We witnessed them feeding some young girls that were blind, deaf, and paralyzed – they staff was so gentle with them. Suckers were handed out and little ones came out of the woodwork swarming to our group like, well metaphorically speaking…., never mind, you get the idea. I continue to be amazed at how these itty bitty, malnourished waifs come up to the big, bald guy and demand he pick them up and hug on them. More snot. More sucker goo. A little bit of pee. Some drool and leftover lunch. Another great time. Witnessed a couple of families that came to say goodbye to the children they were giving up for adoption…, I think a mom and uncle and grandma (maybe). Oy was that hard to see. When they come for the last time, they come with smiles and affirmations to send the kids off on a good note but beyond the whiter than white smiles you see sadness in the eyes and shoulders that quite frankly take your breath away…. Add tears to the snot, sucker goo, pee, drool and lunch we were covered in. Heartbreaking for sure.
Went back to Hannah’s Hope and Kelly took out a remote controlled car for “Y” and his buddies to play with. Fun, Fun, Fun. Like all boys it wasn’t too long and ramps started being set up to see if the little jeep could jump or not. Played for an hour or so, then watched the kids eat and brush their teeth, then come inside to play. We went with the older kids and played with blocks, toy cell-phones, and other kid friendly stuff. “Y” ran up to me and said dad, dad, bad man, come. He pulled me to a window and pointed to a construction site across the alley where some guys were squatting (meaning living on a property they didn’t own). Wrapped up our time did lots of hugs and then left for a traditional Ethiopian supper at a restaurant.
Supper. You may or may not know that Kelly is absolutely opposed to adventurous eating. I often say that sour cream is just a little too spicy for her. Needless to say, both she and Kate packed granola bars for this event as the Ethiopian Cuisine is quite spicy….that and they are scared of the meat, fruit, vegetables, and sauces. The diner was awesome and quite out of character all three of us tried the food and drink (honey wine….very strong and sweet). We had injera, a pancake like bread that one eats with their hands, which we used to scoop up beef, chicken, chickpea porridge stuff, beans, and spices. I loved the experience and was so proud of Kelly and Kate. We also had a fish dish that I didn’t try but Kate ate quite a bit of. Hopefully we won’t get any parasites. Dessert was popcorn. During the meal performers danced and sang and we came to understand the dance the “Y” does (Kate videotaped him today shaking his stuff). It is a dance from his village and awesome to watch and connect to his heritage.
Well, I’m shot. You see, Kelly and Kate don’t let me sleep. I think it is because Kate doesn’t honor her father and Kelly is far from submissive….just kidding. I’m going to bed and I hear both of them snoring.
Thanks to all for the prayers. I have mentioned before that we actually “feel” them which is an experience that I intend to write about in more detail some time when my brain is working a little better. God Bless!
Kelly
Long day today. I already posted about Kelly and Kate’s new sleep pattern and I am trying be a better husband and father so I won’t obsess any longer about the fact that they are causing me much mental anguish and stress and if they really loved me they would do everything in their power to let me get some much needed rest…as Wilma inferred in Bible Study a month ago, if I’m going for beauty rest – I’m not getting enough…oh yeah, I wasn’t going to obsess.
Anyway, we went to breakfast this morning. Kelly had an omelet with ketchup and a coffee with 6 scoops of sugar. Kate had toast and a coffee with 9 scoops of sugar. I had 4 coffees which consisted of 4 espresso shots, 1 tbls of milk froth and 2 teaspoons of sugar…have I mentioned I REALLY like the Ethiopian coffee? After breakfast we went to Hannah’s Hope. Kelly and I had a meeting with the director and Kate played with the all the older kids. Our meeting went well. We along with the three other couples with us (great people by the way) were all challenged about our resolve for adopting. I was very impressed by the way the director was so blunt and straightforward. Made all of us comfortable that she is singularly focused on the good of the children. She also reviewed the court process with us to prepare for Wednesday. Another part of our time with the director was her setting the stage for our day. She told us that we shouldn’t apply U.S. standards to the way Ethiopians do things, especially in assessing orphanages. Some may not be the most clean, some may not give daily baths, or have diapers, or have 3 good meals everyday… ‘cause that’s just not possible when there are millions – yes millions of orphaned children. The facilities may be substandard and understaffed but they exist to take care of as many kids as they can and if they didn’t the kids would be starving on the streets or worse if you’d like to imagine worse (I don’t want to). This opened our eyes a bit and helps me to be much more grateful for the work they do here.
When we got out of the meeting, Kelly and I went down to the courtyard with Kate… the kiddos were swarming around her like flies in …well, you know. She did a great job loving on them. Some of the kids call her momma or auntie. We played with balloons, painted toe and fingernails and just let the kids crawl all over us. I had up to five on my lab at once – a little sucker goo, fingernail polish, and snot make for a good time – who knew!
We left the orphanage at lunch time and came back to our hotel. Kelly and Kate had lunch while I went up to bed for a long needed nap as I have been suffering at the hand of a wife and child that give no thought to denying what CS Lewis calls one of God’s great blessings (sleep). I can hardly believe they are so rude…….am I obsessing again ….let it go, Nick. Anyway, I slept for an hour and Kelly and Kate had lunch. Both ordered pancakes and because they had asked for ketchup on their eggs, the chef (I use the term loosely, here) garnished their pancakes with what he thought was their favorite condiment – ketchup. Not what they expected, but better than the thought of a hamburger…I did already write about the meat shop in a previous post.
After lunch we took a drive, they don’t use blinkers here and don’t stop for pedestrians, to Bethsada orphanage. They had 50 children in residence and it is from here that agencies like Hannah’s Hope places kids. The place was a beautiful home that was worn a bit by lack of upkeep. Smelled like urine and other fragrance less pleasing to the nose. The staff was absolutely wonderful and loving to the kids. We witnessed them feeding some young girls that were blind, deaf, and paralyzed – they staff was so gentle with them. Suckers were handed out and little ones came out of the woodwork swarming to our group like, well metaphorically speaking…., never mind, you get the idea. I continue to be amazed at how these itty bitty, malnourished waifs come up to the big, bald guy and demand he pick them up and hug on them. More snot. More sucker goo. A little bit of pee. Some drool and leftover lunch. Another great time. Witnessed a couple of families that came to say goodbye to the children they were giving up for adoption…, I think a mom and uncle and grandma (maybe). Oy was that hard to see. When they come for the last time, they come with smiles and affirmations to send the kids off on a good note but beyond the whiter than white smiles you see sadness in the eyes and shoulders that quite frankly take your breath away…. Add tears to the snot, sucker goo, pee, drool and lunch we were covered in. Heartbreaking for sure.
Went back to Hannah’s Hope and Kelly took out a remote controlled car for “Y” and his buddies to play with. Fun, Fun, Fun. Like all boys it wasn’t too long and ramps started being set up to see if the little jeep could jump or not. Played for an hour or so, then watched the kids eat and brush their teeth, then come inside to play. We went with the older kids and played with blocks, toy cell-phones, and other kid friendly stuff. “Y” ran up to me and said dad, dad, bad man, come. He pulled me to a window and pointed to a construction site across the alley where some guys were squatting (meaning living on a property they didn’t own). Wrapped up our time did lots of hugs and then left for a traditional Ethiopian supper at a restaurant.
Supper. You may or may not know that Kelly is absolutely opposed to adventurous eating. I often say that sour cream is just a little too spicy for her. Needless to say, both she and Kate packed granola bars for this event as the Ethiopian Cuisine is quite spicy….that and they are scared of the meat, fruit, vegetables, and sauces. The diner was awesome and quite out of character all three of us tried the food and drink (honey wine….very strong and sweet). We had injera, a pancake like bread that one eats with their hands, which we used to scoop up beef, chicken, chickpea porridge stuff, beans, and spices. I loved the experience and was so proud of Kelly and Kate. We also had a fish dish that I didn’t try but Kate ate quite a bit of. Hopefully we won’t get any parasites. Dessert was popcorn. During the meal performers danced and sang and we came to understand the dance the “Y” does (Kate videotaped him today shaking his stuff). It is a dance from his village and awesome to watch and connect to his heritage.
Well, I’m shot. You see, Kelly and Kate don’t let me sleep. I think it is because Kate doesn’t honor her father and Kelly is far from submissive….just kidding. I’m going to bed and I hear both of them snoring.
Thanks to all for the prayers. I have mentioned before that we actually “feel” them which is an experience that I intend to write about in more detail some time when my brain is working a little better. God Bless!
Kelly
Addis - Monday January 24th 2011
Warning (Steph): This will start with a smile and end with a tear - maybe. I thought it would be good to write about the importance of sleep. As I mentioned prior to us leaving, Kelly started waking up at 3am and instead of going back to bed she'd just stay up. This wasn't good because it meant she would want to start talking. Normally, I just fall asleep, regardless - in fact, and I am not proud to say this, at times I when I am having a hard time falling asleep, I will ask her a question and then just let my mind idle as she responds with excruciating detail and the "white noise" puts me out like a light. Ladies, please don't be offended....all men are like this. I am not saying that I don't listen, its just that we (men) have the ability to listen without having to think. Anyway, the 3am thing has 4 out of the last five days (the one day it didn't happen, we didn't sleep at all) but instead of letting me fall back to sleep I get wound up in what she is talking about and now I am utterly exhausted. I am taking the long way to get around to telling you about what happened last night but thought the background might help you see some of the humor. We went to bed at 11:30 Ethiopian time and I fell asleep really fast. Kate is staying in our room on a roll-away and its not the most sturdy piece of furniture, it creaks and croaks everytime she turns over. Kelly got up at 3am and engaged me in conversation by asking if I thought the Packers won.... Kate woke up when I went on the internet to see the score (Go Pack!) so she decided to crawl in bed with us. I shut the computer off and went back to bed. Kelly, as Kelly is now began a conversation.... not with me but with Kate and I discovered I absolutely can't go back to bed with the two of them debating. Finally, at 4:30 I let them both have a good but chewing and told them to go to sleep. I think I passed out at 5am and 10 minutes later I was falling out of the bed. You see, Kate kept snuggling into Kelly on the far side of the bed. Kelly would try to get away from her so she would snuggle into me. I was so dang hot I kept moving to the outside of the bed until finally I had no room left. I freaked on them both at about 5:30 and grabbed my pillows telling them how ridicoulous it was that they didn't respect me enough to let me get some rest. I stormed over to the roll-away and jumped in still berating both of them (as they giggled). I laid on the roll-away for less than a minute when I noticed there was a bar that ran under the mattress at midback level. I rolled over... and the bed folded up on me (God has a sense of humor). Kelly and Kate were in tears from laughter. Needless to say, I am going to see if they have another room availabe in the hotel tonight (just kidding).
Back to yesterday. As we watched the video of meeting "Y" last night a couple of things really stand out in my mind. One is the joy I remember in "Y" as he was sharing his "Breidenbach" family book with one of his freinds (another orphan who is about 8 years old). "Y" showed "G" the book and laughed and giggled as he chattered pointing to Cole on his wake board or to the pictures of Kate, Kassie, Kelsie and Kylie. "G" chattered back as he pointed to the pics of the kids on the go-cart and "Ys" room. Then they got done and "Y" took the book back....almost reverently putting it back into its plastic sleeve as he was protecting the item and relishing the fact that someone picked him. Then I remember the look on "Gs" face and I felt for him..., he wasn't picked... he has been in the orphanage for 4 months and living on the street with his little brother prior to that. He has seen so many other children picked.... so many other children go through their new family books and he is still there. UGGGGG!
Nick
Back to yesterday. As we watched the video of meeting "Y" last night a couple of things really stand out in my mind. One is the joy I remember in "Y" as he was sharing his "Breidenbach" family book with one of his freinds (another orphan who is about 8 years old). "Y" showed "G" the book and laughed and giggled as he chattered pointing to Cole on his wake board or to the pictures of Kate, Kassie, Kelsie and Kylie. "G" chattered back as he pointed to the pics of the kids on the go-cart and "Ys" room. Then they got done and "Y" took the book back....almost reverently putting it back into its plastic sleeve as he was protecting the item and relishing the fact that someone picked him. Then I remember the look on "Gs" face and I felt for him..., he wasn't picked... he has been in the orphanage for 4 months and living on the street with his little brother prior to that. He has seen so many other children picked.... so many other children go through their new family books and he is still there. UGGGGG!
Nick
More on Sunday January 23rd, 2011
Just had supper. I ate Ramen Noodles (not like our Ramen Noodles). Kate had crepes which were really good(I'll have that tomorrow). Nick ate Ethiopian tonight so we'll see if we need tape worm treatments when we get home.
Can't wait to go back to Hanna's Hope tomorrow to see our "Y" and the rest of the kids. We all had a great day today but we are also all ready for bed. Miss the kids at home.
Oh yeah! Go Pack Go!!!!
Kelly
Can't wait to go back to Hanna's Hope tomorrow to see our "Y" and the rest of the kids. We all had a great day today but we are also all ready for bed. Miss the kids at home.
Oh yeah! Go Pack Go!!!!
Kelly
Meet Ya Day - Sunday January 23rd, 2011
Just got done visiting our son and a bunch of kids at the orphange - the kiddos were awesome. They just got done giving "Y" a bath when we arrived. The "special mom" brought him out and he ran up and gave us a big hug (our hearts complete melted). We sat for a while and then Kelly gave him his "family" book - an assortment of pictures of the Breidenbach's, his new home, and even some pictures we got of him. He looked through them and then would point to the pictures and say "mom," "dad," and "kitelyn" (melted hearts got soupy). We played with a football, sunglasses, Nick's watch, said the ABCs and numbers. Then we did pony rides for "Y" and a few other kids. What a joy! Spent some time outside with the rest of the "older" kids (would have packed 'em all up and brought them home if they let us....and I'm not exaggerating). After we played frisbee for a while Kelly brought out her IPOD and pretty soon she had 10 kiddos swarming around her....to top this off she pulled out a box of teddy grahams and really became Miss Popular. What fun. They made us (and I do mean made) leave after about 2 and 1/2 hours. Kelly (whose heart is soupy already) got soggy and away we went. After giving us hugs (sniff, sniff) all the older kids stood on the stairs and waved us good bye.
I should also say that Kate was a big hit. She was sitting on the floor video taping us and the little girls and boys would come up and just hug her and not let go. She was in 2nd heaven.
Toured Addis a bit this morning. Kate and Kelly had a bunch of suckers and pretty soon little kids starting coming out of the woodwork (should say mudwork). I'd say they gave out 50 lollypops. Walked through the market about a mile down the road. Dirty, dirty, dirty but the people were very nice. Kelly and Kate thought it was cool that the people would all come and shake the hand of the big, bald, fat guy...and boy do I look big here. In the market they had small shops less than 60 square feet built out of sticks and mud or sticks and sheeting. They sold all kinds of stuff but most of it looked used. The people would walk around with branches and some kind of fruit that looked like a grape (maybe a cumquat?). Also there was three shops selling meat - I think a thin beef cow but could have been a big goat. It was up to about 80 degrees outside and the meat had been sitting there for hours in the open. People would come up and they'd shave some off the carcass and away they'd go... you could smell the meat shops before you could see them. Anyway, that's about it for now.
Nick
I should also say that Kate was a big hit. She was sitting on the floor video taping us and the little girls and boys would come up and just hug her and not let go. She was in 2nd heaven.
Toured Addis a bit this morning. Kate and Kelly had a bunch of suckers and pretty soon little kids starting coming out of the woodwork (should say mudwork). I'd say they gave out 50 lollypops. Walked through the market about a mile down the road. Dirty, dirty, dirty but the people were very nice. Kelly and Kate thought it was cool that the people would all come and shake the hand of the big, bald, fat guy...and boy do I look big here. In the market they had small shops less than 60 square feet built out of sticks and mud or sticks and sheeting. They sold all kinds of stuff but most of it looked used. The people would walk around with branches and some kind of fruit that looked like a grape (maybe a cumquat?). Also there was three shops selling meat - I think a thin beef cow but could have been a big goat. It was up to about 80 degrees outside and the meat had been sitting there for hours in the open. People would come up and they'd shave some off the carcass and away they'd go... you could smell the meat shops before you could see them. Anyway, that's about it for now.
Nick
Made it to Addis Ababa - Sunday January 23rd, 2011
Made it to Addis Ababa. What a long flight. Everyone is safe and healthy (maybe a little crabby from not sleeping since yesterday at 3M). We get to go visit our little guy tomorrow afternoon. We'll find a church in the am and check out Addis a little bit before that. On the way to the hotel did see a goat. Well its 1:45am here and we're shot so going to be.
Kelly
Kelly
Friday, January 21, 2011
We are off!
Our morning started at 3 am. Couldn't sleep. Nick and I went to adoration and spent some time with Jesus. We are going in His strength knowing so many good people are storming the heavens with prayer. It was tough to leave the 3 little girls and Cole, but we are so thankful that grandpa and grandma are there to spoil them. We will update as we go.
Love,
Kelly, Nick, and Kaitlyn
Love,
Kelly, Nick, and Kaitlyn
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Two more sleeps!!!!!!!!!!
Can't believe we will see our little boy in just a few days! Nick, Kaitlyn, and I will fly out of Bismarck Friday January 21st. We arrive in Addis, Ababa Saturday January 22nd at 10:20 pm. Our suitcases are finally packed and I believe we are ready to go. We have 5 suitcases packed with donations for the children in Ethiopia. Grandpa Jerry is already here and Grandma Judi flies in tomorrow evening to take care of the other kids here at home. Kelsie and Kylie, the two youngest, already took grandpa in the office to discuss plans while we are gone. I think I heard them mention the White Maid (our version of the DQ) more than once. They were really working grandpa. For those who know my dad, it doesn't take much to get him to go for ice cream.
We got word today that little "Y" knows he has a family and that we are coming soon. We are soooo excited. Two more sleeps before we leave and I sure hope I get sleep both nights. There is another family from Bismarck on the same flights with us to see their little girl. With only two families that we know of from North Dakota currently working with our agency, it was an act of God that we both got referrals out of order on the same date and now get to travel together to see our kids. It will be so nice to have another family nearby.
Prayer requests: Safe travels for us and that we don't pick up any funny bugs. That the other kids have a good safe time with grandpa and grandma while we are gone. That little "Y" is ready to meet us and become a part of our family. Thank you for sharing this journey with us.
We got word today that little "Y" knows he has a family and that we are coming soon. We are soooo excited. Two more sleeps before we leave and I sure hope I get sleep both nights. There is another family from Bismarck on the same flights with us to see their little girl. With only two families that we know of from North Dakota currently working with our agency, it was an act of God that we both got referrals out of order on the same date and now get to travel together to see our kids. It will be so nice to have another family nearby.
Prayer requests: Safe travels for us and that we don't pick up any funny bugs. That the other kids have a good safe time with grandpa and grandma while we are gone. That little "Y" is ready to meet us and become a part of our family. Thank you for sharing this journey with us.
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