Well, I have been back for a few days but figured it was time for an update with more detail and I think I finally have the time. Let me go back to the beginning of the trip......
Friday-Saturday 29th-30th- The flight over was long but pretty uneventful. I was impressed flying from light into dark and then back into light. At the airport we met Simone and her son Jacob and Barbara and her friend JoAnne and once we got there we got through everything pretty quickly and met up with the other families. Delaney earned her keep pretty quickly by finding Barbara's missing bag which was a good thing considering we saw the large cage that held all missing luggage.
There are 2 guest houses in Addis Ababa, one with the infants and one with the older kids. We pulled up to the older kid house and Jen and Dan were supposed to stay there but since they had an infant, I switched with them. Mulat took us in and we unpacked a little....it was about 11:30ish. I had asked him what we should do and he said go see your child! Lunch would be at 1 so we had some time. Delaney and I walked out and we asked one of the nannys and they sent him out. He was shy, smiling and started checking his bag that we brought him with the cars and books and bakugans. Before I knew it, it was time for him to eat and nap. We had the guard walk us over to the other house for our lunch. The neighborhood isn't the greatest so we are not allowed to walk anywhere without an escort.
After his nap time, we went and played with him until around 6:30 which is dinner and then bed time. It was a little slow connecting but didn't take long and we were running around, he was checking things out and kicking the ball....which he loves!
Most of the week went about the same because the kids have very set hours with eating and sleeping. In between those times we played alot of ball, colored and learned about each other. One thing we learned is that Matiyos knew his ABC's and 123's and could also write them and write in Amharic.
Monday was a special day...Matiyos got dressed in his new clothes and shoes (a little small!) and we went to the Embassy for the interview to get his visa. It was a long ride over, mainly because there was an African Conference that had alot of roads closed. Out of our group, we were the 5th called to the window and the interview took about 5 minutes or less and we were told the Visas would be available on Wednesday.
After everything the bus took us back and we dropped off the kids and had lunch. After lunch we went to the mall and shopped there and then to the market where we could bargain our prices. We picked up alot of things there as gifts and after the market, we went to a coffee house....they roasted the beans there! The smell was amazing! After that we stopped at a bookstore and I picked up some books for Matiyos to use at home and help with english.
Tuesday and Wednesday I went on the birth family visit. It was a long drive with 2.5 hours being on a dirt road that was pretty bumpy! The visit itself I will refrain from talking about. In a way, I am still processing it and it is pretty private which I am sure people understand.
Matiyos was very excited to see me when I came back which was nice because it also means that he is attaching. At this point, I had found out that people had been sick after the authentic dinner we had on Monday (forgot to mention but it was GREAT!) Turns out it was a 24 hour bug and it hit me around Thursday night. I slept ALOT but was mostly just nauseated.
Friday, about 2 hours before we left, the airline called to cancel our flight for 24 hours. This was also just as some of us were talking about what American food we wanted when we got back! Saturday night we did make it to the airport and they delayed another hour but finally we got on our way. The flight was good, we all slept the first 6 hours which was nice and then napped during the second 10 hour leg. We landed to 30+ inches of snow from a noreaster that made its way through. Got there about 9:30, had a crab-ass customs guy, waited an hour for luggage which I don't get because the airport was essentially closed. It actually took less time to get through immigration!
As soon as we got out, I went to starbucks...mmmmmm....starbucks. I then promptly spilled in in the car....OY. Took a couple hours longer to get home because of the roads, we stopped at McDonalds which was nice and Matiyos had a cheesburger.
Got home to Mom, Tom and Kim and my Girl Scout sign hanging on the door that the girls had made for him which was really nice! And a birthday cake for me so it was a good birthday!
Adjusting has been good, yesterday was the dentist and doctor and he did great. Had to have blood and xrays done and start immunizations. He got 3 and today he is a little sick. We are waiting to see how he does because another blizzard is outside with probably 10 inches already....so it isn't like we can take him to the doctor!
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
At a hotel......
We came to the hotel to use the internet and find out about our flights. I am supposed to be leaving on Friday but there is some major snow supposed to happen in Maryland.
Got back today from the birth family visit. I have decided that once I return I am going to do one long message about the entire trip because there is alot to write. But I will say that it was life changing, heart breaking and amazing all at once. The family meeting was not what I expected but I still don't know what I did expect.
Off to find out about flights! Wish us luck!
Got back today from the birth family visit. I have decided that once I return I am going to do one long message about the entire trip because there is alot to write. But I will say that it was life changing, heart breaking and amazing all at once. The family meeting was not what I expected but I still don't know what I did expect.
Off to find out about flights! Wish us luck!
Sunday, January 31, 2010
We are here!
So we are here in Ethiopia....Matiyos is awesome and SO smart! He
knows his ABC's and 123's and can write them as well. The internet
here is dial up and really slow!. We tried to
go to the Hilton today but roads were closed due to the African
Conference.
Matiyos loves hugs! He is very happy and has 2 of his adult teeth
already! We have spent the last few days playing in between meals and
napping. Our room is in the same building as his so that is nice
also.
Delaney spent today playing with the babies when we were not with
Matiyos. She told me some day she wants to adopt a baby....that was
sweet! I definitely want to come back here!
I had more to write but I lost my old message so I will go with this
for now. Just wanted to let everyone know that everything is great
here and I will try to update more later. Tomorrow is court and
Tuesday and Wednesday we will be going to Sidama to meet his family.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
That was all from yesterday....never got it posted....today is Embassy day, just wanted to post really quick. We are getting ready for the Embassy and then shopping afterwards and tonight is a traditional Ethiopian dinner.
Thanks for all the good thoughts and prayers...I hear it is supposed to snow this weekend...lets hope it holds off!
knows his ABC's and 123's and can write them as well. The internet
here is dial up and really slow!. We tried to
go to the Hilton today but roads were closed due to the African
Conference.
Matiyos loves hugs! He is very happy and has 2 of his adult teeth
already! We have spent the last few days playing in between meals and
napping. Our room is in the same building as his so that is nice
also.
Delaney spent today playing with the babies when we were not with
Matiyos. She told me some day she wants to adopt a baby....that was
sweet! I definitely want to come back here!
I had more to write but I lost my old message so I will go with this
for now. Just wanted to let everyone know that everything is great
here and I will try to update more later. Tomorrow is court and
Tuesday and Wednesday we will be going to Sidama to meet his family.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
That was all from yesterday....never got it posted....today is Embassy day, just wanted to post really quick. We are getting ready for the Embassy and then shopping afterwards and tonight is a traditional Ethiopian dinner.
Thanks for all the good thoughts and prayers...I hear it is supposed to snow this weekend...lets hope it holds off!
Friday, January 29, 2010
Today is the day...
Today is the day, YOU have made.
I will rejoice and be glad in it!
That is part of a song by Lincoln Brewster....I think that is who, it is to early!
Had a horrible plane dream last night but then Emily called and woke me up so I laughed for awhile, that was nice!
Just jumping online to pay bills right quick because I forgot to last night! Oops, my bad!
Less than 24 hours from now and I will meet Matiyos for the first time. I have 200 pounds of donated diapers, wipes, formula and tons of other stuff. I am going to try with my letter from the agency to get them to wave the fees for the extra 2 bags. If not, they will cost 300....hmmm, we will see.
Prayers today!!! My tummy is in KNOTS!
I will rejoice and be glad in it!
That is part of a song by Lincoln Brewster....I think that is who, it is to early!
Had a horrible plane dream last night but then Emily called and woke me up so I laughed for awhile, that was nice!
Just jumping online to pay bills right quick because I forgot to last night! Oops, my bad!
Less than 24 hours from now and I will meet Matiyos for the first time. I have 200 pounds of donated diapers, wipes, formula and tons of other stuff. I am going to try with my letter from the agency to get them to wave the fees for the extra 2 bags. If not, they will cost 300....hmmm, we will see.
Prayers today!!! My tummy is in KNOTS!
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Testing out the posting from the phone again...
Getting my nails done right now....we will call the pedicure therapy to relax me for the upcoming trip,,yeah that works!
Had to do some shopping for Delaney today. She waited until we were packing last night to tell me that none of her "normal" clothes fit anymore. Her typical out fit is skinny jeans and a tshirt with her fugs all in weird colors. I told her she had to dress like a girl this week. I should have bought her flowery clothes since she waited until the last minute.
Mom and I got almost everything cleaned at home today which was a nice feeling. Still have the rest of the kitchen and dining room which is donation central right now. David will be happy to have it all clean before we leave!
Getting my nails done right now....we will call the pedicure therapy to relax me for the upcoming trip,,yeah that works!
Had to do some shopping for Delaney today. She waited until we were packing last night to tell me that none of her "normal" clothes fit anymore. Her typical out fit is skinny jeans and a tshirt with her fugs all in weird colors. I told her she had to dress like a girl this week. I should have bought her flowery clothes since she waited until the last minute.
Mom and I got almost everything cleaned at home today which was a nice feeling. Still have the rest of the kitchen and dining room which is donation central right now. David will be happy to have it all clean before we leave!
Couple more errands, little more packing and lots of love to give Jace and Sky and then we are off!
Almost time to go
Wow.....This journey is almost coming to a head....5 years ago the day we get back will be the day we decided to adopt while we were in Costa Rica on a mission trip. I think it is fitting that we are travelling when we do....
David woke me before he left and I was wide awake...my stomach is in knots....so much I want to do today but for the moment...yep, the quiet....the calm before the storm. 24 hours from now we will be on our way....I am so excited and so blessed and I need to take a moment to recognize everyone who has made this possible....
We are coming Matiyos!!!!
David woke me before he left and I was wide awake...my stomach is in knots....so much I want to do today but for the moment...yep, the quiet....the calm before the storm. 24 hours from now we will be on our way....I am so excited and so blessed and I need to take a moment to recognize everyone who has made this possible....
- First and foremost...God. He brought us on this journey, led us to where we are now and has guided us through everything. I know myself and alot of others are praying this week for a safe trip and some calmed nerves on my part.
- Our church who provided us with a grant to help with our adoption. Adoption can be expensive and everything helps.
- Our families for being supportive even if they were not sure we are making the right decision.
- My mom for coming out here when she doesn't like flying either.
- Dorothy, Amy, Megan, Dale and all my friends...wait, that is all my friends at work! LOL They have been my sounding board and talked me out of freaking out probably more times than they know...
- My girl scout troup for the surpise cards they gave me the other night and the wonderful donation I can use at the orphanage.
- Sky's daycare....I will post pictures...eventually of the donations that they have for us
- My work in general...they brought alot of donations and the company donated $250 worth of donations
- I have to thank Starbucks and their white mochas and glazed donuts....for the 20 pounds it has added in my A@@ over the last 6 months!
We are coming Matiyos!!!!
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Excitement!!
I am really getting excited!!! Today I have to pick up mom from the airport and work on cleaning up the house some more. So much to do, so little time. LOVE WILL!! My BFF is on a cruise and we won't see/talk for 2 weeks....never happens with us! He heard about the airplane crash and called from Port Canaveral to make sure I was good. I love him so much, he always knows when I am freaking out!
Have to run get papers notarized for David who is not travelling and run to Jen's to get the camera before I go get Kim to pick up mom. Somewhere in there I need to run by work and pick up my fantasy football winnings!
Girl Scouts last night was AWESOME! The girls surprised me with cards they had all made and a jar of donations to take with. That was SO thoughtful of everyone and we appreciate it very much. They also made a Welcome Home sign for Matiyos that David will hang up while we are gone. I am bringing all of there cards there to take pictures with so Matiyos knows how much everyone is looking forward to meeting him!
Gotta run....so little time, so much to do!
Have to run get papers notarized for David who is not travelling and run to Jen's to get the camera before I go get Kim to pick up mom. Somewhere in there I need to run by work and pick up my fantasy football winnings!
Girl Scouts last night was AWESOME! The girls surprised me with cards they had all made and a jar of donations to take with. That was SO thoughtful of everyone and we appreciate it very much. They also made a Welcome Home sign for Matiyos that David will hang up while we are gone. I am bringing all of there cards there to take pictures with so Matiyos knows how much everyone is looking forward to meeting him!
Gotta run....so little time, so much to do!
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